Acura Rdx Crossover Available and Ready

The Acura entrant to the blazing crossover segment now already holds a tag price. Just recently, Acura had already sent out the pricing for such a vehicle.

The Acura RDX is the very first crossover vehicle from the brand and it has been created to be an entrant to the compact luxury crossover SUV segment. It first came to the public as a concept car which is the Acura RD-X. Honda is the manufacturer that produces this vehicle and the production version of this vehicle was released to the public during this year’s New York Auto Show. It took the place of the Acura MDX for the entry level SUV. This vehicle would be coming with the best Acura auto parts plus a 2.3 liter K23A1 Turbo I4 engine for power. It would be coming on sale starting next year so similar vehicles like the Infiniti FX35, Lincoln MKX, Nissan Murano, Lexus RX, and BMW X3 better be on the alert when this come roaring down the streets.

Acura claims that this new crossover vehicle is a combination of technology and sophistication. Canada showrooms would soon be boasting of this vehicle soon enough. And those who would be lucky enough to be the first ones to give this one a try would find that it has the best type of hardware available.

According to Jim Miller, the executive vice president of Honda in Canada, “RDX highlights Acura’s passion for developing vehicles with advanced technology that deliver optimum performance, safety, and fuel economy.” After all, this vehicle offers an engine with a variable flow control so as to give the vehicle a broad powerband, a good amount of torque, plus, drivers would not be experiencing any kind of lag.

The Acura RDX crossover SUV will be offered with only one optional package available. This one would be called the Technology Package and just by the name itself, it would be giving the vehicle more advanced features. Of course, these additions would be giving the drivers or even the passengers an even better driving or riding experience.

But to see how this one would fare in the market, we all would just have to wait and see.

Nsx: a Glimpse of Where Acura is Headed

One of the startling cars displayed at the 2007 North American International Auto Show is Acura’s NSX, a V-10 powered Advanced Sports Car concept from the automaker. The strikingly designed concept gives enthusiast the glimpse of where Acura is headed.

“NSX” is an acronym for “New Sportscar eXperimental.” The car was formerly introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989 and at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1989. Now, with the new concept, Honda summed up the excellent features of its previous cars and entertained breakthroughs to come up with a stunning car in NSX concept.

NSX Advanced Sports Car showcases exotic design that marked a milestone for Acura’s style. According to the automaker, NSX is headed towards a new level of styling that will form part of Acura’s forthcoming lineup. Acura OEM parts integrated in the concept follows a unique engineering that complements its powerful performance. The concept car also boasts of its V-10 engine that makes it more powerful than other vehicles in the clan. In addition, it is also equipped with rear-wheel-drive based version of the exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)).

The exterior of the NSX Advanced Sports Car flaunts a dynamic fusion of passion and sophisticated auto technology. Its hood features deeply sculpted lines and embossed air vents, both of which hint at the potent engine beneath. To evoke movement and power, exterior lines run the length of the car’s body, creating a flowing effect from the front headlights to the rear wheel arches.

“Our intention was to design an exotic sports car that gracefully combines advanced technology and strong emotion,” said Jon Ikeda, principal designer, Acura Design Center. “The technical, machined surfaces and keen-edge design are balanced with sweeping curves and dramatic lines, all of which results in the ultimate exotic sports car.”

Acura NSX Advanced Sports Car retains the gentle cues of the NSX, its predecessor. In addition, the car also features slim LED headlights that were made wider to imitate striking pop-up headlights from the first generation NSX. The wraparound rear taillights and the all black cockpit are all part of Acura’s new styling.

The car is also accentuated by performance tires mounted to polished aluminum wheels. To accent the wheels, Honda used ventilated carbon ceramic brake discs and eight-piston calipers. To emphasize aggressive design, bold wheel arches and flares were added to the car. Other styling hints are influenced by modernism. It is resorted to by the automaker to boost its elegance and overall aura. To boost the car’s interior design, the automaker constructed the cabin in tinted glass. The door handles, same with the cabin, is also flush mounted. Said design move paved way for a fresh, clean and aerodynamic look.

“The Acura brand will always be a home for people who love to drive,” said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “As we advance toward building a car like this, I can tell you it will feature advanced technology matching our passion for performance.”

Acura Tl Receives Upgrades

In the luxury car segment, a car manufacturer has to be always on the lookout on how to improve a car whenever it is called for. Established in 1986, Acura is a relative newcomer to the luxury car segment. But the quality and popularity of their models belie that fact. The Acura TL, in fact, is the second best selling luxury sedan in the United States and it is next only to the BMW 3 Series.

To compete with a long list of competitors which includes the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, Jaguar X-Type, Lexus ES, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Saab 9-3 and the Volvo S60, the TL was redesigned recently by the Japanese car manufacturer.

