Team Acura Parts Blog

Acura’s Advanced Sedan Concept depicts significant attributes of a sedan, that is, from structure, design, components, performance and luxury. All of these are greatly emphasized by its broad stance, well-formed and powerful surfaces. The main purpose of designing and conceptualizing is to produce a refined and sophisticated sedan holding a puzzling presence.

The concept sedan shows a huge exterior which apparently calls for a large and powerful engine under the vehicle. The firm cabin is made from a good structural design and the lower portion of the body is formed and revealed by the exterior lines. Recent design and styles are applied in the concept. However, though the sedan is equipped with this latest and fresh design, the standard outline related with the flagship sedan is still preserved and can be noticed in the concept.

Making a powerful drive are the large tires that are mounted to the polished aluminum, custom billet-machined wheels. The front tires measure 22 inches while the rear tires are 23 inches. The tough brake discs and calipers highlight the wheels, including the sturdy wheel flares and arches adding not only to the muscular looks of the wheel but on the entire concept as well. The large channels allow cooling air to pass toward the essential components.

As said by Dave Marek, Honda R&D Americas, Inc. chief designer, “We wanted to capture the essence of an ultra luxurious sedan but give it a striking, mysterious presence to create a vehicle with a dual personality. The concept echoes this quality with its clean exterior lines, a wide, stance, high performance cues and key luxury accents.”

“The front of the sedan communicates power and luxury. The pronounced hood and large grille communicate performance, while the jewel-like Acura emblem captures the essence of pure luxury,” explained by the Honda designer.

Further details and photos can be viewed via benzs.

The Wall Street Journal Digital teamed up with Acura to make a new advertising section that focuses on technology. The Journal’s special section, the Innovations for Life, is hosted on WSJ site and wholly sponsored by the known automaker. Included in the site are breaking news, archive news and videos from WSJ Digital Network consisting of Barron’s Online with MarketWatch.com.

Another recently launched section of WSJ Digital Network is also supported by Acura. It is the opinion and technology news section of All Things Digital that is likely to provide scores of stories for the sponsored site.

As stated by Mike Jensen, the South West sales director for the WSJ Digital, the content of the Digital Network covers emerging technology and will feed directly to the supported advertising section. He also added that Acura is not only eager to align its brand with technological innovation for automobiles but on general innovation as well.

The use of new different techniques in advertising is now the approach of many businesses to increase its revenues. Promoting through the traditional newspaper is continuously declining revenues hence online partnership has been the trend of endorsing modern advertisements. Not only WSJ is applying innovative ways of working with many advertisers but other news organizations as well.

For further information about this news, visit clickz.com.

The Acura RDX receives a comprehensive revamp to aesthetic features and with great emphasis on its new performance aspects. Powering up is a four-cylinder turbocharged engine complementing other high grade features of the vehicle.

Acura’s 2.3-liter four-cylinder produces a striking 240 horsepower and is the company’s first-ever produced turbocharged engine. The vehicle incorporates Acura’s exclusive all-wheel-drive-system and comes with the standard five-speed automatic transmission. This allows better control for the wheels and proper amount of torque.

Every occupant will also be entertained by the surround sound system with ten quality speakers. The RDX six-disc audio system includes a Bluetooth that provides assistance during hands-free calls. It has an auxiliary input jack that makes it compatible with MP3. A satellite-linked navigation is likewise featured in the model. Other features consist of convenient power windows, double zone climate control and secure doors and locks. Storage pockets and cubby holes are also integrated, adding to the useful benefits of RDX.

Safety is one of the main concerns in redesigning the RDX. The occupants are protected by front and side-impact airbags. Rollover sensors are also present to provide better safety for passengers.

Understeering is reduced with the aid of the car’s yaw control, thus, enhancing safety and handling features of the vehicle. Repair expenditure caused by accidents is minimized due to the replaceable panel built to the rear hatch.

All these gadgets packed in Acura RDX go with upgraded designs, making the model another part of Acura’s line up of vehicles.

Visit autos.canada.com for more information about Acura RDX upgrades.

Targeting the US sales of 1.36 million cars for 2007, not including the Acura brand, can be easily achieved by Honda Motor Co together with an increased market share next year. This was based on the statement given by the Japanese automaker’s senior vice president for US operations, John Mendel.

As said by Mendel in an interview with Reuters, “We are on track to easily achieve the target.” The top executive also added that there would be an increase in Honda’s market share next year “if you do the math.” Other Honda models would boost up its share especially the improved Fit subcompact, the latest Accord sedan and the advanced Pilot SUV.

Approximately 16 million vehicles are projected in the industry by next year.

“I think it could be until 2009 before we see any kind of reversal of fortune,” he added.

Made to deliver great fuel economy, the 2008 Honda Pilot provides a more convenient space, with great emphasis on its all wheel drive system, five-speed automatic transmission, better bodywork, and V6 engine that boasts at 240 hp.

Fit, Honda’s recent subcompact, likewise provides an increased fuel economy through its electric power steering (EPS) system. Operating the hydraulic system doesn’t require an engine power.

