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Acura ILX – The New Definition of Modern Luxury

May 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Undoubtedly, Acura is in the midst of a brand renaissance – with products like the all-new ILX, and redesigned RDX taking center stage.  Will the ILX attract younger buyers?  As long as those buyers are considering a premium vehicle, the answer is a resounding “yes.”  The Gen-Y crowd has been a tough sell.  We first saw the youth-oriented Scion brand try to get the biggest slice of the Gen-Y pie back in 2003 using guerrilla marketing tactics – including extensive merchandising, and even going as far as creating their own indie record label – to hawk inexpensive, yet high quality vehicles to a burgeoning demographic in an era wherein Facebook was relegated to Mark Zuckerberg’s dorm room and nobody knew what a “Tweet” was.  To make matters worse, not only did many members of Gen-Y apathetically procrastinate in getting their driver’s licenses, Gen-Y is the first generation in America with less disposable income (on average) than their parents.

Back when Scion was getting its mojo going, Acura commenced sale of the RSX sports coupe.  The RSX was indeed sporty, having borrowed its powertrain from the Civic Si hatchback of the same era, and would also offer a sportier powertrain, packing 201 horsepower in Type-S guise.  Gen-X was scooping up these sports coupes by the truckload because they were luxurious, sporty, and more affordable to own than everything else offered by other luxury brands at the time.  A few lucky Gen-Yers also got in on the fun in the next couple years, with many kids’ first cars being an RSX, and the fortunate few among them (oftentimes with more money than sense) dumped thousands of dollars into their RSXs, making them an icon of the import tuning world for many years (even to this day).

With that in mind, the ILX has some pretty big shoes to fill.  Now that the street racers of the last decade (well, the ones who survived suffering scene-related casualties or avoided prison time) are graduating college, starting careers, getting married, and having kids, Acura is back at them with a smaller, sportier, and relatively more affordable alternative to other vehicles offered by other luxury makes – luring Gen-Y buyers the same as they did with those in the late Gen-X pool a decade ago.  The thing is, Acura is no longer baiting Millennials with high-revving horsepower combined with a plethora of JDM-aftermarket support.  This time, it’s all about technology, comfort, fuel efficiency, and overall value.

With a starting MSRP of $25,900 (before destination), the 2013 Acura ILX is one of the most affordable luxury sedans on sale in America – and the most affordable from a premium Japanese automaker.  The base ILX is anything but – besides having cloth seats, it features a 150-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline four cylinder motor, automatic dual-zone climate control with humidity control and air-filtration, a power sunroof, 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters, Keyless Access System with pushbutton ignition, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink calling, a 160-watt, 8-speaker audio system, USB and iPod interface, and a 5” color audio display.  Adding the $3,700 Premium Package adds leather seating and trim, 8-way power driver’s seat and 4-way power front passenger’s seat, dual-level heated front seats, Multi-view rear camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 7-speaker, 360-watt audio system with subwoofer, XM Radio, 17” alloy wheels, HID headlights, and fog lights.  That’s a lot of kit for that kind of money, and keep in mind – you get all that for about $30,000.  Spend an extra $2,200 and step up to the Technology Package, adding even more features, including the Acura Navigation System with HDD, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather, a 10-Speaker, Acura/ELS Surround Sound System (by far, probably the best-sounding audio system in this segment), 15 GB of Media Storage and Song By Voice technology, Voice Recognition System (controls audio, climate, and navigation systems), and Acura’s exclusive GPS-linked, solar-sensing temperature control.

Keep in mind – the ILX also comes in a Hybrid model, too – it features a 1.5-liter four cylinder engine with electric motor (think Honda IMA), a CVT transmission, an “Econ” button, Eco Coaching display (that sounds like fun, doesn’t it?), fog lights, and decklid spoiler.  What’s so remarkable about the ILX Hybrid is the fact that it achieves 39 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, with a combined figure of 38 mpg all around.  That’s not bad at all for a luxury sports sedan.

