Monday, July 30, 2012

Hey fans, here is a Monday Maintenance Tip for you!

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Tighten Your Gas Cap

Is the Check Engine light on? Then make sure the gas cap is on tightly before calling the dealer. No joke, this is one of the most common ways of setting off your car's diagnostic system, since a loose gas cap defeats the fuel system's venting arrangement.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Acura RDX a solid luxury crossover with great ride

Acura

The 2013 Acura RDX is more spacious, more luxurious feeling and a better all-round performer than its predecessor, which was no slouch.

The interior is roomy, comfortable and quiet. Its power hatch welcomed a big load of luggage. Everything looks and feels right for a small to mid-size crossover.

At its base is solid performance that any luxury crossover owner would want.

The 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 delivers a healthy 273 horsepower, up from 240 with the previous turbocharged four-cylinder. But the turbo delivered it with more low-end oomph. This larger engine is silky smooth harnessed to Acura's six-speed automatic that features SportShift, including paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. I doubt most drivers will use that feature often, but it's a perk if you prefer more performance.

Despite weighing just 3,838 pounds, the RDX feels heavy, some might call it substantial. That adds to its luxury feel, but the steering effort is a tad heavier than some folks might expect in this size of a crossover.

The RDX handles well with fairly quick steering. It's easy to control on the highway and on winding back roads. There is slight body lean in tight turns, but nothing unusual for this type of vehicle.

The ride was stellar. I had up to five adults in the RDX much of the weekend and most commented on its comfortable, quiet interior. The ride, which is well-controlled with a multi-link suspension in back and MacPhearson struts up front and a 105.7-inch wheelbase, tends more toward luxury than sport.

Also standard on this model is all-wheel-drive and four-wheel discs brakes with ABS. Traction control and stability control make it a good vehicle for sloppy weather.

Gas mileage was a disappointment. I got just 17.6 mpg while the EPA says to expect 19 mpg city and 27 highway, up from the previous turbo's 24 mpg highway. Premium fuel is preferred but not required. My test was close to 80% city, much of it stop-and-go, and I did have either luggage or five people aboard 90% of the time.

Inside, the dark gray metallic RDX was nearly recording-studio quiet. The 2013 model features a better-looking and easier to understand dash, and a load more soft touch surfaces, from the dash to the doors. Leather padding inserts in the doors felt and looked great, and the brown over tan interior leaned heavily toward sitting room comfort.

The RDX's seats are broad and just mildly contoured with the tan leather being soft and smooth to the touch. Head and legroom front and rear are generous, so five adults rode in comfort. The second-row seats fold down to create a flat large cargo area.

I like Acura's dash layout, with the two main gauges directly in front of the driver and behind the power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel. Gauges are black with white numbers, nothing fancy, but easy to read.

The RDX also has push-button start, two memory settings for the power driver's seat, two-speed heated front seats, a big glove box and storage bin between the seats, and overhead there are visors that slide, HomeLink, plus a sunroof with shade.

A big navigation screen is easy to see atop the center stack, and actually was easy to adjust via a large soft-touch knob mid-dash. There are six radio channel buttons, dual climate controls and eight large climate-control buttons to direct the air where you want it and at what velocity, if automatic isn't handling it for you.

On the steering wheel's hub are radio, cruise control, phone and trip computer buttons, again all easy to see and figure out

Other tech features include a multi-view rear camera, a 360-watt stereo with 10 speakers and the AcuraLink communications system with Real Time Traffic info, which is invaluable in larger cities. Also included in the package were the power hatch, fog lights, HD lights and auto climate control.

The RDX is competitively priced at $39,420. Add $895 delivery and you're looking at $40,315. There were no options. An entry-level model with a six-speed automatic starts at $34,320 and moving up to an AWD model pushes that to $35,720.

Overall, the RDX is one of the nicest crossovers I've driven in a while, with excellent ride and interior comfort.

Courtesy of JSOnline.com

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Acura could build non-hybrid NSX

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The NSX Concept unveiled by Acura at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show is powered by a VTEC 3.5-liter V6 with direct-injection combined with a built-in electric motor. The production version will be offered with exactly the same powertrain, but other versions may be coming out of the woodwork. In an interview with Autoguide, an individual involved in Honda’s motorsports efforts announced that Acura is also taking an NSX supercar under consideration and this version could be powered by a conventional gasoline engine. Before you get too excited, know that this model may only be built for racing competitions.

The same Acura insider announced that the company is aiming for a possible competition in North America, highlighting the Grand Am series as one option. However, if the company wants to race in this competition, they will have to come equipped with a gasoline engine because hybrids are not allowed to race in the series.

