The 2004 Acura RSX

Monday, December 15. 2003

Since we're a year away from the mild cosmetic refreshening all our cars get in the middle of it’s product cycle, I thought I’d use this opportunity to show you some the things that make the “magic” happen.
This diagram shows the front suspension and the Control Link acting as an upper control arm. This aids the Macpherson strut and helps to keep the font tires perpendicular to the road surface. (below)

This shows the modified double wishbone rear suspension. You can clearly see the upper control arm and the long tubular trailing arm. This type of suspension is optimal for maintaining precise control over wheel motions in high performance driving situations. (below)

The Type-S engine: Dual Over Head Cams (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, timing chain, and the i-VTEC valve train are all visible here. 2 liters, 200 horsepower. 100 hp per liter in a production engine and 8,000 RPM. All courtesy of a former Formula One engineer who was the engine designer for this engine.

The Type-S uses our most advanced version of VTEC. There are three rocker arms over each cylinder on both intake and exhaust. It’s our best cylinder head and one of the reasons this engine outshines the 1.8 liter that was used in the older Integra GS-R. See a detail of the valves below.

The 2005 Acura MDX

The MDX received small styling updates for 2004 and the changes for 2005 are functional although slight. All Touring models will receive Acura's HandsFreeLink Bluetooth wireless phone interface. All MDXs get a larger fuel tank and a new LEV-2 ULEV emissions system. Finally, there are 3 new exterior colors including Desert Rock Metallic, Billet Silver Metallic and Steel Blue Metallic



The 2004 TL "Ride and Drive"

Our previous Ride and Drive events that I have attended were held at an old Navy Airbase in Alameda (RSX), a parking lot for a horse racing track (CL), and California Motor Speedway (TSX). The 2004 TL was going to be held at a beautiful hotel in downtown San Francisco, Hotel Nikko! What was Acura trying to tell us about the new TL?
 
It turns out that they were planning a new experience for us. They wanted to underscore the fact that we need to move ourselves and our stores in a more professional direction for the new clientele our ’04 TL was designed to cater to. Our new car is designed to appeal to exiting TL owners, and more importantly, “steal” a few buyers from other brands.

Opening Session
Our opening session was in one of the conference rooms decorated with frames artwork displaying the TL and some of its new technologies. The facilitator introduced himself and outlined our planned schedule for the days events. For many of us, it was going to be the first chance we’d have to see the car in person after seeing so my “spy photos” on the internet.

The TL showcases Acura’s commitment to efficiency. It all starts with aerodynamic efficiency. The TL has one of the best drag coefficients of any Acura vehicle, slicing through the wind with a 0.29 rating. This means increased fuel economy at highway speeds and also a quieter cabin. The addition of a front windshield with an acoustic inner layer and side glass that is 5mm thick (compared to 3.5 mm), reduce wind noise at highway speeds by a staggering 10db compared to the 2003 model.
 
Under the car, you’ll find extra care has been given to “air management.” There are covers under the engine and strategically placed panels to help smooth the air flow under the car. There’s even a genuine rear diffuser between the mufflers to aid high speed stability and enhance fuel economy. Inside the rear wheel wells you’ll find a unique material lining the insides of the fenders. It is an acoustic “carpet” material that dampens road noise better than the previous plastic liner.

The “Blinking 12”
What the heck is the “blinking 12” we wondered when we saw the index tab in our participant guides? We got the answer about 2 minutes into our session on High Technology. Remember the last time the power went out in your house? How long was it before you corrected the clock on your VCR to reset the time and get rid of the ‘blinking 12:00”? Did it take you so long because you’d forgotten how to do it? This was the point of our technology session.

It would be important that we assist clients with their new TLs and insure they are comfortable with the systems in the car, or they might get frustrated. The two systems that would need the most explaining are the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and the Multifunction Display.
The Bluetooth HandsFreeLink allows users to link a compatible cellular phone and use the car as a “microphone and speaker”. This is how it works. A pairing process is used to “introduce” the car and phone. From this point on, the car will recognize the owner’s cellular phone whenever they get into the car, and link together. The owner can then dial and receive calls using Voice Commands and not have to take their hands (or eyes) off the road. You can even talk directly to the car by pressing the “talk” button and saying, “call 2 5 5 – 1 2 5 5” and the car will recognize the numbers and place the call!
 