For the more passionate commuters among us, there’s a version of the ILX Premium Package that replaces the base engine with the 2.4-liter, 201-horsepower motor and six-speed manual transmission – just like what’s in the TSX Special Edition.  Even cooler is that Acura doesn’t charge any more money for that powertrain combination over the standard 5-AT.

Enough with the specs – how does the ILX drive?  We had an opportunity to test-drive the ILX for ourselves, and what’s so strange about it (strange in a good way, mind you) is that the ILX literally feels like a more manageable version of the TL.  It features all the same luxurious amenities, and even offers similar ride characteristics at low speeds.  What’s even better is once you get the ILX up to speed and go around a corner or two… you realize that this is a true sports sedan.  Think of the Civic Si sedan, sans the “boy racer” looks.  It’s certainly worlds more upscale and sophisticated, but that’s just how it drives – beautifully.  The suspension is nice and taut, and acceleration feels above average for the class (especially in Sport mode or when shifting your own gears).

For those not behind the wheel of the ILX, the interior is very luxurious.  Those familiar with late-model Acuras will agree that Acura interiors are among the best in the auto industry, and the ILX is no exception.  The seats are very comfortable, and the ILX offers plenty of head, shoulder, and knee, and leg room for all passengers.  Acura also cleaned up the center stack on the ILX and RDX (as compared to, say the TL or ZDX) and the interface is very easy to use, especially for those of us who drive other Honda/Acura products.  The menus are very easy to navigate, and if you’ve got a Technology Package equipped model, most of the menu options can be activated by voice command.

So, back to the original question – will today’s tech-savvy twenty-somethings flock to Acura dealerships and scoop up ILXs by the truckload?  Only time will tell, but we’re certainly optimistic that those who are in the market to spend about $30,000 on their first grown-up car will see the value the ILX has to offer.  To see the ILX for yourself, come down to Mungenast St. Louis Acura and test drive one for yourself – you’ll be glad you did!

Watch our YouTube video review of the ILX below:

Source – Acura USA
Image Credit – Mungenast St. Louis Acura

 

 

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Acura ILX And RDX Receive Rave Reviews In The Windy City

February 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago in Detroit, as you may recall, Acura debuted three new exciting models – the ILX and RDX prototypes, and the NSX concept.  On the ILX and RDX, not much was left to the imagination, so when we saw the production versions for the first time in Chicago last week, it really came as no surprise that they stuck very closely to the concept vehicles’ styling for both models.

The ILX ushers Acura’s return to the compact luxury market in the United States (a segment in which they still competed in Canada) and this time, Acura’s pulled out all the stops, offering TL-like comfort in a package that’s slightly smaller than the original TSX.  Three powertrain options will be available, as expected, but now we have actual specs on those engines.  The base engine will be a 2.0-liter four that cranks out a respectable 150-hp mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.  If that’s not enough for you, opt for the 201-hp, 2.4-liter four exclusively available with a six-speed manual (straight out of the Civic Si), and if both of those are too much for you, Acura now offers a 1.5-liter four with Integrated Motor Assist that’ only available with a CVT transmission.  The exterior is sporty and very well-proportioned and doesn’t look anything like the Civic, with which it shares its underpinnings.

Inside, the ILX looks spacious and luxurious with soft touch materials and excellent fit and finish Acura is known for.  Acura further describes the ILX’s interior as “high-quality, well appointed… and sporty”.  There will be three major available trim levels, which will include the base car, the Premium package and Technology package.  The Premium package includes leather seating surfaces, heated seats for the driver and front passenger, backup camera, an upgraded 360-watt sound system with Active Sound Cancellation.  Additionally, if you want to keep checking boxes, you’ll land in Technology package territory, which gives you Acura’s award-winning ELS Surround audio, AcuraLink Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, real-time traffic with rerouting, weather services, and a HDD with 60GB of storage, with 15GB of that allocated specifically for music storage.

