Acura Integra Radiator

The market for near-luxury cars has changed dramatically in the last several years, and the Acura TL shows us the way in which personalized performance has become more important than restrained luxury.

The front-wheel-drive Acura TL combines dramatic style, a powerful V6 engine, a responsive chassis. Just as important, the TL offers an extensive complement of the latest electronic features, making the driving experience more entertaining and more enjoyable as well as faster and safer. Since its introduction in 2004, the current-generation TL has led Acura toward a bolder, more aggressive identity.

For 2007, the Acura TL receives a useful makeover that features styling changes and upgraded mechanical details, plus more electronic features. Most important, there are now two models, the standard TL and the performance-oriented TL Type-S.

As before, the standard TL features a 258-hp 3.2-liter V6 engine. For 2007, it has been re-tuned to deliver a relaxing balance of comfort, driving enjoyment and practical luxury. Meanwhile, the TL Type-S has a 286-hp 3.5-liter V6, and it's a hard-edged sports sedan, with unique styling and an aggressive personality more in keeping with the TL's original mission statement.

As popular-priced sedans have become quieter, more comfortable, and more spacious, premium near-luxury sedans have changed their focus, and they now emphasize style and driving enjoyment. The Acura TL's evolution over the last decade into a sports sedan reflects this trend. But in keeping with its Honda-bred heritage, the Acura TL is also about being modern and efficient. As a consequence, the lightweight, front-wheel-drive TL is refreshingly different from the heavy, rear-wheel-drive sedans found elsewhere in the near-luxury category.

Now with its state-of-the-art facilities like that of its Acura Integra Radiator and the like….

Read More......

Acura Integra Multi Rib Belt

The 2007 Acura MDX ($39,995) offers three major options packages, two of which are positioned as models.

With the Technology package ($43,495), the MDX gets Acura's wonderful voice-activated navigation system, this time out with Zagat reviews and ratings embedded, a rearview camera, AcuraLink satellite communications with real-time traffic data, a 410-watt ELS surround sound system with 6CD changer and 10 speakers, wireless telephone equipment, and three-zone automatic air conditioning.

The Sport package ($45,595) includes the Techology package and adds Delphi active-damping magnetic rheological shock absorbers, perforated leather interior trim, alloy wheels, and self-leveling HID headlamps.

The Entertainment package ($2,200), available with either the Technology or Sport packages, adds a DVD rear entertainment system, heated second-row seats, a power tailgate, and a 110-volt power point in the front console.

Safety equipment on the new MDX is as complete a package as there is in the industry. The front bucket seats each have two-stage air bags and active head restraints, two-stage driver and front passenger knee bolsters, front seat side air bags and three-row side-curtain air bags including rollover triggering. That's in addition to the mandated front airbags. Active safety features, designed to help the driver avoid accidents in the first place, include all-wheel-drive, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist for panic stops.

Now with its state-of-the-art facilities like that of its Acura Integra Multi Rib Belt and the like….

Read More......

Acura Integra Mud Flaps

The Acura MDX is all-new for 2007. It's larger then the previous model and has been improved in every area. That's saying something given that the first-generation MDX (2001-2006) had a unique combination of style, design, utility, and a rock-solid powertrain with both good power and good fuel economy that made it very popular among mid-size luxury SUVs. It sold in record numbers right to the end and was the second-best-selling Acura model (after the TL sports sedan).

The all-new 2007 Acura MDX is built on a proper truck platform, and is not an adaptation of the Accord passenger car platform. It doesn't look larger than last year's MDX, but it is in fact several inches longer and wider. That makes it among the largest vehicles of its type. It offers more space for folks and flotsam inside, totaling almost 143 cubic feet. From its wild new grille to its elaborately stylish cat's-eye headlamps to its huge new taillamps, it's got a more muscular look compared to the original, especially in the areas around the tires. Sporty styling cues include the big, fat dual exhaust tips that look like they belong on a V8, and the hefty five-spoke alloy wheels. Even the Acura badge in the grille has been changed, and is now twice as big as it once was.

The seats are laid out in three rows of two, offering seating for up to seven people. The 10-way driver and 8-way front passenger power seats allow huge adjustment latitude for long-distance comfort.

The new MDX is physically stronger than the previous model, with a more rigid structure that's much more resistant to twisting and bending, beneficial for ride and handling as well as tightness as the vehicle ages.

Powertrain improvements include a larger, more powerful V6 engine, combined with a five-speed manual-shift automatic transmission. The completely updated exterior appearance, which is sportier still than the original, will make it easy to spot the new one. Inside, there is a completely new approach to SUV interior design, a more organic, unified presentation of instruments and controls, a more involving scheme for the driver that should be appreciated by moms and dads alike.

We found the MDX quiet and quick, with nicely weighted steering. The active damper system that comes on the Sport model makes driving the MDX more fun, with a flatter ride and less body roll in the corners. The driver can select between sport and comfort modes for sharper handling or a softer ride. The navigation system, satellite radio, iPod input jack and Bluetooth phone synching make it easy and fun to go down the road.

