A lot of people knew that Acura was releasing their RLX concept at the New York Auto Show in April, but they didn’t know what was under the hood. The 2013 RLX will come equipped with Acuras Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, the same technology used in the Acura NSX supercar concept.
The newly designed system uses three front mounted electric motors powered by a central lithium-ion battery. There are two motors controlling one axle and a third incorporated with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and gasoline V-6 that powers the alternating axle. This allows the car to be driven in either fully electric mode, fully gas mode, or a hybrid combination mode. The torque is also set up in a bilateral control system where either negative or positive torque is instantly applied to the rear wheels while cornering. The electric motor system in combination with the V-6 direct injected 3.5-liter engine produces a nice 370 horsepower. Acura is predicting a decent fuel economy of about 30 city and 30 highway mpg.
Acura is also planning to release a fully gas fueled version of the RLX, that has a regular front-wheel drive system. This model will have a feature called Precision All Wheel Steer, which utilizes electrically controlled actuators to steer the right and left wheels separately. Double wishbone front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, active dampers, and electronic power steering will also be added only to the fully gas version.
The interior and exterior of the car look pretty similar to any other Acura sedan. It is designed after the ‘Keen Edge’ design, like previous Acura sedans, that focuses on an overall aerodynamic shape. The RLX is about the same length as the RL, but is about two inches wider. The tires are 255/35 R20 high-performance tires, and the front of the car features a set of LED headlights. The interior has standard Acura features such as: telematics and infotainment systems on dual LCD screens, a 14- speaker stereo system, and a voice controlled navigation system.
The RLX is still in its concept car phase and won’t be released until early next year, but head to your Arizona Acura dealer for details and updates on any new Acuras in Arizona.
Acura was not only featured in the movie “Thor” last summer, but is now the official vehicle of the Marvel Entertainment superhero movie “The Avengers”. The film opens in early May and stars Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Renner, Chris Evans, and Chris Hemsworth. The movie brings together the Marvel Comics super hero team Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Hulk, and others for the first time to work together in bringing down their biggest enemy.
The movie also features another set of stars, the new 2013 RDX, the MDX, ZDX, and the TL. In the movie the Acuras are driven by special S.H.I.E.L.D Agents, who are international peacekeepers.
As the S.H.I.E.L.D Agent’s car the RDX is their go-to off-road companion. In Marvel’s world the RDX has hover mode, sub-zero weather capabilities, and the ability to scan for life forms and threats. While in the real world the RDX may not have quite the same features but it does come standard with a sequential SportShift Automatic drivetrain and has an optional All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Control System.
The Acura TL featured is painted a matte black and has the advanced package features. To the S.H.I.E.L.D Agents, the TL is their street pursue car and is known for its maneuverability, defense capabilities, and body panels that absorb energy spectra. While not all those features are available to the normal Acura TL Arizona driver, the TL does have amazing real life maneuvering capabilitieswith its standard suspension, steering, and performance braking systems.
The S.H.I.E.L.D Agent edition Acura ZDX is designed for evasion and has two 5,000 lumen beam headlights that disorient attackers, a titanium alloy-based engine, and an antenna that also doubles as a transmitter. In the real world the new ZDX models don’t have quite as advanced headlights but they do feature Xenon High-Intensity Discharge headlights that cast a whiter and brighter light for improved clarity and visibility.
The MDX featured in the movie is S.H.I.E.L.D’s off-road vehicle that has a matte black paint job, huge wheels and tires, and custom fender flairs. The new MDX that is available for purchase is also a great off-road vehicle, with vehicle stability assist and tire pressure monitoring systems that come standard. Acura MDX Arizona drivers will also appreciate its ability to be capable on both paved and unpaved roads.
Of course the last star of “The Avengers” is Tony Stark’s (Iron Man) Acura NSX supercar. The car was styled specifically for the movie, in which they adapted an old 1991 Acura NSX concept car. The 1991 version was morphed by creating all new fenders and doors that allow the car to be slim but with an updated shape. The color of the car was actually picked out by Marvel Entertainment to match the exact color of Iron Man’s suit. The NSX will be available to buy in the future but Acura has not released a date of production. Acura has said the NSX concept car will be based on the efficiency of hybrid power and all-wheel-drive.
To learn more about “The Avengers” Acuras and to play interactive games go to www.SHIELDops.com. To find out more or test drive a real life Acura head to your Chapman Arizona Acura dealer.
