Team Acura Parts Blog

People tend to talk a lot about something or someone who undergoes a change. When Britney shaved her head, people started buzzing about her (they actually haven’t stopped) or when Barry Bonds slowly jacked up from a lanky ball player to a powerhouse record-breaking hitter. The bottom line is when change occur, people start talking about it. And it’s the same buzz that Acura is trying to generate by introducing their 2009 Acura RL.

The 2009 Acura RL was showcased at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and is a predecessor of the RL model launched last 2007. Now what makes this car different from the 2007 model? Well, let’s start off with its look. At a glance, it looks pretty much like the 2007 version except for one thing: its front grille. The new RL grille is similar to the Acura MDX sport’s vehicle. Actually, if you tilt your head a little bit, it seems like the car is smiling at you.

Aside from its revamped exterior look, Acura also spiced up the engine of their new release. The 2009 Acura RL was given a 3.7-liter V-6 engine with a VTEC valve-timing system that can provide an output of 300 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. That’s a far cry from the 3.5-liter engine of the 2007 model which could only give out 290 horsepower. Along with the engine upgrade, the 2009 version’s suspension and steering was also given a boost. And to top it off, Acura installed a set of 18-inch wheels as the standard for this model. Oh, and they sure didn’t forget to add its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive feature into this stallion giving each wheel a faster response to changing conditions while on the road.

What actually makes this baby “fly” though is the AcuraLink system that’s integrated into it. This system gives out real-time information concerning the traffic in your area. The new feature in this system is it can now automatically redirect you away from traffic and at the same time provide up-to-the-minute weather updates.

Now that’s enough noise to get the public’s attention don’t you think?

Sources: Kicking Tires, Jalopnik, Auto 123, Auto Blog, Motor Authority

Before heading to the office or taking your child to school the next day, we often watch the news to check on the weather the following day. This helps us map out our plan of action before going on the road. But we all know that the weather has a mind of its own. Even though the news forecasted it to be a sunny day, a downpour might occur in the area where you’re headed to ruining whatever game plan you may have when you get there. To alleviate this, Acura has teamed up with XM to have the XM NavWeather built-in to their new 2009 Acura RL.

The XM NavWeather, created in partnership with Baron Services, is a system that provides alerts to drivers on weather threats such as hail, floods, tornado and storm warnings that are about to occur. To do this, the system makes use of the “Threat Matrix” technology, allowing the system to provide timely weather information. The XM NavWeather is able to provide nationwide weather updates for more than 20 weather conditions, based on the driver’s routes, which are then displayed on vehicle’s screen. It’s also able to provide weather forecasts based on the information provided by the weather monitoring stations across the US.

This type of technology was developed because according to Robert O. Baron, President and CEO of Baron Services, “Drivers don’t have time to scrutinize every bit of weather data, so we’ve done all the analysis before it reaches their vehicles.”

“This streamlined, driver-centric philosophy helps drivers stay informed about perilous road and weather conditions, while being able to focus on safely reaching their destinations,” he added.

Source: CNN Money

Athletes never lose the itch to compete. It has been proven time and time again. Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson are one of those athletes who came back for the love of the game during the late 90’s (Jordan did it again last 2001 when he joined the Washington Wizards). John McEnroe did the same in 2006 when he joined the doubles tournament of the ATP Tour during that year. Whatever sport it may be there are those who just don’t lose the itch to compete and the drive to prove to the world that they’re the best at what they do. Now, Gil De Ferran wants to do the same.

Gil De Ferran has announced that he will be coming out of retirement and join the American Le Mans Series this year. He will be racing for his own team De Ferran Motorsports, which will be based in the Indianapolis area. De Ferran has established himself as one of the premiere racers of his generation. He has won numerous racing events including back-to-back CART titles last 2000 and 2001 and an Indy 500 title in 2003. He was also able to set a new record at the California Speedway in 2001 for the fastest qualifying lap hitting the speed of 241.43 miles per hour. De Ferran retired from racing during the end of 2003 and served as a sporting director for Honda’s F1 team from 2005 to present.

Now that he has decided to race again this season, De Ferran will enter before the mid- season of the ALMS and will be competing using Acura’s LMP2-class Acura ARX-01b race car. Created by Honda Performance Development (HPD) and Wirth Research, the vehicle sports a 3.4-liter, normally-aspirated V8 engine.

