Though introduced in 1996, Acura's TL is now in it's 3rd generation of production. The 1st gens had a 2.5L and a 3.2L engine options, the 2nd gens had a 3.2L and a 3.2L 6-cylinder engine options, and the 3rd gens have a 3.2 and a 3.5L engine option. The RL was made to replace the Acura Vigor hence why it was not intended to be the sporty sedan that it now is. Beginning with only 176 bhp, the 3rd gens have definately improved with the standard base sedan having 258bhp. Coming in around 3600 lbs., it's no wonder the TL has around 240lbs. of torque to compensate.
In comparison, the 3rd generation "Type S" has many more options than the base model. Though both 3rd gens are quite impressive, the "Type S" reigns supreme in the details category. The 2007's have 286bhp, led lights, quad exaust pipes, Brembo brakes, 10 spoke wheels, special color options, special badging, "Type S" on the steering wheel and head rests, carbon fiber trim, red interior lighting, and a standard Navigation system. Overall, the "Type S" can make a sports car driver into a sedan believer - it's killer when it comes to the add-ins. The details add the "wow" factor to this sedan and make it appealing to those older folks who still like to let out the teenager inside of them from time to time, as well as appeal to 20-some-year-olds who are trying to grow up a little bit.
The TL has been Acura's mid-size sedan for 12 years now, and is still in production. Though the body style and details have definately kept up with the times, a new model version is in the works for 2009.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Ack Attack Post 5: RL
The Acura RL was made to be the replacement for the Legend, Acura's first four-door sedan. The meaning of RL is not clear, though it may mean "Road Luxury" or "Replaces Legend". The RL has 225 bhp, and in my opinion, could be a little quicker. It has a 3.5L engine, while the two-door CL has a 3.0L engine. In comparison, the RL has only added 25bhp since the CL has 200bhp. This compensation isn't quite good enough to make a noticable difference from a two-door to a sedan. There just isn't enough "get up and go" for this sedan and it could use a little more power if you asked me. In order to address this power problem, the newer RL's have 290bhp which is just enough kick to make that subtle difference.
The RL is considered to be Acura's mid-size sedan, though it is only available in a V6 while most others have an available V8. Though the RL is fairly slow in accordance with other mid-size sedans, it compensates with its available technology features. A navigation system and a 5.1 audio system with real-time traffic updates are available options. While the RL was once considered to be "high class", it is now easily overshadowed by many other mid-size sedans. This beauty was once thought to be the perfect replacement for Acura's sedan line-up, but a re-vamp of Acura's line up must be in store to ensure future sales in the sedan category.
The RL is considered to be Acura's mid-size sedan, though it is only available in a V6 while most others have an available V8. Though the RL is fairly slow in accordance with other mid-size sedans, it compensates with its available technology features. A navigation system and a 5.1 audio system with real-time traffic updates are available options. While the RL was once considered to be "high class", it is now easily overshadowed by many other mid-size sedans. This beauty was once thought to be the perfect replacement for Acura's sedan line-up, but a re-vamp of Acura's line up must be in store to ensure future sales in the sedan category.
Ack Attack Post 4: RDX
New for 2007, Acura has introduced the RDX. The RDX is a mix between a car and an SUV. It has a 2.3 L engine, 240 bhp, and 260lbs. of torque. It gets 19mpg city an 23mpg highway, although the mileage isn't too wonderful, it's not as harsh on the wallet as the MDX or a larger SUV. Even though this is a new car, the crash tests are already perfect with 5-star frontal and side-impact tests. The RDX is the first Acura to be turbocharged and leads consumers to believe that if sales go well, perhaps future vehicles will be turbocharged as well. Competators include the BMW X3, Mazda CX-7, and the Toyota Rav-4.
As far as accessories are concerned, the RDX keeps the class expected by Acura while adding a fun and sporty element given by sports cars. The center console includes a small joystick rather than simply knobs and buttons for easier use when switching stations on the radio or changing the temperature in the cabin. The intercooler faces upwards and can be seen where the engine was in previous Acura models. Another new idea in the RDX is the grille. There is no real grille in the RDX, it is more or less just a brushed silver opening in the front of the car with an "A" emblem connecting the bumper and the hood. Though this look is new to the showroom, it may by used in future models depending on how it is received by the public.
