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2022 Acura RDX update makes a lot of good stuff standard

When the third-generation Acura RDX launched for 2019, our test drive found it to be a fine return to form for the Acura brand. Not only did it cast aside the humdrum personality of the second-gen, but it gave itself a reason to exist in the crowded luxury compact crossover field. In fact, it landed competitively mid-pack amongst the German Grossen Drei of Mercedes, Audi and disappointing BMW. Though we did have a gripe about how certain packages weren't available on certain trims, with the 2022 update Acura has rectified that very complaint. We'll get to that in a minute, but first let's start with the base RDX. Acura says that one of the biggest improvements comes in the form of noise, or lack thereof. We didn't think the 2019 model was particularly noisy, but  Acura says the cabin is "dramatically quieter." Though they don't provide a decibel reading, they do inform us that a retuned Active Sound Control system and new front fender liners help reduce road noise. New for 2022, the next-level-up Technology Package takes noise reduction even further, with thicker carpets and acoustic glass in the front doors. New sound insulation in the those doors, under the dash pad and in the D-pillars also help keep road, wind and engine noise out of the cabin. The package also comes with a rear camera washer. The top-spec Advance Package adds even more sound deadening material to the headliner, dash, hood, drivetrain tunnel and rear hatch. Here, the rear doors get acoustic glass and noise insulation to match the fronts as well. Power-folding side mirrors and a 12-volt power outlet in the cargo round out the changes for 2022. Best of all — and this is the nit we picked in our 2019 test drive — the sporty A-Spec package is at last offered with the Advance Package. This wasn't the case before, inexplicably leaving the adaptive dampers off of A-Spec models. Now the look finally matches the equipment. In addition, A-Spec cars get some of their exterior bits dipped in gunmetal and gloss black finishes set them apart visually. Inside, a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel is unique to the package, along with other interior exclusives and an available bronze finish on interior aluminum bits if you choose the Saddle Brown upholstery. If those aren't special enough, Acura is once again offering a limited-production PMC Edition of the 2022 RDX.

Comma.ai makes your car semi-autonomous for $999

At TechCrunch's Disrupt conference in San Francisco, Comma.ai founder George "Geohot" Hotz announced the launch of the Comma One semi-autonomous driving device. Hotz said at the conference that his company has worked on the Comma One for about a year, and it will be available at the end of the year for $999 and a $24 per month subscription fee. But aside from the reasonable price, which TechCrunch points out is possible thanks to off-the-shelf components, the appeal here is that it's an add-on to an existing car that can be installed at home by the car's owner. This gives people with normal cars the opportunity to have semi-autonomous features without having to buy an entire vehicle... that is, if you have a Honda or Acura with lane-keeping assist, since Comma One is currently only compatible with those vehicles. It remains to be seen if the company will add more vehicles to the list over time. The device is roughly the size of a large cell phone or aftermarket navigation system, and it has a screen on the front and a pair of cameras on the back. The computer combines information from the device's cameras and the car's radar sensors to understand what's happening and how to respond. Hotz explained at the conference that this system is similar in capability to the Tesla Autopilot system, and will be able to complete a drive, start to finish, without the driver having to touch anything. He did however emphasize that the driver must still pay attention in the event something goes wrong, comparing the experience to watching a young student driver. Hotz told TechCrunch that the device should start shipping at the end of the year. He also said that owners of compatible Honda products in the San Francisco area are eligible for beta testing, and can get involved by emailing him at george@comma.ai. So if you've been pining for a semi-autonomous vehicle of your own, but couldn't spring for a Tesla, you won't have to wait much longer. We should point out that we don't know yet how well the system works, though we hope to find out soon. Related Video:

2021 Acura TLX revealed, finally looks like a credible luxury sports sedan

We've been given our first official glimpse into the brand-new 2021 Acura TLX sedan, and so far we like what we see. It's clear that Acura wants to be considered a brand that focuses on performance, boosting power with two turbocharged engine options and the return of the Type S variant after a decade-long absence. Acura stuck close to the well-received Type S concept when styling the new TLX, which means the sedan boasts crisp lines, aggressively creased sheetmetal and a low, wide stance. An angular grille is flanked by Acura's Jewel Eye headlights and Chicane LED running lights to create an expressive face, and similarly shaped taillights at the back end finish off a cohesive design. An A-Spec sport package adds darkened elements along with a unique set of 19-inch wheels and a rear spoiler. The 2021 Acura TLX Type S goes several steps past the A-Spec with a so-called Diamond Pentagon grille and larger side air intakes. A front splitter and rear diffuser join the requisite rear spoiler to round out the aero package. Quad exhaust tips and 20-inch wheels are also included as part of the package. But the big news is underhood, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 serving as the headliner. Acura hasn't yet released power figures for the Type S, but promises it will be much more powerful than the outgoing 3.5-liter V6 with "a more than 50-percent increase in low-end torque."   Related: 2021 Acura TLX vs. luxury sedans: How they compare on paper   Standard TLX models will get a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. That's 66 hp and 98 lb-ft more than the previous naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine, and Acura says there are 123 additional lb-ft at 1,500 rpm. Both engines will send their ponies through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and Acura's fourth-generation torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system will be standard on the Type S and optional on other TLX models. Inside, all TLXs get a tech-rich cabin that features a centrally mounted 10.2-inch display and Acura's latest True Touchpad Interface. A 7-inch digital screen in the gauge cluster is standard, and a 10.5-inch head-up display is optional. Acura's Integrated Dynamics System is controlled via a prominent silver dial, and it now offers a customizable Individual mode.