Acura: Three For Detroit, One For New York

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

December 12, 2011

Acura is bringing forth four vehicles to be shown at Detroit and New York auto shows in 2012.

For Detroit, Acura has confirmed a NSX concept will be shown. Not much about the concept is known, but it's expected to come with a V6 Hybrid powertrain, a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, and AWD system.

Also coming to Detroit is a new compact luxury sedan, named the ILX and will compete with BMW 1-Series, Lexus CT200h, and Mercedes A-Class. The ILX will be based on the Honda Civic and have the choice of a 2.0-liter inline four or an optional hybrid drivetrain.

The third vehicle is a new RDX that will drop the turbo-4 and introduce a V6 to up fuel economy.

And for New York will be the new RL. Acura officals say the new RL will provide cabin space of a BMW 7 Series sedan with the agility of a 5 Series. Two powertrains will be available; a new V6 and a V6 hybrid system with all-wheel drive.

The new RL signals a new strategy for Acura to help differentiate their sedan lineup; the TSX, the TL and the RL. Acura officials say the three sedans are "too close in size."

"We will ultimately have three sizes of sedan — entry luxury, mid luxury and high luxury," an Acura product planning executive told Inside Line.

Source: Autoblog, Left Lane News, Inside Line

Press Release is on Page 2

Acura announced today that it will unveil three all-new vehicles at the 2012 North American International Auto Show including an all-new compact sports sedan, a redesigned RDX crossover sport utility vehicle, and a concept version of the next generation Acura NSX super car.

The Acura ILX Concept is a styling study of an all-new luxury compact sedan scheduled for launch in spring 2012. To be positioned at the gateway to the Acura lineup, the ILX will feature three powertrains including Acura's first-ever gas-electric hybrid. Acura also will unveil a prototype of the 2013 RDX, the second generation of Acura's five-passenger SUV. Finally, Acura will debut the NSX Concept, which represents the styling direction for the next generation of Acura's super sports car.

"Acura has a steady cadence of exciting new models coming to market and it will all begin in Detroit," said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura sales and service. "From the all-new Acura ILX at the gateway of the lineup to the pinnacle of performance with the Acura NSX Concept, Acura vehicles are being created for luxury customers who aspire to the highest levels of quality and value, with beautiful styling and the right balance of technology, performance and environmental responsibility."

All three vehicles will be introduced at the North America International Auto Show on January 9, 2012. The press conference will be webcast live on www.acuranews.com.