Honda Accord SR-9 Study Unveiled in Shanghai, Looks Better than Acura TSX

One of the new models at the Shanghai Auto Show that managed to momentarily escape our attention is the Honda Accord SR-9 concept study that was designed in cooperation with the firm's Chinese joint venture, Guangzhou Honda. Compared to the European-spec Accord and the North American market Acura TSX (they are the same cars), the Accord SR-9 features a newly designed front bumper with concave surfaces and a restyled grille with honeycomb inserts.

The show car also featured a set of side skirts and beefier seven-spoke alloy wheels. Even though the styling mods are minimal, the tweaked fascia would be a welcome change for both the European-market Accord and the Acura TSX.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Acura ZDX Live Photos from the New York Auto Show

The big news from Acura at the New York motorshow was the unveiling of the ZDX prototype, a sporty crossover that is scheduled to go into production this fall. Acura calls the ZDX a "luxury four-door sports coupe" but since we don't work for Honda, we'll call it Japan's answer to the BMW X6. Dramatic styling aside, the ZDX comes with a V6 engine coupled to Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Once you've finished checking out the live photos from Acura's NY Show stand, click here for the 'Full Monty' on the ZDX.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Acura ZDX Sporty Crossover Concept Revealed at New York Show

Meet the Acura ZDX concept, or shall we say, a very close to production version of the Japanese firm's forthcoming crossover that is due to go on sale in the States in the fall of 2009. While most of us were questioning BMW's decision to add the X6 in its lineup, the Honda folks quickly picked up the idea and came up with their own four-door coupe crossover - we know, it sounds ridiculous...

"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."

While we wouldn't actually fall in love with its exterior styling, we must admit that Acura's designers seem to have done a better job than their Bavarian counterparts. An interesting detail are the hidden rear door handles that are concealed in the C-pillar. Aside from a few minor details such as the headlamp and tail light housings, the exhaust tail pipes and quite possibly, the front bumper, don't expect to see other differences on the production model.

At 192.4 inches or 4887mm long, the ZDX prototype is less than two inches longer than the MDX (190.7 in.) but nearly 12 inches longer than the RDX (180.7 in. or 4590 mm). However, with a height of 61.8 inches, it's also around 7 and 4-inches respectively lower than its two crossover siblings.

Inside, the five-seater ZDX is virtually production ready though don't expect to see the hand-stitched leather dashboard and the two-tone trim, or at least not in the basic versions of the crossover. The prototype's cabin also features a panoramic glass roof which runs the entire length of the vehicle.

Acura said that this fall's production version of the ZDX will be powered by a V6 engine mated to an all-new, 6-speed automatic transmissio that drives all four-wheels through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

ZDX Prototype Dimensions:

• Length: 192.4 inches
  
• Width: 78.5 inches
  
• Height: 61.8 inches
  
• Wheelbase: 108.2 inches
  
• Wheel/tire: 9-spoke custom alloy wheels with Michelin Latitude HP 275/40ZR 20 tires
  
• Powertrain: All-aluminum VTEC V-6, all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
  
• Seating capacity: 5-passenger

Acura's BMW X6 Rival has a name: ZDX Concept

The New York Auto will see the debut of Acura's BMW X6-esque crossover concept that was formally named today the ZDX. "The ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen before from Acura," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of 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, he added.

Acura said that its luxury four-door-crossover-sport-coupe-like-profiled concept will be followed by a production version that is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships this fall. As we speak, there's no information on the ZDX's hardware but expect to see a V6 engine among the offerings.

Fresh /// Acura annonce la TSX Sport Tourer!

La marque de luxe du groupe Honda, Acura, a annoncé l'arrivée prochaine, au sein de sa gamme, de l'Honda Accord Tourer. Une voiture que nous connaissons déjà en Europe.

Tout d'abord, un mot sur la situation actuelle. La TSX Sedan que propose Acura sur le sol nord-américain est en fait l'Honda Accord Sedan européenne rebadgée. Voilà pour la petite histoire. La nouveauté, que l'on vient d'apprendre, c'est que cette dernière, notre Accord européenne, prêtera sa variante break au modèle américain, toujours sous le blason Acura, et ce, d'ici 2011.

Dénomée TSX Sport Wagon, cette Acura ne devrait pas différer du modèle Accord break européen, les berlines TSX et Accord étant, elles, des sozies parfaits... Acura n'a rien dit concernant les caractéristiques mais on se doute que cette Accord Tourer, sauce US, devrait reprendre la panoplie de moteurs de la TSX Sedan déjà proposée.

Source: Acura

/// Album Photo - Acura TSX Sedan 2008 ///


/// Album Photo - Honda Accord Sedan 2008 ///


/// Album Photo - Honda Accord Tourer 2008 ///

Fresh /// Nouvelle boîte manuelle pour l'Acura TL

La berline de luxe Acura TL se voit offrir pour l'année 2010 une nouvelle boîte manuelle à six vitesses. Une transmission réservée au modèle haut de gamme SH-AWD.

Cette boîte de vitesses manuelle à six rapports est réservée au modèle haut de gamme SH-AWD. C'est la première fois qu'Acura combine son système quatre roues motrices avec une boîte de vitesses manuelle. De plus, cette nouvelle boîte pèse environ 50 kg de moins que la boîte de vitesse automatique Sequential SportShift, jusqu'à présent seule offre disponible sur cette version.

Pour rappel, cette Acura TL, qui n'est pas proposée chez nous mais que l'on peut aisément comparer à une Classe E ou à une GS, est disponible uniquement en essence, soit avec un 3.5 V6 de 280 chevaux à traction avant, ou soit avec un V6 de 3,7 litres de 305 chevaux, équipé de la technologie SH-AWD.

Source: Acura

/// Acura TL Sedan 2008 Pictures Gallery ///