The campaign of De Ferran Motorsports is considered to be Acura’s fourth entry into the LMP2 division of the race. The car manufacturer joined the competition last 2007 and provided LMP2 Acura-powered cars during the tour for teams Andretti Green Racing, Highcroft Racing and Lowe’s Fernandez Racing. This marked as the first factory motorsports program that Acura has joined in its 20-year history. During its debut in the ALMS tour, Acura was able to win the LMP2 class title of the “Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring” competition thanks to the victories of their drivers at that time, Bryan Herta, Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan. Aside from this victory, the car company has also been able to score in nine other podium finishes in 2007.

Acura, as a manufacturer, has been able to establish itself as an innovator due to the different features they’ve been able to incorporate into their vehicles such as the VTEC variable timing and lift valvetrain system, in-dash satellite-linked navigation system and the Active Noise Cancellation feature just to name a few.

Sources: BuzzTracker, AutoBlog, Wikipedia, Wiki

Repackaging of a product which has been in existence for a number of years is an approach that has been utilized by different companies. Part of the repackaging process may include the look of the company and its products or just products alone. This is done in order to attract a new and different client base and to be able to excite their old client base as well. Acura, a brand of Honda Motor Company, decided to follow this approach when it developed its all-new 2009 Acura TSX.

Set to be unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show this March, the 2009 Acura TSX will have two versions released in the market: the base version and the Type-S version. The base version of the car will be equipped with a 2.4L four-cylinder i-VTEC engine. The car’s engine will be able to give out 230 horsepower, which is a 20 to 30 increase in horsepower from the previous model. Aside from the improvement in the car’s engine, the 2009 Acura TSX base model will also come with either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission depending on the choice of the client. As for the Type-S version, Acura has installed it with a bigger turbocharged engine which can give out 260 horsepower. The engine used for the Type-S version is similar to the engine found in the Acura RDX series. Being branded as a sportier vehicle than its base model counterpart, the Type-S Acura TSX will be given six-speed auto/manual DSG gearbox and will be equipped with Honda’s Super Handling All Wheel Drive System.

Aside from the improvement in the engine department, the 2009 Acura TSX will also sport additional exterior accessories. It comes with a redesigned grille and a badge and chrome strip placed on top of the car. Plus, the overall design of the car was done in compliance with the new pedestrian impact standards.

The 2009 Acura TSX will start being produced by the end of the year and will most likely appear in showrooms by the spring of 2009. The car will also be marketed in Europe but will carry the Honda Accord name instead of the Acura TSX label.

Sources: Left Lane News, Top Honda News, MotorTrend, Jalopnik, Car And Driver, Wikipedia, Auto Blog Green

Acura has a lot to smile about these days. Aside from being able to acquire a fourth entry for the ALMS series by having Gil De Ferran join their team, Acura has also been able to make waves during the speed testing conducted at the winter testing held in Sebring for the American Le Mans Series. It was during this testing that Acura sported its new prototype car, the Acura ARX-01b, on the course.

The speed testing for the Acura ARX-01b was done by a number of teams including the No. 26 XM Satellite Radio Acura team from Andretti Green Racing Team. The team is the current and defending Sebring champions in the LMP2 class. One of its drivers, Bryan Herta was able to hit the speed of 127.413 miles per hour during the speed testing while driving the Acura ARX-01b. It was the top speed recorded during the three-day testing.

Veteran race car driver Scott Sharp, who has established himself by competing in the IndyCar series, also joined in the testing by teaming up with David Brabham and Stefan Johansson. During the testing, the drivers were able to reach a speed of up to 126.139 miles per hour. All three drivers (Sharp, Brabham and Johansson) are part of the No. 9 Patron Spirits Acura team. Sharp and Brabham will join the 12-race ALMS campaign while Johansson will be campaigning at Sebring and Atlanta.

Another team that took the road using the Acura ARX-01b prototype car is the Lowe’s Fernandez team. The team comprises of racing vets Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz who campaigned in the Lola last year. During the team’s first test drive using the Acura ARX-01b race car, the drivers were able reach the speed of 125.877 miles per hour.

