Honda Allegedly Cutting More Future Sport and Luxury Models, Including S2000 and RWD Acuras

British car magazine Autocar is reporting that Honda’s new restructuring plan will lead to the death of more models than initially thought as the company strides to cope with slowing demand worldwide. Aside from the NSX, the Brits support that Honda has also canned the development of a range of rear-wheel drive models for the Acura range; a new V8 engine that would equip Honda’s and Acura’s top-of-the-line models; the convertible version of the CR-Z hybrid coupe that was previewed in concept form at last year’s London Show and finally, the successor to the 10-year old Honda S2000 sports car.

It is also said in the article that Honda might also replace the North American / Australian and European / Japanese market Accords with a single model to cut down on development costs. However, that doesn’t make any sense at all as Honda sells the European / Japanese-spec Accord in the States as the Acura TSX. So unless the Japanese automaker decides to drop the TSX from Acura’s range, we doubt that this will happen.

Via: Autocar

Acura 2+1 Coupe Concept Study: Design Proposal for an Affordable NSX

Honda Officially Cancels Development of V10-Powered NSX Successor

To the bitter disappointment of sports car fans, the latest victim of the global economic recession is the next-generation Honda / Acura NSX supercar which has been canned. The announcement was made today by Honda CEO Takeo Fukui at his end-of-year speech. “The development of the NSX successor model equipped with V10 engine will be cancelled,” said Takeo Fukui. The much anticipated NSX supercar that was previewed in concept form through the Acura Advance Sports Car Concept at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show was nearing its final stages of development. If it were to have been produced, the V10 supercar would have been the Japanese firm’s most powerful production model ever according to company sources.

Aside from the cancellation of the NSX successor, the financial crisis that has hit the automobile industry has also forced Honda to withdraw from all Formula One activities, making 2008 the last season of participation for the Japanese company.

Though not as near as significant, Takeo Fukui revealed that Honda has also abandoned its prior plan to introduce the Acura brand in the Japanese market around 2010. On the bright side, Fukui confirmed once again that Honda’s all-new sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z will go on sale by the end of 2010.

New Acura TL Gets 6-Speed Manual Gearbox in 2009

It looks like Acura’s trying to reach out to those that actually enjoy driving a car. Starting from next fall, the Japanese automaker will offer a new 6-speed manual gearbox on the 2010 TL SH-AWD model. Aside from the fact that it’s the first time that Acura has ever paired its all-wheel-drive system with a stick-shift, the new close-ratio 6-speed manual is approximately 110 lbs lighter than the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission currently offered in the top-spec TL. -Continued

Furthermore, the 2010 TL SH-AWD 6MT models also benefit from suspension upgrades that include special coil spring and shock absorber rates tuned for flatter cornering with reduced pitching motions under acceleration and braking. The manual models also employ firmer engine and transmission bushings along with a sportier tuning for the steering wheel system.

According to Acura, the addition of a manual transmission, an all-new clutch system and suspension changes yield an 88 lb. reduction in overall vehicle weight and at the same time, improves weight distribution by 1-percent compared to the automatic model generating a 58/42 ratio versus the 5AT’s 59/41 ratio.

Honda Legend: Euro market Acura RL says no to front-shield

Ever wonder how the North American market 2009 RL (see here) would look like without that gaudy ‘armor shield’ that Acura likes to call a front grille? Then check out the European market Honda Legend facelift that was unveiled at the Moscow International Auto Show. The new grille fits nicely to the revised front-end giving the luxury sedan a more classy appearance. Other than that, the Legend is nothing more than a rebadged 2009 Acura RL. On the outside, the most noticeable changes of the facelifted version are the new lights, bonnet, front wings, boot lid, bumpers and the adoption of standard 18″ wheels. -Continued

Mechanical changes include the new 3.7-liter V6 VTEC engine that replaces the previous 3.5-liter V6 unit and is coupled to an all-new 5-speed gearbox with revised steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters and new gearbox software. According to Honda, the new Legend can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than before. Fuel economy and CO2 figures have also been improved over the previous model. In terms of chassis upgrades, while the Legend’s SH-AWD system remains unchanged, the settings for the suspension have been altered to improve the ride and handling.

Honda also refined the Legend’s cabin by equipping it with a suite of NVH reducing technologies, the most advanced of which is the Active Noise Cancellation system (ANC), which cancels out low frequency noise by playing the opposite wave form through the Bose sound system. The 2009 Legend also gets new Active Head Restraints and heated rear seats while the Bose Audio system now has a USB socket enabling the connection of an iPod.

Acura TL Sedan: Official Images Leaked on the Net!

A full set of photos along with preliminary specifications of the 2009 Acura TL were leaked into the internet today, a whole week ahead of the planned debut. The new images reveal among other things, the 2009 TL’s puffed arse in all its glory while we also have the first pictures of the interior.

According to the guys that leaked the pictures, the new TL will be offered in two flavors, a front wheel drive version powered by a 280HP 3.5-liter V6 engine and the first ever AWD TL that’s equipped with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive with power coming from a 305 HP 3.7-liter V6 unit. Both versions of the TL will be matted to a sequential sportshift five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The 2009 TL will go on sale across the U.S. this fall. Follow the jump to check out the full image gallery and as always, feel free to drop us a comment with your thoughts on the new TL. -Continued

Video: Prototype Honda / Acura NSX at the Ring

This amateur video of a prototype Honda / Acura NSX running around the Nurburgring race track in Germany might not be of the best visual quality, but boy does that i-VTEC sound nice! From what we’ve heard, the new NSX will feature a front-mounted V10 engine and a new high-performance, rear-wheel-drive based version of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. -Video after the jump

2010 Honda / Acura NSX: Spied Again

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