Showing posts with label Acura. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Acura. Show all posts

 Acura TL 2012 Review

  
Acura released details about the Acura TL 2012 which features a redesigned front bumper with improved aerodynamics, a revised grille, updated headlights and turn signals, a new fog light design and a shorter front overhang. At the rear, a new rear bumper incorporates a significantly repositioned license plate opening and smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights and a thinner rear trunk edge trim add to a sophisticated new look.

Acura TL 2012 is expected to go on sale on March 18th.

[wallpapers: Acura]
























 
 





Review Acura TL 2012

On sale March 18, Acura's newly refined TL delivers fresh looks, improved performance and upgraded technology. Most apparent are the visual changes that incorporate new front and rear styling, but also present is a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission for improved performance and fuel economy, revised interior appointments, a host of technology upgrades and numerous NVH improvements to make for an even quieter cabin.
"The 2012 Acura TL is refined, yet aggressive," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "Already known for its great performance, the enhanced TL has a sophisticated new look and an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission that will take performance to the next level."
The 2012 TL's refined new look includes a redesigned front bumper with improved aerodynamics, a revised grille, updated headlights and turn signals, a new fog light design and a shorter front overhang. At the rear, a new rear bumper incorporates a significantly repositioned license plate opening and smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights and a thinner rear trunk edge trim add to a sophisticated new look. For 2012, all TL models now receive body colored door handles and rear window trim. "With the 2009 TL, the exterior design was a lot about passion," said Damon Schell, Senior Designer, Acura Design Studio. "With the 2012 TL, we pushed for an increased level of sophistication."
Powertrain
To increase performance, a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission is applied on all TL models fitted with an automatic transmission. In addition to incorporating engineering enhancements aimed at improving efficiency, a sport-minded double-kick-down feature lets the driver command a double downshift— such as from Fifth to Third gear. The Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system also creates a "blip" of the throttle to help match gear speeds while downshifting. Previously, only the TL SH-AWD® made use of an external transmission cooler, but for 2012 all models of the TL (with automatic transmission) are now fitted with an external transmission cooler.
The transmission teams with a new multi-clutch torque converter that not only reduces heat build-up during operation, but also allows for lock-up activation during a much wider range of driving conditions— which helps generate improved fuel economy. As a result, city/highway fuel economy for the TL is now 20/29 mpg*— an increase of 3 mpg in highway driving over the 2011 model. The TL SH-AWD® equipped with the new 6-speed automatic transmission increases by 1 mpg in both city and highway fuel economy to 18/26 mpg. Matched with the transmission is a new final drive gear ratio that allows for more relaxed cruising on the highway.
To further improve operating efficiency, the TL's 3.5L V-6 engine receives a host of friction-reduction technologies including a new plateau-honing technique for the cylinders, piston skirts with a new molybdenum coating, redesigned ion-plated piston rings and lower viscosity engine oil. In addition, both the 3.5L and 3.7L engines make use of a revised inlet system that provides cooler air to feed the engine.
Chassis 
For 2012, two distinct versions of Acura's performance luxury sedan remain: a 280 horsepower, front-wheel-drive TL along with a powerful 305 hp TL paired with Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®). The performance-minded 6MT model (with 6-speed manual transmission, handling and steering improvements) will continue to be offered in the 2012 TL SH-AWD® lineup, helping broaden the TL's appeal among luxury performance sedan buyers.
Standard on the 2012 TL are new 17x8-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels with P245/50R17 all-season tires for confident year-round performance. The TL SH-AWD® comes standard with new 18x8-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with low-profile P245/45R18 tires for more agile handling. When equipped with the available Advance Package, the TL comes with 18x8-inch 5-spoke wheels while the TL SH-AWD® is fitted with 19x8-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels paired with new performance minded 245/40R19 all-season tires that offer significantly improved performance in snow and ice. Fitted to all TL wheels are revised center caps featuring a raised-style, chrome-plated Acura "A" mark.
The TL employs a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. Ride quality and road-holding are optimized with dual-stage "blow off" style hydraulic suspension dampers, hydro-compliant bushings (used to mount the transmission and key suspension components) and a "smart" engine mount design. On the SH-AWD® model, special rate coil springs are paired with unique damper tuning to improve handling performance. Moreover, on the SH-AWD® model special brake tuning teams with racing-inspired front brake cooling ducts to provide more performance-minded braking.
Interior
In keeping with its mission as a driver's car, the TL interior features a "dual personal" design that provides both the driver and front passenger with their own personal space. Inside, the 2012 TL benefits from an even further refined cabin that includes instrument cluster changes, new surface finishes for many interior appointments and available ventilated front seats. Technology improvements abound with refinement of Bluetooth® Audio (now with artists name, song title, etc.), new "active pairing" functionality for Bluetooth® enabled cellular telephones, Dial-By-Number and dial-by-voice tags, and much faster connection speed for the USB port.
Both the TL and TL SH-AWD® models offer an available Technology Package which includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ and an Acura/ELS Surround® 440-watt Premium Audio System. For 2012, the hard disk drive (HDD) based navigation system increases in size to 60 gigabytes, map coverage is more expansive, and the full VGA monitor is brighter with even richer colors with the new backlit LED display. With the revised HDD system, there is an increase to 15 GB of dedicated space for the storage of up to 3,500 songs**. Also new is Song By Voice™ that allows the driver to choose music by artist, album, song title, genre, playlist and even composer.
New for 2012 is an available Advance Package that incorporates all-new ventilated front seats, larger wheels and a new blind spot information (BSI) system that alerts the driver when another vehicle is detected behind the driver in an adjacent lane.
For 2012, the use of new body sealing techniques including improved weatherstripping design, and additional expanding foam pillar separators , help reduce high frequency noise by 3 dB within the TL's interior.
Safety
The 2012 TL uses a host of advanced safety features including Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. The ACE™ body design enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes by utilizing a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. ACE™ body design also helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.
Six airbags and active head restraints for the driver and front passenger seats are just a few of the long list of passive safety features built into the TL. The array of airbags includes: dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; dual-chamber front seat side airbags with front passenger seat Occupant Position Detection System; and side-curtain airbags for front and outboard rear seating positions.
Additional passive safety features include 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, driver and front passenger seatbelt load-limiters with an automatic tensioning system and a Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system that permits quick, convenient attachment of up to two child seats at the outboard locations of the rear seating area.
The 2012 TL includes safety minded features such as ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist in conjunction with the 4-wheel disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and daytime running lights (DRL).
Pricing
On sale at Acura dealerships on March 18, the 2012 TL will have a MSRP of $35,605. Equipped with the available Technology Package, the MSRP is $39,335, or $41,535 when equipped with the available Advance Package.
The TL SH-AWD® will have an MSRP of $39,155. Equipped with the available Technology Package, TL SH-AWD® MSRP will be $42,885, or $45,085 when equipped with the available Advance Package. The TL SH-AWD® 6MT with Technology Package will have an MSRP of $42,885.
Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2012 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan and all-new Sport Wagon, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.
Along with every new Acura, the 2012 TL is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.
For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For additional media information, please go to www.acuranews.com. Also available at www.acuranews.com is a new En Español section with Acura press releases translated to Spanish.
*Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

