Honda Cars : Marvel's The Avengers and Acura RDX Bonus Deleted Scene | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda Cars : New Fuel Efficient Engines Shake Up Consumer Reports Sporty Compact Suv Ratings 2013 Acura RDX Jumps up Rankings | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

YONKERS, NY (PRWEB) July 24, 2012

While the BMW X3 and redesigned Acura RDX have moved up in Consumer Reports Ratings of upscale compact sporty SUVs, both vehicles earned a top spot by changing their powertrains in different directions.

The X3 has been powered by a six-cylinder base engine since its inception in 2004, but BMW opted to go smaller for 2013. It replaced the previous 3.0-liter inline six with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The new engine ekes out 1 mpg better overall fuel economy (23 mpg) than the old one. The turbo four is not as refined as the six, but it delivers the same 240 hp and comparable acceleration. Precision handling and a taut ride make the X3 drive like the best sporty sedans. Add to that a quiet and plush interior, and the X3 scores at the top of CR’s Ratings.

By contrast, Acura dumped the RDX’s rough and thirsty turbocharged four-cylinder engine in favor of a more refined 273-hp, 3.5-liter V6. The larger engine not only performs better but also contributes to a respectable fuel economy of 22 mpg overall. The sweet sounding V6 feels smooth and responsive, delivering effortless acceleration.

“The RDX had been a weak spot in the otherwise competent Acura lineup; the previous version wasn’t refined and had a stiff ride. But the engine upgrade, along with a roomier, user-friendly cabin and an improved ride, helps it score near the top of its category,” said David Champion, Sr. Director of Consumer Reports Automotive Test Center.

Another good choice is the Audi Q5 which features enjoyable handling and a well-trimmed interior.

Consumer Reports originally tested it with the uplevel 3.2-liter V6 but now tested it with its base engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that averaged a good 21 mpg overall on premium fuel. Shifting is very smooth from the responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Optional for 2013, is a potent 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that replaces the 3.2-liter V6, with a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel and hybrid expected later.

The full report and road test results on Consumer Reports’ latest tests are available on http://www.ConsumerReports.org on July 24th and in the September issue of Consumer Reports on newsstands July 5. Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to Website for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information. Check out CR’s ongoing Twitter feed at @CRCars.

Rounding out Consumer Reports’ foursome is the Cadillac SRX, which dropped its overtaxed 3.0-liter V6 and optional 2.8-liter turbo V6 for a larger 3.6-liter V6 that gets 18 mpg overall. Despite a power increase and impressive acceleration track times, the heavy SRX still feels sluggish in everyday driving. The interior is plush but driver visibility is problematic. Overall the Cadillac scored a respectable 72 in Consumer Reports Ratings, dropping a point because its revised suspension tuning hurt its emergency handling performance.

The RDX and the Q5 are Recommended because reliability is predicted to be average or above. The X3 four-cylinder is too new for Consumer Reports to predict reliability, and the SRX has shown below-average reliability.

Consumer Reports also tested two other turbocharged four-cylinder SUVs for this report: the Kia Sportage SX and the Ford Edge SEL. The Sportage gained a turbocharger to boost power; the Edge is another SUV that downsized from a V6 to a turbo four to save fuel.   

The Kia Sportage’s stylish design stands out from the crowd of typical boxy SUVs. But if you want even more fun, you can buy the top-level Sportage SX with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With 84 more horses than the standard four-cylinder, acceleration is much quicker. Handling is agile and responsive, with body lean that’s kept in check in the corners, but the steering is heavy and doesn’t give much feedback. The ride, which was already stiff in the base Sportage, becomes worse with the SX version. There is also quite a bit of wind noise and pronounced road noise.

From the outside, the tested Ford Edge SEL might look like any other Edge. But under the hood it’s missing two engine cylinders. That’s because this SEL has Ford’s optional EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine instead of the base 3.5-liter V6. The little engine moves this not-so-little SUV around with plenty of power There’s less engine noise, too: The four-cylinder turbo actually sounds more refined than the V6. Fuel economy is improved over the V6 but you can’t get all-wheel-drive with the EcoBoost four-cylinder. The six-speed transmission lacks refinement and handling comes up short on agility.

