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Acura carving niche with cutting-edge models

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-04-20 08:39

The sporty RL is the flagship of the Acura brand.

After winning over increasing numbers of Chinese consumers since entering the market in 2006, deluxe auto brand Acura has brought its classy products and cutting-edge technologies to the Shanghai auto show with a full range of models, including the TL, MDX and RL.

After just a few years in the nation, Acura is seeing higher brand awareness as a result of its marketing efforts and service network, while the 2009 launch of its deluxe MDX sports model and a sales campaign for the 09TL have given the brand more impetus in the first quarter.

The TL

As the one of the most exciting deluxe sedans in the history of Acura, the all-new fourth-generation 2009 TL not only stays true to the series' mission of "making deluxe vehicles with excellent performance for drivers", but also exceeds its predecessors in design, power, fuel economy, steering, space, comfort and safety.

The TL's forward-looking, design is what its creators call the "passionate interface" with a muscular feel that looks alive.

Its powerful twin-pentagon front grille highlights maintain a design element seen throughout the Acura family. Pronounced front wheel covers and its streamlined design give the TL a sense of confidence and robustness.

The TL is equipped with a highly compact and efficient 3.5L V6 engine that can generate 209kW of power and 344Nm of torque, a 10kW increase in power and a 21Nm jump in torque over its predecessor.

Yet its fuel consumption has been reduced to 10.4 liters per 100 km. Its integrated automatic-manual transmission uses the brand's proven control logic with an intelligent steering wheel shift lever that helps achieve fuel economy without sacrificing the thrill of driving.

The MDX

Acura's deluxe sports SUV, the MDX, is also unveiled to consumers in Shanghai this year. Its combination of a SUV's sportiness and a sedan's elegance reflects Acura's commitment to performance, lavishness, quality and style.

Its clear-cut profile and large pristine surfaces give the vehicle a subtle sense of power and fluidity with ruggedness and pure simplicity. Its looks are augmented by a deep silver grille, streamlined wheel wells, wide tires and high-intensity headlamps.

The MDX's sportiness is emphasized throughout, with its newly designed body powered by Acura's new 300hp 3.7L V6 VTEC engine and 'SportShift' transmission 4WD system.

Its robust aspiration, high compression ratio and gearbox come together to generate as much power as some V8 models.

The "subjective intelligence" 4WD works without driver intervention, automatically changing torque distribution between wheels according to road conditions and power needs to guarantee turning accuracy and deliver better overall performance.

On wet and slippery surfaces, the system works together with the SUV's vehicle stability assist component to ensure stability and maneuverability.

The RL

As the flagship of the Acura brand, RL takes sportiness, luxury and driving experience to new levels with its powerful engine, intelligent 4WD system, bold and innovative profile design and more advanced electronic technology.

The RL's bold front grille originates from the design concept of "Keen Edge Dynamics", a highlight common to all new Acura models, while its striking profile offers enhanced aerodynamic performance.

As well, its new "active sound control" technology dampens road noise through generation of reversed phase noise.

The newly developed 3.7L V6 engine using a VTEC structure for the first time on both intake and exhaust valves helps it generate 226 kW in power and 370 Nm of torque.

Acura's 'ACE' high-strength steel and lightweight aluminum body augments safety while reducing weight. The multi-angle main chassis is designed to dissipate impact through multiple load-bearing structures and guide them away from the passenger compartment.

Cutaway of SH-AWD

Acura's all-wheel-drive system can freely distribute torque among wheels. It is fitted with multiple sensors to monitor operating commands, wheel speed, turning and transverse angles and data that the system's electronic control unit analyzes for optimal power distribution.

A large model of the core technology termed SH-AWD - for "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive" - is also on display at the Acura booth.

(China Daily 04/20/2009 page23)