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

7/22/2011

Acura TL, 2004

 
 
 
Acura TL, 2004

Acura TL with ASPEC Performance Package, 2004

The most recent addition to the Acura A-SPEC performance lineup is the 2004 TL. Acura's top-selling model features hot new styling, a more powerful 270 horsepower V-6 engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and 17-inch wheels and tires. A close ratio 6-speed manual transmission is available (a first for TL) and all TLs equipped with the 6-speed also feature Brembo front brakes. Inside, the TL features the automotive industry's first application of a standard DVD-Audio 5.1 surround sound system as well as a Bluetooth-enabled hands-free phone system called HandsFreeLinkTM.

The A-SPEC performance package for the TL is scheduled to go on sale this November at Acura dealers nationwide. It includes a suspension package with track-tuned shocks and springs, 18-inch wheels and tires, high performance brake pads for automatic transmission-equipped models, an aero kit, and a deck lid spoiler (or rear wing) as well as Acura A-SPEC badging. While an MSRP for the Acura TL A-SPEC performance package has not been announced, it will cost approximately $5,000 plus dealer installation.

Chassis/Suspension Modifications
+ A-SPEC suspension (track-tuned shocks and springs)
+ High performance brake pads (automatic transmission cars)
+ 18x8.5 alloy wheels
+ Yokohama AVS ES100 235/40-R18 95W tires

Exterior Modifications
+ A-SPEC deck lid (or rear wing) spoiler
+ A-SPEC aero kit

Interior Modifications
+ A-SPEC steering wheel
+ A-SPEC badging

7/16/2011

Acura NSX-T, 2001

 
 
 Acura NSX-T, 2001

Evolved from a rich racing heritage, the Acura NSX combines world-class performance and styling with exceptional driveability and refinement. The 2001 NSX is the benchmark for Acura technology having established itself as a leader in the exotic supercar segment over the past 10 years.

The 2001 NSX offers two mid-ship mounted distinct powertrains. First is a lightweight, all-aluminum 3.2-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, 90-degree V-6 engine yielding 290 horsepower and 224 lbs-ft of torque, coupled to a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission. When equipped with the optional 4-speed automatic transmission with Formula One-inspired sequential SportShift, the NSX powerplant is a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that generates 252 horsepower and 210 lbs-ft of torque.

Both NSX engines are equipped with Acura's patented Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system, an ingenious Variable Volume Induction System, direct ignition and the computerized PGM-FI fuel injection system pioneered in Formula One racing.

Every detail on the NSX has been engineered to produce the utmost in performance. The highly rigid NSX chassis features all-aluminum construction for low overall weight and high rigidity. The four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension also features aluminum-alloy control arms and hub carriers to minimize unsprung weight for optimum handling. Aluminum subframes for the front and rear suspension further reduce suspension weight. The braking system features large-diameter, ventilated four-wheel discs and an advanced four-channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). The sophisticated Traction Control System (TCS) has been designed to help limit wheel-spin and enhance control.

The interior of the NSX evokes the image of the cockpit of a jet fighter, providing ample visibility, easy-to-read instrument gauges and snug, leather seats. As with all Acura models, the NSX comes with a long list of standard equipment and comfort and convenience features including an automatic climate control system, an Acura/Bose� Music System, power windows and door locks, cruise control and an electronic immobilizer system.

The 2001 NSX, like all Acura vehicles, is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

Acura Integra, 2001

 
 Acura Integra, 2001

CONCEPTS AND GOALS
The Integra Sports Coupe and Sports Sedan were designed to achieve:
+ Spirited engine performance, with excellent acceleration, sporty, free-revving response and top-level smoothness and flexibility
+ Crisp, precise handling with excellent driver feedback and steering response
+ Distinctive, aerodynamic styling with high efficiency and low wind noise
+ A rigid structure for accurate handling response, long-term durability, excellent corrosion protection and optimum occupant safety
+ An intimate, highly ergonomic driving environment

OVERVIEW
The third-generation Acura Integra (introduced in 1994) features a number of technological innovations that enhance performance and handling and provide high levels of safety, durability, efficiency, comfort and ride quality. The Integra is available as a Sports Coupe or Sports Sedan. For 2001 the Sports Coupe and Sports Sedan come in three trim levels &emdash; LS, GS and GS-R. The ultra-high performance Integra Type R Sports Coupe also returns for 2001, and is discussed in detail in its own section.