The Multifunction Display allows users to customize the operation of the convenience features to their liking. For example, one driver can set the car to have the interior lights stay on for 15 seconds and have the doors automatically lock when they shift from park. A second driver could select a 30 delay on the interior lights, and have the doors lock when they reach 10 mph. The car recognizes each driver by which key fob was used to disarm the security system.
 
The display also shows the owner when they should plan scheduled maintenance. It takes data from the cars computer to calculate when it’s time to change the oil, rotate the tires, replace the coolant and even a timing belt. The system is smart enough to schedule maintenance items together to minimize trips to the service department.

The Driving
After our two classroom sessions were finished, we headed to a dozen cars to drive “caravan fashion” to Candlestick Point and the test track. As we piled into the 12 cars, I was fortunate to get to drive one of the TLs. It was a 12 mile (I think?) drive but traffic extended the driving time to around a ½ hour.
 
When we arrived at the Point, there were two sides set up for driving; one side had the comparison cars and the other the gymkhana course. Ah yes the gymkhana, my favorite part. A little back story is needed here. If you are a regular reader of my page, you may recall that I had the best time in our class (actually the whole weekend) at the RSX Ride & Drive. I also set the best time at the TSX Ride & Drive. Our manufacturers’ rep told me that a few of the sales consultants at his other dealerships were asking about me. I guess someone coming all the way from Hawaii for a half day class is easy to remember, especially if they do well. Anyway, we weren’t sure who would be going up for this trip, so up until a week before, I wasn’t certain I would attend, but it was always a possibility.

The comparison part of the track had Acura’s primary competitors: the Lexus ES300, BMW 330i, and the Infiniti G35. It’s now time to give you my performance assessment and personal preferences. Remember this based on MY VALUE system, and I value performance.
The TL won. There I said it! You can now crucify me for being biased, but before you do, let me explain.
 
4th Place: Lexus ES300
Let’s face facts, all Lexus product is well made. Fit and finish are excellent and better than the higher ranked G35 by leaps and bounds. Why is this car last? Frankly, someone had to be last, and since I bias my opinion towards performance, the ES 300 was at the back of the pack. It had the least horsepower, and was the second heaviest car and this resulted in poor acceleration. I was the slowest and it felt like it. In the handling department, the softly sprung McPherson struts provided a nice ride, but were much too soft for the kind of driving we were doing and probably too soft for any enthusiast

3rd Place: Infiniti G35
Like all the reviews say, this car has some pick up. It wasn’t as dominating as I was expecting but it did do a good job of getting the car away from a stand still. I hate to keep complaining about the same thing, but Nissan/Infiniti interiors are still substandard in materials and workmanship. Rattles, creaks and all kinds of extra noises abound. What a huge contrast compared to the ES300 and the TL. The legroom on the G35 was pretty good, probably due to the long wheel base of this car compared to the others. However, the cabin did feel very narrow, and this is probably due to the fact it shares its chassis with the Nissan 350Z sports car. Overall a good car, but with the same complaints we always have with Nissan product.

2nd Place: BMW 330i
This was a close one, since I love small cars and the nimble feel of the BMW. I love the feel of the steering in this car. It’s pure and direct but I wish the car had more power. Sorry, I meant to say I WISH THIS CAR HAD MORE POWER! If we were driving manual transmissions, the lower power might have been offset, making the BMW a better choice for the enthusiast driver. Personally, I still find the Dynamic Stability Control too intrusive, cutting in and spoiling all that rear wheel drive fun just as it’s getting started. Some people may find the interior a bit cramped, this is partly due to the smaller over all car, and the fact that the RWD drivetrain takes up more space. Personally I have two major objections to this car, one is the lack of horsepower, and the second is the significant price difference when equipped equally. Now if this were an M3 the order would be very different

1st Place: Acura TL
I agonized over this for quite some time; however, I feel the car speaks for itself. The TL manages to meld features not normally found in this price range into one smooth refined package. It even manages to add a few new tricks that are not available anywhere else (for now). Dynamically, the car handles with precision, with lots of feedback in the steering wheel, and only a slight hint of torque steer in the automatic transmission model

The new 6-speed shifts quickly and easily through very short throws and the clutch effort is phenomenally light. Granted, with full throttle applied, you will feel the standard limited slip differential tugging a bit on the wheel, but it’s not too distracting for the driver who is prepared for it.

Once inside, you are greeted to one of the finest interiors I’ve seen recently. The fit and finish is superb, the quality of the materials is excellent. The design and ergonomics is up to Acura’s typical high standards. The car is quiet inside, and offers excellent space for all occupants.

