Tag: Acura

  • Vilner Morphs Into Beauty and Harmony With Mother Nature

    2017 Vilner Acura MDXThere is something special in the bond between an artist and a client. It is a sort of art that can lead to beautiful results and stunning pictures. Having mastered this art, the magicians of Vilner proudly reveal their latest project: 2010 Acura MDX that is especially reshaped to please even the most demanding. In this case this is a lady from China that adores butterflies and fine art.

    In fact, her concept is rather challenging and as beautiful as a butterfly: she showed Viner team members a box with six butterflies and told them about the four life phases that any butterfly must go through. Her desire, though, was to add a new fifth phase that would be incorporated in the vehicle.

    2017 Vilner Acura MDX

    Confident and mindful as always, Vilner team accepts the challenge and immediately begins work on the project. In fact, this time they decided not to act alone: Mr. Chao, co-founder of Vilner China, considered to be one of the most honorable and respected artists in China, joined forces with the engineers. And the result is rather spectacular.

    SEE ALSO: Tesla Model X and a touch of Vilner magic. Pure eye candy

    The main accent are indeed the wings of the butterflies, incorporated in the dashboard and rear doors. Of course, the elegance and beauty are not achieved only with wings and here’s why Vilner team added fine finish, neat color schemes and meticulous attention towards details.

    2017 Vilner Acura MDX

    Such details can be seen on the steering wheel, door inserts, armrests and the seats themselves. And what has caught our eye is the fine combination between fine black-purple leather and blue-purple Alcanatara that altogether with the contrast stitching add an almost biological and “alive” presence in the cabin.

    2017 Vilner Acura MDX

    There is also one more super cool feature. The roof. It is created by incorporating fine optical pieces on Alcanatara leather. This is the second time some is doing such a thing. As you might remember, the first time the world saw such a beautiful technique was with a Rolls-Royce Phantom vehicle. This technique usually costs about 13,000 USD. And with the Acura the quality and precisions are exactly the same. So, we recommend you take a good look at this roof, because it is definitely worth it!

    2017 Vilner Acura MDX

    The exterior styling is also worth mentioning. Acura MDX “Morph” received some neat light blue accents that were created with exclusive technology. The result is matte finish and reminding one about butterflies’ wing dust. Cool, isn’t it?

    Source: Vilner Bulgaria

  • Acura TLX gets even better! A GT Performance Pack is already available for purchase!

    2017 Acura TLX GT Performance Acura’s super sporty TLX luxury sedan can be further upgraded and customized via the exclusive TLX GT Package. Available for 2016 and 2017 TLX models, the upgrade pack will be showcased at the 2016 SEMA Motor Show, November 1-4.

    Completely resembling brand’s sporty nature, the pack brings read decklid spoiler, front spoiler, side sill garnishes and rear underbody spoiler and all this is topped with exclusive, but still optional, 19-inch Diamond Cut wheels and tire kit. Sounds good, right?

    As it comes to the vehicle itself, it is a spacious five-passenger machine that blends the sporty features of a menacing beast with premium luxury refinement. Definitely a bold and super successful project, the TLX also features next-gen All-Wheel Steer, Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive and Agile Handling Assist. Sweet.

    SEE ALSO: Acura Precision Concept has received some special attention at the Concours d’Elegance

    In terms of drivetrain system, there are a total of three choices:

    A 2.4-liter 206hp (153kW) i-VTEC inline-4, paired to a 8-speed Dual Clutch gearbox with torque converter and P-AWS.

    The second choice is a bigger 3.5-liter 290hp (219kW) i-VTEC V6 that is paired to a 9-speed automatic Dual Clutch with torque converter and P-AWS.

    And the last choice is a TLX SH-AWD with next-gen SH-AWD, geared with a 3.5-liter 290hp V6 power unit, one more time paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox system.

    2017 Acura TLX GT Performance

    So far, so good. We would be pleased to let you know more about the project, so stick with us for further information!

    Source: Acura

  • Acura Precision Concept has received some special attention at the Concours d’Elegance

    2016 Acura Precision Concept Acura Precision Concept was chosen as one of the featured models on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, August 21. As we have told you, the vehicle is created at the Acura Design Studio in California as a dynamic and passionate expression of Acura’s ‘Precision Crafted Performance’ project.

    The Concept itself offers a supercar-like stance, high-performance-oriented drivetrain system and overall body shape, neat proportions and of course, this impeccable styling that only Acura designers can develop and deliver us.