Consumer Reports is the world’s largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

Source;
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/806604

Honda Cars : 2013 Acura RDX - 2012 Chicago Auto Show | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda Cars : 2013 Acura RDX Crossover Revealed as Production Model | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

About a month ago, the vehicle looked the same, but Acura was calling it a concep. But now, they’ve added a full interior and changed venues from Detroit to Chicago, and presto: it’s the new Acura RDX luxury crossover as it should be when you buy it.This is the second generation of the five-seater crossover that’s supposed to bring luxury to the masses. The design changes it underwent have made it a bit more understated than before. However, we are fond of the interior, which does look upmarket.

The big news is that 2013 RSX has gotten a 3.5-liter V6 with 273 horsepower that’s available in either front- or all-wheel drive, mated to a lighter six-speed automatic and a lock-up torque converter. The FWD version is the most frugal, being capable of 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2013-acura-rdx-crossover-revealed-as-production-model-42478.html

Honda Cars : Acura Debuts 2013 RDX and All-New ILX Sedan at Chicago Auto Show | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Sporty styling, new technology and efficient powertrains are highlights
02/08/2012 - CHICAGO
Following up on its blockbuster appearance at this year's Detroit auto show, Acura today unveiled production versions of two new vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show. A completely redesigned 2013 Acura RDX crossover sport utility vehicle and the all-new 2013 Acura ILX luxury compact sedan were shown. Both new Acura models are scheduled for launch in the Spring.

"We are excited to be launching these two new luxury models as the gateway of Acura's revitalized product lineup," said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura. "As we embark on our second 25 years as a premium luxury-performance automobile brand, we are excited about the role these two vehicles will play in welcoming a new generation of luxury car buyers to the Acura brand."

2013 Acura ILX
The 2013 Acura ILX compact sedan is an all-new model that is positioned as the gateway into the Acura brand. The primary target customers for the new ILX are Generation Y-- successful 20 and 30-somethings moving into the luxury car ranks but looking for high-value propositions in their purchases.

"First-time luxury buyers tend to place a high value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues, and that's what we have created with the new Acura ILX," said Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio. "The strategy behind this new model is to position ILX as the first opportunity for many young buyers to enter the luxury market."

Sleek and sporty, the ILX combines luxury, performance and efficiency. While maintaining a strong emphasis on stylish and aerodynamically efficient exterior design, the ILX features a large and airy greenhouse that provides excellent outward visibility. As a five-passenger luxury sedan, the ILX combines compact proportions with a spacious passenger interior and ample cargo space-- perfect attributes for young professionals on the go.

The ILX will feature three advanced, sporty and efficient powertrain choices, including Acura's first-ever gas-electric hybrid. The entry-level ILX will be powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. Paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, the ILX 2.0L has an EPA estimated* city/highway fuel economy of 24/32 mpg.

For those who seek a more dynamic driving experience, the ILX can be equipped with a 2.4-liter engine with an output of 201 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft torque at 4,300 rpm. Mated to a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission, the ILX 2.4L has an EPA estimated* city/highway fuel economy of 20/29 mpg.

Marking the debut of Acura's first ever hybrid model, the ILX Hybrid makes use of a 1.5-liter inline engine and an Integrated Motor Assist® electric motor. Paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the ILX 1.5L Hybrid has an EPA estimated* city/highway fuel economy rating of 35/38 mpg.

The hybrid drivetrain uses the gasoline engine as the primary power source, while an electric motor provides additional power when needed. A lithium-ion battery pack is used to capture and store electricity for the 20 horsepower electric motor. Together, the gasoline engine and electric motor produce 111 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque between 1,000-3,000 rpm. During braking, the gasoline engine deactivates and the electric motor acts as a generator to recharge the battery pack. At a stop, the 1.5-liter engine can enter idle-stop mode to save fuel and reduce emissions. The engine remains off until the brake pedal is released.

The ILX chassis utilizes advanced MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems, along with new Amplitude Reactive Dampers. The dampers operate in two distinct performance parameters to simultaneously provide superior ride comfort and precision handling. In addition, Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering is used for excellent steering feel and improved fuel efficiency. The result is a chassis with a high level of refinement, confident handling and a nimble and sporty driving experience.

The ILX will feature a high-quality, well-appointed interior that is smart, spacious and sporty. It will offer a number of new, high-value features including a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, along with Pandora® internet radio interface and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world.