2005 Acura RSX Type-S - Front View
2005 Acura RSX Type-S Specs  Review
Since its debut in July of 2001, the RSX sports coupe has been an unqualified success, winning an array of industry awards including being named to Car and Driver’s “10 Best” and Ward’s “10 Best Engines” lists. To maintain the RSX’s position as the benchmark in its class, Acura’s dynamic sports coupe receives substantial performance and styling enhancements for 2005 that update its dynamic looks, refine and modernize the interior and make it even more fun to drive.

2005 Acura RSX Type-S - Cockpit Dashboard
For 2005, the high performance Type-S model receives engine and exhaust system modifications that boost horsepower from 200 to 210 and torque from 142 lb-ft to 143 lb-ft. Engine output was optimized by applying high performance camshafts and enlarging the diameter of the intake duct by 10 percent. A larger diameter exhaust pipe and free-flowing catalytic converter helped to boost horsepower by increasing exhaust flow by 10 percent.
2005 Acura RSX Type-S - Engine Side
Ever seen a 75-year-old boy racer? Not a pretty sight, you say? Well, maybe not to a 25-year-old but I still have all my faculties and Paul Newman’s older than me and he’s racing in this year’s Daytona 24 Hours. Normally I drive with dignity, as befits a person of my age. Unfortunately this copper-colored rocketship absolutely refused to be driven slowly. It begged to hit the 8000 rpm redline, snicked through its gears quicker than a train conductor can punch a ticket, cornered as though glued to the pavement. Yes, the Acura RSX S-Type may be a front-wheel-drive coupe derived from a Civic platform but on the road it is pure sports car and don’t let a rear-drive fanatic tell you otherwise. Yet I was prepared not to like it, having experienced too many cars that demand the agility of a sloth to enter and exit. Indeed, this was all but confirmed on the BC Ferry when the attendant parked me against an inner wall. With less than 2-ft. clearance that barn-wide door wouldn’t open enough to let me out. Luckily the seatbacks recline to near-horizontal so I managed to wiggle into the back seat and exit, albeit ungracefully. Once off the ship, however, I fell in love with the RSX, the nearest thing to the fountain of youth on four wheels.
2005 Acura RSX Type-S - Interrior Design
Freshened styling and sporty-model upgrades mark Acura’s entry-level car for 2005. RSX is a 2-dr hatchback coupe sold in base and higher-performance Type-S trim. Both have a 2.0-liter 4-cyl engine. The 160-hp base model offers 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions. The sportier Type-S comes only with a 6-speed manual and for ’05 gains 10 hp, to 210. Both get revised suspension, steering, and brakes, plus a minor facelift, more heavily bolstered front seats, and extra interior accents in chrome and faux titanium. The Type-S has a firmer suspension, and, for ’05, increases wheel size to 17 inches from 16 and gains a standard rear spoiler. The base model retains 16s. Every RSX includes antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and front side airbags, sunroof, and heated mirrors. Leather upholstery is standard for the Type-S and available on the base. Type-S also comes with an in-dash CD changer.
 2005 Acura RSX Type-S - On The Road
On the road, the first thing we noticed is how smooth the new shifter is and how easy the transmission is to operate. The clutch is also very buttery soft, as it never lets your leg get sore and makes finding the friction point a breeze. This is arguably one of the nicest transmission/clutch setups we’ve sampled as of late. We noticed that there wasn’t an armrest on the driver’s right side, which is a bit awkward. While we found the Acura RSX had plenty of headroom for our 5-foot-11 frame, someone taller might find it a bit tight.
2005 Acura RSX Type S - Rear Side
We also noticed that the car can get pretty loud inside. Substantial road noise comes through the floor from bumps and ruts in the road, and the engine is loud, though only on the street with the windows rolled down and the motor winding up into the upper-rpm range. On the freeway in sixth gear it really isn’t an issue. Other than the noise complaint, driving this car is a very rewarding experience.




2005 Acura RSX Type-S - Right Side
To make it easier for rear occupants to get in, the right front passenger seat will slide forwards when you flips the backrest forward, and automatically slide back to its original position. The two rear seats are separated by a centre storage bin, and for adults, offer adequate legroom but headroom is marginal. In fact, the rear passengers sit right under the rear window.