The model is equipped with a five-speed transmission and 1.5 liter VTEC engine. An option of 1.3 liter engine is also offered to Fit.

Source:
reuters.com

There have been many speculations about the Honda NSX. To put a stop on the rumors about the new super car including its delay and petrol-electric powertrain, Takeo Fakui stated in an exclusive interview with Autocar that the next Honda NSX is certainly coming but it will not be hybrid. It will be launched in 2009 at the Japanese motor show holding the Acura brand.

Instead it will be sold globally as an Acura, and play a pivotal roll in the global roll-out of the company’s upmarket brand.

“The new supercar is necessary for Honda. The new NSX must have speed and be easy to drive and be considerate to the enviroment. But it’s not a hybrid,” Takeo Fakui said. The Honda CEO also confirmed that the NSX will be powered by an engine without the aid of an electric motor.

Presently, the V10 petrol engine, formerly assumed to be a 5.0-liter with 500bhp, is in development. Using the new V10, the NSX’s power and capacity are considered to be economical. The power output will be 300 bhp/223.8 kW exceeding the output of the 2004 NSX model with 290 bph. The engine of the NSXs achieves increase mileage with no major errors and proved to be long-lasting.

The model is likewise predicted to put emphasis on low kerbweight. To further enhance the supercar character ideal to use in daily driving, the next NSX will most probably be a front-engined 2+2. The body will be made from aluminium just like the previous model.

News via Autocar.

Since the introduction of Acura RDX, the new model continuously captures buyers because of its exceptional combination of performance and advanced handling.

The 2008 Acura RDX incorporates modifications and a lot of upgrades from latest and state-of-the-art technologies. These include an automatic dimming day/night rearview mirror, driver’s seat memory with two-way position, standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity and an exterior color with Polished Metal Metallic scheme. It also has AcuraLink™ satellite communication containing the advanced real-time traffic accessing 32 latest city locations within 76 major areas. This system also allows a 2-way communication between the RDX and Acura. With this technology, the recent information as well as service requirements specifically needed for the model can be easily provided to customers.

According to Dick Colliver, vice president for sales, “The RDX continues to gain momentum with customers in the Entry Premium SUV segment. It is a critical addition to our lineup and a hugely engaging vehicle from the standpoint of driving dynamics and technology.”

The powerful engine of the RDX can produce 240 horsepower at 6000 rpm likewise creating 260 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. The model meets all strict standards of U.S. EPA for Tier-2 Bin-5 exhaust emissions.

The RDX is also a winner when it comes to safety features and technologies. The body structure built from Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ makes the vehicle gain several achievements including the top 5-star rating for exceeding the side and frontal impact crash tests. Acura RDX is also selected as the “TOP SAFETY PICK” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

For more information about this model, visit autospectator.

A new Mid-Atlantic Financial Services Facility has been developed to serve Honda and Acura customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, Honda Financial Services (HFS) announced October 10.

The 26,000-square foot financial services facility is seen as a step to further growth and financial success of the Japanese automobile company. “Most importantly, we look forward to continuing our mission to serve our Honda and Acura customers in the Mid-Atlantic region with financial products and services of the highest quality and value,” said HFS Regional Manager Jim Stevens in an interview with Earthtimes.org.

HFS plans to develop a sustainable design of the facility’s interior to lessen energy use and to conserve energy. Once the building of the new regional office is done by the autumn of 2008, it will be occupied by 130 associates from the HFS’s present regional offices in Newark.

An entirely-owned subsidiary of the American Honda Motor Co. Inc., the HFS is mainly responsible for the financial necessities of customers of Honda and Acura cars and accessories. The HFS also does financing by retail installment sales contracts and leases based on the product and the needs of a specific customer.

The Japan-based auto company Honda, established in 1948, is among the top manufacturers of vehicles in the world. Honda’s luxury division is the Acura, which was founded in 1986.

Source: Earthtimes.org

The three Acura teams were headed for a tough challenge, with only one of them surviving at the end of Petit Le Mans marathon.

Highcroft Racing brought home the #9 ARX.01a home in eighth overall and sixth in the highly competitive LMP2 class, as it tried so hard until the very end to endure the course at Road Atlanta.

The other two Acura teams are Andretti Green Racing (AGR) and Lowe’s Fernandez Racing, finishing ninth and eight in LMP2, respectively.

The last Acura racing team left standing evaded lots of spinning cars and flying debris, but fell prey to a 23-minute pit-stop to substitute a disappointing starter in the middle of the race.

Driver David Brabham sees the turn of events as a learning experience for the team. “We came into the event with fairly high expectations of doing well but, unfortunately, we’ve had a few issues which certainly stopped our progress in the race. But situations like this can be great motivators to dig deeper and be even more prepared for next year,” Brabham was quoted as saying by a report in Crash.net.

