Saturday, August 22, 2009

2009 Acura TL SH-AWD Review


THE AUTO PAGE
By
JOHN HEILIG

SPECIFICATIONS 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD

Model: 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD
Engine: 3.7-liter SOHC V6
Horsepower/Torque: 305 hp @ 6200 rpm/273 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with manual mode
Wheelbase: 109.3 in.
Length/Width/Height: 195.3 x 74.0 x 57.2 in.
Tires: P245/40ZR19
Cargo volume: 13.1 cu. ft.
Fuel economy: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway/17.9 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gal.
Sticker: $43,995 (includes destination charge of $760)

The Bottom Line: As Acura’s top-of-the-line sporty sedan, the TL SH-AWD fills the bill. It has excellent road manners, yet begs to be driven hard, both with the transmission in full automatic or using the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Yet, under normal driving conditions, the engine is quiet and the road manners impeccable.

Acura suffers from an identity crisis. If memory serves me correctly, Acura was the first of the upscale Japanese luxury brands, yet this offshoot of Honda hasn’t held the cachet that Lexus and Infiniti have. Acura cars are in general well built and sporty, but there’s that certain something that seems to be missing.

No worry, because Acura vehicles have always been of high quality and the sporty ones have usually been fun to drive.

The subject of this examination is the TL sedan in SH-AWD form. A bit about nomenclature. TL is Acura’s sportiest sedan. SH means Super Handling; AWD means all-wheel drive.

According to Acura, during spirited cornering, SH-AWD® seamlessly distributes more torque to the outside rear wheel to create a "yaw moment" to help the TL turn in more quickly and precisely - while also continuously apportioning drivetrain torque front to rear and left to right.

The all-wheel drive contributes immeasurably to the TL’s excellent road manners. The SH is what makes the TL a sedan that begs to be driven hard. I noticed the first time I drove the TL for any extended length of time that I felt I was driving hard and enjoying it. I had the transmission in full automatic mode this time.

Later I made use of the sequential SportShift with the Formula 1-style steering-wheel mounted pa ddle shifters. This time I drove aggressively over a nice section of road and had a ball. The exhaust note was a bit sportier as well, contributing to the fun.

I noticed in all this that the speedometer was rarely above the legal limit; but the fun I was having was. In a sense the TL reminded me of my old sports car days, with an underpowered car making up for the lack of power with excellent handling. This time, the TL had more than enough power, with 305 horsepower coming from a single overhead cam V6 under the hood.

This fourth-generation TL is larger than the previous generation, which improves passenger comfort. The new TL is 6.0 inches longer, 1.8 inches wider and 0.5 inch taller, all from a 1.4-inch longer wheelbase. This allows for greater interior roominess, including a realistic back seat with decent leg and knee room.

The front seats were quite comfortable with excellent side support, adding to the sporty flavor of the TL. In our20tester they were dark brown leather, leading to a family dispute. I liked the “Umber Ebony” leather, while my wife didn’t. The driver’s seat was 10-way power adjustable, while the passenger only had eight ways of power adjustment. Both were heated.

As with most luxury cars these days, there was keyless entry and a pushbutton start and stop for the engine. A feature I liked with the TL was the addition of a slot under the start/stop button where you can place the key. Therefore, when you shut the engine off, the key is right there and you won’t forget it.

The audio and navigation system were very good. The nav system itself was intuitive and easy to use. It got me to a photo shoot eventually, after directing me to an extension of the same road I wanted, but in another town. It also got me back home from two different locations.

Included with the nav=2 0system is a back-up camera that has lane markings and distance markings, so I could park as close tgo (or far away from) my garage door as I wanted as I backed into the driveway.

I found the trunk to be one golf bag size (listed as 13.1 cubic feet), and not particularly useful. In addition, the rear seat backs did not fold, or if they did I couldn’t figure out how to do it.

The TL has a smart steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth hands-free links and Multi Information Display controls.

While Acura as a brand may not have the reputation of Lexus and Infiniti as a luxury car maker, its vehicles are luxury in every sense of the word. And in the case of the Tl, it’s sporty as well, making for a pleasant and exciting driving experience.




Source : www.theautochannel.com

2009 Acura RL CMBS Review


DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD
WITH CAREY RUSS

2009 Acura RL CMBS

A Legend is a tough act to follow, but that's what the first RL did in mid-1996 when Acura replaced its original Legend nameplate with the alphabetic designator. As Acura's flagship luxury-performance sedan, the RL has always combined a high degree of technology, both for passenger comfort and convenience and performance, with the most powerful V6 engine in the company's sedan inventory. Conservative styling was the norm, until a radical 2005 redesign. Now there is a new generation of RL.