The new Acura RDX offers the perfect amount of space and convenience growing families want while still providing the power and drivability motorists expect from a utility vehicle. The 2012 model comes complete with a 2.3-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine. I-VTEC stands for Intelligent Variable Timing and lift Control and is built to increase horsepower by enhancing airflow and timing intake valves to open relative to engine rpm. The engine easily allows a balance between the low weight 4-cylinder and the power and performance of a V-6. Drivers will also notice a quiet ride with noise and vibrations reduced by dual balance shafts. The 2012 RDX comes with a Drive-by-Wire throttle system that provides distinctive sensitivity based on different driving conditions. Acura ensured noise reduction by accurately mounting the front and rear suspensions and even engineered the windshield wipers to reduce wind noise. Acura developed a new Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system that continually balances the engine power to match weight distribution and traction. The SH-AWD shifts weight to the rear of the RDX during hard acceleration and to the front wheels when cruising straight for better fuel economy. The system reduces understeer as well as increases stability by automatically rotating the wheels precisely during a turn.
The Acura RDX also has an optional Technology Package which features an upgraded Acura Navigation System that works in concurrence with AcuraLink Communication System. The system has an 8-inch screen that operates either by the use of the Voice Recognition system or by manually entering data. The system has unique displays to guide you through specifically stressful navigation such as freeway ramps, interchanges, or forks in the road. Zagat Survey restaurant review technology and AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic/Weather options are also available.
The 2012 Acura RDX, available now at Arizona Acura dealers, also has specific safety features that address children safety. The Occupant Position Detection System has sensors hidden in the passenger’s seatback to detect if a child or smaller statured person is sitting there and if they’re in a position to be harmed by the side airbags deployment path. The OPDS automatically deactivates the airbags until the sensors register the child is out of harm’s way. Acura created LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) that allow LATCH compatible child seats to be safely installed in the rear seat without the use of seat belts. Finally, all windows and the moonroof have a feature that prevents them from closing on a finger.
So come to Chapman Acura to take a look at the new 2012 Acura RDX!
Although Acura is keeping most of the vehicle’s details under wraps, the new dynamically-styled NSX will employ a lightweight chassis, a mid-mounted V-6 engine and Acura’s innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system. The new supercar will come to Arizona Acura dealers within three years.
Utilizing a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the all-new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. Chapman Acura management anticipates the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems. In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, a powerful next-generation VTEC® V-6 engine with direct-injection works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.
“This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make NSX the ultimate expression of Acura’s idea to create synergy between man and machine,” said Neb Yonas, general manager of Chapman Acura. “The NSX will make the Arizona Acura driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way.”
While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept champions the true racing philosophy of an extremely favorable power-to-weight ratio.
Like the first NSX, Acura will again express high performance through engineering efficiency. In this new era, even as Acura engineers focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX, a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities on behalf of Acura Arizona drivers.
“Chapman Acura has a rich history of offering innovative new products for our customers in the Tucson market,” said Yonas. “The ability to market the all-new Acura NSX demonstrates the maturity of Acura’s organization, the know-how of their associates and their ability to create an advanced and innovative supercar.”
To learn more about the NSX supercar, visit Chapman’s brand new Acura Arizona dealership.
Iron Man is ditching his Audi R8 in favor of his own special Acura roadster in the next Marvel Studios film, “The Avengers”.
When Iron Man 2 premiered last summer there was a bonus clip at the end after the credits hinting at a new Thor movie. This clip showed several secret service officers driving around in new Acura cars.
Moviegoers may have noticed that sleek and stylish Acura vehicles are popping up in several Marvel Productions films. That’s because Acura partnered with the movie production giant for various product placements throughout their pictures. However, with “The Avengers’ release in May 2012, Acura is also hitting a milestone: this will be the first time ever Acura is building a completely custom Acura vehicle for a major motion picture.
Locally, Tucson Acura fans are buzzing about what cool features the brand is going to put in the custom car made especially for the charismatic playboy billionaire and leading Avenger, Tony Stark. Acura released the following details on what to expect:
Iron Man’s drop top features burgundy paint with silver accents and a shape that indicates incredible performance. Double-wishbone suspensions and powerful engines are a part of every Acura TSX, but the Special Edition adds a more dramatic feel and sportier attitude. Exterior changes include an aggressive front spoiler and side sills that add more flare to the TSX’s flanks. Unique rims featuring polished spokes finish the exterior package, but the details continue inside. Acura TSX Special Edition drivers will find black suede inserts in the seats featuring red stitching, which also makes its way to the steering wheel and shift knob.
Acura used SUVs and crossovers, like the Acura MDX and ZDX, to showcase their cars in different movies, but this time they are trying to make a mark with their sports cars. Acura is not just working on this for the big screen—they are looking to upgrade their sports car image off-screen as well. Acura has released the new 2012 Acura TL and the 2012 TSX Special Edition, which arrived at Chapman Acura in late September.
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