If you are an experienced rear wheel drive pilot and are willing to really push a car, you could generate better lap times (on a race track) with the BMW 330i with the performance package. In everyday driving the TL offers a better blend of features, performance and price.


2004 Acura TL Concept Car

Tuesday, January 28. 2003
2004 Acura TL Concept Car
 
Not too much is known about Acura’s plans for the third generation TL. It is suspected that they want to answer the challenge put forth by some of the new product out there, but price points and feature content is still shrouded in mystery. For now, enjoy these pictures of the TL Concept car.

I can speculate on several things: The new TL will move upward in price to allow for the addition of extra features. I’m expecting to see dual zone a/c, side curtain airbags, tilt & telescoping steering wheel, new keyless entry with remotes integrated into the key fob and more horsepower (probably approaching 300 in Type-S trim). The expected release date is the 4th quarter 2003


The 2003 Acura RSX

Tuesday, January 28. 2003

As the RSX enters it’s second year, it is fresh off the praise it’s earned from the press, being named to Car and Driver's "10 Best" for both 2002 and 2003 and Ward's "10 Best Engines" lists.

To up the ante, Acura has introduced a Factory Performance Kit as a dealer installed option. This exclusive (only 1000 will be offered) performance package is designed to significantly enhance the handling and appearance of the RSX.

This kit features track-tuned shocks and springs that lower the car by approximately one inch. Combine these shocks and springs with lightweight aluminum alloy wheels, 17-inch, high-performance tires, slotted brake rotors and performance brake pads and you should have an autocross or track day terror! Cosmetically, a rear wing spoiler, an under-body spoiler kit and an interior trim package featuring a Factory Performance shift knob and badging, give the car an aggressive, high performance look. Since this is a dealer installed package, it will be covered by the factory warranty! These are Genuine Acura parts!


The 2003 Acura 3.2 CL

Tuesday, January 28. 2003

The big news reported in my last issue was the introduction an all new short throw, 6-speed manual transmission as an option. This incorporates a helical limited slip differential to improve cornering (it allows the inside wheel to rotate faster as you turn a corner). For reliability, there is a self-adjusting clutch with dual-mass flywheel. The 260 hp engine carries over unchanged.


The 2003 Acura 3.5 RL

More refinement is the name of the game here, with a new alloy wheel design, new taillight lenses with clear turn indicators, and beautiful new real interior wood trim in Auburn Camphor, Golden Camphor or Black Camphor.


The 2003 Acura MDX

Refinements to the engine increase horsepower from 240 to 260. This new found power is fed to the ground through an all new compact 5-speed automatic transmission. Drive-by-wire throttle (like the NSX) has been added, eliminating the throttle cable between the gas pedal and the throttle body. This allows more precise control and gives the new Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) more latitude to modulate the throttle to help enhance control during acceleration, cornering and accident avoidance maneuvers.

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The Acura 3.2 TL: Still at the Head of the Class

Tuesday, January 28. 2003
The Acura 3.2 TL: Still at the Head of the Class
 
Back in 1994 Acura introduced the all-new Integra. This groundbreaking car set new standards for performance compacts, and single handedly redefined the category. It outlived cars from the competition and when they introduced new models, the Integra still beat them in the showroom and on the track. The BMW 318ti, Toyota Celica, Nissan 200SX, Infiniti G20, Ford Probe, and Mitsubishi Eclipse all came and went during the Integra’s long life.
 
What does this have to do with the 3.2 TL? 2003 marks the 5th model year for the 3.2 TL and the 2nd for the TL Type-S, and these cars are still the standard bearer in the near luxury class. How has Acura maintained this leadership role in value, performance and luxury? The recipe is somewhat simple: build a better car and price it “right” for the marketplace. What exactly makes the TL a better value than our competitors? It all begins with Engineering. (what else would you expect from Acura?)
 
Engineering Details:
The TL’s ultra rigid unit body frame allows the engineers to design the double wishbone suspension without having to worry that the chassis will flex and upset the suspension geometry. This means that you, the driver will experience a comfortable ride and sharp precise handling, two goals that elude most manufacturers. A side benefit of this strong chassis are the way the body panels can be placed closer and the gaps made smaller for a more refined appearance.

