Acura Unveils NSX Concept, All-New 2013 Acura ILX Sedan and Re-designed 2013 Acura RDX at Canadian International Auto Show
TORONTO (February 16, 2012) – Today, Acura unveiled three new vehicles that are central to the future direction of Acura. The NSX Concept, a first glimpse at the direction for Acura’s next-generation supercar, made its Canadian debut alongside the all-new ILX luxury compact sedan, designed as the new “gateway” to the Acura brand for consumers interested in moving up from mass-market vehicles. These two “bookends” of the Acura brand were joined by the totally redesigned 2013 RDX crossover sport utility vehicle.
“Today is an important day for Acura in Canada,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president, Honda Canada. “We are introducing two vehicles that will have an immediate impact on the luxury market this spring and one that will redefine what a supercar is. With beautiful designs and innovative technology that will improve the driving experience for everyone, I'm proud to introduce the vehicles that will be the foundation of our next 25 years in Canada.”
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About the Acura NSX Concept
The dynamically styled NSX Concept gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from Acura. Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies for Acura, including a new, innovative Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.
Utilizing a unique two 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. Acura 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 fuel efficiency.
"The new NSX Concept is the ultimate expression of Acura's vision to create a true synergy between driver and machine," said Mr. Chenkin. "With innovative technologies like the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, the NSX will make the driver at 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 original NSX, we will once again achieve high performance through engineering efficiency," added Mr. Chenkin. "We the fun-to-drive spirit of the NSX will be a primary focus; we believe that a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities, too."
The new Acura supercar, expected to debut in the next three years, will be developed by an engineering team led by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., and manufactured in Ohio.
About the 2013 Acura ILX
The 2013 Acura ILX compact sedan is an all-new model that is the gateway to the Acura brand. Sleek and sporty, the ILX combines luxury, performance and efficiency while maintaining a strong emphasis on a stylish and aerodynamic exterior design. As a five-passenger luxury sedan, the ILX combines compact proportions with ample cargo space, a spacious passenger interior and a large and airy greenhouse that provides excellent outward visibility.
“We’ve created the new Acura ILX to provide first-time luxury buyers with the sophistication, exterior styling, affordability and environmental responsibility that they value,” said Alexander Roger, assistant vice president, Acura Canada. “Research shows that 80 per cent of new car buyers are contemplating a move into the luxury market but many just don’t get there. ILX will finally provide those customers with a true gateway into the luxury market.”
The ILX will feature three advanced, sporty and efficient powertrain choices, including Acura’s first- gasoline-electric hybrid. The ILX will be powered by a 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 140 lb.-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm. For those who seek a more dynamic driving experience, the ILX can be equipped with a 2.4-litre engine with an output of 201 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. torque at 4300 rpm.
As Acura’s first ever hybrid model, the ILX Hybrid makes use of a 1.5-litre inline engine and an Integrated Motor Assist® electric motor. The hybrid drivetrain uses the gasoline engine as the primary power source, while an electric motor provides additional power when needed. A lithium-ion battery pack is used to capture and store electricity for the 20 horsepower electric motor. Together, the gasoline engine and electric motor produce 111 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque between 1000-3000 rpm. During braking, the gasoline engine deactivates and the electric motor acts as a generator to recharge the battery pack. At a stop, the 1.5-litre engine can enter idle-stop mode to save fuel and reduce emissions. The engine remains off until the brake pedal is released.
The ILX chassis utilizes advanced MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems, along with new Amplitude Reactive Dampers. The dampers operate in two distinct performance parameters to simultaneously provide superior ride comfort and precision handling. In addition, Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering is used for excellent steering feel and improved fuel efficiency. The result is a chassis with a high level of refinement, confident handling and a nimble and sporty driving experience.
Inside, the ILX will feature a high-quality, well-appointed interior that is smart, spacious and sporty. It will offer a number of new, high-value features including a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world.