The speed testing will continue this February for the three Acura teams in order for them to gauge the modifications they would still need to make for the competition. The race will begin on March 15 starting with the 12 Hours of Sebring. The Acura Sports Car Challenge will take place afterwards in St. Petersburg on April 5 and will be followed by the Long Beach Grand Prix which will be held on April 19.

Yup, Acura has definitely a lot to smile about these days.

Sources: Buzztracker, SpeedTV

Acura is still hopeful despite the low sales of its top-of-the-line Acura RL last 2007 which only amounted to around 6,000 units sold. But despite that, the automaker still continues to offer its 2008 Acura RL which is offered in three trim levels. There’s the base version which is already well equipped and priced at $46,280.And there’s also the Acura RL with the Technology Package which is priced a $49,000.

The Technology Package of the Acura RL is packed with a lot of great technological features which range from Acura Satellite Navigation System and AcuraLink information system to Active Front Lighting System and a luxurious wood interior.

However, the only engine option for the 2008 Acura RL is the 3.5-liter V6 VTEC engine. But even though it does not offer a V8 engine option like most of its competitors, the V6 engine is already a capable enough engine that provides 290 horsepower. Also its engine is mated to a SportShift five-speed automatic transmission, so one can be sure that the V6 can zoom eagerly and quietly from a dead stop a it sends a peak of 256 pound-feet of torque to the wheels. This transmission box can also be manipulated with the use of the shift lever or the steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.

The 2008 Acura RL is already an all-wheel-drive vehicle and this system splits torque not only between the front and rear wheels but between the left and right rear wheels as well. When the Acura RL is under hard acceleration, about 70 percent of the torque available goes to the rear wheels just so the car can have an improved traction. And to have a better handling, the outer wheel turns at a higher speed when cornering.

The model’s independent suspension system which balances the road feel and cabin cushioning is impressive, somewhat even close to perfection, providing passengers with a comfortable and relaxing ride.

With regard to comfort features, the 2008 Acura RL has a few to be proud of. It has an eight-way adjustable seat for the driver and the front passenger gets a four-way power seat. Rear passengers also get comfort from the center armrest and they have their own setoff ventilation system controls. And for entertainment, this Acura model is equipped with the Acura/Bose sound system which is laudably audible because of its 10 speakers. For music variety, this sound system also has a six-disc changer and AM/FM/XM satellite radio.

Next year, Honda will be releasing its first U.S diesel engine and it will be first equipped in the redesigned TSX sedan of its luxury brand, Acura.

Just recently, the Chief Executive Officer of Honda Motor Corporation, Takeo Fukui, announced that Honda’s first U.S diesel will be put first on an Acura. Although it was not disclosed which Acura vehicle will be equipped with the diesel engine, Honda sources are saying that the Acura TSX will be the one to get the diesel engine.

As a matter of fact and perhaps due to preparation for its having the diesel engine, the Acura TSX will be redesigned this coming spring. But initially, it may be powered by the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the same one equipped in the RDX small crossover. And the diesel engine will only be put in the TSX by 2009.

Dick Coliver, the Executive Vice President of American Honda Corporation, said, “All along, we’ve said there would be a diesel in Acura. The whole direction is to separate Acura and Honda more. In five to six years, Acura will be a tier 1 luxury brand. The face of Acura will be totally different.”

The i-DTEC clean diesel engine of Honda which is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine which will be available in Europe this summer on the redesigned Honda Accord. The European Honda Accord is actually just like the Acura TSX.

By 2010, Honda will launch a V6 diesel engine and this will most likely be fitted into Acura’s mid-size sedan, Acura TL, and into the MDX crossover as well. Of course, other Honda vehicles will have this engine under their hood as well.

Although Acura’s sales last year 2007 were down by 10.5 percent to 180,104 units, Colliver remains hopeful that Acura sales this year will be up by at least 200,000 units.

Colliver said, “We get the TSX in the spring and the new TL in the fall. We knew going into 2007 that we were facing tough times because the product line was aging, and there was a lot of new competition. To compete with BMW, we must build cars in those segments. We need more crossovers and an image car.”

