Report: Honda to kill off Acura RL/Legend globally, discontinue gas Civic models in Japan

Word coming from Japan’s Nikkei business daily (as reported by Reuters) indicates that Honda has finally decided to discontinue the slow selling Acura RL and its Japanese market counterpart, the Honda Legend.

Ostensibly the flagship of Acura’s brand here in North America, the RL has been a slow-seller for quite some time, upstaged in part by the company’s less-expensive, higher-volume TL sedan. For some years now, the TL has offered more space, similar tech and even more power (in the Type S model), making the RL a particularly tough sell for dealers. Through the first half of this year, only 872 RLs have been sold in the United States.

Another production change reported by the Nikke that would only affect the Japanese market is the discontinuation of conventional gasoline versions of the Civic. If accurate, that would mean that from now until at least until the next-generation Civic arrives in the Fall of 2011, Honda will only sell the Civic hybrid in its home market.

In addition, the JDM Elysion minivan is also apparently set to get the axe.

Autoblog reached out to Honda for comment on the Nikkei story, and spokesman Chuck Schifsky would only say that the automaker does not comment on future product plans, noting that no official announcement has been made about the fate of the RL/Legend, the JDM Civic or the Elysion.

Officially Official: Acura releases Canada-only TL A-Spec

Every once in a while, automakers will design special trim levels and packages specifically tailored for our friends to the north. The latest, from Acura, is the A-Spec package available on the 2010 TL sedan, which includes add-ons like 19-inch wheels on special summer tires, an aero kit, dark chrome grille (which somehow manages to make the shield a bit easier on the eyes), rear accents and (of course) A-Spec badges. Underneath the extra glitz is Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system, and a choice of either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

We spoke with Honda’s American PR team, and while they assure us that there are no plans to bring the A-Spec to Yankee soil, prospective TL buyers in the States shouldn’t be too put off. Glancing through the TL’sU.S.-market configuration site, we see that American models can be optioned with all sorts of A-Spec-like accessories, including underbody spoilers, sport grilles and different wheels. It might not have the appropriate badging, but it’ll do the trick.

The TL A-Spec can be ordered from Canadian Acura dealers as you read this, retailing from $51,290 CAD. For the full details, hit the jump to read Acura’s press release.

Review: 2010 Acura ZDX is a space (challenged) oddity

But just for some context, let’s begin with the fact that despite a similar fastback, five-door body style, the ZDX is not related to the Honda Accord Crosstour. Honda’s jacked-up hatch is substantially larger than the ZDX and far more useful. Instead, it’s best to think of the ZDX as a rake-roofed version of the MDX – a high-riding four-door coupe (assuming you buy into the marketing spiel) akin to its closest competitor, the BMW X6. Both models share similar designs and purposes – although the ZDX maxes out in price and performance where the German starts off – and both possess some of the attributes of a two-door layout – compromises and all.

2010 Acura ZDX recalled for airbag issues

It’s only been on the market since December, but the 2010 Acura ZDX has already gotten its first official recall. According to AutoWeek, Acura believes that less than two percent of the 1,850 ZDXs built so far were assembled with a dashboard material that was incorrectly cut. The problem could cause the passenger-side front airbag to deploy improperly.

If you think you may have one of the affected vehicles, you are urged to take your minty-fresh ZDX to your local Acura dealer so the vehicle can be inspected. If there is indeed an issue, the entire dashboard will be replaced at no expense to the owner.

Owners should be getting notifications through the mail any day now. Alternatively, you can also call (800) 382-2238 for more information.

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

Here is Honda’s answer to the critics of the Accord CrossTour: the North American market version of Europe’s Honda Accord Tourer that will be sold here in the States as the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon.

“The TSX Sport Wagon represents a smart choice for those seeking a vehicle with utility,” said John Mendel, Acura’s executive vice president of sales. “It’s practical, fun to drive, luxurious and technically advanced, all while achieving an outstanding estimated highway fuel economy rating of 30 miles per gallon.”

Along with an increased rear cargo space over the saloon, the TSX Sport Wagon also features a removable side panel to accommodate wider items such as golf clubs and integrated under-floor bins for hidden storage.

Whereas the sedan variant of the TSX is offered with a choice of 201HP 2.4-liter inline-four or a 280HP 3.5-liter V6, the station wagon will be launched exclusively with the four-pot hooked up to a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

The 2011 TSX Sport Wagon join Acura’s lineup late this fall with pricing to be announced later in the year.