Acura PR manager Gary Robinson said: "we do intend to race the new NSX… it is much too early to discuss where or what the specifications might be." Robinson did, however, rather decisively shoot down the rumor, commenting that, "You can expect that any plans we make will be consistent with the concept and purpose of the car."

 

Courtesy of TopSpeed.com

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Acura’s 2012 MDX as refined as it is powerful

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The 2012 Acura MDX is a perfect example of how you can combine luxury and adventure without compromising either.

Looks

There is no mistaking an Acura. Be it a car, crossover or SUV, that distinctive front end always gives it away. The front air dam coming to a point, the large grille featuring the Acura logo and the sweeping lines set these front ends apart. In terms of the MDX, it’s got that front end, but also some other very nice styling touches. I particularly like how the available 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels fill the wheel wells.

In the Cab

When you first open the door of the Acura MDX Elite you immediately notice the refinements and how everything flows and fits together very well. The driver’s seat is an eight-way power adjustable with a two-way power lumbar support, and the passenger front seat is an eight-way power adjustable. The second row is a 60/40 split folding and the third row is a 50/50 split flat folding. With the third row folded flat there is plenty of room for cargo. The available Navigation system has voice recognition and a built in rear backup camera. The stereo is a 410 watt ELS surround sound system with DVD/AM/FM/XM/MP3/WMA tuner and 10 speakers including a subwoofer.

Safety first

There is an available Collision Mitigation Braking system (CBMS), standard equipment on the Elite, which is constantly monitoring the road for you. If it detects you are approaching another vehicle too quickly it will warn you with a flashing “brake” sign on the instrument panel, and if the accident is unavoidable it will tighten up the seatbelts and apply the brakes for you to reduce the severity of the impact. When I first saw it, I thought it was someone’s tail lights and immediately swerved to the side of the road.

Another safety feature is the blind spot information system. This can detect when a vehicle is in your blind spot and flashes an amber light on the inside of each side mirror warning you. Dual stage, dual threshold front airbags, front side airbags, three-row side curtain airbags with roll over sensor, engine immobilizer theft deterrent system are some of the many safety features in this vehicle. New for 2012 is the power folding, body coloured side mirrors with integrated turn signals.

Power

Power is delivered by a 300 horsepower 3.7-litre, VTEC engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The super handling all-wheel drive (SH-AWD) suspension gives you the best ride while maintaining just enough control to keep you safely on the road.

Pump frequency

-13.2/9.6 L/100 km (city/highway)

-Warranty support

-5 Year/100,000 km no small print warranty.

Roadworthy

As mentioned, my tester was the MDX Elite that comes fully loaded. The cabin is very quiet and there’s very little road noise even with the stereo off. The MDX handles very well and drove like a sports car.

Verdict

A powerful and very luxurious vehicle and a real treat to drive.

Courtesy of TheProvince.com

Monday, July 16, 2012

Happy Monday fans! Here is a money-saving maintenance tip for you!

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You can extend the life of wiper blades by keeping them clean. Wipe off the rubber edge with a paper towel moistened with glass cleaner, or water and a little dish soap. Wiper blades don't last longer than about six months, so make sure to get them replaced!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Acura ILX Could Go Racing in World Challenge, Grand Am Says PR Boss

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Yesterday Acura announced it would field a two car effort at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill race later this year using its new ILX sports sedan. Now Acura has revealed that racing plans for the ILX might not stop there.

Speaking to AutoGuide, Acura public relations manager Gary Robinson dished on the brand’s musings for a future motorsports program. “We would like to see the ILX racing in a higher profile series,” he said. “Considering where Civic Si and TSX are today. It would make a great Grand Am or World Challenge Car.”

Robinson did, however, qualify his statement, noting that “nothing is decided yet…”.

Both Acura and parent-company Honda already have racing initiatives in place in both series. Though not an official factory-backed effort, Realtime Racing has been competing in the SCCA World Challenge series for years, and is currently racing a pair of TSX models. And with rumors that the TSX will be axed in the near future, the ILX could take its place.

Honda also announced earlier this year a major commitment to World Challenge and Grand Am, backing the Toronto-based Compass360 racing team as it competes in both series.

Courtesy of AutoGuide.com

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

6 common tire myths debunked

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Tires are arguably the most important component on your vehicle. They are, however, among the least understood features. Allow me to list and pop a few common misconceptions about tires.

1. The tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in my new car makes sure my tires are adequately inflated.

The truth: TPMS isn't required to issue a warning until pressure is 25 percent below the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. That's "well below the pressure required for safe driving," according to AAA and "barely adequate to carry the vehicle's maximum load," says the Rubber Manufacturers' Association. TPMS is intended as a last-minute warning before imminent tire failure, not as a monitor to make sure your tires are properly inflated.