    Furthermore, the athletic stance is enhanced by deep side surfaces and large and beautiful 22-inch wheels. In terms of styling, the vehicle strikes with signature lights: the front strikes with  Jewel Constellation LED headlights and the back hits with floating LED taillights.

    Of course, the worthy vehicle also proudly shows a neat interior design with cantilevered surfaces that meet sweet tones, modern details and all-time classic lines and curves. Instantly recognizable are the double-layered instrument panel, the high-contrast front seat surfaces, the thin floating rear seats and the modern lounge furniture.

    Long story short, this vehicle is far more valuable and beautiful than we all thought. So, we do congratulate the whole Acura team and we wish themthe very best of luck, love and success.

    Source: Acura 

  • Acura NSX GT3 Racecar is hot and sweaty on the racetrack

    Acura NSX GT3 Racecar front view

    Acura reveals first official images of NSX GT3 Racecar

    The first official images of the Acura NSX GT3 racecar have been revealed, showing the car sexy and sweaty on the racetrack. The twin-turbocharged NSX GT3 was shot with its exposed carbon fiber bodywork at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, MI. This happens at the time of continuous development at circuits throughout the United States. Acura is actually preparing to campaign the vehicle in North America in 2017 and at the same time it is slated for homologation as an FIA GT3 class racecar this fall.

    But we believe that this time the task Acura has undertaken is way easier, since the racer is built over the very solid basis of the production NSX. As they both share many similarities, the most major one is the 3.5-liter, 75-degree, twin turbocharged DOHC V-6 engine. In both cars are used the same design specifications, including the block, heads, valvetrain, crankshaft, pistons and dry sump lubrication system. However, the GT3 comes equipped with 6-speed, sequential-shift racing gearbox, delivering power to the rear wheels.

    SEE ALSO: Nasty Acura NSX EV Concept is about to conquer Pikes Peak with winner Tetsuya Yamano behind the wheel

    To go further into details, the Acura NSX GT3 racecar has been given custom bodywork and aero components, namely large deck wing spoiler and underbody diffuser. We spot enlarged hood vents, which serve to cool down the (probably) uprated engine.

    Acura NSX GT3 Racecar side view

    By the way, the NSX GT3 has abundant legacy of Acura sports car racing campaigns and championships. These include the 1991, 1992 and 1993 IMSA Camel Lights as well as the 2009 American LeMans championships. Acura is currently campaigning a couple of TLX GT cars with Real Time Racing in the Pirelli World Challenge.

    The first development stages of the NSX GT3 racecar were conducted on race circuits in Europe and Japan. Besides the additional development testing, the racer is under final homologation to FIA GT3 global racing specifications. Acura NSX GT3 will be produced by company’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, which is also responsible for the birth of the production NSX. More details to follow soon.

    Source: Acura 

  • 2017 Acura MDX: a good vehicle for a good price

    2017 Acura NSX2017 Acura MDX, considered as one of the most successful three-row SUVs, goes on sale! So, what should you know about this one? Let’s check it out!

    Acura tries to raise the standards with some exterior changes, larger wheels and expanded choice of standard and optional features. Talking about additions, the MDX will also offer the AcuraWatch site with advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. Sweet!

    Exterior styling

    Coming with influences from the Acura Precision Concept, the 2017 MDX proudly shows similar Diamond Pentagon grille, somehow larger front face with wider fenders and redesigned Jewel Eye headlights. The rear looks detailed and expressive, but it is still not that beautiful or “premium”, or similar.  Apparently, the style concept is based on “exclusive and athletic appearance”, but we still wonder where the exclusivity is?

    Standard equipment

    We should say that the 2017 MDX comes with tons of standard features. Of course, some of them are useless, but let us not be that grumpy, right? Buyers will be granted with Electric Parking Brake, Automatic Brake Hold, Auto High Beam headlights, SiriusXM Radio 2.0, four 2.5-amp USB charging ports and a capless fuel filter.

    There is also an optional pack that brings LED foglights, Olive Ash Burl or Black Limba wood interior trim, heated steering wheel and Surround-View Camera with six selectable view angles. Also as optional features come the two second-row captain’s chairs and a central console with additional USB ports. An ultra-widescreen Rear Entertainment System is also available on models with the Advance ENT Package.

