Team Acura Parts Blog

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 Acura TSX, which was launched in 2003, is an entry-level sedan designed to compete with other popular luxury cars. The Acura model, however, received complaints regarding the layout of its front wheel drive and power. That is why Acura recently came up with the 2009 Acura TSX carrying a number of upgrades to its predecessor.

The new generation Acura TSX has been brought to a test drive outside the Honda facility in the United States.

A big refinement made to the Acura TSX is the improvement in power. Based on the design of the 2005 SPORTS 4 concept car, the latest Acura car sports a more aggressive appearance than the present model. The 2009 version has a 2.4-liter, i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that generates 220 to 230 horsepower. The new TSX also includes a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

In addition, Acura will unveil a type-S model of the TSX, whose power will be sourced from the turbocharged engine like that of the Acura RDX. The engine, which can produce 260 horsepower, will be joined to a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch gearbox. The type-S will be enhanced by Honda’s most recent technology—the Super Handling All Wheel Drive.

Acura will start manufacturing TSX vehicles by the end of 2008. It will be available on sale in Europe as the Honda Accord.

Sources:
Cardomain.com
Mobile Magazine

Two Acura sports utility vehicles (SUVs) posted record sales in September this year, according to Honda. The two Acura models, the luxury MDX and the turbocharged RDX, contributed to Acura sales of 14,369 units. This figure, which is lower than last year’s by 8.4 percent, is based on the daily selling rate.

Acura has sold a total of 136,726 units for this year.

“RDX and MDX sales continue to impress thanks to smart styling, innovative features and excellent performance. We expect strong light-truck sales as winter approaches, thanks to all-weather features such as Super Handling All-Wheel Drive,” said Acura’s executive vice president for sales Dick Colliver, in a press release from Honda. A Japanese-based automobile company, Honda manufactures the Acura vehicles.

The impressive demand for MDX and RDX vehicles triggered the boost of the Acura light-truck lineup, which delivered record sales of 7,113 units.

The RDX, a small luxury crossover sedan, still posts significant gains in terms of sales for Acura. Its September record sales of 1,951 units is a 19-percent increase compared to last year’s. The number of RDX units sold this year reached 17,477.

On the other hand, the Acura MDX posted record sales of 5,162 units for September. This figure is an increase of 34.1 percent as opposed to last year and even outdoing its 2004 sales record of 4,958. Meanwhile, year-to-date sales of MDX vehicles reached 42,954 units sold. This is an increase of 14.9 percent compared to last year. MDX, which debuted in 2001, is known for its cutting-edge performance.

Source: Honda

What cars are the most appealing to female drivers?

In a recent survey on vehicles with the highest share of female ownership, 10 luxury vehicles are being tagged as the popular choice. Acura accounts for two of the 10 most female-owned luxury cars, according to the study conducted by the JD Power’s Power Information Network. The study was published in the September 20 issue of BusinessWeek.

The Acura TSX, which was launched four years ago, has been bought by 47.3 percent of the female market. Based on the European edition of the Honda Accord, the Acura TSX is a sedan designed to compete in the entry-level luxury sedan market. The TSX has a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 205 horsepower. It is described as a sporty sedan and is the least expensive among Acura’s sedans.

The Acura TSX

It is the relative affordability of the TSX that makes it appealing to female consumers. “The lower-priced segment is high-female. If you have a brand that is dominated by that segment, you’re going to see a lot of female owners, and Acura is one of the lower-priced luxury brands,” according to Tom Libby of J.D. Power’s Power Information Network, quoted in the same BusinessWeek article.

On the other hand, the Acura RDX is owned by 45.3 percent of all female vehicle buyers. Designed as a sports utility vehicle (SUV), the Acura RDX is a small luxury crossover sedan. Its 2008 model carries the first turbocharged engine of Honda, the automobile company that manufactures Acura vehicles. The RDX has a 2.3-liter, four cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower.

The Acura RDX

According to the study, women purchased 37.3 percent of new vehicles in 2007 (until August). The results of the survey also show that not a single sports car made it to the least—strongly implying the gender difference when it comes to choosing cars to own. The lineup of the 10 most popular luxury cars also suggests that women tend to choose entry-level cars and small SUVs that prioritize safety, quality, reliability, and value. This is in stark contrast to male car buyers who mostly prefer sports cars over luxury cars, and speed and power over safety and comfort.

Source: BusinessWeek

What’s in store for Acura fans?

An expanded lineup of niche models, according to John Watts, product planning manager for American Honda’s struggling luxury-car division, in an Automotive News interview.

Honda, a Japanese automobile company, is the manufacturer of Acura vehicles.

The auto company’s game plan is to focus on models with narrower appeal such as the CL, MDX, and RDX models—instead producing cars that cater to a broad consumer base. A retractable hardtop vehicle may also be developed in the near future.

A new eight or 10-cylinder powerplant is also in the works, an article in Autoblog reported.

The next-generation Acura NSX model is set to get a V10, which will eventually be placed in other Acura cars such as MDX or RL. V10 engines typically used only for the most expensive sports cars. Acura is in the process of developing the new NSX and preparing the new TL, which will debut in 2009.

The Acura NSX is designed as the first of a new generation of sports performance vehicles from Honda.

Early in September, it was announced that the Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system would be available on the MDX, RDX, and RL models this year. The SH-AWD features the stability control inertial and driver input sensors.