The Integra has evolved and matured in its three generations. The Integra offers a comprehensive list of standard luxury, comfort and safety features. It features a standard driver's and front passenger's air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in all models. Additionally, features such as an AM/FM/CD six-speaker audio system, a power moon roof, windows, door mirrors and locks, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and a lumbar/height/tilt adjustment for the driver's seat are all standard equipment.

Key performance features of the Integra include:

+ 140-hp, 1.8-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, 4-cylinder engine (LS and GS)
+ 170-hp, 1.8-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, VTEC 4-cylinder engine (GS-R)
+ 5-speed manual or an optional electronically controlled, 4-speed automatic transmission with the sophisticated Grade Logic Control System (LS and GS)
+ Close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission (GS-R)
+ Four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension
+ Four-wheel disc brakes
+ Variable power-assisted steering with rotary-valve steering gear

Key safety features of the Integra include:

+ Standard driver's and front passenger's air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) on all models
+ Standard Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
+ 3-point outboard seat belts
+ Projector beam headlights
+ Side-impact door-protection beams
+ Side-intrusion shoulder pads

6/27/2011

2011 Acura TSX High Performance Engine

2011 Acura TSX Review, Specs, Prices and Pictures

The 2011 Acura TSX has always been appreciated for, among other things, its rigid platform and precise road handling. While the four-cylinder motor offers good performance, it is not lively and will leave many drivers wishing for more. That gets resolved this year with the 3.5-litre V6, developing 280 horsepower. Plus, the suspension has been reworked.

2011 Acura TSX

The new 2011 Acura TSX Access is easy, but you must be careful getting in over wide, dirt-collecting door sills. The passenger compartment features front seats that hold passengers firmly in place, thanks to prominent lateral supports. The driving position is very good. Legroom is adequate but the sunroof limits headroom for tall people. Rear entry and exit are difficult because of the narrow door openings. The bench seat is comfortable for two adults only; the middle section is not very accommodating because of the floor tunnel and the shape of the seat. Legroom is adequate but headroom for tall people is very tight. The seatback folds in a 60/40 split but the opening to the trunk is a bit narrow. The seatback folds higher than the trunk floor with a slight forward incline. The average-size trunk is poorly served by a rather narrow opening that limits the size of items that can be stowed inside. The lid opens fairly high. You sometimes have to pull several times on the releases to fold the seatback because they don’t flip the seatback sections forward.

2011 Acura TSX

The cabin is very well finished in quality materials. Soundproofing is good, a rarity in a Honda product. There is an abundance of very good storage spaces. Instrument displays and controls are well laid out and all are illuminated at night. The 2011 Acura TSX new analog gauge cluster has LED backlighting. Also noteworthy is a voiceactivated navigation system that recognizes 100,000 words and 1.7 million city and street names. The 2011 Acura TSX has as many controls as the Honda Accord but with a better layout. However, a good period of adaptation is still required. The heating system is notably efficient, providing lots of heat very quickly.

2011 Acura TSX

As the windshield is deeply recessed from the front roof pillars, especially at their base, snow can build up and prevent the wipers from reaching their full scope, which can force the wiper motor. The washer nozzles are under the edge of the hood and can easily be blocked by snow. Safety equipment includes six airbags (dual front, side and curtain), four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, stability control, five head restraints and good headlights. Visibility is very good in all directions except on a three-quarter-rear angle and rearward when backing up. In U.S. government tests, the 2011 TSX obtained five stars out of five for front-occupant protection in a frontal impact and for all-occupant protection in a side impact. It earned five stars for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2011 Acura TSX a Good rating, its highest, for driver protection in a frontal offset crash and for all-occupant protection in the side and rear impact tests.

