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.”

Officially unveiled at the NY Auto Show, the segment bending ZDX embraces stunning coupe-like styling and great utility, with a truly commanding road presence. Tired of being referred to as re-badged Hondas and embracing conservative, non-offensive styling, Acura has carried the DNA of the controversial 2009 TL to the ZDX with the intention of breaking new ground for Acura in the areas of provocative styling, contemporary luxury and meticulous refinement.

From what we can see of the interior of the ZDX, the cockpit seems to be a direct lift from the 2009 TL, with the exception of the white leather replacing the carbon-fiber-esque trim, giving more of a luxury feel.

“From the very first sketch of the ZDX, I wanted to create an emotional vehicle that challenged conventional thinking of what a sports coupe should be,” said Michelle Christensen, ZDX exterior designer. “My goal was to create a strikingly beautiful exterior, and use that attraction to help draw you into the rich interior.”

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]

The Acura Division posted sales of 9,005, for March 2009. This is a decline of 29.5 percent compared to March 2008 and an increase of 1,346 vehicles versus the previous month. Sales of the Acura TSX sports sedan, the brand’s second-best-selling model for the month, increased 16.6 percent, to 2,556. The newly designed Acura TL sold 3,231 units, increasing over the previous month by 741 untis.

[Source: Honda]

HoMoCo has announced significant cost-savings efforts throughout its North American operations. The plan is four-fold and includes production cuts, buyouts, salary reductions and elimination of bonuses.

Impacting all Honda manufacturing facilities in Canada, The United States and Mexico, production cuts will span across both Honda and Acura production lines. There will be 13 days between May and July in which all facilities’ operations will be suspended in the US.

In 2008, Honda produced a total of 1.3 million vehicles with both Honda and Acura nameplates, with some decrease in production output. “There is a continuing need to reduce our inventory,” Lietzke said. Notrh American plants are scheduled to reduce production by 62,000 vehicles alone this summer, but this does not necessarily reflect total production cuts for the 2009 fiscal year.

Nearly every North American employee will be offered a buyout. Honda spokesman Ron Lietzke said Tuesday that the buyouts will be offered at most of the Japanese automaker’s facilities in the North America, where it employs 35,600 people. Sweetened retirement packages are also being offered, he said.

Overall compensation will be reduced for its North American employees, with top executives experiencing the biggest cuts, Lietzke said. He would not say how much salaries would be reduced.

Bonuses will be greatly reduced or eliminated, but pay rates for production and hourly workers will not be affected, Lietzke said.

Honda has not been immune to the troubles plaguing the broader auto industry, brought on by the downturn in consumer confidence and the lockup in the credit markets. The automaker’s U.S. sales are down by about a third for the first two months of the year.

In February, Honda announced it was replacing its chief executive and reshuffling its board of directors in a bid to provide fresh leadership.

U.S.-traded shares of Honda rose 31 cents on Tuesday to close at $23.70.

Entire Acura Line-up Receives Top Safety Ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for Crash Worthiness

For the first time in the history of automotive safety crash testing, an automobile nameplate has simultaneously earned top government and IIHS safety ratings for every vehicle in its line-up.

On March 25, 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA*), as part of its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) testing, awarded the all-new 2009 Acura TL performance luxury sedan a 5-Star rating – its top rating – for side impact crash safety for both front and rear passenger seating positions. In earlier NHTSA testing, the 2009 TL achieved top safety ratings (a 5-Star rating for frontal crash performance for both driver and front passenger along with a 5-Star rating for Rollover resistance) meaning the 2009 TL now ranks as a top performer in all governmental safety ratings.

In November 2008 the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2009 Acura TL performance luxury sedan its top safety rating of “GOOD” for Frontal Offset Crash Test, Side Impact Crashworthiness Evaluation (SICE) and Rear Crash Evaluation. Furthermore, all Acura vehicles employ Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), an electronic stability control system that, when combined with GOOD ratings in Frontal, Side and Rear crash protection allow every 2009 Acura model to earn the IIHS’ prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK rating.

“Acura’s achievement means that no matter which Acura model buyers choose, they’re getting a high level protection for the most common types of real-world crashes,” said IIHS president Adrian Lund.