It can be most easily told from its immediate predecessor by the newest version of the corporate grille, called "power plenum" by Acura, although there are further modifications to bodywork. Inside are all of the luxury appointments expected, plus state-of-the-art cabin electronics. The V6 engine now displaces 3.7 liters, up from the previous 3.5, for increased horsepower and torque. As before, that gets to all four wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission and Acura's high-tech "SH-AWD" all-wheel drive system, all the better to eliminate torque steer and improve control, stability, and handling. Driving characteristics are improved by revisions to the steering and to the suspension, and the SH-AWD system. A high level of standard safety equipment can be upgraded with the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS(tm)), which can warn the driver of the possibility of a collision and, in some circumstances, initiate braking.

As has been the Acura custom, the RL sedan is well-equipped, with a minimum number of option packages offered. Standard fare includes the new engine and SH-AWD system, a Bose® Surround Sound audio system, Bluetooth® phone connectivity, and a GPS-based solar-sensing climate-control system. The Technology Package adds a GPS navigation system with rearview camera, AcuraLink® real-time traffic and weather information, active front lighting, and interior upgrades. Above that is the Technology Package With CMBS, which adds the aforementioned CMBS braking-safety system, adaptive cruise control, and real wood interior trim.

And it was the fully-equipped RL with Technology Package With CMBS with which I spent the past week. It's a high-tech tour de force that just happens to also be a comfortable, quiet, and quick luxury sedan.

APPEARANCE: While the 2009 Acura RL has the same basic shape as the 2008 model, the new grille, hood, and lights -- both head and tail -- are much bolder. Love it or hate it, the huge aluminized "power plenum" grille is instantly recognizable. The aluminum hood reduces weight and improves weight distribution a bit, and careful attention to underbody and through-body airflow reduces both drag, for improved efficiency, and lift, for stability at speed. Discreet amounts of chrome imply luxury elegance.

COMFORT: Get in, and you'll receive a "Welcome" message on the message center in the instrument cluster. When you leave, the car will say "Goodbye". Smart Entry means never needing to insert a key into the dash to start the car, or remove the fob from your pocket to lock or unlock. Standard fare in the mid-luxury class these days, but in the top-level RL Acura adds pretty much all possible cabin electronics, with a well-integrated, simple to use interface. With Bluetooth connectivity, think of the Technology Package RL as a smartphone with four wheels. It has voice-activated navigation, real-time weather and traffic information, a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system with AM/FM/XM radio, 6 CD or DVD-Audio, an auxiliary jack and USB port (for iPods), calendar, and note-taking ability. It's also a top-notch mid-luxury sedan, with very comfortable perforated leather power front seats ( heated and cooled with the Technology Package) and a more spacious rear seat. Bright backlit LED instruments aid the driver, as does a tilt and telescope power-adjustable steering wheel. Light and GPS sensors in the climate control system sense the sun's position and adjust temperature and ventilation to compensate for asymmetrical solar heat. The new Active Sound Control system improves on the old Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system and now reduces high as well as low-frequency drivetrain and road noise. (Arthur C. Clarke is down at the White Hart smiling about this...) There are convenient storage spaces around the cabin, and a ski passthrough to the large trunk.

SAFETY: The RL's "Advanced Compatibility Engineering(tm)" unibody structure is designed to protect passengers with controlled-deformation front and rear structures and a strong passenger safety cell. Front-seat active head restraints are new this year. Dual front, front side, and side-curtain airbags are standard, as are four-wheel antilock disc brakes and the Vehicle Stability Assist system. The Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), which uses a radar sensor in the front grille and sophisticated computer control to monitor closing speeds to vehicles in front and warn the driver or even initiate braking, is available.

RIDE AND HANDLING: The RL's fully-independent double-wishbone front, multilink rear suspension utilizes aluminum control arms, steering knuckles, and subframes to reduce both sprung and unsprung weight. For 2009 the electric power steering system has been upgraded, and stiffer springs, dampers, and bushings and a larger rear stabilizer bar give sportier response with no decrease in comfort. The "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(tm)" system not only splits torque front-to-rear for optimum traction and torque steer elimination, it also distributes torque side-to-side for improved cornering. It's been enhanced this year to reduce understeer ("push", the tendency of a car to resist turning) by rotating the outside rear wheel faster than the front wheels. The result is a comfortable, responsive, and (thanks to ANC) quiet high-tech car.