    SEE ALSO: Nasty Acura NSX EV Concept is about to conquer Pikes Peak with winner Tetsuya Yamano behind the wheel

    Safety features

    You will deal with tons of safety features. At least their number is high. We are silently hope for their quality and functionality. There is the Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning System, Forward Collision Warning System, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Low-Speed Follow and Road Departure Mitigation.

    Drivetrain system and performance

    2017 MDX has some sweet power output: 290 horsepower and 267lb-ft of torque via a 3.5-liter direct-injected i-VTEC 24-valve V6 power unit does not sound bad, right? And along with the power, MDX offers some good efficiency and adopts the aid of an advanced Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive system.

    So, at the end we have a not-bad SUV with not bad specs. And with a starting price of $43,950 USD, the new MDX caught our eye!

    So, what do you think? Write down in the comment section below!

    Source: Honda 

  • Nasty Acura NSX EV Concept is about to conquer Pikes Peak with winner Tetsuya Yamano behind the wheel

    Acura NSX EV Concept side view The supercar is driven by world’s first all-electric four-motor SH-AWD drivetrain

    Tetsuya Yamano will again be featured in Acura’s team for Pikes Peak, but this year he will be sitting behind the steering wheel of an NSX EV Concept (he is currently making extensive tests). He is going to be competing in the Electric Modified Class, raising the bars high. Last year he was first in the Challenge Exhibition class with a time of 10:23.829 in an all-electric Honda CR-Z prototype. The Japanese brand is also running two NSX hybrids in the hill challenge.

    But what’s the difference between the CR-Z and the NSX EV? Well, both are driven by the same powertrain, which won last year’s Pikes Peak Challenge Exhibition class. However, Acura’s EV Concept features a further evolution of the experimental all-electric unit. In other words, the supercar will be driven by world’s first 4-motor Super Handling All-Wheel Drive drivetrain, or how Acura named it – the SH-AWD.

    SEE ALSO: Honda reveals details about “the new NSX” [w/video]

    In short, the benefit is that the electric SH-AWD powertrain enables four-wheel independent torque allocation, thus producing three times the total system output of last year’s electric prototype. All of this is put inside NSX’ body to look more dramatic and menacing. And it is most certainly the best looking EV we have seen for a while. Unfortunately, only in a concept variant.

    Acura NSX EV Concept rear view

    “So, what’s the deal with the SH-AWD hype,” you might ask.The secret hides in the application of separate Twin Motor Units (TMUs) on each axle. This is how Acura actually achieved independent torque distribution to all four corners. In addition, the new technology uses highly responsive acceleration characteristics. Combined with the regeneration capability of electric motors, this further advances the torque vectoring systems that are currently applied to NSX. The experience and knowledge gained will be utilized in Acura’s RLX and the upcoming MDX.

    Acura NSX EV Concept with its high-output electric motors and 4-motor torque vectoring will compete in the 156 complex corners up Pikes Peak on June 26th.

    Source: Acura 

  • Acura showcases two new NSX models: what should we know for brand’s future plans?

    2017 Acura NSX Acura will showcase two NSX supercars at the special 100th Anniversary of the Broadmoor Piles Peak International Hill Climb on June 26. This will mark brand’s North American race debut with the all-new 2017 NSX machines.

    Both vehicles will compete in the Time Attack 1 and 2  classes and will be piloted by brothers James and Nick Robinson, both from brand’s North American Engineering team. Also, Acura will showcase a special NSX-inspired prototype in the Electric Modified Class that will demonstrate brand’s future plans for all-electric, 4-motor Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system.

    2017 Acura NSX

    A dedicated team of North American R&D engineers have been working on both NSX vehicles that now feature the same three-motor Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive unit. What is special about this system is not just the long name, but also the featured V6 engine, paired to a 9-speed dual clutch gearbox and Rear Direct Drive Motor.

    SEE ALSO: Why the first production 2017 Acura NSX is a big moment for the brand and for everyone living in Ohio [w/videos]

    Also, the supercar-inspired 4-motor EV Concept will be personally driven by Tetsuya Yamato, who campaigned last year’s CR-Z electric prototype. The Electric Vehicle Concept combines an all-wheel-drive system, Electric SH-AWD powertrain with world’s first technology for four-wheel independent torque allocation. This whole system is a sort of revolutionized CR-Z prototype engine system that produces three times the total output of last year’s electric prototype. Sweet.