As with all Acura models, the ILX will have a long list of standard features, two trim levels –a Premium Package and Technology Package – and excellent standard safety features, including Acura’s acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®). Although yet to be tested, Acura anticipates that the ILX will achieve top crash safety ratings from both the U.S.-based NHTSA and IIHS.
The available Premium Package features leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, an upgraded 360-watt stereo system, a rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin.
Building on the Premium Package, the available Technology Package adds Acura’s award winning ELS Surround® audio system and a complement of relevant technologies, including Acura Navigation System with Bilingual Voice Recognition™. The navigation system makes use of a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity, including 15 gigabytes that can be specifically allocated for music storage. With the available Premium or Technology Package, a new multi-view rear camera is used.
The Acura ILX will be manufactured exclusively at the company’s state-of-the-art Greensburg, Indiana, plant – one of only three plants worldwide to receive J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Platinum Award for outstanding product quality, and the top award for any factory in North America.
About the 2013 Acura RDX
The 2013 Acura RDX is the second generation of Acura’s five-passenger crossover SUV and features a new engine, transmission and all-wheel-drive system that will up the ante in the compact luxury SUV segment with a new approach to achieving both advanced performance and improved fuel efficiency.
“This RDX has always had the timeless design, luxury detail and functional technology that Acura customers expect,” said Alexander Roger, assistant vice president, Acura Canada. “With this next generation though, the already impressive RDX is improved in just about every way – it’s more powerful and more fuel efficient, and provides a quieter, roomier and more comfortable ride.”
The 2013 RDX rides on a 4-wheel independent suspension with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension design. A longer wheelbase, wider track and lower centre of gravity provide the foundation for the new RDX’s improved handling and ride quality. New chassis technology for 2013 includes Acura-exclusive Amplitude Reactive Dampers and a new Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering system that replaces the previous hydraulic steering. The 2013 RDX will come standard with all-wheel-drive.
Standard features for 2013 RDX include bold new 5-spoke 18-inch wheels and improved 4-wheel disc brakes that include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Not only do the brakes provide better performance, but they also incorporate improvements to lessen brake drag for reduced rolling resistance and improved fuel economy.
Replacing the turbocharged 2.3-litre inline 4-cylinder used with the previous RDX, the 2013 RDX will now have, as standard equipment, a 3.5-litre V-6 engine that produces 273 horsepower –33 more than the outgoing model. For even higher performance and improved fuel economy, the RDX makes use of an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with a new lock-up torque converter.
The RDX also gets a new, lighter weight all-wheel-drive system that provides outstanding performance and safety with increased efficiency to achieve higher fuel economy.
The RDX boasts a sleek and more aerodynamic body, evolving RDX from a sporty, compact SUV to a more formal SUV appearance with a longer, sculpted hood and styling that is more elegant and sophisticated to match the Acura philosophy of timeless, beautiful design.
Inside the 2013 RDX, new sweeping shapes, matte surface trim, and generous use of leather combine to give the RDX interior an upscale look and luxury feel that Acura customers have come to expect. An abundant use of sound deadening materials and Active Sound Control provides an exceptionally quiet cabin. Additional interior features, such as larger door openings, more passenger room, increased cargo volume and an available power rear tailgate make the RDX interior even more accommodating and flexible.
The 2013 RDX will receive a host of new technologies including SMS text message feature, a Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, and a three-view rear camera. An available Technology Package will provide a full complement of relevant technologies, including an Acura ELS Surround® audio system and Acura Navigation System with Bilingual Voice Recognition™. New for 2013, a more advanced navigation system utilizes a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity, including 15 gigabytes that can be allocated for music storage.
Passenger safety has always been a cornerstone of every Acura model. In addition to using Acura’s acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, the 2013 RDX employs new design features and myriad high strength materials aimed specifically at occupant protection. Although yet to be tested, Acura anticipates that the RDX will achieve top crash safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.
The 2013 RDX will be produced exclusively by the company’s East Liberty, Ohio, plant – home to one of four of the top five-rated assembly lines in North America in the J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS).