Mildly Facelifted 2010 Acura MDX Priced from $43,040 in the States

The refreshed 2010 Acura MDX SUV goes on sale at Acura’s U.S. dealerships today with prices starting at $42,230, plus a destination and handling (D&H) charge of $810 which comes to a total of $43,040. For 2010, the MDX receives some styling and equipment updates along with a new 6-speed automatic transmission and a tweaked 3.7-liter V6 that generates 300HP and 270 lb-ft of torque, returning an improved EPA estimated 16mpg city and 21mpg highway.

Visually, the 7-passenger SUV is distinguished by the new bumpers, revised taillights, polished stainless-steel exhaust finishers, redesigned alloy wheels and how can we forget, the adoption of Acura’s corporate chrome grille.

The list with the interior updates for the 2010 model year MDX include the expanded use of Milano Premium Leather, a new sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, new gauges, the availability of ventilated front seats and upgraded interior trim.

Acura notes that the base version of the 2010 MDX which is priced 3 percent higher than the 2009MY, receives a plethora of new standard content including a power rear tailgate, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated rear view camera screen, LED backlit instrumentation, a new hill start assist feature and premium floormats.

2010 Acura ZDX on Sale from December 15, Priced at $46,305

The all-new 2010 ZDX four-door-sports-coupe-slash-crossover (take your pick…) goes on sale at Acura dealerships across the U.S. on December 15 with a starting price of $45,495 plus, plus a destination and handling charge of $810. The ZDX will be offered exclusively with a 3.7-liter VTEC V6 that makes 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, while Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system is also standard.

According to Acura, the new ZDX achieves an EPA-rated fuel economy of 16mpg in the city and 23mpg on the highway.

The 2010 ZDX will be available in three trim packages: the base ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package and the ZDX with Advance Package.

Priced at $46,305, the base trim-level comes equipped with what Acura describes as ‘the world’s longest panoramic glass roof’ and hand-stitched leather dash, center console and door panels as standard.

In addition to the above features, the ZDX with Technology Package that is priced at $50,805 (including destination and handling fees) gets a Navigation System with Voice Recognition, a full VGA display screen, a multi-view rear camera, an upgraded Acura/ELS Surround 415-watt audio system with a built-in 15GB media storage system, a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system and Keyless Access System.

The ZDX with Advance Package ($56,045 including destination and handling fees) adds a blind spot information system (BSI), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), an Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) active damper system, heated and ventilated front seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather seating surfaces, premium brushed tricot headliner material and a sport steering wheel.

Acura Integra GSR Dressed Up Like a BMW with Lambo Doors, Mercedes Fenders and NSX Vents….

Eerie? Tacky? Disturbing? Take your pick. For the second time in a few months after our find of the Acura Integra with the Porsche fascia and Toyota Supra bodykit, we’ve stumbled upon yet another Integra mishmash on eBay. This custom-build gets headlights and taillights from the latest BMW 5-Series mixed with the Bavarian firm’s kidney grilles, Lamborghini-style doors and according to the seller, front fenders from a Mercedes and rear air inlets from the Acura NSX. If your taste buds can handle it, hit the break for more pictures along with the seller’s detailed description of the car.

Seller’s Description:

“1998 CUSTOM Acura Integra GSR. Modified with a BMW 5 series headlight an taillight conversion. The front end of the car Has the 5series headlights with a M3 Grill molded to the Mercedes fenders. The door handles an all the body moldings have been shaved for the smooth look. NSX vents have been molded in the rear quarters. The stock taillights were removed an the 5 series taillights were installed. Then the car was painted Ocean teal made by Exotic colurs!! Its riding on 18′ elite barbs an air ride suspension.

Powered by compressed Nitrogen an electric 3way valves an a ten switch box. For the Up, down, an side to side. The interior is a custom silver an black with chrome flake. The seats are rapped in white vinal with chrome flake. The center consil was fiberglassed for a PS2. It has a 7 in flip out TV in the dash an two TV’s in the headrest. Indiglo gages for better look at night. The stereo is 2 JL 12′s powered by a audioban amp. In a custom trunk enclosure wrapped in black cloth with a floating Nitrogen bottle in the center! T

he motor runs great. Only 64,000 miles.Gets great gas mileage an look good!! It’s a 5 speed manuel transmisstion. This car is show ready, an Can be a daily driver. I don’t drive it but maybe 20 times a year but It can be a daily driver. I have over 40 Grand Invested in it. I was asking 15k. but Lost my job an need to sell it. This car has won best of show at NOPI an other big named car shows. Its one of a kind an really need to see it to respect the quality of work!!! So Don’t drop abunch of money on a car that takes for ever to fix up!! Buy one that’s already done!!!”