The RDX showed up in full production form, not looking much different from the prototype we saw in Detroit.  Although it has grown slightly, the RDX still seats five passengers comfortably.  According to Acura, there are several new technologies debuting on the RDX, like Amplitude Reactive Dampers and a new Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering system in place of the old-school hydraulic system on the first generation model.  This year, Acura dumped the 2.3-liter four cylinder for a larger, more powerful (yet more fuel efficient) 3.5-liter V-6 that puts out 273 horsepower and a new six-speed auto replaces the old five-speed unit for greater efficiency and improved performance.  The RDX is available in FWD or AWD.

Inside, the RDX is pretty much the same story as the ILX – sporty, luxurious, innovative, etc.  Since the RDX is a crossover SUV, it offers more versatility than the ILX when it comes to swallowing your cargo.  Many of the features that require the aforementioned Premium package on the ILX come standard on the RDX, which can only be further upgraded to the Technology package that includes the same tech as the similarly-equipped ILX Technology.

Look for both vehicles to hit our dealership this spring.

Source – Acura

 

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Acura Brings Three New Exciting Models To Detroit

January 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Acura at NAIASAcura isn’t very good at lying – after saying the NSX project was dead about a year ago, we’ve been shown [another] NSX concept this year in Detroit, but this time it comes silver-lined with a promise – production within the next three years.  Also debuting in Detroit were the ILX concept and 2013 RDX prototype – essentially two models that have already been green-lighted for production and sale within the next few months.

NSX

The wait is officially over – Acura has finally unveiled the new NSX at the Detroit Auto Show.  After many years of development that has been shrouded in secrecy, the on-again off-again NSX is now officially returning to reclaim its place as the halo car in Acura’s ever-expanding lineup.  The NSX will be powered by a V6 engine supplemented by electric motors within the advanced SH-AWD system capable of producing a great deal more than what the last generation model produced – which was limited by a “gentleman’s agreement” between Japanese automakers and the Japanese government, so that no domestic vehicle produced more than a claimed 286 horsepower.  Those days are long gone because the government of Japan has realized that in order to stay globally competitive with super cars from Europe and North America, the horsepower limit on Japanese cars must be eradicated, and it was during the later part of the last decade.

Although there are many great things about the new NSX, like its bold and futuristic exterior styling and advanced hybrid powertrain, perhaps the icing on the cake will be its price point.  Acura is adamant about keeping this super car relatively attainable compared to its competition.  On a very interesting note, the new NSX will begin production within the next three years at a new Ohio manufacturing facility – kind of surprising considering no supercar of this caliber has ever been built before in the U.S.  When asked, Honda CEO Tetsuo Iwamura informed reporters that the main reason why Acura plans to build the NSX domestically was Acura’s strategy to manufacture their vehicles in the same markets in which they are sold, and considering the U.S. was the largest consumer of the previous generation NSX – that’s a pretty good position.  The strong Yen/weak Dollar argument was basically thrown aside, because the NSX is not considered a high-volume model, and saving money on a low-volume exotic car is a moot point.

We look forward to being able to finally bring this vehicle back into our showroom, and re-ignite the driving passion our customers have been longing for.

ILX

The ILX represents a new step for Acura that helps the brand not only reach younger buyers, but also “green-minded” drivers who don’t want to sacrifice luxury and sportiness in the name of improved fuel economy.  Based on the same platform as the current generation Honda Civic, the Acura ILX will basically fill in a place in the lineup that has been empty since the discontinuation of the RSX.  Although the new ILX will be a sedan, it’s being billed as a “compact luxury sports sedan” and considering Acura’s FWD performance heritage in the sport compact segment, we can’t wait to get our hands on one of these.

Most importantly, the ILX debuts Acura’s first production implementation of Integrated Motor Assist hybrid technology – but the 1.5L Hybrid with CVT is only one out of three powertrain options available on this exciting new model.  A 2.0L inline-four, paired with a new six-speed automatic, and a 2.4L inline-four paired exclusively with a new six-speed manual transmission (a la Civic Si) will also be available.