As far as accessories are concerned, the RDX keeps the class expected by Acura while adding a fun and sporty element given by sports cars. The center console includes a small joystick rather than simply knobs and buttons for easier use when switching stations on the radio or changing the temperature in the cabin. The intercooler faces upwards and can be seen where the engine was in previous Acura models. Another new idea in the RDX is the grille. There is no real grille in the RDX, it is more or less just a brushed silver opening in the front of the car with an "A" emblem connecting the bumper and the hood. Though this look is new to the showroom, it may by used in future models depending on how it is received by the public.
Ack Tech: Mandy's Corner
I drive a '97 3.0 Cl. So far, I have an Alpine sound system, composed of an Alpine headunit, sub box, 12' Type R sub, and Alpine Amp. Alpine is a great brand, known for their clarity of sound while still being able to deliver that extra "kick" the consumer is looking for. Pink neons were added to my car last year, on the underside. Many tuner cars are now made with an extra lip on the sideskirts of the car, but mine was not. Because of this, I had to put them on myself, and they are pretty much tied onto the body of my car with wire ties.
I also have a set of 17' Konig rims on my car. The rims were my second addition, following the sound system. I love the rims because I feel that they are the only exterior feature of my car that allows for others to realize my passion for tuning. I am on numerous Acura and Honda forums, and try to keep up-to-date on new problems, dyi's, and easy fixes that people have going on with their cars. Overall, it's tough being a girl and liking cars, people look at me strange when I go to car shows and actually enjoy it. My vote: do what you want, whatever your sex may be. If it makes you happy, stick with it.
I also have a set of 17' Konig rims on my car. The rims were my second addition, following the sound system. I love the rims because I feel that they are the only exterior feature of my car that allows for others to realize my passion for tuning. I am on numerous Acura and Honda forums, and try to keep up-to-date on new problems, dyi's, and easy fixes that people have going on with their cars. Overall, it's tough being a girl and liking cars, people look at me strange when I go to car shows and actually enjoy it. My vote: do what you want, whatever your sex may be. If it makes you happy, stick with it.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Ack Attack Post 3: MDX
Though it made it's showroom debut in 2001, the new 2007 Acura SUV, the MDX, packs 300 bhp and 250lbs. of torque. Though the 2001 model was around $34,000, the newly revised edition which went into production in 2007 sells for a base of $40,000. Though this jump in price isn't a major significance, the improvements are quite noticible amongst the years. While the MDX looks to be a smaller SUV, it still has 3 rows of seating: the 2nd row with 40/60 folding and the 3rd row with 50/50 folding. Outside of the base model, the 2007 MDX can be outfitted with different packages, such as the Sport package, the Technology package, or the Entertainment package.
With a 3.7 L engine and a V-6, the MDX sets itself apart from all other SUV's. The 2007 MDX comes with heated mirrors and seats, 18 inch allow wheels, and rear privacy glass all as standards. As far as size goes, the MDX has a height of 68.2 inches, a length of 190.7 inches, and an overall width of 78.5 inches, making it slightly wider than a Dodge Durango.
With a 3.7 L engine and a V-6, the MDX sets itself apart from all other SUV's. The 2007 MDX comes with heated mirrors and seats, 18 inch allow wheels, and rear privacy glass all as standards. As far as size goes, the MDX has a height of 68.2 inches, a length of 190.7 inches, and an overall width of 78.5 inches, making it slightly wider than a Dodge Durango.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Ack Attack Post 2: RSX
The newly retired Acura RSX was only made from 2002 to 2006. Though this was a short run, it was a fun and fast time for this sporty coupe. The RSX is Acura's only compact sports car, as compared to the much larger and much pricier NSX. Over the years, the RSX has won numerous awards including becoming one of Car and Driver's "10 Best Award".
Two types of the RSX were made, the base and the Type-S, which added a generous kick with an extra 46bhp bringing the grand total to 201 horsepower. Both the base-type and the type-R RSX's are scheduled to go at least 100,000 miles before needing their first "real" tune-up. With competitors such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Toyota Celica, Mini Cooper, and New Beetle, it's a wonder why two of these cars are no longer in production. The Toyota Celica has ended its production in addition to the RSX calling into question the sales of sports coupes.