The best selling Acura model was restyled not only on the outside but also inside and even under the hood. Outside, the new Acura TL is characterized by rounded edges which give you the feeling that the car would cut through the air gently. In fact, the Acura TL’s redesign gave it a lower coefficient of drag. This makes the new TL come with a sportier look than its predecessor.

Inside the car, Acura used high quality materials to give it the luxury aura that it exudes. Complementing the exterior of the TL, the inside has comfortable leather seats. The seats adequately support both the lower and upper back of its occupants. To make the cockpit more appealing, Acura gave the TL a dual-zone climate control system which is easy to operate. The interior of the TL is adequately padded that little to zero outside noise can be heard inside the vehicle.

The dashboard and center stack are configured to complement the luxurious seats. The center stack of controls is easily visible and understandable. It is also equipped with an eight-speaker surround sound audio system.

The most notable upgrade for the Acura TL is made under its hood. The new Acura TL is now equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine capable of producing as much as 286 horsepower. The engine’s power can be effectively increased with the use of an AEM Acura intake but even without that aftermarket part, the engine provides instant power whenever the driver demands for it.

The engine is designed to provide power almost instantly. Its responsiveness is evident in the fact that it can provide adequate power whether in low or high revs operation. Available for the Type S trim level of the TL is a five-speed automatic transmission. The TL uses paddle shifters which mean that a driver would only need to use his or her hand to shift gears.

The engine provides good power for the TL that it can easily tackle hill climbs. Steering the luxury car is also a strong selling point for the TL. Its responsive handling complements the responsive engine under its hood. Suspension for the Type S is somewhat stiff. This is because the S Type is a performance-oriented trim line.

With the upgrades that the TL has received, it will not be surprising if the popularity of the brand increases. Acura is the luxury division of Honda and it is a known fact that vehicles of these brands are known for heir reliability. With that reputation and the changes made in the exterior, interior and under the hood of the TL, the car would surely give the BMW 3 Series a good fight in the auto market.

Best in Class Cold Air Intake for a Performance-rated Acura Ride

The capacity to produce horsepower from the burn material stored in an Acura engine depends in large part on the purity of the air and fuel mixture. While fuel is maintained safe and saturated by the fuel tank of the Acura, air is ordinarily the chink in the power generation process as its quality is entirely dependent on many factors like altitude and temperature, among others. High altitudes, for example, don’t provide too much oxygen in the atmosphere for the car to use during combustion.

In order for these factors not to affect the air intake process, an Acura part called the cold air intake is typically used to replace the stock air intake system of the vehicle. It is an engine system part mounted on the grille of the car, drawing in cold air from outside the Acura compartment and mixing it with the fuel. The oxygen-filled cold air provides more molecules to burn, resulting in an increase on engine power. By letting the Acura engine absorb fresh and denser air, its internal combustion engine is optimized through the burning of better, cooler air. A significant improvement in combustion performance equals greater engine power.

Chief difference of an Acura cold air intake from an ordinary air intake system is the airflow. The Acura cold air intakes have more access to colder air because of their position in the engine compartment. Unlike other intakes which just let the air stay in the engine and which can heat up the air because of the engine’s high temperature, cold air intakes diffuses air quickly and consistently. The Acura cold air intake then reroutes air away from the hot engine bay, saving the oxygen molecules before the heat consumes them. Through a network of precision-engineered intake passages and free-flowing air filter assembly, the Acura cold air intake frees up the engine’s air intake track, enabling the cooler, denser mass of air to circulate into the throttle body at higher velocities.

Control Arm: Key Acura Suspension Part

The control arm, also called wishbone suspension, installed on the Acura drive train is a flat and roughly triangular subframe used by the wheels to pivot while accelerating. Designed with both broad and narrow ends, the Acura control arm attaches the wheels to the drive shaft and forms an assembly that provides steering capability. The broad end of the Acura control arm is connected to the chassis and pivots on a bushing or cylindrical linings that reduce friction and restrains the auto parts from going in all directions. During acceleration the broad end of the Acura control arm manages the motion of the wheel and synchronizes it with the body of the car. The narrow end, on the other hand, attaches to the steering knuckle while pivoting on a ball joint.