Colliver admitted that Acura’s top-of-the-line RL sedan “was the wrong car” as its sales only totaled to 6,262 in 2007. With regard to that, he said, “It is due to be replaced in 2010. Directionally, that car will change.”

However, despite the low performance of Acura’s sales last 2007, dealers of Acura still enjoyed record profits that year perhaps due to Honda’s move to cut Acura’s production by 20,000 units to control inventory.

Acura and its parent-company Honda, which are based in Marysville, Ohio, experienced highs and lows in terms of unit sales from last year in the United States.

Japanese company Acura, which is the luxury division of Honda, had a rocky 2007. By the end of the year, the brand successfully finished with a decent 30 percent increase in its sports utility vehicle division. The Acura RDX and MDX SUVs had a total sale of 80,000 units. Acura’s cars, however, did not have the same fate as sales went down to about eight percent.

American Honda Motor Company, on the other hand, had a good year as the automaker posted a five percent increase. This equals to a total of 1.37 million units for the whole year. By December, Honda had a point up that actually amounts to about 87 percent of last month’s sales alone.

Among Honda’s best sellers is the Fit. With its capability of an efficient combustion and improved fuel economy, the total units sold jumped to 56, 432 vehicles. The Honda Accord, which underwent refurbishing, acquired an 11 percent increase that translates to 392, 231 units compared to last year’s 354, 441.

In a nutshell, American Honda Motor Company still had a good year as it enjoys its 14th straight year of sale increase. Behind this decent feat include the decent sales of the following models: Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Civic Hybrid, and Fit compact.

Source: Biz Journals.

Automobile companies have been gearing up for a greener future. Most of the recent auto shows featured automobiles that make use of alternative fuels while some just use electricity. Aside from concept vehicles, performance auto parts are also showcased in these motor shows. In the ongoing North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), for example, Japanese automaker Acura introduced its latest find dubbed as the i-DTEC Clean Diesel Engine.

Honda Acura supports the fight against the leading environmental problem that is global warming. A big chunk that causes such is composed of automobiles. For that, it is only the responsibility of companies, like Acura, to come up with these green technologies to alleviate the state of global warming. According to Honda Acura, the vehicles, which also include the light-duty trucks, sold in the United States are all capable of meeting the strict emission standards of the 50 states.

“Now global warming is the number one environmental issue. For every company, increasing fuel efficiency to reduce CO2 emissions is the single most important challenge we face,” said Takeo Fukui, who is the president and chief executive officer of Honda Motor Company, at the NAIAS. “The new CAFE standards established by the U.S. government–I look at this challenge in the same way we approached the issue of clean air more than 40 years ago.”

The i-DTEC Clean Diesel Engine is set to be installed in Acura’s future model that will come out by 2009. What this part does is make the burning of fuel become more efficient compared to the regular engines. With that efficiency, more horsepower is produced minus the noxious exhaust emissions. Another benefit of this auto part is that fuel economy vastly improves, thus money is well spent for the Acura owner. With this engine intact, the vehicle, the environment, and the motorist benefit.

“We believe that by improving fuel efficiency, we can achieve something important for the future of life on this earth,” said Takeo. “So, the challenge to create the most fuel efficient products for our customers and the environment will continue as a central focus of our product development efforts.”

Source: Honda.

The Detroit-based North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) had a three-day press preview (January 13 to 15) of the participating vehicles and auto parts from several car brands. A turbocharged i-DTEC Clean Diesel Engine from Acura was one of new finds this year that is aimed to improve horsepower production and fuel efficiency, among others.

Two years from now, Acura will be installing this remarkable auto part in a still unnamed model. This is one of the green automobile technologies to look out for as it is said to give more power to the vehicle minus the harmful exhaust emissions. Moreover, such engine also promises to improve consumption of fuel, thus trips for refilling stations are lessened. The meticulously-designed and precision-engineered combustion block of the engine will also help achieve that smooth sound of the engine for a more noise-free drive.

Such features of the i-DETC engine are definite factors for the Acura model to meet the very strict U.S. EPA Tier II Bin 5 emission standards.

The Acura i-DTEC Clean Diesel Engine, along with other finds from other companies, are all set for the public viewing this Saturday, January 19. NAIAS, which is held at the COBO Center in Detroit, will run until January 27.

Source: Auto Spectator.