Acura Integra Ls on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2014 Acura MDX goes for a camouflaged cruise

While the often misunderstood (and infrequently purchased) Acura ZDX may be going the way of the dinosaur, the company's far more conventional and successful MDX SUV is evolving. In fact, the 2014 MDX seems to be coming along rather nicely, if this latest set of spy images is any indication.
In the camouflaged prototype we see here, it is evident that Acura designers are going for a beefier look for the MDX front end. The current car's pointed and beaked nose are nowhere in evidence on this tester, though some version of Acura's prominent shield grille does seem to remain.
It's a bit difficult to tell if the shape of the glasshouse is much revised on this new car, as the camo is applied in such a fashion as to obscure the post C-pillar design. But it does seem as though, when we look hard at the full-profile shots of the MDX, that the wheel-arch bulges and side character lines of the current vehicle have been replaced with much simpler surfacing.

Acura ILX headed for Civic-like early upgrades

The not-yet-ready-for-primetime 2012 Honda Civic saw it quickly returned to sender for refurbishment, now the Acura ILX is headed in the same direction in its very first year. Automotive News reports that the small, Civic-based sedan from Honda's luxury brand isn't meeting sales expectations, with an annualized rate of 22,000 to 24,000 sales instead of the 30,000 the company is after. More telling is that the ILX "is being outsold by the Buick Verano, Volkswagen CC and Audi A4," and, except for two months since it launched, it has also been outdone by the Acura TSX it is meant to replace.
Part of the cause has been the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine: its 150 horsepower to motivate a sedan that can weigh up to 2,970 pounds doesn't offer the kind of performance or value experience that buyers in the segment respond to. Another big issue is that the top-level 2.4-liter engine is only offered with a six-speed manual even though most buyers of the highest trim don't really want to shift their own gears. Lastly, the ILX might not put enough space between it and its frugal underpinnings - our first drive review pegged it as "the world's nicest Honda Civic."
An automatic transmission is on the way for the 2.4-liter, but it isn't clear when. And while Honda admits that the 2.0-liter is underpowered and Automotive News says it's on the way out, the company hasn't yet said how that situation will be corrected.

Honda and Acura recall 124,077 vehicles due to potential brake failure

Honda and Acura are recalling 124,077 total vehicles across numerous model lines due to a part in the brake system that was potentially improperly assembled, which could ultimately lead to brake failure. The models affected include the 2020-2021 Honda Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot and the 2020 Acura MDX. As for the issue itself, Honda says the brake master cylinder “may have been improperly fastened to the brake booster assembly during production.” Specifically, the tie rod fastener is the problem point. Honda says that if it was improperly assembled, that could result in loose or missing tie rod nuts. If this is the case, when you hit the brakes, a bending load can be placed on the brake booster tie rod studs, which could in turn cause the tie rod studs to break. This then allows the brake master cylinder to separate from the brake booster, which Honda says could result in diminished or lost brake function. Honda says it received a report of brake failure on a 2021 Pilot last year, which prompted the companyÂ’s investigation. There are no crashes, injuries or deaths related to this issue, according to Honda, but it has received two related warranty claims since September 2022. Owner notifications are scheduled to begin on August 7 this year. Honda says it will inspect and replace any missing nuts, and if any brake booster assembly components are damaged, those will be replaced, too. Related video: Recalls Acura Honda Truck Crossover Hatchback SUV Sedan