Don’t call it a CUV, crossover, or sports wagon. “The ZDX is truly a luxury performance coupe – plus,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “The emotional coupe styling coupled with a luxurious and dramatic interior and surprising versatility, allows the ZDX to define its own segment and attract an entirely new customer.”

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The eagerly awaited Acura ZDX CUV has been unofficially unveiled a day ahead of its formal release at the NY Auto Show. Our friends at AutoSpies were in the right place at the right time, with a camera and got the first clear shot of the ZDX crossover on the New York Auto Show floor before the official press was allowed to see the newest vehicle in the Acura line-up. Acura’s BMW X6-fighter does a great job of carrying the new Acura DNA but somehow looks a little less menacing than the earlier Acura ZDX teaser shots. All the official details – including production dates and drivetrains – will be revealed tomorrow at 11 AM EST. [Source: AutoSpies]

Acura announced it will debut a prototype of the all-new ZDX luxury four-door sport coupe at the New York International Auto Show. The prototype features striking coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility to define a new luxury category.

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As the hype of the upcoming 2010 Acura CUV / Sports Wagon increases, rumors are begining to fly. While we’re trying to weed out the implausible, we have some info that we think is credible. Here are the most recent Acura CUV rumors we have:

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Cleveland, OH – Visitors to the Auto Show will enter a new automotive era of innovation and technology. It’s the next generation of hybrids, advanced fuel cells, and electric plug-ins – a showcase of what’s new and what’s next. One vehicle featured in this year’s show, the Acura TL, has been named Official Car of the 2009 Cleveland Auto Show.

All show attendees can enter to win this award-winning car touted as the most powerful Acura ever built. It received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Pick for 2009,” and offers a combined EPA rating of 21 mpg. The retail value is approximately $35,000!

Auto Show 2009 Chairman and owner of Motorcars Acura-Volvo, Dick Marcellino says, “We are thrilled to be awarded Official Car of the 2009 Cleveland Auto Show. We are confident the 2009 Acura TL will impress show goers with this sixth-generation (ahem…fourth generation) TL that serves up performance in an audacious new look. And someone will win this fabulous car at the Cleveland Auto Show!”

Show attendees can enter to win the new 2009 Acura TL at the I-X Center, February 28 – March 8. Ten daily finalists will be chosen, but only one lucky winner will have the key that unlocks the door. The Grande Finale will be held on the final day of the Auto Show, Sunday, March 8th at 5:00pm.

Following the Official Car giveaway, the remaining nine finalists will have an opportunity to win one year of natural gas for their home or business, provided by IGS Energy – a $2,000 value.

Entrees can also be mailed to: Auto Show Official Car Giveaway, 10100 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, Ohio 44141. Mail-in entrees must include name, address, phone numbers, email address, and age. You must be at least 21 years of age to enter. Additional contest details are available at www.clevelandautoshow.com, or by
calling toll free 1-866-291-1415.

$2 Off Auto Show coupons are available at over 300 Northern Ohio new-vehicle dealerships (while supplies last). The discount coupons can be redeemed at the Auto Show Box Office toward all regular admissions during show hours. The list of Northern Ohio new-vehicle dealerships can be found online at www.clevelandautoshow.com.

Parking is free. And, all paid box office ticket holders receive a free souvenir program – a $5 value.

The Show is open to the public February 28 – March 8. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for Seniors and $10 for preteens.
Children 6 and under are free. Tickets are available online at www.clevelandautoshow.com. Hours of operation are Friday & Saturdays 11am to 11pm; Sundays 11:00am to 8:00pm and Monday through Thursday 12:00pm to 10pm.

The Auto Show’s toll free information hotline is 1-866-291-1415. General Show information is also available online at www.clevelandautoshow.com.
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[Source: Cleveland Auto Show (pdf)]

Good afternoon everyone and welcome.

Before I begin, I’d like to tip my hat to the Chicago auto show for coming up with a creative option for press conferences at this difficult time in our industry.

Two years ago, Acura embarked on a path to elevate the brand to new heights. We brought out a totally new MDX, the all-new RDX, followed last year by a groundbreaking TL and a new TSX.

We’re here today for the world debut of an exciting new Acura model.

It’s the first shot in a barrage of Acura product news that will see major improvements and enhancements this year to almost every sedan and SUV in the Acura lineup…

The market may be slowing down – but Acura is not.

We launched the second generation TSX this past year with the goal of keeping the original TSX’ sporty traits — while adding a higher level of luxury and refinement.

And, judging by the popularity of the new TSX, we hit the mark.

The second generation TSX set a number of sales records upon its introduction in the spring of 2008 and it continues to post monthly sales increases despite the challenging marketplace.

The TSX was designed to appeal to 30-something entry-level luxury buyers looking for something fresh and edgier than the traditional options in this segment.

Individuals with a unique, active and sometimes irreverent take on life as illustrated in our ongoing TV campaign.

Take a look.

Yes, the current TSX is an entry point into the premium segment of the market – but with a twist.

With its 2.4 liter, 201 horsepower, i-VTEC engine it’s quick, nimble and a blast to drive. While still achieving excellent fuel economy with 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

And Car and Driver magazine recognized its strengths saying the 2nd generation TSX “ranks among the industry’s best front-drive handling machines.”

But – no surprise here – the really serious enthusiasts wanted more power to go with the car’s outstanding handling.

We heard them – and we’re responding. A more powerful generation has arrived.

Ladies and gentlemen, the all new 2010 Acura TSX V6.
Power comes from a 3.5 liter, aluminum alloy VTEC V6, which generates 280 horsepower giving the TSX more power for greater acceleration and increased performance.

The new powertrain is complemented by a revised sports tuned suspension featuring exclusive wheels and tires that are one-inch larger than those found on the four-cylinder TSX.

