Future Products—Acura
Moving upmarket and beyond Honda

By AUTOMOTIVE NEWS



AutoWeek | Published 08/15/06, 8:58 am et

Acura wants to distance itself from Honda Division. The company is building a separate design center for the brand in Torrance, Calif. The marque wants to create an image similar to that of BMW, stressing performance and technology.

RSX: The entry-level model is being killed at the end of the 2006 model year because the division is beginning to move farther upscale.

TSX: The 2009 version is slated for a redesign. Sources expect it will be equipped with a turbo engine and all-wheel drive. A convertible model may be in the works.

TL: The TL will be freshened for the 2007 model year. A redesign is scheduled for the 2009 model year, when awd will be available.

RL: U.S. dealers will be able to order a decontented model for the 2007 model year. Consumers balked at paying nearly $50,000 for a loaded awd model powered by a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V-6.

The specific equipment has yet to be announced. Dealers in Hawaii and Alaska already offer decontented models without such standard equipment as navigation systems and satellite radio.

The RL will be redesigned for the 2010 or 2011 model year. It may be equipped with a V-10 and share a chassis with the redesigned NSX.

NSX: The redesigned sports car is expected to hit the market for the 2008 or 2009 model year. Acura has said it will be powered by a V-10 engine, but there have been few other details. Sources say the company is testing front- and midengine configurations. A hybrid version may be offered.

RDX: Acura's new small crossover went on sale this month. This is Acura's first vehicle with a turbocharged engine. The 240-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine produces 260 pounds-feet of torque. Standard equipment includes the RL's high-tech awd system and 18-inch wheels.

The interior can accommodate two 19-inch bicycles sitting upright. A 300-watt, seven-speaker audio system with a six-disc CD changer and XM satellite radio is standard.

MDX: Acura's MDX crossover is redesigned for the 2007 model year. It is wider and longer than the current model and will offer more cargo space. It also will sit lower.

The six-cylinder engine will produce close to 300 hp, up from 253. Displacement may be increased to 3.8 liters vs. the current 3.5.

That'll be interesting...

oops, double...my bad

fixed.

The end is near cause we all know Honda builds some of the best engines in the world and once they start slapping turbos on them then look out....can't wait I would buy one of those TSX's fo sho

Bye Bye Subaru. Honda/Acura with AWD and turbo...

RDX is based on the TSX... so its a natural thing to do. 2.3L w/ a Twin Scroll Turbocharger means very little lag, if any. Its a beautiful thing, folks!

actually, the RDX is not based on the TSX...and its not twin scroll...its VNT.

i will agree, however, that it is a beautiful thing.

I think id buy a turbo/awd TSX just for the slick 6spd trans. Nothing like it, makes my STI 6spd feel like a truck

i hope they make a badass rs (type of car)! i know the civic is the same crap but its a CIVIC.

They said they want to distance themselves from Honda and move upscale, so I don't think so.

12345. i just hope they offer it with a manual...and that they beef everything up.

Priced thousands more than the Subarus.

Maybe, although the TSX would be pretty price-competitive. But keep in mind that Subaru is also trying to move upmarket. So that price differential may not always be there, or at least it could get smaller.

I'm thinking the same thing.

How much is a base RDX vs a base Forester XT?

$27895 vs $32995 base

RDX has:
* better warranty
* more power and torque
* side curtain airbags
* I can only assume a nicer interior
* More interesting exterior
* "premium" dealership niceties that Subaru has yet to care to match

A base Forester XT is almost $28,000????

There is no base Forester XT anymore

There isn't really a "base" XT. Your non-turbo choices are 2.5X (starting at $21195) and 2.5 X LL Bean Edition, and the only turbo choice on SOA's page is a 2.5 XT Limited, starting at $27895.

I didn't realize. Well, maybe that's helped my 2004 retain value. I would never pay $28,000 for an XT even if it is way faster than the RDX.

This is going to be Subarus problem. The seem to want to say Turbo=Leather. Which is retarded, my wife and I are looking at a Legacy GT, but you can't get them in anything other than a limited package. Gerrrr.....

wow, I may not have to get all mad about a Legacy STi coming out. That 2009 TSX may be more inline with what I'm looking for.

geez, Subaru should really look Acura/Honda is doing and get a clue.

looks like the RL will FINALLY be a contender in 2010 (or 2011)...about time!

2009? I thought they were doing a redesign for 08? I guess I can wait another year.

Hopefully they do it right, and give it a 6 speed manual. None of this auto only crap.