Buy a quality tire gauge and set your tire pressure to at least the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation, which is found on the driver's door jamb. I'd rather you set your tires 3 or even 5 psi high rather than 1 low. Tire-pressure gauges can be inaccurate, and tires leak as much as 1 psi per month. Higher pressure improves hydroplaning resistance and, if you're like many folks, you may not bother to check your tires again for six months.

2. When replacing only two tires, the new ones go on the front.

The truth: Rear tires provide stability, and without stability, steering or braking on a wet or even damp surface might cause a spin. If you have new tires up front, they will easily disperse water while the half-worn rears will go surfing: The water will literally lift the worn rear tires off the road. If you're in a slight corner or on a crowned road, the car will spin out so fast you won't be able to say, "Oh, fudge!"

There is no "even if" to this one. Whether you own a front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive car, truck, or SUV, the tires with the most tread go on the rear.

3. A tire is in danger of bursting if pressure exceeds the "max press" number on the sidewall.

The truth: The "max press" number has nothing to do with a tire's burst pressure. The "max press" and "max load" numbers indicate the pressure at which the tire will carry the maximum amount of weight. A new, quality tire will not pop at an even multiple of the "max press." I'm sworn to secrecy about the exact burst pressure, but I wouldn't hesitate to double the "max press" of any new passenger-vehicle tire on a new wheel. But hitting a big pothole at super-high pressures may cause a failure.

4. The "max press" is where the tire offers its maximum cornering grip.

The truth: If you didn't read the previous point, do so now. Many law enforcement officers cling rigidly to the misconception that the "max press" is secret code for maximum at-the-limit traction. It's a coincidence that many low-bidder tires offer increased grip at 40 or more psi. But that's all it is: a coincidence. If I were going to race a stock ex-cop Ford Crown Victoria on street tires on a road-racing circuit, 45 psi front, 35 psi rear wouldn't be a bad place to start. (The tail would be, in Nascar lingo, too loose for safe street driving.)

5. Low-profile tires fitted on large-diameter wheels improve handling.

The truth: The short sidewalls of low-profile tires enhance the tires' response when the driver first turns the steering wheel. That gives the driver the (often false) feeling the tire has tons of grip. But after that initial movement, it's the tread compound—the stickiness of the rubber—that determines how well the tire grips the road. Also, the combination of a large-diameter wheel and low-profile tire is usually heavier than the original equipment. This means the suspension may not be able to keep the tire in touch with the pavement.

6. All tires with the same designation are exactly the same size.

The truth: Think all 225/35R19s (or whatever tire size) are exactly 225 millimeters wide and their sidewalls are exactly 35 percent as tall as the tire is wide? Not exactly. And unlike what's commonly believe, these designations are not about production tolerances.

All the tires of a specific part number or stock keeping unit (SKU) can be can be slightly wider or narrower than the nominal width and their profile can be slightly taller or shorter than the stated percentage. Why? A wider, taller tire puts more rubber on the ground, which is good for a performance tire. A shorter, narrower tire uses less material, thus reducing costs in a business where profit margins almost never break into double digits. So tiremakers might scrimp a bit here and there. It's a bit like how a 2 x 4 is not, in fact, 2 by 4.

Courtesy of Yahoo Autos

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Acura shares details on future lineup, confirms ZDX refresh for 2013

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Acura has just unveiled full details for the 2013 ZDX crossover, which underwent a mid-cycle refresh and also took the title as the fourth worst selling new vehicle in the US in 2011. Will the refresh be enough to sway some new buyers in?

Though Acura hasn’t officially released pictures yet (the 2012 model is pictured), they still supplied a press release for an overview of their future lineup as far as 2014.

In terms of the press release, Acura said that the 2013 ZDX will receive new technology, exterior styling changes, while packaging will be consolidated to offer “clients a greater value on a luxury scale.” Basically, the 2013 ZDX will also be getting more standard options.

The 2013 Acura ZDX is slated for an October release later this year. For full details on Acura’s other models, check out the press release after the jump.

2013 Acura “What’s New” Change Summary

2013 Acura ILX

The all-new Acura ILX went on sale May 22, 2012. Positioned at the gateway to the Acura brand, it serves as Acura’s all-new compact luxury sedan.

The ILX features three powertrain options:

The entry-level ILX 2.0L is powered by a 150-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift.

The ILX 2.4L is powered by a 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine paired with a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission.

Acura’s first-ever gasoline-electric hybrid, the ILX Hybrid, uses a 1.5-liter inline engine and an Integrated Motor Assist® electric motor paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Acura ILX 1.5L Hybrid has an EPA estimated* fuel economy rating of 39/38/38 mpg.