 Acura RL SH AWD Chinese Version - Front Side
Acura RL car review
The redesigned 2009 Acura RL luxury sedan made its world debut today at the Chicago Auto Show. Featuring bold, sleek exterior styling, an upgraded interior, advanced technologies and powerful new engine, the RL once again pushes the limits of performance, style, and luxury. The 2009 RL will go on-sale this spring at Acura dealerships nationwide.
The 2009 RL furthers cutting edge technology with the addition of new high-tech items including AcuraLink® weather, AcuraLink® Traffic Rerouting™, XM® Note, Active Sound Control, and Bluetooth® Audio to an already robust list of features found on the previous RL. To enhance handling, new chassis technology abounds in the drivetrain in the form of an improved Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system, a revised steering system, upgraded coil springs, better performing shock absorbers, larger rear stabilizer bar, and more aggressive wheels and tires. Performance improves with the RL thanks to a new, larger 3.7-liter V-6 that incorporates the first ever SOHC use of VTEC valvetrain actuation for both the intake and exhaust valves.
2006 Acura RL SH AWD Chinese Version - Engine Side
“RL represents the very best we have to offer in terms of engineering, technology, performance, luxury and safety”, said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. “It`s designed for a new generation of performance-luxury buyers looking to travel more quickly, more efficiently and more connected to the world around them.”
For 2009, the RL will be offered in three different trim levels including RL, RL with Technology Package and RL with Technology Package Plus CMBS™. All RL`s receive a potent new 3.7-liter V-6 engine, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, a Bose® Surround Sound audio system, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity and a GPS-based solar-sensing climate control system. The Technology Package includes the satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Activation™ with rearview camera, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, AcuraLink® weather, Traffic Rerouting™, a rear view back-up camera, Active Front Lighting System (AFS), ventilated front seats, and a wood/leather steering wheel and shift knob. The top RL package is the Technology Package with CMBS™ which also includes Acura`s acclaimed Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and genuine wood instrument panel trim.
2006 Acura RL SH AWD Chinese Version - Engine View
Powertrain
The innovation built into the new RL begins with the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura sedan. An all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine develops 300 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque thanks to an innovative new VTEC™ valvetrain system for both the intake and exhaust valves, a higher compression ratio, along with a special dual-stage magnesium intake manifold that enables the intake to function as a single- or dual-plenum manifold design based on engine operating parameters. In addition to developing improved power and torque, the RL engine meets tough CARB ULEV-2 emission standards and delivers good fuel economy. The RL`s engine bay appears more upscale thanks to a new surround panel assembly that reduces visual distractions and focuses attention directly on the all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine.
To handle the higher power of the 3.7-liter engine, a new version of the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission is fitted to the 2009 RL. Featuring new “smart” F1®-style steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and a new straight-gate console mounted gear selector, the RL driver now has more gear control than ever before.
The RL`s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system returns for 2009, but is now quicker responding and better performing.
There are numerous traction advantages of all-wheel drive, yet SH-AWD™ does a key function that is not available with traditional AWD systems- SH-AWD™ utilizes torque vectoring to increase the rotation speed of an outside rear wheel during aggressive cornering to help the car turn more effectively while under power. This “yaw” function reduces the cornering load on the front tires to minimize understeer, to improve handling balance, and to escalate total cornering grip.