The RSX was made to replace the Acura Integra as their new sports car, but it's life was cut much shorter than the eight-year production of the 'teg. The RSX was "the last model in the Acura lineup to get the five-sided grille, integrated headlights and tailights, and prominent nose badge that markd the offerings from Honda's premium division. Conversely, it is the first front-drive Honda vehicle to have its engine rotated to move the exhause manifold closer to the catalyst, and the only Acura to adopt the MacPherson strut front suspension." This race-inspired firecracker will be sorely missed but Acura doesn't seem like the type of company to let many years go by before unveiling a new sports coupe.
Two types of the RSX were made, the base and the Type-S, which added a generous kick with an extra 46bhp bringing the grand total to 201 horsepower. Both the base-type and the type-R RSX's are scheduled to go at least 100,000 miles before needing their first "real" tune-up. With competitors such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Toyota Celica, Mini Cooper, and New Beetle, it's a wonder why two of these cars are no longer in production. The Toyota Celica has ended its production in addition to the RSX calling into question the sales of sports coupes.
The RSX was made to replace the Acura Integra as their new sports car, but it's life was cut much shorter than the eight-year production of the 'teg. The RSX was "the last model in the Acura lineup to get the five-sided grille, integrated headlights and tailights, and prominent nose badge that markd the offerings from Honda's premium division. Conversely, it is the first front-drive Honda vehicle to have its engine rotated to move the exhause manifold closer to the catalyst, and the only Acura to adopt the MacPherson strut front suspension." This race-inspired firecracker will be sorely missed but Acura doesn't seem like the type of company to let many years go by before unveiling a new sports coupe.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Ack Attack Post 1: TSX
According to Car and Driver magazine, Acura's TSX model is a repeat winner of the Best Sports Sedan title. Though Acura introduced the TSX to the market in 2003, it has won numerous awards and remains relatively unchanged over its years of production.
The TSX was meant to be a crossbreed between the Acura RSX (which is no longer in production) and the TL sedan. The TSX sedan is in the market as a competitor with the BMW 3 series which generally runs at about $33,000 as compared to the TSX's cool 26,000. Other front-runners in the sedan competition are the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-class.
There is a choice of two different transmissions for the TSX: a 5 spd AT or a 6 spd MT; which cost exactly the same. The 2.4 L 205 horsepower and 164 @ 4500RPM of torque give a quick kick to this unsuspecting sedan, allowing for the integration of the sporty RSX to be seen and felt. The TSX has a five star frontal crash rating and has a four star rollover rating. In fact, it won the "Insurance Institute For Highway Safety's" "Best Pick" in frontal impact.
One of the newer luxury features added to the TSX is the power memory seats, so when you find the perfect position, you can maintain that wonderful spot. This seating position can be assigned to the car keys, allowing the car to sense which driver will be entering the car so their seat position will be ready the moment the get in. A "Multi-Informational Display" (MID) is a new addition to the TSX. The MID sends alerts to the driver when things such as fluid and filter changes and tire rotation need to be taken care of. It also provides an odometer reading, "ambient temperature, [and] oil-life percentage." A "talk" button has also been implemented into the TSX, allowing the driver to control the audio, CD player, "climate control, [and] navigation...without ever taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road."
The TSX was meant to be a crossbreed between the Acura RSX (which is no longer in production) and the TL sedan. The TSX sedan is in the market as a competitor with the BMW 3 series which generally runs at about $33,000 as compared to the TSX's cool 26,000. Other front-runners in the sedan competition are the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-class.
There is a choice of two different transmissions for the TSX: a 5 spd AT or a 6 spd MT; which cost exactly the same. The 2.4 L 205 horsepower and 164 @ 4500RPM of torque give a quick kick to this unsuspecting sedan, allowing for the integration of the sporty RSX to be seen and felt. The TSX has a five star frontal crash rating and has a four star rollover rating. In fact, it won the "Insurance Institute For Highway Safety's" "Best Pick" in frontal impact.
One of the newer luxury features added to the TSX is the power memory seats, so when you find the perfect position, you can maintain that wonderful spot. This seating position can be assigned to the car keys, allowing the car to sense which driver will be entering the car so their seat position will be ready the moment the get in. A "Multi-Informational Display" (MID) is a new addition to the TSX. The MID sends alerts to the driver when things such as fluid and filter changes and tire rotation need to be taken care of. It also provides an odometer reading, "ambient temperature, [and] oil-life percentage." A "talk" button has also been implemented into the TSX, allowing the driver to control the audio, CD player, "climate control, [and] navigation...without ever taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road."
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