    2017 Acura NSX

    Also, as Official Pace Car sponsor, Acura will feature three pace vehicles: the NSX, the seven-passenger MDX performance-luxury SUV and the TLX sports sedan and the TLX sports sedan. President Polyphony Digital and Producer of the Gran Turismo series Kazunori Yamauchi and Pikes Peak legends Randy Schranz and Leonard Vahsholtz will lead the field of 100 entrants to the top of the 14,115-foot Colorado peak.

    Source: Acura 

  • Why the first production 2017 Acura NSX is a big moment for the brand and for everyone living in Ohio [w/videos]

    2017 Acura NSX  front view2017 Acura NSX is finally here! The first serial production 2017 Acura NSX rolled-off the line of the new Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio. In fact, this is a big moment for the Japanese brand, because it is a culmination of more than 30 years of manufacturing experience. Based on the work of many expert technicians and with the involvement of their passion, this car has achieved major innovations in its design and manufacturing, thus delivering incredible precision crafted performance.

    The happiest person on Earth now is the first customer, Rick Hendrick, who had taken the delivery of the VIN 001. For the modest amount of $1.2 million USD he won the bid at the Barrett-Jackson auction in January. The proceeds are going to two children’s charities: Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Southern Ground.

    SEE ALSO: Acura Reveals the NSX GT3 Racer in New York 

    Hendrick’s Acura NSX is painted in Valencia Red Pearl and features VIN 001 interwoven wheels, carbon ceramic brake rotors, leather and Alcantara interior trim and carbon fiber upgrades including the engine cover, roof, and rear decklid spoiler.

    2017 NSX is actually the only supercar designed, developed and manufactured in the U.S., and specifically in Ohio. It is produced exclusively at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) there. This center was designed to blend human craftsmanship and advanced technologies in order to achieve and deliver superior quality and precision crafted performance.

    In addition, at the PMC have been developed 12 patent-pending technologies and other advanced methods of producing a made-to-order supercar. At the plant there have been also made innovations to the NSX construction, painting, assembly and quality.

    In another location (Anna, Ohio) is positioned Acura’s largest engine plant. There master builders hand-assemble the NSX’s 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. The unit is connected to an advanced 9-speed dual clutch transmission and rear direct drive electric motor. At last, the powerplant is installed at the PMC, as it is the front-mounted Twin Motor Unit, which enables electrically powered torque vectoring.

    https://youtu.be/C0NbMNtmhqM

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Acura 

  • Acura team reveals a second-gen of automated vehicle. Details here!

    2016 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid Acura has finally revealed its second-gen automated development vehicle in California, the modified version of RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD luxury sedan. This RLX has been geared with fresh suite of radar, Lidar, camera and GPS sensors, better-performing CPUs and GPUs, improved cabling, heat management and circuitry. And all this topped with new and more flexible and intelligent software algorithms, How cool is that?

    This special vehicle is designed to achieve high reliability and flexibility by fusing ovelapping information from various sensors at the same time. Furthermore, this idea, known as sensor fusion, allows engineers to validate information from each signal with higher degree of accuracy than can be obtained from only one or from each one independently. In other words, the vehicle’s radar sensors are adept at detecting relative positions and velocity of off-board objects with impressive accuracy, while the camera system is best suited to detect objects in any size and shape. As you might already know, similar system is already applied to various Acura sedans and SUVs: yeas, you guessed it, I am talking about the AcuraWatch.

    SEE ALSO: 2017 Acura ILX Goes on Sale Today Priced at $27,990 USD

    Furthermore, the vehicle will be tested by Honda Research Institute USA at GoMentum Station, in the San Francisco Bay Area. The station contains 20 miles of paved and city-like roadway grids, buildings and some more urban infrastructure imitations.

    The test program is scheduled to continue until 2020.

    Source: Acura 

  • 2017 Acura ILX Goes on Sale Today Priced at $27,990 USD

    2017 Acura ILX Front View2017 Acura ILX goes on sale today with a seductive starting price. It keeps the popular enhancements from the last model year and adds significant updates for the MY2016 in terms of power, exterior and interior styling, technology, luxury treatment and safety features. Not to mention the three new exterior color paint schemes. Priced as low as $27,990 USD, this is the most affordable sport sedan in Japanese company’s range.

    For the new model year, the ILX carries over the updates made to the exterior styling. This includes Acura’s Jewel Eye LED headlights and the signature technologies like the optional AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies.