In an Acura, up to eight control arms are fitted—with two on each wheel. They consist of an upper control arm and a lower control arm. The lower control arms provide the suspension setting parts with a rotational movement whenever the car is cornering. It complements the suspension system in dispersing chassis flex for convenient riding. Other than the aforementioned functions, the Acura control arm enables the coil springs to respond to the axle and wheel assembly while encountering the bumps and bruises along the way. The pivots at the other end of the control arm, which are attached to the chassis, allow for the up-and-down motion of the coil springs to absorb the shocks during bumps

Aside from its pivot-joint functionality, the Acura control arm likewise allows the suspension of the car to respond to the axle and wheel assembly during bumps. The pivots at either end of the Acura control arm facilitate an upward and downward motion of the coil springs so bumps are less felt in the car’s cabin. By allowing a steady, regulated movement of the suspension parts, the Acura control arm synchronizes all four tires to the motion of the car. It is equipped with cylindrical bushings to reduce friction and improve car handling. The considerably less-traction contact surface where the rubber meets the road results in better steering and tire wear-out rate.

Acura’s Key Handling Component

A new owner of an Acura TL or RDX might think that his or her car’s performance is heavily dependent on great horsepower, high torque, and fast acceleration. Acura is known for its exceptional performance, as it has been thoroughly bred based on the Japanese automotive giant Honda. However, Acura’s engine performance and looks will only be put to waste with a lack of satisfying handling. Because of this, Acura’s researchers, designers, and engineers have painstakingly ensured that the carmaker’s vehicle suspension systems bring reliable handling and comfort both to the driver and passenger.

A good suspension system maximizes friction between the tires and the road surface. As mentioned earlier, it aims to provide excellent handling, good steering ability, and comfortable ride for the passengers. For it to work well, Acura’s suspension system rely on durable and dependable suspension parts. One of the Acura suspension system’s most important components is the Acura control arm.

Normally shaped like a letter A, the Acura control arm handles the motion of the wheels in relation to the body of of an RL or TSX. The control arm has two points, located at the bottom of “A,” attached to an automobile’s frame. The third point, on the other hand, is connected to the spindle. A faulty Acura control arm may result to a bumpy ride. As a result, long travels may cause debilitating experience for the passengers because of the vehicle’s excessive movement. This is especially true when traveling on rough roads. Using an automobile daily and on long hauls may also cause deterioration to the car’s suspension system.

Regular maintenance checkup on the control arms is strongly advised by automotive experts. Replacement is needed immediately, especially when certain suspension system parts like the Acura control arm get damaged or when found deteriorating.

Acura Relay Guaranteed to Last Long

Acura is known for offering an exhilarating driving experience. Its vehicles are packed with technology, and costs thousands of dollars lesser than its European competitors. Quality Acura parts play a huge role in sustaining this excellent reputation. One example of these quality parts is the Acura relay.

Invented in 1835 by Joseph Henry, the relay is an electrical switch that opens and closes through another electrical circuit. It was, earlier, operated by an electromagnet to open or close one or more contact sets. Acting as an electrical amplifier for an Acura vehicle, the Acura relay controls an output circuit of higher power than the input circuit. A typical Acura relay works for several different applications. First, it controls high-voltage with a low-voltage signal and a high-current with a low-current circuit. Relays also conserve energy, perform logic and time-delay functions, and isolate the controlling circuit from the controlled one when the two are at different potentials.

Connector failure is the most common cause of Acura relay-related electronic failures. Such problem occurs when the current flow through the relay heats up the relay, which in turn, heats up the connector. As a result, the connector looses its grip from the relay and begins to overheat. Eventually, the plastic around the connector will melt, leading to the Acura relay’s failure.

One example of an Acura relay is the fuel pump relay. By principle, a hot relay is a bad relay. In the first place, drawing high amount of current should not result to a hot relay. A relay failure in this situation can be attributed to different factors such as a cold solder joint, bad crimp joint, and bad relay contacts. A burnt smell and an engine that fails to start are the usual symptoms of a faulty fuel pump relay. An Acura relay failure may either be fixable or non-fixable so it is highly recommended to have the relays checked regularly to avoid irreparable damage.

Responsive Braking Through Acura Rotors

Acura’s braking system is as famous as its luxurious look. In fact, Acura has been given a rare “five-star” safety recognition by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), because of its safety features such as a cutting edge braking system. A set of key complementary parts form this braking system, making the latter a truly efficient working system. One of them is the Acura Rotor.

An Acura Rotor’s main function is to cool the brakes down when the braking system starts to heat up. Constant exposure to heat may cause the brakes to fade eventually, reducing the car’s braking efficiency. The heat could also cause the brake pads to wear out faster. Aside from cooling the brakes down, the Acura Rotors also help produce friction through contact with the brake pads. This friction is needed to stop the vehicle.

In view of the Acura Rotors’ sensitive functions, manufacturers made them out of metal. Metal has the natural ability to both conduct and help dissipate heat as well. Yet, there are techniques involved in increasing the cooling ability of the Acura Rotors. A set of slots cut through the outer edge of the unit and run towards the center, providing space in which the air could flow through. Other methods include cross-drilling and special surface treatments.