2011 Acura TSX Dasboard


Engine and Transmission
The 3.5-litre V6 puts out 280 horsepower and 252 foot-pounds of torque, giving the 2011 TSX lively acceleration at all times. Not only does the V6 provide good acceleration and pickup, it also sounds great. This motor makes the Acura TSX a legitimate sport sedan. The five-speed automatic transmission is always very, very smooth. It is well geared, and relatively quick in manual mode. Sport mode delays shifting. The
transmission allows for starts in second gear.

Modifications to the suspension are in the firmness of shocks and springs. The suspension is firm and usually comfortable, but there can be a very firm bounce on some bumps. The suspension is a nice balance of firmness and flexibility, reminiscent of some European cars. On a winding road, the 2011 TSX has excellent road holding, tenaciously sticking to the pavement with stable and predictable traction. With the V6, the front-rear weight distribution is 62/38, while the four-cylinder with automatic transmission is 61/39. At the wheel, the car feels solid. The electric power steering is stable, precise and relatively quick. It is a bit heavy at lower speeds, where it also does not centre up after a tight turn. It transmits a bit of road sensation. The four-wheel disc brakes have been improved to handle the V6 and are powerful and do not fade after several emergency stops at highway speeds.

Our inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical centre showed that the 2011 Acura TSX rests on a sturdy platform that is well protected against corrosion. The overhead camshafts are chain driven. The V6 transforms the TSX into a true sport sedan, not just because of the powerful engine but also the adjustments to the suspension and structural strengthening. Now we can only wish that Honda would equip it with its excellent four-wheel-drive system – SH-AWD. Its main competitors would take notice. Furthermore a station
wagon will be available next fall.
 
PROS: powerful V6, comfortable front seating, road holding, smooth automatic transmission, careful construction, good standard equipment.
 
CONS: wide and dirt-collecting door sills, rear access, steering issues, narrow opening with seatback folded, washer nozzles under hood edge, windshield recessed from A-pillars.

2011 ACURA TSX
Engine: 16-valve, 2.4-litre 4-cylinder; 24-valve, 3.5-litre V6
Horsepower: 201 hp at 7,000 rpm; 280 hp at 6,200 rpm
Torque: 172 lb-ft from 4,300 to 4,400 rpm (Automatic transmission: 170 lb-ft from 4,300 to 4,500 rpm); 252lb-ft at 5,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual; 5-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent
Brakes: disc/disc
Wheelbase: 270.5 cm
Length: 472.6 cm
Width: 184 cm
Height: 144 cm
Weight: 1,542 to 1,587 kg
Tires: P225/50R17; P235/45R18
Maximum towing capacity: 450 kg
Airbags: dual front, plus two side and two curtain airbags

Fuel consumption with V6:
Natural Resources Canada rating:
City: 11.3 L/100 km (25 mpg) Highway: 7.4 L/100 km (38 mpg)
Test result: 10.9 L/100 km (26 mpg) Test temperature: - 22°C to - 5°C
CO2 emissions: 4,370 kg/20,000 km
Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres
Fuel requirement: premium grade gasoline
Acceleration (V6)
0–100 km/h: 6.8 seconds 60–100 km/h: 3.7 seconds

2011 Acura TSX Prices MSRP $29,610 - $38,250
2011 Acura TSX 5-Spd AT                                                  $29,610
2011 Acura TSX 6-Spd MT                                                 $29,610
2011 Acura TSX 5-Spd AT w/ Technology Package           $32,710
2011 Acura TSX 6-Spd MT w/ Technology Package
         $32,710
2011 Acura TSX V6 5-Spd AT                                              $35,150
2011 Acura TSX V6 5-Spd AT w/ Technology Package      $38,250