Many enthusiasts of the larger TSX have been worried about its rumored discontinuation, but Acura insists that the ILX will not become the TSX’s replacement, and in fact, will simply service as a new entry-level model that will be introduced at a very attractive price point.  While no actual numbers were given at the Acura press conference, Acura said that the new model would start well below $30,000 – and that’s the perfect place to be if they want to primarily attract “Gen Y” consumers who tend to cross-shop cars based on overall value – price, reliability, and fuel economy together.

While shown in “concept” guise, as is typical for any new Honda/Acura model debut, it’s only a wheel-size reduction and bedazzling away from being production ready – so really, WYSIWYG.

RDX

The new 2013 Acura RDX “prototype” (why do they even bother calling it that?) shown in Detroit earlier this week shows Acura’s newfound emphasis on fuel-efficiency and value packaging by offering customers more space and comfort, added horsepower, better fuel economy, and more features than ever before – and probably more features than any of its competitors offer at a much more attractive price.  In fact, Acura says that the new 2013 RDX will be priced very similarly to the current model.

RDX benefits from a revised architecture borrowed from its CR-V cousin, but exclusive to the RDX will be a new V6 that will replace the current model’s unique 2.3L turbo inline-four cylinder engine.  Despite gaining two more cylinders, the new RDX’s engine is roughly 30% more fuel-efficient.

Sale of new 2013 RDX will commence this spring.

CREDIT: Acura Media Newsroom

IMAGE CREDIT:  Acura Media Newsroom

Filed Under: 2013 Acura ILX, 2013 Acura RDX, Acura ILX, Acura RDX, Detroit, Future Vehicles, Hybrid Technology, ILX, ILX Concept, News, NSX, NSX Concept, RDX, St. Louis Acura Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Acura ILX – New Model To Debut At Detroit NAIAS

January 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

2012 Acura CSX - *Canadian Model Shown

Over the past several weeks, the internet has been abuzz with chatter on the yet-to-be-seen Acura ILX concept/prototype/production model (nobody knows).  Slated for debut later this month at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the ILX is reported to be based largely on the new Honda Civic architecture and mark the first application of Honda’s IMA hybrid system under the Acura nameplate.  Although rumors have been flying about, here’s what we do know.

A little bit of background here – our neighbors to the north in Canada have enjoyed affordable access into the Acura brand via the CSX – a near clone of the Honda Civic EX-L with a 2.0 liter inline-four and available 5-speed manual transmission – for several years.  And with the introduction last year of the new 2012 Honda Civic, Acura is without a current generation CSX based on the new Civic.  To remedy this, and to allow American customers to access the brand more affordably, Acura will introduce a new entry-level sports sedan into the marketplace.

What will set the ILX apart from its CSX roots will be its new powertrain – which we think will be similar to the IMA hybrid powertrain found in the 2012 Civic Hybrid but tuned differently to give the ILX a performance feel while delivering relatively pleasing fuel economy numbers.  A conventional, gasoline-only powertrain will reportedly also be available.  Although nobody knows for sure what the new ILX will look like, general speculation has been gravitating towards a very Civic-like appearance with the luxury amenities one would expect to find in today’s Acura vehicles.  We can only hope that Acura can successfully differentiate the ILX from its Civic counterpart through more aggressive styling cues and luxury features.

Only time will tell what we can expect of the new ILX.  This year’s North American International Auto Show will be held at the Cobo Center in Detorit from January 9th – 22nd.  We plan on spending time monitoring new product reveals at this year’s show, so stay tuned to our blog, including our Facebook and Google+ pages, and follow us on Twitter to stay informed of what’s happening as we bring it to you.

Filed Under: 2013 Acura ILX, Acura ILX, Detroit, Future Vehicles, ILX, ILX Concept, Mungenast Automotive Family, News, St. Louis Acura Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,