Acura says the new MDX competes with the BMW X5, the Volvo XC90, the Lexus RX 330, the Mercedes-Benz ML350, as well as the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon Denali. Acura hopes the new MDX will appeal to women who want a sports car but need an SUV

2007 Acura MDX
All-new, more powerful, more fuel-efficient, more luxurious

Now with its state-of-the-art facilities like that of its Acura Integra Mud Flaps and the like….

Read More......

Acura Integra Knock Sensor

Folks who favor road rockets like the BMW M3 coupe pooh-pooh the Acura 3.0CL for lack of character. Others have criticized its pricetag, and for a shortage of doors--in other words, for not being a sedan.

After spending a week with a 3.0CL, we find these observations mystifying.

True, the V6-powered version of Acura's mid-size front-drive coupe lacks a manual transmission, optional or otherwise--that sport-driving essential is available only with the four-cylinder 2.2CL--and its on-road persona is serenely quiet, composed and competent.

But for all its posh good manners, the CL can handle a slalom course or series of s-bends in a considerably faster than average hurry, and its all-around dynamics are on a par with most of BMW's superb 3-Series coupes, though the M3 is in a class by itself.

Comments about two doors versus four defy comprehension. Yes, sedans are more versatile. But coupes still have an appeal--sporty, intimate, personal--that sedans don't. We don't think a coupe has to apologize for being a coupe.

As for the price issue--well, let's look at that. With a base price of $25,545, including destination and delivery, the 3.0CL is $3000 higher than the 2.2CL, and at $27,105 the Premium version, our test subject, is in near-luxury territory.

At a glance, that may seem a trifle dear. But check the standard equipment list. This baby is loaded, and the basic 2.2CL is only slightly less so.

1997 Acura 3.0 CL
Distinctive luxury and sneaky fast

Now with its state-of-the-art facilities like that of its Acura Integra Knock Sensor and the like….

Read More......

Acura Integra Ignition Switch

The CL is available in two distinct models, both of which are very well equipped. In fact, only one option is available: Acura's $2,000 DVD-based Global Positioning Satellite navigation system.

At $27,980, the standard 3.2 CL coupe has virtually all the features buyers expect in a more expensive luxury car.

At $30,300, CL Type S comes with a higher-revving V6 engine that makes 35 horsepower more than the standard CL's V6. The Type S suspension is tuned for more responsive handling, and it features Acura's anti-skid stability electronics.

2001 Acura CL
Sporty, luxurious and balanced

Now with its state-of-the-art facilities like that of its Acura Integra Ignition Switch and the like….

Read More......

Acura Integra Ignition Coil

Acura boldly asserts that, by the end of the 2001 model year, its all-new 3.2 CL will be the best selling import-brand coupe in the luxury car market. That prediction sounds brazen when you consider the competition: The Volvo C70, Mercedes-Benz CLK320 and BMW 328Ci aren't exactly lightweights. The 328Ci in particular has long been a favorite among enthusiast drivers, and at this writing remains the best-selling car in the class. Undeterred, the engineers at Acura claim their new CL is as smooth and quiet as cars costing $10,000 more.

We can tell you that, based on published figures, the CL has more horsepower than the competition. After driving the CL on the best roads central Texas has to offer, we can also tell you that the 3.2 CL is built like a fine watch and is more than pleasant to drive. Finally, we can tell you that, similarly equipped, the CL costs several thousand dollars less than the least expensive car among the competitors named above.

Maybe the folks at Acura aren't just blowing smoke.

Now with its state-of-the-art facilities like that of its Acura Integra Ignition Coil and the like….

Read More......

Acura Integra Headers

Acura CL is available in two versions, CL and CL Type-S. Both are well equipped. In fact, only one option is available: Acura's navigation system, called NAVI ($2150), which comes bundled with the OnStar telematics system.

Both models are powered by Honda's 3.2-liter V6. The standard CL makes 225 horsepower, which is a lot of power for this class. The Type S makes an even more impressive 260 horsepower, thanks a number of subtle engine tweaks. Both models come standard with a five-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift. Type-S offers a six-speed manual gearbox as a no-cost option.

CL ($28,200) comes loaded with luxury features. Standard equipment includes antilock brakes, traction control, front and side airbags, auto-on Xenon high-intensity discharge headlights, remote keyless entry, heated outside mirrors, leather seating with eight-way power for the driver and four-way power for the front passenger, wood trim, automatic climate controls, Bose audio with a six-disc CD changer in the dash, an adjustable steering column and a power moonroof.

CL Type-S ($30,550) comes with more horsepower, a suspension tuned for more responsive handling, and an electronic stability program.

Now with its state-of-the-art facilities like that of its Acura Integra Headers and the like….

Read More......