The 2009 TL’s top safety ratings, combined with the rest of the Acura line-up’s top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, mark the first time in history that an automotive nameplate has achieved top honors for front, side and rear crash worthiness for all of the vehicles in its lineup.

“No other automotive brand has accomplished what Acura has, nor can make the safety claims that Acura can,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of automobile sales. “When consumers think safety, they really should think Acura.”

The NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings are a direct result of Acura’s “Safety Through Innovation” initiative that is based on the brand’s commitment to leadership in safety. The initiative’s goal is for all Acura models to provide a high level of occupant protection along with injury mitigation to pedestrians, as well as increased crash compatibility with other passenger vehicles – regardless of vehicle size or price.

For 2009, all Acura models include as standard equipment the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure along with a host of other standard safety equipment including Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual-stage/dual-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags with passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), side airbags for all outboard seating positions, front seats with integrated active head restraints, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

Acura’s ACE™ body structure is designed to help absorb the energy of a frontal crash, while also helping to minimize the potential for an “under-ride” or “over-ride” phenomenon that can occur during frontal impact with a significantly larger, smaller, higher or lower vehicle. ACE™ channels frontal crash energy to both upper and lower structural elements, including the floor frame rails, side sills and A-pillars. These specially engineered load pathways help distribute frontal impact forces through a greater percentage of the vehicle’s total structure and away from the passenger compartment.

Acura engineers have the advantage of being able to utilize two ultra-sophisticated crash test facilities, including the world’s first indoor multi-directional car-to-car crash testing facility, located in Tochigi, Japan. This facility has played a crucial role in the development of enhanced designs for occupant and pedestrian safety as well as vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility.

Acura engineers also utilize the company’s Raymond, Ohio, Automotive Safety Research Facility to perform advanced testing on all U.S.-developed models. The facility features the world’s first pitching test sled, which aids efficiency by enabling economical, repeatable and quick crash test simulations with certain interior safety components (such as seats and seatbelts) prior to conducting a crash test with an actual vehicle. The lab also features one of the world’s highest resolution impact barriers, which enables precise measurement of the distribution of impact load forces on a vehicle allowing for even more advanced vehicle designs.

Acura has been the first to market on many safety technologies including: the first production vehicle in the U.S. to offer a 4-channel anti-lock braking system; the first car to have dual-stage driver- and passenger-side airbags; the first luxury SUV to receive a 5-Star crash safety rating from NHTSA; and the first production vehicle to offer Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) that varies the deployment of the passenger side airbag depending on the occupant’s body location.

As part of its commitment to improving safety for all road users, Acura has also led the U.S. industry in the application of features designed to reduce injuries to pedestrians in a collision (such as collapsible hood hinges and breakaway windshield wiper pivots) with a focus on reducing severe head injuries which account for 60 percent of pedestrian fatalities. In addition, the company sought to better understand the dynamics of pedestrian collisions, thus it developed the POLAR II safety test dummy which is widely recognized as the world’s most advanced pedestrian safety test dummy.

About NHTSA
NHTSA is a United States government agency within the Department of Transportation (DOT). In addition to conducting vehicle crash safety testing, NHTSA also develops standardized crash test dummies used by most testing agencies. NHTSA also develops a wide variety of automotive related regulatory parameters including, but not limited to: Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, Vehicle Information Number (VIN) standards, automotive defects and recalls, as well as maintaining the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) that provides statistical information regarding vehicle crashes.

NHTSA established the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) in 1979 based on Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that serve to improve occupant safety during an automotive crash. Based on a series of “star” ratings, NHTSA rates the safety of a vehicle through frontal impact and side impact crash testing, rollover resistance measurements, and dynamic stability testing. The highest NHTSA rating for any test/measure is 5-Star, with 1-Star being the lowest rating. NHTSA information and vehicle ratings can be obtained by visiting www.safercar.gov.