The brakes on this V6 model have also been upgraded to better match the enhanced performance potential of the car.

Inside, you’ll find the TSX V6 is loaded with standard luxury appointments like leather interior, power moonroof and 7-speaker audio system.

And like the four-cylinder model, the V6 version is available with an optional Technology Package packed with leading edge electronics to make driving more efficient and enjoyable.

Some of the features on the technology package include…
Voice-activated navigation system
Real-time traffic and weather information
And a10-speaker Acura/ELS premium surround sound audio system.

Naturally, the TSX V6 offers all of Acura’s class-leading safety content such as the patented ACE body structure, Active Front Head Restraints and Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control.

All these safety features are what should give the TSX a full Five-Star rating from NHTSA and make it a “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

By the way, Acura is the only brand, mainstream or luxury, to have every 2009 model recognized as a “Top Safety Pick” by the IIHS.
But it’s on the road where you’ll really feel the changes and enhancements made to this remarkable automobile.

The V-6 model delivers a truly distinct driving experience compared to the four-cylinder model.

The added power of the V6 is noticeable the instant you press the accelerator — and the throatier exhaust note is right in character with the car’s added performance.

Basically, we’ve taken a great car and kicked it up a notch.

The increased performance of the TSX V6 will allow us to compete even more aggressively with other sport sedans such as the BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and Lexus IS.

We also believe it will fill the niche between the TSX four-cylinder and the larger and more luxurious TL attracting youthful driving enthusiasts to the Acura brand.

Look for the TSX V-6 to hit dealerships this summer

I think it’s important to state in no uncertain terms that Acura is committed long-term to developing a robust product lineup…

One that supports our efforts to move Acura into the premium luxury area.

And the new TSX V6 you see is just one more example of that commitment.

As I mentioned earlier, almost every product in our lineup – — will see major improvements this year.

And we’ll be previewing an entirely new vehicle within a few months to further broaden our appeal and enhance our position in the marketplace.

Our ongoing goal of becoming one of the top luxury automotive brands in the world has not changed.

The current market situation is affecting everyone however Acura will continue to make progress in both the short and long term.

We will continue to commit the resources and the effort necessary to build Acura market share here and around the world.

The current economy has certainly thrown us and every other automotive manufacturer a curve.

But at Acura, we will use this opportunity to learn…

To adjust…

To evolve…

To improve…

And when the market regains its footing – and it will – we will be a stronger, more vital company than ever before…

Because we have what it takes to compete successfully in any kind of market.

And if you need proof, I now invite you to come up and take a look at the new 2010 Acura TSX V6…

The first of what will be an exciting and invigorating 2010 Acura product lineup.

Thank you!

[Source: Acura]

Acura debuted an all-new V-6 model for its TSX sports sedan line-up at the Chicago Auto Show today. Scheduled to go on sale this summer, the 2010 TSX V-6 will be equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter engine, exclusive suspension tuning, larger diameter wheels and additional enhancements.

“The automotive market may be slowing down, but not Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “With improved acceleration and handling, the new 280 horsepower V-6 adds even more sport to the already sporty nature of the popular TSX sports sedan.”

Since its redesign last year, the TSX has shattered sales records to become one of Acura’s best-selling sedans. As the entry point to the Acura brand, the four-cylinder TSX has won over customers with its nimble handling, agile driving feel and balanced performance. The V-6 model adds a new level of power on top of these winning traits for a more sporty and spirited driving experience. The V-6 will surely satisfy driving enthusiast’s appetite for a fun-to-drive, yet refined sports sedan.

With the introduction of a V-6 powered TSX, Acura will fill a niche in its lineup between the four-cylinder TSX and the all-new TL performance luxury sedan. With the TL moving more upscale following its redesign in the 2009 model year, the TSX V-6 will be aimed squarely at youthful buyers who want a performance-oriented sports sedan in a more personal size.

Powertrain
A new TSX powertrain choice means performance luxury buyers can enjoy a 280 horsepower 3.5L V-6, with sophisticated VTEC® valvetrain control and a dual-stage induction system. For maximum performance and efficiency, the engine will be coupled to Acura’s Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, with intelligent features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control. If the driver desires, the Sequential SportShift transmission can also be operated manually, via steering-wheel mounted F1®-style paddle shifters.

Body/Chassis
The new TSX model will feature a state-of-the-art, double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension system to provide excellent ride, handling and control. To generate sportier handling, the V-6 model will also use exclusive suspension tuning along with 18-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels, fit with Michelin Pilot all-season tires. The larger wheels and tires will help distinguish this performance- minded TSX, as does the slightly revised front fascia and a V-6 badge on the trunk.
The TSX V-6 model will be generously equipped with the latest advancements in safety technology and is anticipated to achieve the highest ratings in both government (NHTSA)* and independent (IIHS) crash testing – including garnering IIHS’s TOP SAFETY PICK.

Interior
Like all Acura models, the new TSX will feature an exceptional level of standard equipment, including leather-appointed interior, power moonroof, automatic climate control, a premium seven-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM tuner, XM® Satellite Radio, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® , USB port and AUX jack music interface and more.

Similar to the four-cylinder TSX, the V-6 model will be available with the optional Technology Package that includes the Acuralink™ satellite navigation system with rear-view camera and the Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system for a top-in-class audio experience.

The introduction of the TSX V-6 at the Chicago Auto Show is the first step in a series of major advancements to the 2010 Acura lineup. Almost every Acura sedan and SUV will receive significant enhancements for the 2010 model year.

Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models, including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport-utility vehicle.
Additional details about the 2010 TSX V-6 will be available this summer. For information about current Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please visit www.acuranews.com.

*Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Model tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs)..

[Source: Acura]