Link: eBay , Via: Cardomain

Acura Adds Six-Speed Manual Gearbox to 2010 TL SH-AWD Lineup, Priced from $42,385

Nearly a year after making the announcement on the development of a new six-speed manual gearbox option for its 2010 Acura TL lineup, Honda has finally launched the vehicle onto the U.S. market. The new manual transmission is available exclusively on the range-topping SH-AWD model that pairs Acura’s all-wheel drive system with a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 305HP and 273 lb-ft of peak torque, instead of the entry-level, front-wheel drive model’s 280HP 3.5-liter V6.

“The new manual transmission equipped TL SH-AWD allows the enthusiast driver to take full advantage of the performance of Acura’s SH-AWD system,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, “Not only is the new 6-speed manual transmission model the best performing Acura TL ever, it is the top handling performer among every vehicle in its class.”

The newly developed close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox is said to be approximately 110 lbs lighter than the five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission.

And since the manual model is aimed at enthusiasts, Acura tweaked the TL SH-AWD’s chassis by upgrading the suspension and steering wheel system.

Along with the specially tuned coil spring and shock absorber rates for flatter cornering with reduced pitching motions under acceleration and braking -or so Acura claims, the front dampers on the manual model incorporate 5-percent more compression damping to improve turn-in feel and generate 14-percent less high speed compression damping better ride quality.

Other improvements for the manual model include the modified Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and EPS system as well as the firmer engine and transmission bushings.

While Acura has yet to disclose performance figures, the automaker did announce that the TL SH-AWD with the 6-speed manual gearbox returns an EPA estimated 18mpg city and 26mpg highway, which is 1mpg better in both cases than the automatic version.

The manual model keeps the same pricing as the five-speed automatic SH-AWD at $42,385 when combined with the Technology Package and at $43,385 with the Technology pack and high performance tires. Just so you know, the above prices do not include taxes, license or an $810 destination and handling charge.

2010 Acura ZDX Crossover Photo Galore

Following the initial announcement on the production version of the ZDX in late July, Acura has now released a comprehensive photo album of its new sporty crossover that is scheduled to hit U.S. showrooms before the end of the year. The Japanese automaker’s BMW X6-esque crossover will come with a 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the firm’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Hit the jump for our high-res image gallery or click here for more detailed information on the ZDX.

2010 Acura MDX Facelift gets Gaudy Grille and Revised Powertrain

Following in the footsteps of the smaller RDX, Acura’s largest SUV model, the MDX has received a mild facelift for the 2010 model year. Changes include a fresh exterior look that adopts the Japanese firm’s controversial front shield along with some minor engine tweaks, a new 6-speed automatic transmission, chassis refinements and improved look and feel of interior trim materials plus the addition of new technology features.

On the outside, the 7-seater MDX gains Acura’s new corporate grille, retrimmed front and rear bumpers, new exhaust tips, revised hood, new side sills and reworked taillights with brighter LEDs. The available 19-inch seven-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels complete the exterior upgrades.

Moving on to the interior, Acura says that the 2010 MDX benefits from higher quality trim materials, a thicker steering wheel grip, increased use of LED interior lighting and revised cockpit controls along with relocated front seat headrests for improved comfort and more detailed leather stitching. 

Furthermore, Acura has introduced several new technology features on the RDX such as the AcuraLink Real-Time Weather and Traffic Rerouting systems, a new full VGA 8-inch navigation screen, an upgraded rear view camera with three unique view choices and updated audio and rear entertainment systems.

Under the hood, the 2010 model year MDX receives an updated version of Acura’s 3.7-liter VTEC V6 engine linked to an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission. Among other changes, the V6 features cylinder heads with improved cooling, new intake valve springs, a new EGR system, unique long-reach spark plugs, a larger throttle body. The revised engine produces the same output as before at 300-horsepower and surprisingly, 5 lb-ft of torque less at 270 lb-ft.

However, in combination with the new transmission, the 2010 MDX returns an EPA estimated city/highway fuel mileage of 16/21 mpg which is an improvement of 1 mpg city and 1 mpg highway over the 2009 model.

Finally, Acura says that the MDX’s ride and handling have been enhanced thanks to the revised power steering system, stiffer rear trailing arm mounting and the body rigidity improvements.

The 2010 MDX is expected to go on sale in the U.S. sometime in September.