About IIHS
The IIHS is a not-for-profit organization that conducts independent testing to help reduce losses – deaths, injuries and/or property damage – from crashes on the nation’s highways, and provides its findings to automotive insurers. Based on crash test ratings, insurers have valuable information to help determine automotive insurance liability. IIHS has been conducting vehicle testing since 1969, and while it conducts impact crash tests similar to those conducted by NHTSA, IIHS tests make use of offset barriers rather than full-vehicle-width barriers. Based on post crash test analysis, IIHS rates crash safety using four ratings: Good, Acceptable, Marginal and Poor. IIHS also conducts other vehicle safety tests including low-speed bumper impact tests and seat headrest evaluations based on rear impact tests. IIHS information and vehicle ratings can be obtained by visiting www.iihs.org.

About Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2009 Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.

For media information and high-resolution photos and video of all Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com.

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

{Source: Acura]

http://www.hondanews.com/categories/793/releases/4976

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.

“The ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen before from Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president, Acura sales. “The prototype showcases a new level of luxury, style and refinement for Acura and speaks volumes towards our commitment to advancing the brand.”

The production version of the ZDX prototype will bring a new level of prestige to the Acura lineup when it arrives at dealerships this fall and offer the latest advancements in performance, technology and safety.

The ZDX prototype will be introduced at the New York International Auto Show on April 8, 2009 at 11:00 am in the Acura booth.

For media information and high-resolution photos of Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com.

[Source: Acura]

Debuting that year was the flagship Acura model, the Acura Legend 4 door sedan, and the Acura Integra 2 door. Each of which could be purchased at any Acura dealership in only 18 states.

1987 – The Legend Coupe is introduced—the first Acura equipped with single air bag. The Legend Coupe was named Motor Trend’s “Import Car of the Year”.

1988 – Only two years after its introduction, the Acura Legend became the best-selling luxury import model in the United States. Not to be outdone, the Legend’s smaller, sportier sibling; the Integra wins the International Sedan Championship; and Acura is the top-selling luxury import nameplate two years in a row.

1989 – The second-generation Integra 3-door and 4-door sports sedans are introduced.

1990 – The NSX is born. The NSX launches as the world’s first all-aluminum production car, featuring the first use of titanium connecting rods and the first variable valve timing and lift. It’s named one of Motor Trend’s “Top 10 Performance Cars” and Road & Track’s “Ten Best Cars in the World.”

1991 – The NSX is hailed the “best sports car ever built” by Motor Trend and receives the “Automobile of the Year” and “Design of the Year” awards from Automobile Magazine.

1992 – The sporty Vigor sedan is introduced, and Acura is named “Best Overall Car Line” in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Performance Index.

1993 – The next generation Integra is introduced in both Coupe and Sedan models and was added to Car & Drivers 10 Best list. The Legend continues its reign as the best-selling luxury import in the country for the sixth year in a row.

1994 – Acura adds Integra Coupe and Sedan Special Edition models to the LS, GS and sporty GS-R lineup.

1995 – The TL series debuts, and the stylistic CL concept car premieres at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

1996 – The RL is introduced as the flagship luxury sedan. The American-designed, engineered and manufactured 2-door CL luxury performance coupe also debuts.

1997 – The Limited-Edition Integra Type-R captures the imagination of serious enthusiasts with its numerous performance achievements, such as a high-revving 195-horsepower VTEC engine, for one.

1998 – The 3.2TL debuts with a 225-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 engine and is touted for its sophisticated design, luxury appointments and performance heritage that Acura is renowned for.

1999 – The Alex Zanardi edition NSX is built in a limited series of 50 cars. In addition to special styling features, it has a lighter rear spoiler, single pane rear glass, BBS wheels and a lighter battery—shedding 150 pounds off the production version.

2000 – Acura launches the MDX—its first midsize SUV, and the awards pour in: “Best Luxury SUV of the Year” by Car and Driver, “Sport Utility of the Year” from Motor Trend and the “2001 North American Truck of the Year.”

2001 – The RSX sports coupe debuts, replacing the Integra line with its race-bred i-VTEC™ technology, best-in-class performance and class-leading amenities. It earns a spot on Car and Driver’s “10 Best Cars” and Ward’s “10 Best Engines” lists.

2002 – The TL Type-S is introduced, causing a new wave of Acura driving excitement. Acura continues its legendary performance heritage by winning the SCCA Pro manufacturers’ World Challenge Touring Car Championship for the fourth time.