As with all Acura models, the ILX will have a long list of standard features, multiple trim levels (a Premium Package and Technology Package), and excellent standard safety features-- including Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®). Although yet to be tested, Acura anticipates that the ILX will achieve top crash safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The available Premium Package features leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system, a rear view camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin.

Building on the Premium Package, the available Technology Package adds Acura's award winning ELS Surround® audio system and a full complement of relevant technologies, including AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps. The navigation system makes use of a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity-- including 15 gigabytes that can be specifically allocated for music storage. With the available Premium or Technology Package, a new multi-view rear camera is used.

The Acura ILX will be manufactured (using U.S. and globally sourced parts), exclusively at the company's state-of-the-art Greensburg, Indiana plant, one of only three plants worldwide to receive J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Platinum Award for outstanding product quality, and the top award for any factory in North America.

2013 Acura RDX
The 2013 Acura RDX, the second generation of Acura's five-passenger crossover SUV, will up the ante with a new approach to achieving both advanced performance and fuel efficiency via a new engine, transmission and all-wheel-drive system.

The 2013 RDX rides on a 4-wheel independent suspension with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension design. A longer wheelbase, wider track and lower center of gravity provide the foundation for the new RDX's improved handling and ride quality. New chassis technology for 2013 includes Acura-exclusive Amplitude Reactive Dampers and a new Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering system that replaces the previous hydraulic steering. The 2013 RDX will be available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants.

Standard features for 2013 RDX include bold new 5-spoke 18-inch wheels and improved 4-wheel disc brakes that include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Not only do the brakes provide better performance, but they also incorporate improvements to lessen brake drag for reduced rolling resistance and improved fuel economy.

Replacing the turbocharged 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder used with the previous RDX, the 2013 RDX will now have as standard equipment a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 273 horsepower-- 33 more than the outgoing model. For even higher performance and improved fuel economy, the RDX makes use of an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with a new lock-up torque converter. The RDX also gets a new, lighter weight all-wheel-drive system that provides outstanding performance and safety with increased efficiency to achieve higher fuel economy.

With an EPA estimated* city/highway fuel economy rating of 20/28 mpg, front-wheel-drive versions of the 2013 RDX are expected to offer the best fuel economy of any gasoline-powered V-6 luxury SUV in the class. All-wheel-drive models have an EPA estimated* city/highway fuel economy of 19/27 mpg.

The RDX boasts a sleek and more aerodynamic body, evolving RDX from a sporty, compact SUV to a more formal SUV appearance with a longer, sculpted hood and styling that is more elegant and sophisticated to match the Acura philosophy of timeless, beautiful design.

Inside the 2013 RDX, new sweeping shapes, matte surface trim, and generous use of leather combine to give the RDX interior an upscale look and luxury feel that Acura customers have come to expect. Abundant use of sound deadening materials and Active Sound Control team to provide an exceptionally quiet cabin. Additional interior features, such as larger door openings, more passenger room, increased cargo volume and an available power rear tailgate make the RDX interior even more accommodating and flexible.

The 2013 RDX will receive a host of new technologies including Pandora® internet radio interface, SMS text message feature, a Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, and a three view rear camera. An available Technology Package will provide a full complement of relevant technologies, including an Acura ELS Surround® audio system, AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps. New for 2013, an even more advanced navigation system utilizes a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity-- including 15 gigabytes that can be allocated for music storage.

Passenger safety has always been a cornerstone of every Acura model. In addition to using Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, the 2013 RDX employs new design features and myriad high strength materials aimed specifically at occupant protection. Although yet to be tested, Acura anticipates that the RDX will achieve top crash safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2013 RDX will be produced (using U.S. and globally sourced parts) exclusively by the company's East Liberty, Ohio plant-- home to one of four of Honda plants ranked among the top five-rated assembly lines in North America in the J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS). The first generation RDX is produced at the Marysville, Ohio auto plant.

About Acura Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 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 Sport Wagon, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV, the MDX luxury SUV and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.

For media information and high-resolution photos of Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com.
*Preliminary EPA mileage estimate determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/acura-debuts-2013-rdx-and-all-new-ilx-sedan-at-chicago-auto-show

Honda Cars : Next Gen Acura RDX Prototype Video | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda Cars : Burlapp Find: 2013 Acura RDX Spyshots | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Makes sense since the newly redesigned 2012 Honda CRV has come to the market....

Source;
http://www.burlappcars.com/2012/01/2013-acura-rdx.html