Brabham’s fellow driver Stefan Johansson has fairly the same assessments on the performance of the team. “We started out pretty well, but then we began having starter problems and dropped down the order,” the Swede reported, “The car was difficult to drive in those conditions. We did a long stop on a yellow to adjust the rear wing, and it made some difference, but the car had very low grip in general. With the grip issues, you had to work a lot harder than normal with the steering. It was just tough out there,” said Johansson in the same report.

Source: Crash.net

Three new Acura sports car teams debuted in the victory celebration held last Saturday at the 10th annual Petit Le Mans sports car classic, the largest and most prestigious road racing event in the United States.

Comprising the Acura line up are the prototype teams Andretti Green Racing (AGR), Lowe’s Fernandez Racing, and Highcroft Racing. The teams are led by 12 hours of Sebring winners Andretti Green Racing.

Three separate practices were held last Thursday with more than 30 machines running through the north Georgia hills where the Road Atlanta facility is located.

Winning in Acura’s very first sports car event and on the Sebring circuit was impressive, according to Honda, the manufacturer of Acura vehicles. Clarke is looking forward at the Acura squads on the 2.54-mile, 12-turn Road Atlanta circuit.

“Winning the first race at Sebring (with Andretti Green in the LMP2 class and second overall) was hard to believe and that was quite an accomplishment for the new Acura program,” said President of Honda Performance Development Robert Clarke, in an interview with WhoWon.com. “When you win the season opener, you feel that you can win some races. But we were realistic about the 2007 season. We weren’t looking for on-track results. This was a learning year for us.”

In the same interview, Clark expressed his hopes for an Acura victory at Road Atlanta. “We are out of the championship this year. Learning the ALMS series and sports car racing in general was the goal in 2007 for Acura. But I believe we have an outstanding driver lineup for the Petit Le Mans. Our teams are ready for long race.”

The present Indy 500 title holder Franchitti has left the AGR group to join NASCAR in 2008.

Driver Tony Kanaan, the 2004 IndyCar Series champion, won at the Sebring and ranked third in the IndyCar points. Like Clark, Kanaan expected a win for Acura team.

“I was driving an Indy Car Wednesday in Iowa and it is completely different than driving the XM Acura today. Every time I jump into the Acura I have a blast. This is a big reality check for me with this car. It is so much bigger than an Indy Car. The downforce is much greater also. It is much more physical driving the Acura than my Indy Car. It really wakes you up the first couple of laps with the Acura car. It was great winning at Sebring and racing with my friends. I really have a lot of fun driving this car. I hope we can repeat our Sebring performance this weekend with another win,” Kanaan was quoted as saying by Planetlemans.com.

Kanaan’s fellow veteran driver Bryan Herta shares the similar view. “The Acura has been very reliable all season. We have a good driver lineup and a very good crew. We have had our ups and downs this year as it has been a learning year for the Acura and AGR in sports car racing. Porsche has been racing in this form for decades. This is the debut year for Acura, HPD and AGR. We think we have a good car for Road Atlanta,” Herta was quoted in the same article.

Source:
Planetlemans.com
WhoWon.com

For fifteen years, Acura’s very first model had a short yet sweet existence.

The Acura Integra, a small and sporty vehicle carrying Acura’s topnotch engineering quality, was among the first models launched by Acura. The Integra debuted on the same year when Acura was born. The Integra, along with the Acura Legend, was introduced as part of the brand new Acura division. At that time, Acura was built up as a new division of Honda that appeals to the upscale market.

The Acura Integra, which was based on the Honda Civic, integrated sporty features with high-performance and light weight engines. It was the smallest and least expensive among Acura cars. After its first generation of cars was released on March 27, 1986, no wonder the Integra immediately became successful in terms of units sold.

The very first Integra cars were three-door and five-door hatchbacks that had 1.6-liter DOHC engine with 16 valves and four cylinders, generating 113 horsepower and 99 pounds of torque. It also included a five-speed manual/four-speed automatic transmission.

The 1991 Acura Integra paved the way for the second generation of the Integra. This version was available as a three-door hatchback and a four-door sedan. The 1991 Acura Integra was powered by a 1.8-liter in-line four-cylinder engine that produced 130 horsepower. The next year, a high-performance GS-R trim was introduced. The new technology came with a 1.7 I4 with VTEC technology, a 8000 rpm redline, and generated 160 horsepower.

1991 Acura Integra

The Integra sports sedan, the third and last generation of the Acura Integra was produced from 1994 to 2001. These cars were considered the best front-wheel drive vehicles of their kind.

Another milestone for the Acura Integra happened in 1997, when the limited edition Acura Integra Type R was launched. The Type R started a legacy in race car technology. It had a 1.8-liter engine rated at a whopping 195 horsepower, which was more than any average engine produced in the United States at that time. With only 500 Acura Integra Type R produced, the car had sports-style seats and new front and rear spoilers.

2002 Acura RSX

In 2001, Acura dropped the Integra name in the United States and replaced it with the new RSX. The Acura RSX still had the similar design and packaging as that of its predecessor Integra. The new model, however, offered new styling, more luxury, and more power.

Source:
Edmunds.com
Musclecarclub.com