2011 Acura TL Luxury Concept and Performance

The 2011 Acura TL, a midsize luxury sedan that's difficult to fault. It has compelling performance, perfect crash scores, a spacious interior, solid build quality and plenty of the latest technologies. Even so, since being completely redesigned two years ago, the once top-selling TL has taken a steep nose dive in sales compared to similarly priced luxury cars. You would think that a car renowned for its reliability and strong value would do relatively well in tough economic times, yet the current TL has floundered.With athletic and emotional styling, powerful engine performance and a Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) model, the fourth-generation 2011 Acura TL is nothing less than the most exciting performance luxury sedan in Acura history. After a complete from-the-wheels-up redesign for 2009, Acura aimed to enhance every aspect of the original model. Featuring a stiff unit-body construction with expansive use of high-strength steel (as well as key aluminum components), unique and dramatic exterior styling, a choice of two powerful VTEC V-6 powertrains (280-hp 3.5L and 305-hp 3.7L), Electric Power Steering (EPS), and a luxurious and technologically advanced interior, the TL sets the benchmark for the future direction of the Acura division.

2011 Acura TL

The 2011 TL is available in numerous configurations including a choice between front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive. In addition, the TL SH-AWD is available with either a Sequential Sportshift 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. However, the TL 6MT goes well beyond the addition of a unique transmission. Acura engineers developed a complete performance package for the 6-speed model that includes numerous enhancements to handling, steering and reliability. Not only is the manual transmission model the best performing Acura TL ever, but it is the top performer in handling amongst every vehicle in its class.
2011 Acura TL

The 2011 Acura TL is a powerful and precise performance luxury sedan that is as confident and composed on a mountain road as it is in the city center. Replacing the previous generation TL’s Type-S model is the TL SH-AWD model that is built exclusively for the enthusiast driver. Featuring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, special suspension and steering tuning, the most powerful engine from Acura ever and performance minded close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox, the 2011Acura TL offers plenty of appeal for both commuters and performance enthusiasts. Unlike some sedan competitors that add all-wheel-drive to their vehicle to primarily help in winter conditions, the TL’s available SH-AWD was specially designed to dramatically enhance sporty handling in addition to further enhancing the vehicle’s winter-driving capability. This means that the TL SH-AWD is inspiring to drive year-round.

2011 Acura TL

The 2011 Acura TL SH-AWD makes advances in both on-road performance and driving exhilaration as it significantly surpasses the previous track-tuned TL Type-S in all measurable levels of handling performance. Moreover, not only is the TL SH-AWD more exhilarating when pushed on challenging roads, but in day-to-day use it delivers a more rewarding and exhilarating level of driving excitement. Without a doubt, the application of SH-AWD with the TL sedan Acura’s best selling sedan marks a new milestone for performance, drivetrain sophistication and safety.

2011 Acura TL

The 2011 Acura TL has the visual presence to back up its performance, with exterior luxury cues like genuine stainless-steel trim, LED taillights and dynamic surface lines immediately capturing the viewer’s attention. Inside, TL occupants are treated to an engaging interior which includes advanced LED lighting throughout the cabin, thickly bolstered leather seating and flowing metallic or wood patterned accents. Regarding interior size, the fourth generation TL is the most spacious version ever.

As expected from Acura, the TL’s range of standard safety features is exemplary and includes six airbags, active front seat head restraints, and the advantages of Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body design.

In addition, a Technology Package is available on both models. Featuring items such as Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with radar image mapping, the Acura/ELS Surround premium audio system, Bluetooth Audio and the Keyless Access System (with Smart Entry and pushbutton ignition), the Technology Package offers a comprehensive electronic array of features. The 2011 Acura TL is a midsize luxury sedan available in TL and TL SH-AWD trim levels. The standard TL comes with 17-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlamps, foglamps, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated eight-way power front seats (with driver lumbar adjustment and memory functions), leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface. The TL SH-AWD adds a more powerful engine, all-wheel drive, more aggressive suspension and steering tuning, upgraded brakes, 18-inch wheels, deep-bolstered front seats and contrasting leather stitching.