    SEE ALSO: Acura Reveals the NSX GT3 Racer in New York

    In terms of power, the car is driven by the 2.4-liter direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC engine rated at 201 horsepower. The unit is connected to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission featuring paddle-controlled Sequential Sport Shift.

    2017 Acura ILX Interior

    As mentioned, there are three new exterior paint schemes, namely: Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and San Marino Red. The customers can also choose the already familiar Bellanova White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl and Catalina Blue Pearl.

    2017 Acura ILX is available in three grades: ILX, ILX with Premium Package, and the top of the range ILX Tech Plus Package. There is also an A-SPEC Package with Premium and Tech Plus grades, which further highlights the ILX’s premium and performance character of the car. It adds sporty side sill garnishes, trunk spoiler, front fog lights, 18-inch, 10-spoke machined alloys, and stylish interior enhancements.

    Here are the detailed price list and economy ratings for each grade:

    2017 ILX Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings:
    Model MSRP EPA MPG Ratings
    (city/highway/combined)
    • ILX
    $27,990 25/35/29
    • ILX with AcuraWatch™ Plus Package
    $29,290 25/35/29
    • ILX with Premium Package
    $29,990 25/35/29
    • ILX with Premium & A-SPEC Package
    $31,980 25/35/29
    • ILX with Tech Plus Package
    $32,990 25/35/29
    • ILX with Tech Plus & A-SPEC Package
    $34,980 25/35/29

    Source: Acura 

  • Acura Proudly Presents 2017 RDX Beast

    2017 Acura RDX2017 Acura RDX finally goes on sale and offers wonderful features and improvements. Significantly better than the predecessor, the new RDX offer more powerful and efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 power unit, some handling fine-tunes and tons of utility gadgets as Acura’s signature Jewel Eye LED Projectors, two additional exterior colors, the Lunar Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic, and new Ebony interior finish.

    2017 Acura RDX

    In fact, the interior now offers premium black trim, along with luxurious components as heated front seats, second-row conditioning vents, power tailgate and Multi-View Rearview Camera. Also, the RDX can be geared with a Technology pack for further expansion of the gadget list. These include high-contrast silver and black trim, 8-way power-operated front passenger seat, Acura’s dual screen On-Demand Multi-Information Display, HD Radio, Blind Spot Information and more.

    SEE ALSO: Next Gen 2017 Acura MDX to Stun Visitors at the New York Auto Show

    Furthermore, all 2017 RDX models can be geared with AcuraWatch suite that includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning. And the best of all is that the 2017 RDX, geared with AcuraWatch suite gets a sweet 4.2-inch full-color TFT Multi-Information Display with customizable information for fuel economy, fuel range, tire pressure and more.

    2017 Acura RDX

    Prices for the new 2017 Acura RDX start from $37,350 USD.

    Source: Acura

  • Next Gen 2017 Acura MDX to Stun Visitors at the New York Auto Show

    2017 Acura MDX TeaserAcura MDX is America’s best-selling three-row luxury SUV. Now it is going to be released in its MY2017 variant thus receiving substantial design changes, wide range of features and new drivetrain technology. Besides the teaser that has just been unveiled, the company also stated that the SUV will be making an international debut at the New York Auto Show on March 23. So we are eager to see the redesigned and reengineered MDX.

    Scarce information has been disclosed so far, but we know that the model will feature substantial design enhancements, improvements in terms of luxury comfort and convenience features, as well as advanced powertrain technology that is absolutely new. By the way when speaking about drivetrains we must also mention that the new one featured in the MDX will be in concert with the Acura brand’s focus on Precision Crafted Performance.

    SEE ALSO: Acura Reminds Everyone Why NSX and Precision Concept Are so Awesome 

    John Mendel, the executive vice president of American Honda, also confirmed that the company is currently sharpening the focus on the Precision Crafted Performance DNA. This is the reason why 2017 MDX will integrate all styling enhancements and innovative powertrain technology. The goal is to bring Acura closer to the next step in that direction.

    An interesting fact is that the MDX is actually the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time and Acura’s best-selling SUV. It has been sold in more than 50,000 units in each of the past three years. Just like it is now, 2017 Acura MDX will continue to be designed by the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, California and to be produced at the company’s Lincoln auto plant, but the East Liberty, Ohio auto plant will also aid the process. The car is slated for production in early 2017.

    More information to be revealed near official debut.

    Source: Acura