2003 – The dynamic, driver-tuned TSX sport sedan is introduced, and the all-new TL arrives—the first car to offer HandsFreeLink™ with Bluetooth wireless technology and ELS Surround Sound with DVD-Audio as standard equipment.

2004 – The all-new RL debuts, featuring the most powerful engine ever in an Acura. Breakthroughs include Super Handling All-Wheel Drive®, the AcuraLink™ satellite communication system with real-time traffic and the Zagat Restaurant Guide, as well as HandsFreeLink™, Bose® Surround Sound and keyless access.

2005 – The RDX Concept SUV is unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. It combines the performance of a sports sedan with the functionality of an SUV.

2006 – On March 27, 2006, Acura turns 20.

2007 – Acura enters the American LeMans Series, powering three teams. In its debut race at the Mobile 1 12 hour of Sebring, Acura wins 1st, 2nd and 4th place in the LMP2 class.

2008 – Acura introduces the AcuraLink® Real-Time Weather system that alerts you if a potential weather-related issue exists along your plotted route and provides current conditions, weather radar maps and forecasts.

2009 – The complete Acura line-up is refreshed introducing the new power-plenum grille and very distinctive styling of the new generations of the TSX and TL are introduced. The new Acura CUV / Sport Wagon (rumored to be called the MSX) will be introduced at the NY Auto Show. Whispers are still abound and fingers are crossed the Acura’s image car, the NSX will be reintroduced this year with a V10.

On behalf of AcuraBoard.com and Acura enthusiasts everywhere, we wish you a happy 23rd birthday Acura.

[Source: Acura]

The Google Street View car looks has some great shots of the #9 Patron Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-01b, the #3 Corvette Racing C6.R, #45 Flying Lizard Porsche GT3 RSR, #8 B-K Motorsports Lola B08/86 Mazda, and the #2 Audi R10 TDI. Please let us know if more Acura photos that are spotted via Google street view.

Thanks for the tip Jason!

[Source: Google Street View]

They have enhanced the offer by now offering to make the first payment on all other models in the Acura lineup plus include a free remote car starter. This offer will be valid for one day only, March 28, 2009.

“We decided to make the customer’s first payment on all models for this one day only as it now will give the customer choices! Whether they are searching for an MDX or a TSX or an RL…they now have a great deal available to them,” says Joel Avery, General Manager at Acura of Peabody.

Acura of Peabody has low financing and special leases available on all new Acura models. With rates starting at just 2.9% and lease prices starting at $299 per month, now is the opportunity for shoppers to take hold of this special, one day opportunity.

For an even greater punch, the dealership is offering customers the opportunity to win a weekend getaway in Stowe, Vermont. There is no purchase necessary and all it takes is a visit to the Peabody area Acura dealership to register.

To view Acura of Peabody’s full line-up, consumers can visit www.acurapeabody.com or contact the sales department at sales@acurapeabody.com. They have over 120 new vehicles to choose.

The Acura 1st 2 payment program ends March 31st and the 1st payment on all other models is valid on March 28th. Contact the Acura sales department at sales@acurapeabody.com today for a quote.

Acura of Peabody on the North shore offers the largest selection of Acura cars at great prices. They also have an award winning service and parts department. Acura of Peabody has been serving the Massachusetts and New Hampshire community since 1994.

To schedule an Acura test drive, call 978-532-9110 or visit http://www.acurapeabody.com

[Source: WebWire]

While somewhat deceptive advertising has become expected & accepted by most when it comes to the auto industry, Protégez-Vous has decided to publish its thoughts on deceptive ads. Citing the troubling economy as the catalyst for the warnings, this year’s issue also included buyer beware warnings about a marked increase in misleading ads for car dealerships touting zero-per cent financing deals.

The 2009 model year is seeing an increase in confusing and deceptive advertising due to desperate car dealers, said George Iny, president of the Automobile Protection Association, which published its annual review of the auto industry to accompany Protégez-Vous.

Honda and Acura were singled out as having several unclear, confusing and incomplete ads. While we don’t “parlez vous francais”, from the example they provided, it seems like the Acura TL SH-AWD ad that was cited focuses on misleading “Zero down payment” claims.

Hyundai and Toyota Canada were listed as brands with better advertising standards.

[Source: Protégez-Vous]