The Type R was the pinnacle of the Acura Integra line. It had many exclusive features found on no other Acura Integra. This trim of the Acura Integra only had a 5 speed manual transmission as standard. The Type-R also came with exterior side skirts, a front lip, and a functional rear spoiler known as the OEM optional kit. The interior of Acura has red stitching on the arm rest and shift knob, and faux carbon fiber for cup holders, climate control, window switches’ backings, and the shifter plate. The transmission was upgraded with lower and closer gear ratios in second through fifth gears, in order to take advantage of the additional rev range. The North American version retained the same 4.4 final drive throughout the Type R’s production run, unlike the Japanese version, which in 1998 changed to a 4.785 final drive along with revised gearing. The Acura Integra Type R’s open differential was replaced with a torque-sensing limited slip type. The Acura Integra Type R received very aggressive tuning in its suspension settings. All soft rubber bushings were replaced with much stiffer versions, as much as 5.3 times higher in durometer readings. The springs and dampers were much stiffer, with a 10 mm (0.4 in) reduction in ride height. The rear anti-roll bar diameter was increased to 22 mm (0.9 in) in diameter. The front anti-roll bar retained the same size, although the end links were changed to a more responsive sealed ball joint as opposed to a rubber bushing on the lesser models. The result was a chassis with very responsive, racetrack-ready handling that ably absorbed mid-corner bumps.
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Acura Vigor was Acura’s mid-size sedan. Acura Vigor early reviews were not favorable. Comparisons to the Lexus ES 300, which was roomier and softer in ride, generally favored the Lexus as the more appealing buy for the average luxury car buyer, whereas the Acura Vigor was stiff and small. Despite this, Acura Vigor did receive points for its handling prowess, which was very good for a front-wheel-drive sedan and akin to the 4-door version of the Integra. In response to the reviews, Acura made several changes to the Vigor for the 1994 model year, increasing rear seat room, softening the suspension and re-engineering the steering rack to help isolate the driver from road imperfections in an attempt to make the model more like the ES. The tactics were unsuccessful; buyers favored the more powerful Legend as a sports sedan and still seemed to prefer the ES as an entry-level luxury model.
The Acura SLX was a mid-size luxury SUV sold by the Acura division of Honda from 1996 to 1999. It is a lightly upgraded Isuzu Trooper released at the same time as the Lexus LX and it was only sold in the US. The Acura SLX was later replaced by the Honda Odyssey-based Acura MDX in 2001. The Acura SLX sold poorly and was discontinued after 1999. It is said that sales were affected by bad press when the 1996-1997 models were rated “Not Acceptable” by Consumer Reports for their tendency to roll over during testing. In a lawsuit brought by Isuzu against Consumers Union, the court found that some of the magazine’s statements showed a “reckless disregard” for the truth. The Acura SLX from 1996 to 1997 had a 3.2-liter V6 gasoline engine with a maximum output of 190 hp (142 kW) and was replaced in 1998 by a 3.5-liter dual overhead cam V6 engine that produced 215 hp (160 kW).
The Acura CSX is the first Acura model with two predecessors, since the CSX’s predecessors were the Integra sedan (1986-1996) and the EL (1997-2005). The Acura CSX also carries over features from the JDM Civic, most notably the 2.0 L DOHC i-VTEC engine rated at 155 hp (116 kW) @ 6000 rpm and 139 ft·lbf (188 N·m) @ 4500 rpm. Also carried over from the JDM Civic are the front and rear fascias and the steering wheel (also used in the USDM Civic Si and Euro Civic). Other features include paddle shifters as an option for automatic transmission models, leather interior, heated front seats, interior illumination (ignition lock, driver’s power window and mirror switches, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, glove compartment, ambient), optional navigation system on the Technology package, integrated turn signals in power door mirrors, high-intensity discharge headlights on the Technology model. The resulting car is 62 kg (140 lb) to 88 kg (190 lb) heavier than the Civic EX sedan, with fuel consumption raised to 8.7 L/100 km (27 mpg–U.S. / 32 mpg–imp) city, 6.4 L/100 km (37 mpg–U.S. / 44 mpg–imp) highway for manual model; and 9.5 L/100 km (25 mpg–U.S. / 30 mpg–imp) city, 6.5 L/100 km (36 mpg–U.S. / 43 mpg–imp) highway for automatic model.
The Acura TL is a mid-size luxury car from Honda’s Acura brand. The TL debuted as 1996 model, first with the 1996 2.5 TL available with the 2.5 L 176 hp (131 kW) SOHC 20-valve 5-cylinder engine from the Vigor. The 3.2 TL used the 3.2 L 200 hp (149 kW) SOHC 24v V6 from the second-generation Acura Legend. The 2.5 TL was positioned as the sporty model and the 3.2 focused more upon a luxurious ride. The very first 1996 Acura TL rolled off the assembly line on March 28, 1995.
The Acura RL is the flagship car of Honda’s North American luxury brand Acura. A revised car, known internally as KB1, was launched in late 2004 for the 2005 model year, and is much reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Still without the much-rumored V8 engine, it features a sophisticated all-wheel drive system Acura calls Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. It integrates active differentials with the all-wheel drive system and traction control to improve handling, similar to the “ATTS” system featured on the 1997 Honda Prelude SH. This all-wheel drive system was lauded by Popular Science as one of the best automotive innovations of 2004, and earned the 2005 Tech car of the year from cnet.com. The 225 hp (168 kW) 90° C-series V6 engine was replaced with a new 60° J-series 3.5 L engine delivering 300 hp (224 kW; later revised to 290 hp due to new SAE testing procedures). To give the car a more sporty feel, the car features a five-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel in the current, racing-car derived fashion. Other features found on the 2005 RL include DVD-Audio, XM Nav-Traffic (real-time traffic monitoring utilizing XM Satellite radio), as well as extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber. Pricing is up to US$49,100 without destination.