The engine and transmission are marvels of Acura engineering. The 3.2 liter TL Type-S motor produces 260 hp with the addition of a Variable Volume Intake system. Technology transferred from the racetrack to the street. The VTEC system allows the engine to take in more air at higher RPMs to make more power on the top end, without sacrificing torque on the bottom end. Match this great engine with our 5-speed automatic Sport Shift transmission and you have a sedan that can sprint from 0-60 in 6.5 seconds and cover the 1/4 mile in 14.9 seconds. Impressive numbers, but they are even more significant when you consider they are achieved while maintaining Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) status and an EPA mileage rating of 19 city and 29 highway.

Safety Details:
Acura’s engineering expertise can easily be seen in the way our cars handle the unexpected. The huge 11.8 inch front disc brakes (same size as our NSX sportscar) feature ABS standard. Also standard are dual-stage front and side airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters, and Xenon High Intensity Discharge headlights. The high performance TL Type-S incorporates Vehicle Stability Assist which monitors sensors to determine the intended path of the vehicle and apply the brake or modulate the throttle if the car starts to lose control or go into a spin.

Luxury Details:
On this front, the TL provides all the features that luxury buyers expect, including the following standard features: leather trimmed seats (perforated on the Type-S), tilting/sliding moonroof, 6-disc in-dash CD changer with cassette, climate controlled air conditioning with a micron air filter, keyless entry system, aluminum alloy wheels, 2 memory positions for the drivers seat (both are power adjustable) and Homelink which allow you to control your garage door opener from a convenient button in the car.
 
Luxury means more than features, it also means customer service that is second to none. All Acura cars include our Total Luxury Care (TLC) owner assistance program. This protects owners during the warranty period (4 years or 50,000 miles) with free roadside assistance, free towing, and trip planning benefits.


Honda Race Report, Winning ways continue in 2001

Sunday, April 28. 2002

The racing season is for 2001 is finished, and Honda again posted drivers championships and manufacturers titles. In doing so, Honda is training it’s engineers to learn, and adapt in the fast paced world of motorsports. These lessons will pay dividends as these engineers move to passenger car projects in the future.

Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) racing is the premiere open-wheel series in North America and has some of the most competitive racing anywhere. CART had 11 different drivers visit the top step of the victory podium in 20 races. It was in this ultra competitive environment, that Gil DeFerran (above) won his second consecutive drivers title in a Penske/Reynard with Honda power. Honda has been in CART for 8 years, and for the last 6 years in a row, the drivers title has gone to a Honda powered driver! Honda also won the engine manufacturer’s title for the fourth time, beating their rivals from Toyota and Ford in the process by a hefty margin.
Over in Formula 1, the going has been tougher. Honda provides motors to the British American Racing team (BAR) as well as Team Jordan, but success has eluded the two teams so far. There have been a couple encouraging podium finishes for Jacques Villenuve for the BAR team as well as numerous points paying positions. Villenuve’s teammate Oliver Panis has also finished in the points on several occasions. The 2002 pre-season testing for both Jordan and BAR has gone well, and there are high hopes for both teams.

In the Speedvision World Challenge, there are two classes, Touring Cars and GT. Peter Cunningham raced a supercharged Acura NSX in the GT class and narrowly missed the drivers title by only 8 points, while claiming 5 victories in 10 races. In the smaller Touring Car class, Pierre Kleinubing won his 3rd drivers title in his Acura Integra Type-R. This car has dominated the Touring Car class since it’s inception and this year’s title was the 5th in a row for the Type-R. This year the Real Time racing team faced a stiff challenge from the new BMW 6-cylinder 328s. World Challenge rules dictate that each time you win a race, you need to add 30 lbs of weight to the car, and by the end of the season, Kleinubing’s 1.8 liter, 4 cylinder VTEC engine was burdened by over a hundred extra pounds. The Acura contingent managed to win the drivers title but the manufacturers title went to BMW.

In the Speedvision World Challenge, there are two classes, Touring Cars and GT. Peter Cunningham raced a supercharged Acura NSX in the GT class and narrowly missed the drivers title by only 8 points to his former teammate Michael Galati (driving and Audi). In the smaller Touring Car class, Pierre Kleinubing won his 3rd drivers title in his Acura Integra Type-R. This car has dominated the Touring Car class since it’s inception and this year’s title was the 5th in a row for the Type-R. This year the Real Time racing team faced a stiff challenge from the new BMW 6-cylinder 328s. World Challenge rules dictate that each time you win a race, you need to add 30 lbs of weight to the car, and by the end of the season, Kleinubing’s 1.8 liter, 4 cylinder VTEC engine was burdened by over a hundred extra pounds. The Acura contingent managed to win the drivers title but the manufacturers title went to BMW.