AUTOCAR TOP PICS SHOW 2011: Acura

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Saturday, January 1, 2011

2011 Acura MDX Reviews

The latest Acura MDX features a new 3.7-liter SOHC VTEC V6 with 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, which Acura says now features more heavy-duty parts for extra longevity. The MDX is offered in five trim levels starting with the base model and moving up through the Technology, Technology and Entertainment, Advance and Advance and Entertainment groupings. The Entertainment package, which is offered with either the Technology or Advance groups, includes a rear seat monitor, DVD player, wireless headphones and heated rear seats.

Acura's Real Time Weather and Traffic Rerouting features are newly available with the optional navigation system.
The 2011 Acura MDX SUV features a new V6 engine and the versatility and performance that one expects from Honda’s luxury brand.

The new throttle system and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) provide excellent acceleration and vehicle control. Entertainment features include the Acura Premium Audio System with seven speakers delivering 253 watts of power. Other audio systems include a 6-disc CD player and speed-specific volume control that compensates for audio gain.

The steering wheel is tilt adjustable with power steering and cruise control. The automatic climate control system links to the Acura Navigation System’s GPS receiver to provide continuous information on the orientation of the vehicle relative to the sun.
Honda has not confirmed any changes under the hood for the 2011 Acura MDX. Should the MDX offer a diesel option for 2011, buyers can expect radically improved fuel economy.
The 2011 Acura MDX ranks 2 out of 17 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The Acura MDX had strong performance, a high-tech interior and – the holy of holies – space for three car seats, with LATCH connecters and all, in the back seat.

The Acura MDX should appeal to a wide range of people. Consumer Guide says the MDX “has contemporary styling and thoughtful features." Acura MDX" has a highly desirable blend of luxury, performance, and convenience.” On the road, the Acura MDX shines with its powerful V6 engine. Acrua’s Super-Handling All-Wheel drive system is standard, and the MDX does well in crash tests.

Inside, reviewers like the MDX’s comfortable first and second row seats. It has a standard third row seat and a lower price tag than the MDX.

The Acura MDX has a standard V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is also standard.

Friday, December 24, 2010

2011 Acura RDX Reviews

The big news for the 2011 model year is the addition of a front-wheel drive RDX model– up until now the Acura RDX has only been available with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. The AWD model remains unchanged at 17/20mpg city/highway.

After a small facelift in 2010, the Acura RDX is due for a major design overhaul in 2011. Closer to model year 2012, an RDX with a turbodiesel engine may also debut. The new RDX’s release is set for late fall 2010. Read on for our initial car review of the 2011 Acura RDX.

Acura's cute 'ute gets a mid-cycle facelift to bring it in-line with the rest of the Acura line-up – meaning if you haven't warmed up to Acura's shield grille you might want to look elsewhere--The only mechanical change for 2010 is the addition of a front-wheel drive model to the RDX range.

Front-wheel drive is still standard, but Acura’s topnotch Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive - SH-AWD - is also available. When you throw in an exquisite interior and ample cargo space, the 2011 Acura RDX is a bona fide winner. What we know about the 2011 Acura RDX’s specs is summarized below.
Pricing: the 2011 RDX should start at about $33,000 MSRP, but Acura has not released retail or invoice pricing data yet

Fuel economy: traditional RDX should have city/highway car ratings comparable to that of current model (19/24 mpg). No information available yet on the hybrid RDX.
Acceleration: all-wheel drive 2010 RDX completes 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds; 2011 model will likely have similar numbers

Car safety features: brake assist, anti-lock brakes, front-seat side airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, active front head restraints, and side-curtain airbags
Acura hasn’t said much about the new styling of the "2011 RDX", but you can expect major changes--The shining star of the 2011 Acura RDX is, undoubtedly, its first-rate engine. Braking and handling will probably also remain the same, as Acura just revised the brakes on the RDX in 2010.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

2010 Acura ZDX review

The 2010 Acura ZDX is an all-new midsize luxury crossover that competes directly with the BMW X6. Based on the MDX platform, the Acura ZDX is Acura's new flagship SUV. The Acura ZDX appealing exterior is more stylish than most SUVs and it features a surprisingly car-like ride. It sits higher than any sedan but doesn't provide the extra cargo space or rear-seat room sedan owners usually associate with an SUV.

Motor Trend, which named the Acura ZDX as a contender for 2010 Sport/Utility of Year, explains: "If you want an Acura for family road trips, buy an MDX. The ZDX comes with a base price in the mid-$40,000 range.

The 2010 Acura ZDX is a midsize five-passenger crossover SUV. Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlights, heated outside mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, ambient cabin lighting, a back-up camera with a rearview mirror display, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, heated eight-way power front seats, leather seat upholstery and interior trim, a trip computer, Bluetooth and a power liftgate. There are two significant options packages for the Acura ZDX. The Advance package includes these features plus electronically adjustable suspension dampers, a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, heated and ventilated front seats and a sport steering wheel.

The 2010 ZDX features the same Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system found in many Acura products. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard. The Acura ZDX maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.

Standard safety equipment for the 2010 Acura ZDX includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

What was the question? Once you get past the ontological issues, however, the Acura ZDX--like the X6--is actually an interesting car. Priced to start at $42,500 in base trim, it's also the most affordable of the new breed of luxury crossover/hatch/coupes.

The styling itself is often successful--a muscular fender, a graceful turn of the roofline. But its the utility/performance package that really makes the Acura ZDX. Power can be shifted around a lot as well, thanks to the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Wile normal driving sees a typical 90-10 front-rear torque split, up to 70% of the engine's power can be sent rearward when necessary.