2000 Acura Integra Gs-r Hatchback 3-door 1.8l on 2040-cars

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2021 Acura TLX First Drive | The mojo is returning

Buildup for the 2021 Acura TLX started more than a year ago when Acura released the stunning Type S Concept. It was long, low, wide and graced with gorgeous rear-drive proportions. Plus, it was slathered in some of the best blue paint we’ve ever seen. Acura could not have thought of a better way to say, “Hey, weÂ’re back!” ItÂ’s no surprise that the Type S Concept is a dead ringer for the production TLX. Acura designers told us the car was just about finished when the concept debuted. So yeah, the new TLX and TLX Type S were always going to look this good. The latter won't be arriving until next spring, but our first drive of this next-gen base TLX has us hopeful for the Type S and its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. And maybe just a little nervous, too.  The bones are really good. Acura developed a new, unique platform for this TLX that was built with performance in mind from the get-go. It's not just an Accord in a fancy suit. With crossovers on the rise, Acura says its shrinking number of sedan buyers are more passionate about driving dynamics than crossover buyers, allowing them to focus on performance to an even greater degree. It makes sense. We heartily approve. The result of this performance focus is the most rigid body in any Acura not named NSX. YouÂ’ll find more advanced materials like aluminum and press-hardened steel in its makeup than any previous Acura sedan. It has a wider track (+1.2-inch front and +1.6-inch rear), a 2.2-inch wider body, a 3.7-inch longer wheelbase and a 0.5-inch shorter height. Lastly, the dash-to-axle dimension is 7.8 inches longer, giving it those sweet rear-drive proportions despite being a front-wheel-drive platform. 2021 Acura TLX Advance View 38 Photos If you're expecting more rear passenger and trunk space with the extended length, keep looking. Rear legroom is up 0.4 inch, and trunk space by 0.3 cubic-feet to 13.5 – paltry gains for how much larger the car got. The size growth benefitted style and body proportions more than it did functional considerations. Then, thereÂ’s the new suspension: double wishbones up front and a five-link rear. Acura previously used a MacPherson strut design in the front suspension and the move back to a double-wishbone design is great news for driving enthusiasts. Acura's well-regarded TL and TSX of the mid-2000s had double wishbones up front, as did many of Honda's greatest hits of yesteryear (Integra, Prelude, Civic Si, etc.).

2014 Acura MDX SH-AWD

There are certain vehicles on sale today that are affected by what I call 'Camry Syndrome.' Named after Toyota's ubiquitous family hauler, Camry Syndrome affects a fair number of cars and trucks, many of which are exceedingly popular with consumers.
The issue I have with these vehicles is that while they're adequate, they lack ambition. Their looks are clean and reasonably attractive, but they're not particularly stylish, let alone adventuresome or - heaven forbid - polarizing. Their interiors are comfortable and well screwed together, with the sort of popular features that consumers expect at a given price point. Their engines are decently powerful and vocal enough to set the heart very slightly aflutter, yet they're not too thirsty. Their transmissions are invisible and their rides are best described with whatever buzzword synonym Joe Consumer might come up with for "sporty" or "luxurious." In short, they're boring.
In reality, provided they sell well, there's really nothing wrong with automakers building Camry Syndrome vehicles - they're reasonably competent at everything and clearly meet a need. The problem is that I want some aspects of my vehicle to be better than others, because contrast breeds character. I wish someone at Acura felt the way I did when it redesigned this MDX for 2014, because for me, there's so much of this premium crossover that's merely middle of the road.

2025 Acura RDX treated to minor nip and tuck, but stays the course

The 2025 Acura RDX is due for a complete overhaul as this generation enters its seventh model year, but it looks like we’ll need to be a little more patient, as Acura just announced this 2025 model is getting a light refresh. A new “frameless” grille with a mesh pattern adorns the front to bring it in line with other Acuras wearing the same design. New wheels throughout the lineup spruce things up along the sides, with 19-inch Berlina Black-painted rims being the new standard option. Meanwhile, Advance Package cars receive new body-color lower exterior trim and unique multi-spoke machine finish 19-inch wheels. A-Spec trim RDXs step things up to 20-inch wheels with their own unique design. Lastly, three new shades join the color palette consisting of Solar Silver Metallic, Urban Gray Pearl and Canyon River Blue Metallic. Interior updates see the RDX gain a new center console design that features larger cupholders and an improved wireless phone charger. What it does not change is the True Touchpad infotainment system. Acura went away from its long-running (and controversial) infotainment system design in the new 2025 MDX, but the RDX marches on with the same design. What is improved, though, is the 10.2-inch screen itself. Acura says itÂ’s updated and now supports a wide-screen mode for wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Previously, it only displayed on part of the screen with the other portion reserved for various other things. The final interior update is a quality one, as Acura says Advance Package cars (including A-Spec with Advance Package) will be equipped with full-leather upholstery, ambient lighting on the new center console and backlit door speakers. Everything else about the RDX remains the same. As a reminder, that means itÂ’s equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that sends 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for this massaged RDX will come soon, as Acura says the 2025 model is hitting dealers later this month.