2006 Acura RL SH AWD Chinese Version - Front View
Body and Chassis
To further enhance handling and ride comfort, the new RL retains a fully independent suspension system with front double-wishbone and rear multi-link architecture. For 2009 the RL features higher rate coil springs, larger diameter stabilizer bars, stiffer subframe mount bushings and improved design steering rack components. To further improve handling and looks, new 18-inch diameter 7-spoke aluminum wheels are matched with more aggressive tires (replacing the previous 17-inch wheel/tire offering).
2006 Acura RL SH AWD Chinese Version - Rear Seats
Exterior/Interior
The 2009 RL`s new exterior styling is not only more aggressive, but delivers excellent aerodynamics and reduced rear lift at higher speeds. The RL`s more athletic style foreshadows the power concealed by the new power plenum front grille and blow-formed aluminum hood. The RL`s shape is taut and athletic, and its acceleration and cornering performance allow it to challenge the most capable German and Japanese sports sedans. Comfort, quietness and ride quality are also on a par with performance sedan competitors. For 2009, eight exterior colors are available-5 of which are new-including a new pearl pigment process that improves luster and shine.
Inside, the 2009 RL features a more elegantly styled interior that includes more room for rear seat passengers, easier-to-use front seat belts, door-mounted pull pockets, softer arm rests, redesigned vents, larger/clearer lettering for HVAC controls, and easier actuation of climate control functions. A revised steering wheel with available genuine wood trim (included with the CMBS package) and metal-look accents is now fitted to the RL along with a matching wood-trimmed transmission shift knob. Complementing the steering wheel are upgraded gauges that incorporate brushed metal accents for enhanced appearance. For 2009, additional insulation, a more high-tech design of Acura`s acoustic glass windshield, and a new Active Sound Control (ASC) noise abatement system team to further reduce the RL`s already quiet cabin.
2006 Acura RL SH AWD Chinese Version - Rear Side
The RL`s perforated leather front seats now incorporate six levels of heated/cooled ventilation. Moreover, just like the driver`s seat, the passenger front seat now has 10-way power adjustability. For 2009, the center panel controls are now more intuitive and are surrounded by a new background color along with improved quality wood patterned panels. These interior upgrades are complimented by advanced electronics that include a satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Activation™ along with the innovative AcuraLink® satellite communication system with Real-time traffic, AcuraLink® Traffic Rerouting™ and (new for 2009) AcuraLink® weather. The RL is the first vehicle on the market to feature in-dash integrated, continually updated real-time weather information in a single-screen format. The spectacular Acura/Bose® 10-speaker Sound System with DVD-Audio returns but is now upgraded to include Bluetooth® Audio, even richer audio sound, XM® Note, improved button legibility, and a USB connectivity port.
2006 Acura RL SH AWD Chinese Version - Sunroof Side
Safety
The 2009 RL retains Acura`s extremely rigid Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure that features extensive use of high-tensile steel and lightweight aluminum components to take vehicle construction beyond conventional safety protocols while keeping overall vehicle weight in check. The ACE™ structure`s front-mounted polygonal main frame is designed to help prevent cabin deformation by distributing impact forces through multiple load bearing pathways-and away from the passenger compartment. For 2009, to enhance safety a new Active Head Restraint System is built into the front seats to improve neck and head protection in the event in a rear impact collision. To further aid in safety, the RL includes as standard a passenger seatbelt reminder, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and six airbags. These advances team to make the 2009 RL the strongest, most powerful, best handling, safest and most luxurious sedan Acura has ever built.
The RL earned 5-star ratings (the best possible) for frontal and side crash tests, and for rollover resistance, from the U.S. Department of Transportation`s Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The RL is the fourth vehicle in the history of the program to earn the top rating of “5-star” in all three test categories. Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration`s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the RL its top rating of GOOD in Side Impact Collision Evaluation (SICE) along with a GOOD rating for IIHS` frontal offset crash test. With a new Active Head Restraint System for front seat passengers, the 2009 RL is anticipated to receive a GOOD rating in IIHS rear crash protection evaluation. End of Acurareview.