Acura Reveals 3 Cars at the Detroit Motor Show
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 12:46PM 
Acura announced two prototypes and a stunning NSX concept on Monday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Acura streamed the event on their site, and within 20 minutes, it was over. Unveiled onstage were three all-new Acuras, the 2013 RDX prototype, 2013 ILX prototype and the NSX Concept. Jeff Conrad took the stage to briefly review the past year and re-cap the 25 year history of Acura in America. Then, he turned the spotlight on Vicki Poponi, Acura's Assistant VP of Production Planning.
2013 RDX Prototype
"Quieter, Roomier and more Comfortable" -Vicki Poponi
Poponi spoke about the strengths of the current RDX while acknowledging that the fuel economy and ride quality was not it's strongest point. Then, without further ado, the curtain lifted and the sleek new RDX prototype was revealed. It features a longer hood and more sharply raked windshield and a sloping rear window that emphasizes a more sophisticated intent. Strong fender arches and deep character lines along the flanks help add detail and contrast to the body.
The new RDX will receive a 3.5 liter V-6 with about 273 horsepower (a 33 hp increase) and a 6 speed automatic transmission, it will be the first Acura to feature Variable Cylinder Management to deactivate cylinders when cruising. A new AWD system will be lighter and will be more efficient for better fuel economy and a 2 wheel drive version will be available. Acura is projecting the that the RDX will have the best fuel economy in it's class, with the 2WD version delivering a projected 20/28.
Inside, the car will have more interior room with a quieter, more comfortable ride and more utility with a 6" wider rear cargo hatch for easier loading. Standard on all models will be a 'One Touch' fold down rear seat, Pandora Internet Radio, Voice Texting and Push Button Start with Keyless Access. The Technology Package will add the ELS Audio System, a Multi-View Back Up Camera and Hard Disc Drive Navigation and a Power Liftgate (available for the first time on an RDX).
As we've come to expect, recent Acura 'prototypes' are normally thinly disguised production versions so watch for most of the styling elements (less the extravagant wheels) to arrive with the RDX in April 2012. Poponi then turned the stage over to Jon Ikeda.
2013 ILX Prototype
"The fluid lines express it's elegant and efficient sides" -Jon Ikeda
Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design studio, took the stage to introduce the all new ILX. This new sport sedan will slot in under the current TSX in size and price. As with the 2013 RDX, these will be filled with technology and it's affordable pricing should help new, younger buyers into the Acura brand.
Available features include, a wide angle Rear View Camera, Keyless Access, Push Button Start, Pandora Internet Radio, and SMS Hands-Free Voice Texting. Other features not listed, but are likely a part of the standard equipment include: Moonroof, Leather Trimmed Seats, Dual Climate Control, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and Xenon High Intensity Projector Headlamps.
The ILX will debut with three powertrains, including Acura's first Hybrid with a 1.5 liter + Integrated Motor Assist, a 2.0 liter gas engine, and 2.4 liter gas engine were announced. No prices were given, but Ikeda said it will retail for well less than $30,000. He then passed the baton to the President of Honda Motors, Takenobu Ito.
NSX Concept
“Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency" -Takanobu Ito
Ito began by saying that he started with Acura 25 years ago when he led a team of young engineers in the development of the original Acura NSX. He stressed we are in a new era of super cars, and the new NSX must feature advanced technologies that enhance the fun-to-drive handling and performance while expressing Honda's core values and Acura DNA.
He stepped aside and the curtain pulled back to revealed a silver, low-slung coupe. It was exciting to hear so many jaded journalists burst in the cheers and applause as the video played on the big screen.
When Ito returned to the stage, he offered some details on the NSX. It will feature a mid-engined direct injected V-6 and this would be paired with a new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system with two electric motors on the front axle, and a larger electric motor in the all new 7 speed dual clutch transmission.
“This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make NSX the ultimate expression of Acura’s idea to create synergy between man and machine,” said Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way.”
Total system power was not given but recently at the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda introduced a new hybrid drivetrain that everyone assumes will find it's way into the next Acura RL. This system uses two 27 hp electric motors across the rear axle, and an additional 40 hp motor integrated into the new Dual Clutch Transmission. The NSX could use a similar setup but would have the electric motors powering the front wheels with the mid-engine + IMA powering the rear wheels.
The V-6 gas engine will make no less than 300 hp, (we're already doing that in the TL and RL) and the three electric motors will bring around 100 hp to the total. This should mean that 400 hp is the minimum we'd see, but most (myself included) are hoping for something closer to 500 hp from this drivetrain.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was Ito's announcement that the all-new NSX would be developed at Honda R&D Americas facility and built in Ohio. Later, Ron Lietzke, Assistant Manager of Media Relations for Honda stated, "We are not saying at the moment where we’ll be building the NSX. We expect to make our preparations in due course and to begin manufacture of the NSX in three years." He went on to say that it wouldn't be built at either existing plant in Marysville or East Liberty Ohio, but rather, in it's own facility. (http://bit.ly/thisweeknews)
A second surprise, was Acura's plans for expansion. Ito stated they plan to launch this car within 3 years globally and expand the the Acura brand into new markets in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the Ukraine. This is the first time (in years) that they've commented on their plans for Acura beyond North America and China.
It looks like the spy photos taken on The Avengers movie set were not 'just for show' and the car is going to be produced. This year, I'll have been with Acura for 16 years, I don't recall ever seeing three new product introductions in one autoshow. Acura has been telling all dealers "6/24" to emphasize that we'll be seeing 6 introductions in the next 24 months. Five of these will be all new product and the RDX and ILX will be the first out of the chute. Acura is on the move, and these new product should position the brand for strong growth.
Reader Comments (5)
Push button standard on all RDXs? Wow - that's a big step for Acura (not so for others but still ...)
I've heard that it's a feature that will be on all Acuras as they proceed with full model changes. Fingers crossed that it'll be standard across the board on the ILX too.
Yay - they really are trying to move it upscale. Hopefully LEDs will be next ...
LOL, don't get carried away!
LEDs across the lineup like Infiniti would be nice. They could at least add it to the tech pkg. This feature is moving downmarket (including the Insight & CR-Z) but this could still help differentiate the brands. Plus, Honda/Acura's designs tend to look nice & not overdone like some cars. Overall, I think a simple way to make Acura standout more (well, simpler than say RWD or a v8).