Acura to grow its model line
08-04-2008 | 09:58 AM
#1
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From: Queen City, NC
Acura to grow its model line
Did anyone post this yet? Acura is looking at adding models unique to its line instead of rebadged Hondas.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/acura-l...ow-before-2010/
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/acura-l...ow-before-2010/
Acura's aim of becoming a "Tier 1" luxury brand has been thwarted by a lineup that some view as nothing more than decked-out Hondas. Dan Bonawitz, Honda's vice president of corporate planning and logistics believes that broadening Acura's line of vehicles is the way to compete with Audi, BMW and Mercedes.
The first step is to introduce an all-new vehicle that will arrive before the new NSX in 2010. A coupe is a possibility, filling the gap left by the dearly departed RSX and older CL. A retractable hardtop could be part of the package, and there's also talk of a four-door "coupe" that could contend with the M-B CLS and Audi's upcoming A7.
Whatever it is, it needs to be packing more than a just a four-pot driving the front wheels. A serious competitor the 1-series would be a welcome addition to the Acura line, and would fulfill the automaker's previous claim of pursuing niches generally left unfilled by other luxury brands.
The first step is to introduce an all-new vehicle that will arrive before the new NSX in 2010. A coupe is a possibility, filling the gap left by the dearly departed RSX and older CL. A retractable hardtop could be part of the package, and there's also talk of a four-door "coupe" that could contend with the M-B CLS and Audi's upcoming A7.
Whatever it is, it needs to be packing more than a just a four-pot driving the front wheels. A serious competitor the 1-series would be a welcome addition to the Acura line, and would fulfill the automaker's previous claim of pursuing niches generally left unfilled by other luxury brands.
08-04-2008 | 10:09 AM
#2
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The were stoopid cutting the RSX...the RDX is fugly and overpriced! The NSX is missed. Honda needs to understand the purpose of their brand...
Loyal Honda customers going to their luxury brand...
Acura chose to follow instead of LEAD! Lexus is now waaaaaay out in front...and Infiniti...c'mon, the damn Genesis from Hyundai is kickin' Acura's ass!
Loyal Honda customers going to their luxury brand...
Acura chose to follow instead of LEAD! Lexus is now waaaaaay out in front...and Infiniti...c'mon, the damn Genesis from Hyundai is kickin' Acura's ass!
08-04-2008 | 10:37 AM
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Everyone is speculating about it but none of it has been confirmed by Honda, except the NSX replacement. A vehicle based off that platform as a sport-luxury coupe is certainly a possibility.
Thing is, unless it's already in the works, it can never be brought by 2010. These days, you just can't build a car and bring it to market in two years...
Thing is, unless it's already in the works, it can never be brought by 2010. These days, you just can't build a car and bring it to market in two years...
08-04-2008 | 12:56 PM
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From: Behind You
From the performance of the company, I don't see how Honda's getting its ass kicked. It may not be doing something that suit sport enthusiast's tastes, but sure it's doing well on maximizing shareholder value.
08-04-2008 | 01:12 PM
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From: Texas
Originally Posted by Vik2000,Aug 4 2008, 03:56 PM
From the performance of the company, I don't see how Honda's getting its ass kicked. It may not be doing something that suit sport enthusiast's tastes, but sure it's doing well on maximizing shareholder value.
08-04-2008 | 02:28 PM
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Originally Posted by second2none,Aug 4 2008, 01:12 PM
Why not just do away with acura and continue building civics and accords? Acura is a day late and a dollar short. This should have been implemented years ago.
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08-04-2008 | 02:52 PM
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From: Gleening the apex
Originally Posted by Voodoo_S2K,Aug 4 2008, 05:43 PM
As a Honda fanboi (S, CRX, Prelude, F4, lawnmower, generator), there is absolutely nothing in the Acura line that I would buy right now. 
There is nothing in the Acura line-up for 2009 to lust for...and take the A-spec or HFP or what ever you want to call it to the next level
Think AMG boys and what it means to the MB crowd
08-04-2008 | 02:54 PM
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From: Orange County, CA
I've owned 4 hondas (2-S2k, 95 Integra Coupe, and 00-V6 Accord), and completely agree with Vu. The MDX is the ONLY vehicle in the lineup that I would even consider. Acura has really lost its focus (and customers) over the years...
They had the lineup right in the beginning. The RL COULD have been a great car had they continued to improve upon the LS400/Q45 big bodied route, but they made it all weird trying to make it a large sporty sedan with odd curves.
The TL is not bad by any means, but nothing that can compete with the likes of the Lex IS/GS or G35/7 lines etc...
The Legend was that absolute best sedan Acura has ever created and what do they do... drop it like its hot. The Legend 6 speed coupe could quite possibly be the best Acura ever made(minus the nsx).
The RSX filled in a nice niche from Civic fanboy to "luxury" Acura. They drop that also.
They've been losing the interest of those most poised to upgrade to an Acura, and they definitely have NOT been listening.
The TSX is their only hit car at the moment. but that could soon fade, as the other players in the arena are really beginning to up their game.
They had the lineup right in the beginning. The RL COULD have been a great car had they continued to improve upon the LS400/Q45 big bodied route, but they made it all weird trying to make it a large sporty sedan with odd curves.
The TL is not bad by any means, but nothing that can compete with the likes of the Lex IS/GS or G35/7 lines etc...
The Legend was that absolute best sedan Acura has ever created and what do they do... drop it like its hot. The Legend 6 speed coupe could quite possibly be the best Acura ever made(minus the nsx).
The RSX filled in a nice niche from Civic fanboy to "luxury" Acura. They drop that also.
They've been losing the interest of those most poised to upgrade to an Acura, and they definitely have NOT been listening.
The TSX is their only hit car at the moment. but that could soon fade, as the other players in the arena are really beginning to up their game.