Despite its robust makeup, constant usage could bring a lot of damage on the Acura Rotors. One of the dangers they may face is metal corrosion, characterized by pits and gouges on the surface and flaked rusts that clog the cooling slots. The results are a worn out set of brake pads and inefficient heat transfer. Owners need not to worry about replacement since Acura Rotors are widely available in market. However, while there are a lot of aftermarket dealers offering rotors, responsible Acura owners should practice caution upon choosing what is the best for their cars. Consulting a trusted mechanic is highly recommended by experts.

Reduced Bump With Acura Shocks

A suspension system serves an important role in an automobile. It ensures that drivers can control their vehicles when passing twists, turns, and bumps on the road, and keep the cars at a leveled position. Acura, Honda’s luxury car making arm, rely on a nimble suspension system to maintain optimum passenger comfort. Acura’s lofty position on the upscale automotive market is due partly to its capacity to provide unbridled comfort for its vehicles’ owners and passengers. Because of this, Acura makes sure it produces highly dependable parts for their vehicles’ suspension system. One of these is the Acura Shocks.

When Acura vehicles hit bumps on the road, the suspension system makes sure that pressure is applied at the opposite direction. The spring plays a significant role in this situation. Springs tend to keep moving. To address this problem, Acura Shocks were designed to slow the springs down. This is done through compression of the hydraulic oil and transformation of the moving suspension’s energy into heat energy.

As the oil in the Acura Shocks is compressed, the molecules are forced into close contacts. The friction that forms between them is then released as heat. When the two chambers of oil go through the alternating compression process, the pressure is equalized, and the suspension’s motion is stopped.

Because of its function, a typical Acura Shock is constantly exposed to high levels of pressure and vibration, to which the suspension component might eventually succumb. Replacement, therefore, is always the best option when maintaining Acura Shocks. That way, an Acura can still have a capable suspension system to keep it in a controlled position, providing the passengers a luxuriously comfortable riding experience the carmaker boasts of.

Petit Le Mans: Acura’s Practice Report

Acura is seriously preparing for the much-anticipated 10th anniversary of 10-hour Petit Le Mans sports car classic which is happening today. So far, how far have they gone?

In an extensive practice yesterday, all three Highcroft drivers spent a significant time on the track and got a good taste of what to expect at today’s 1,000-mile challenge. Though the first session went smoothly, with Highcroft running in the top six, during the afternoon session, Acura ran into some grip issues, which slowed lap times considerably, reported Highcroft Racing.

In the evening during the third session took place in the evening, the team and car rallied and moved back up to sixth at the beginning of the session and dived further to 12th.

Robbie Kerr, who is driving at Road Atlanta for the first time, said that his time on the track today was “spent getting used to the feel of the car.” He was also concentrating on the flow of traffic and “learning where you can and can’t overtake the other cars.” Said Kerr, “It’s always frustrating as a driver because, of course, you want to go faster, but the traffic here plays a huge role in determining that. It will be interesting during the race to see who is going to last because chances are someone will get it slightly wrong and have an off day due to the sheer number of cars out there.”

David Brabham, who ran this morning and evening, said of the Acura ARX-01a,”After yesterday’s test, we were struggling a bit for grip. We found a bit more today, but we definitely have more work to do. It’s very difficult to get a clear lap around here because of the quantity of cars. You just want a clear lap to get a reasonable run, but that’s what it’s going to be like during the race. At the moment, we’re trying to get the best possible speed for the race and focusing on consistency and efficiency. We’re not the quickest out there right now but we know that when it comes to the race we’ll have a strong package.”

“All three of us wanted to get our required three dark laps in plus a few more just to get a feel for the car because we had had some issues in earlier practices. It looks like we’ve got the car working normally again after some problems we encountered in the past two days. We’re in good shape to have a strong car for qualifying tomorrow,” said Stefan Johansson, the final driver in tonight’s session.

How rigid was the practice? Well, it is very challenging to the Acura axle and other race parts. On Thursday, three separate practices were conducted with over 30 machines dicing through the north Georgia hills through which the Road Atlanta facility is woven. Morning, afternoon and evening practice sessions kept the drivers and crews busy attempting to find the fast line on the new racing pavement, Acura Motosports reported. Three Acura prototype teams, Andretti Green Racing, Lowe’s Fernandez Racing and Highcroft Racing, comprise the lineup for the automaker’s debut at the Petit Le Mans.

“The Acura has been very reliable all season. We have a good driver lineup and a very good crew. We have had our ups and downs this year as it has been a learning year for the Acura and AGR in sports car racing. Porsche has been racing in this form for decades. This is the debut year for Acura, HPD and AGR. We think we have a good car for Road Atlanta,” noted Bryan Herta, #26 XM Satellite AGR Acura ARX-01a.