The Acura RDX is Acura’s first compact luxury crossover SUV. The RDX is powered by Acura’s first turbocharged gasoline engine. The 2.3-liter I4 K23A1 engine has all-aluminum construction, an i-VTEC head, and dual balance shafts. Acura’s variable flow turbocharger reduces turbo lag by using a valve to narrow the exhaust passage at low rpm, increasing the velocity of the exhaust flow and keeping the turbine spinning rapidly. At higher rpm, the valve opens to allow more exhaust flow for increased boost. The engine also features a top-mounted intercooler which receives air from the grille, channeled by ducting under the hood. The Acura RDX engine is rated at 240 bhp (179 kW) @ 6000 rpm with a torque peak of 260 lb·ft (353 N·m). @ 4500. The EPA estimated fuel mileage is 19 city and 23 highway miles per gallon. New more realistic EPA mileage estimates as of February 2007 are 17 city and 22 highway. One professional auto tester averaged 11 city and 17 highway under an admittedly heavy foot. The recommended fuel is premium 91 octane unleaded.
Acura unveiled the 2007 Acura MD-X Concept, showing to the public an indication about the exterior styling of the upcoming completely redesigned MDX due in October of 2006.Then on february 2007 and on may 2007 it was tested by the Car and Driver magazine but they tested the 2008 model winning the first place on the luxury division as the DRIVER’S SUV and it also won against SUVs like the Audi Q7, BMW X-5, Land Rover LR3, Porsche Cayenne S. Its engine is all-new and the most powerful in Acura’s lineup. It is a 3.7 liter V6 tuned for 300 horsepower (220 kW) and 275 lb·ft (373 N·m) of torque. Premium fuel is recommended. The 2008 EPA mileage estimates are 15 city, 20 highway (as of Oct. 2007). EPA annual greenhouse gas estimate is 10.8 tons on a scale of 3.5 to 16.2. When coupled with the Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, the MDX provides class-leading powertrain and handling performance among its current V6 competitors. Also, the 2007 Acura MDX will be equipped with High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) lowbeam headlights.
The Acura MDX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Acura since the 2001 model year. The MDX is the first crossover SUV to have third-row seating. The Alphanumeric moniker stands for Multi-Dimensional luXury. Derived from Honda’s Global mid-size platform which underpins cars like the Honda Accord, Acura TL, Acura TSX and Honda Odyssey, it is powered by a J35A3 3.5 L SOHC 24 valve V6 with VTEC. 2001-2002 3.5 V6’s models produce 240 horsepower (179 kW) and 245 foot-pounds force (332 N·m) of torque from 3000 to 5000 rpm. 2003-2006 3471 cc (3.5 in x 3.6 in) model engine produces 265 hp (198 kW) and 253 ft·lbf (343 Nm). Curb weight is 4451 lb (2019 kg), with a 106.3 in (2.7 m) wheelbase and 8 in (203 mm) of ground clearance. The cargo floor can flip up to provide two additional seats. The vehicle is designed to hold 7 passengers, but the third row seats are small. The vehicle features an automatic four wheel drive system that engages only when wheel slippage is detected. The system runs as front wheel drive during normal operation. All models use a 5-speed automatic transmission. In some models, the transmission suffered significant numbers of transmission problems that were similar to the problems with the Acura CL and TL. However, they did not get the benefit of the free extended warranty that the Acura CL and TL received.
In 1997, the Acura EL was born as a compact entry-level luxury car developed by Honda as an entry-level vehicle (the EL in the car name), and sold only in Canada. It replaced the Integra sedan in the lineup, while the Integra sedan continued to be sold in the United States until 2001. The car had two different generations, and was sold from 1997 to 2005. The EL was Acura’s top seller in Canada, since the Civic is the best-selling car in Canada. The first generation was a subcompact car, while the second generation became a compact car. The Acura EL was the first B-segment luxury car in North America. All ELs were built at Honda’s Alliston, Ontario, Canada plant (home of the Civic), and also the first Acura built in Canada. The first generation of the EL was a rebadged version of the Japanese market Honda Domani. Sold as the Acura 1.6EL, it was introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model. The designation was based on engine displacement, indicative of its 1.6 L engine(D16Y8), with power reaching 127 hp@6600 rpm 107tq@5500 rpm , thanks to the use of Honda’s VTEC valve timing control (VTEC kick at 5600 rpm) (having a redline of 7200 rpm) . Only available as a four-door sedan, it featured luxury trimmings not available on the similar Honda Civic. The EL was completely redesigned in 2000 (as a 2001 model) and was now based on the seventh generation Civic. In addition to the slightly more powerful and torquier VTEC-equipped 1.7 L 4-cylinder SOHC engine (badging correspondingly changed to Acura 1.7EL; engine size was dropped from the model name for 2005) with 127 hp (95 kW), distinctive headlight and taillight designs and available leather interior trimmings set it apart from the Civic. The car simply changed its badge from 1.7EL to EL. The Acura EL was replaced for the 2006 model year by the Acura CSX, based on the redesigned 2006 Honda Civic. Like the EL, the CSX is available only in Canada.
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