With a starting MSRP of $25,900, the Acura ILX offers remarkable value for the money with robust feature content and premium appeal. Standard features include a Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, Pandora® internet radio interface, SMS text message, power moonroof and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®.

2013 Acura TSX

The Acura TSX received a mid-cycle refresh in 2011, which included changes to exterior styling, significantly improved NVH, a wide array of new standard and optional features and an all-new variant: the TSX Sport Wagon.

In 2012, the TSX Special Edition was introduced with numerous upgrades to exterior styling, celebrating Acura’s fun-to-drive spirit and 25 year history as a luxury brand in America.

In 2012, the TSX line up continues to be one of Acura’s most popular sedans thanks to a great mix of styling, sporty performance, luxury appointments, good fuel efficiency and outstanding value on a luxury scale.

The 2013 TSX sedan and Sport Wagon will go on sale in fall 2012 and will have no changes to the lineup.

2013 Acura TL

In 2012 the Acura TL was significantly refined receiving fresh styling, improved performance and fuel economy and upgraded technology.

The Acura TL can be equipped with Acura’s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system (SH-AWD™) along with the option of a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission for driving enthusiasts.

The TL will go on sale in fall 2012 and will have no changes for 2013.

2013 Acura RDX

Completely redesigned for 2013, the new RDX went on sale April 20, 2012 and had an all-time record sales month in May 2012 (up 216.8% compared to May 2011).
The new Acura RDX is the right-sized crossover SUV with increased comfort, utility and power along with class-leading fuel-economy (EPA estimated* 20/28/23 for the RDX and 19/27/22 for the RDX AWD).

The Acura RDX features a new 3.5L V-6 with 33 more horsepower than the previous model (273 horsepower), a new six-speed automatic transmission and a new available all-wheel-drive system.

Standard features on the RDX include leather seating, heated power front seats, a power moonroof and a 360watt audio system. New technologies such as Pandora® internet radio interface, an SMS text messaging function, a Keyless Access System with pushbutton start, an Active Noise Control system and a rear view camera system with three unique viewing angles are also standard equipment.

Available on the Technology Package, the RDX receives new features including Acura’s latest generation navigation system, a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity (15g dedicated for music) and a power actuated rear tailgate.

The 2013 RDX has received the highest possible safety rating of TOP SAFETY PICK from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) earning a score of GOOD in all categories.

2013 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX received a mid-cycle refresh in 2010 which included a new engine and transmission, a revised chassis, more comfort, improved technology and a fresh new exterior look.

The MDX continues to be the best selling seven passenger luxury SUV.

The 2013 MDX will go on sale in fall 2012 and will have no changes for the model year.

2013 Acura ZDX

The Acura ZDX receives a mid-cycle refresh for the 2013 model year including exterior styling changes, new technology and will be sold in a single, valued-added package offering clients greater value on a luxury scale.

Although the ZDX remains a niche vehicle for the Acura brand, it continues to garner attention for its unique styling while transcending the traditional distinctions between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle.

The 2013 ZDX will go on sale in October 2012.

A “Sneak Peak” at What’s Coming in 2014

2014 Acura RLX

The all-new RLX will launch in early 2013 as Acura’s new flagship sedan delivering an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort.

The RLX will boast the interior space of a large luxury sedan with the footprint and agility of a midsize luxury sedan.

The all-wheel-drive RLX model will employ Acura’s highly advanced new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive). The performance hybrid system utilizes a front-mounted electric motor, located within the dual clutch transmission, and a unique dual electric motor drive unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system to instantly generate negative or positive torque to the rear wheels during cornering.

The RLX will be offered in a 310 horsepower, front-wheel-drive version, which will deliver superior handling performance through the application of a new Acura technology- Precision All Wheel Steer™.

The RLX equipped with Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® will deliver V-8 acceleration with four-cylinder fuel economy-producing 370 horsepower with an EPA estimated* fuel economy rating of 30/30/30 mpg

Courtesy of EGMCartech.com

Monday, July 2, 2012

2013 Acura ZDX Facelift Announced

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Acura has quietly announced plans to introduce a facelifted ZDX later this year.

Pictures were not released, but the company says the crossover will have revised styling and "new technology."

Acura also revealed the model will be sold in a single, all-inclusive package which offers "greater value on a luxury scale." This likely means sales have proved so minimal - reportedly just 1,564 units in the U.S. in 2011 - that it wasn't worth offering three different trim levels.

The 2013 ZDX will go on sale in October, so expect an official debut in the coming months.

Courtesy of WorldCarFans.com