PERFORMANCE: Numbers don't tell all. While the new RL's 3.7-liter V6 has more horsepower and torque than last year's 3.5 -- 300 hp at 6300 rpm vs 290 hp at 6200 and 271 lb-ft at 5000 rpm vs 256 at 5000 -- the increase may not seem to be all that much. More important than peak numbers is low- and mid-range torque, and it is there where the new engine shines. It's lighter in weight than the old 3.5, and sees the first use of Honda/Acura's VTEC variable valve timing and lift control on exhaust as well as the intake valves in a single overhead cam (SOHC) engine. It's matched to a five-speed automatic transmission with normal and sport modes, and Sequential SportShift manual shifting via paddles on the steering column. With the copious low-end torque, D is perfectly fine in everyday use, as the transmission shifts quickly and smoothly and Grade Logic Control keeps it from shifting at inopportune times. Sport mode holds gears longer, usually keeps the car in a gear lower than D and so closer to the torque peak for quicker response at the expense of fuel economy. Manual shifting allows the driver complete control, for a more satisfying driving experience.

CONCLUSIONS: The 2009 Acura RL combines technology with luxury and performance.

SPECIFICATIONS
2009 Acura RL CMBS

Base Price   $ 54,100
Price As Tested $ 54,860
Engine Type sohc 24-valve aluminum alloy V6 with
VTEC variable valve timing
and lift system
Engine Size 3.7 liters / 224 cu. in.
Horsepower 300 @ 6300 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 271 @ 5000 rpm
Transmission 5-speed electronically-controlled
automatic with manual-shift mode
Wheelbase / Length 110.2 in. / 195.8 in.
Curb Weight 4110 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 13.7
Fuel Capacity 19.4 gal.
Fuel Requirement 91 octane unleaded premium gasoline
Tires P245/45R18 96V Michelin Pilot HX MXM4
Brakes, front/rear vented disc all around, ABS and VSA standard
Suspension, front/rear independent double wishbone /
independent multilink
Drivetrain transverse front engine, all-wheel drive

PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 16 / 22 / 18
0 to 60 mph 6.5 sec

OPTIONS AND CHARGES

Destination and Handling $ 760






Source : www.theautochannel.com

HEELS ON WHEELS: 2009 ACURA RDX REVIEW


HEELS ON WHEELS
By Katrina Ramser
The Auto Channel
San Francisco Bureau

INTRO TO THE ACURA RDX

The 2009 Acura RDX is testament you need to start watching your crossovers more carefully. They are getting meticulously specific in their offerings to stand apart from the pack.

Acura introduced this smaller crossover in 2007. The vehicle is the smaller sibling to the Acura MDX, but has the handling and performance of the Acura TSX sports sedan.

I drove a 5-passenger 2009 Acura RDX with a 240-horsepower 2.3-liter turbo engine and all-wheel drive (AWD). Total manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) came to $37,755.

Acura's first turbocharged engine features an advanced variable flow turbocharger designed to provide quick response. The advantage is immediate acceleration, passing and hill-climbing ability of a traditional 6-cylinder engine.

The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive First is specially adapted for the RDX. The system deters understeering – when the front tires have a loss of traction in a corner – by shifting power to the outside rear wheel for more accurate turning precision.

True to its marketing word, the RDX does offer a "class-leading array of sophisticated electronic technologies that are seamlessly integrated to keep its passengers informed, in touch and entertained." The interior offers a labyrinth of features, from a voice recognition navigation system to a 10-speaker surround-sound radio. The Technology Package also includes AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System with Real-time traffic, a rearview camera, and a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone, automatic climate control system.

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable Results: Acura describes the shape as an "urban sports utility vehicle." I think by this they mean something that handles like a sedan, but showcases the crossover trend with a higher eye-point or driving position. Generous wheel arches for the 18-inch wheels make it muscular. The power driver's seat is 8-way adjustable with power adjustable lumbar as well as a 4-way adjustable power-activated passenger front seat. As far as the backseat is concerned, I had two passengers constantly fighting over who would get the second row.

Reliability & Safety Factor: Large 4-wheel disc brakes that include a 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Its ACE™ front body structure makes the RDX compatible with smaller vehicles if a car-to-car frontal collision should occur, and it has a specially engineered hood and other components to reduce the chance of injury in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. It also features LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), a child-seat mounting system.

Cost Issues:The price sits on the higher end of smaller crossovers. Aside of the reliable, premium name, you're paying for the technology and turbo engine รข€“ it's one of the most technologically equipped and fastest crossovers on the market.

Activity & Performance Ability: No doubt this engine displays the climbing and passing power of a 6-cylinder engine. Very low road noise.

The Green Concern: Gas is sited as 17-mpg city and 22-mpg highway with an average of 19; but watching that gas gauge sink made me think – I found out in 2007 the EPA estimated this model at 17-mpg. Any turbo engine with AWD sucks up gas rather quickly.

FINAL PARTING WORDS: The Acura RDX is unique in the sense it addresses many consumer issues: You've got higher-up seating found in a SUV, but the look of a smaller crossover that handles like a sporty sedan.




Source : www.theautochannel.com

2009 Acura MDX Review


HEELS ON WHEELS: ACURA MDX REVIEW

HEELS ON WHEELS
By Katrina Ramser
San Francisco Bureau
The Auto Channel

INTRO TO THE ACURA MDX VEHICLE
The MDX's claim to fame is being the first crossover to offer third-row seating, but I would say this feature takes a backseat (no pun intended) to everything else the MDX has to offer in the mid-size luxury SUV category. It's my top-rated luxury SUV/CUV.

I drove a 2009 Acura MDX Sport with a 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower VTEC V6 engine and all-wheel drive (AWD). It came with all the wonderful standard bells and whistles an Acura usually does: voice-activated 12.7-gigabit hard drive navigation system with backup camera; leather seating; 10-speaker surround-sound system; 10-way power seating drive and 8-way passenger; heated seats; Bluetooth; steering wheel controls; and a moonroof. Total vehicle cost is $48,890.

Acura calls its all-wheel drive system the SH-AWD, which stands for Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. You get "enhanced high-performance cornering" which means it balances and distributes power better than rear or conventional all-wheel drive systems. Basically, you are to feel like a better driver during hairball driving moments. And you do.

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable Results: The comforts and style of the MDX are right up there with its main competitors like the Lexus RX or VW Touareg. Leather seating is a dream. Mastered by one dial, you are able to scroll through commands on the navigation screen by turning and pushing inward. Also, sliding this knob to the sides or up and down showcase not just the myriad of choices from traffic updates, map sizes, route choices and music, but really how Acura's communication system is so layered and sensible.

Reliability & Safety Factor: Acura, built by Honda, has tested reliability and swarms of consumer confidence. Safety features include 4-wheel independent suspension and disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control (Electronic Stability Control); and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Also, dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags; dual-chamber front-seat side airbags; and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system in the rear seat.

Cost Issues: Let's compare the MDX's $49,650 price tag with two main competitors. The Lexus RX 400h, whose navigation system and center console design I don't care for, costs $49,615 (but the hybrid engine nets you an average of 23-mpg with lower emissions). The VW Touareg, which does have a very impressive 4.2-liter V8 engine with a 4XMOTION permanent 4WD that makes you feel like you're entering an off-road race, costs $59,200 and gets 12-mpg city and 17-mpg highway driving.

Activity & Performance Ability: It has a wonderfully responsive engine and braking system, but the MDX is a heavy car – it's a lot of steel to speed up and slow down. I will say its handling, specifically the SH-AWD, is magnificent and brings the driver ultimate confidence in road stability. I've been extremely impressed with the performance on all Acuras, as has Consumer Reports: The MDX rates excellent on safety, very good on consumer reliability, and huge praise for sporty handling. In CR's opinion, the MDX sits right below the Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander. (I might agree about the Highlander's hierarchy, due to better mgp and price, but I don't think the Highlander is a luxury SUV and I certainly don't agree about the RX's placement).

The Green Concern: Gas mileage is nothing to crow about. A 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 engine with AWD gets you 15-mpg city and 20-mpg highway driving – this sort of setup yields such results, but lands the MDX slightly less than average gas mileage estimates for this class.

FINAL PARTING WORDS
While I wasn't as comfortable in Acura's mid-size crossover as I was inside sedans like the TL or TSX, the MDX is the most solid choice for its class segment. The more I drive Acura's, the more they remain my luxury car of choice.




Source : www.theautochannel.com