2008 Acura - Reputation Meets Innovation
The Acura cars with their elegant lines, easy to drive quality and safety innovations are among the most sought after by drivers all around the world. In their continuous search for safer, more maneuverable performance cares, the designers and engineers at Acura have fitted the recent models with a number of technical innovations that make the cars more reliable and easy and fun to drive. The added innovations do not only relate to the performance of the car but also to the safety of its passengers. The list of technological innovations includes Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (also called SH-AWD), Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC), Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE), the Drive-by-Wire Throttle System, the Vehicle Stability Assist system (VSA), HandsFreeLink, Voice Recognition, LATCH, Occupant Position Determination System (OPDS), the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and many more.
The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, or SH-AWD, is the first control system that allows independent torque-distribution. Independent torque distribution means that the wheels of your Acura car have a better grip on the road. The system is used to help increase turning precision and also to improve passenger safety. Acura is the first car builder in North America to use such a system on their models. The Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control, or VTEC, is a cleverly designed system that helps the Acura engine with fuel efficiency at lower velocities and ads to the output of the engine at higher velocities. This fuel efficiency system was another innovation that was introduced to the North American car market by Acura.
One of the most important safety improvements added to cars today is Acura's ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering), a system that incorporates crash protection into the frame of your vehicle. The Vehicle Stability Assist, or VSA, is a four channel system that adjusts the engine power and the pressure on your brakes to ensure added control in any driving conditions. The air bag system on an Acura car includes side curtain air bags, dual-threshold air bags and front side air bags, and the car's safety system also includes LATCH and OPDS. The Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) is designed to protect the passenger side of the cabin in case that an accident can not be avoided. The unique child seat mounting system called LATCH ensures the safety of your child passengers.
For their innovative performance and security systems several Acura models have been awarded the maximum of five stars possible after a series of tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Acura RL was awarded five stars in rollover, side and frontal tests, the Acura MDX received its stars for passenger and driver safety and the SUV earned its five stars in the side impact test.
By Michael Rad.
Visit the Blog about acura milwaukeeAcura TL: Unbelievable Value for the Money
A carryover from the previous year, 2005, the 2006 Acura TL is a luxury sedan or luxury sports sedan. It has been made available in six trims that ranges from the 5-Spd AT to the 6-Spd MT with Performance Tires and Navigation System. It has four doors and has a maximum passenger capacity of five people. All trims hold a 3.2 liter V6 engine that can transform its power to 258 horsepower engine that can take up to 20 mpg for city driving and a remarkable 29 mpg for highway driving. This vehicle is a midsize entry-level luxury car from Acura which is HondaÕs near-luxury brand.
The Acura TL was first introduced to the market in 1996 to replace and take over the niche that would be left behind by the Acura Vigor. Technically, the 2006 Acura TL also was meant to replace the Acura Legend coupe. The Acura TL was a large car that was very much capable of handling a soft ride. This was very much in contrast to the Acura Legends that were crafted as sports sedans with taut proportions. The first Acura TL made its way to the streets bearing a 2.5 liter SOHC 20 valve engine with five cylinders. The second generation of the Acura TL was crafted alongside the Honda Accord. These were later imported to Japan and were sold as the Honda Inspire and the Honda Saber in each dealer network.
Come 2005, the Acura TL bagged in the Passenger Airbag Cutoff indicator and some extra stitching on its front seats. Changes were also done to its seat belt anchor mount along with several minor changes. This car is quite competitive that it was seem by car critics as ÒUnbelievable Value for the MoneyÓ. Come this year, 2006, the Acura TL received the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (or TPMS) and a new computer logic. In North America, the 2006 Acura TL is still the best selling luxury sedan having the G35 sedan as its main competitor. Other competitors include the BMW 3 series, the BMW 5 series, the Cadillac CTS, the Cadillac STS, the Lexus ES, the Lexus GS, and the Lexus IS.
As per the Acura TLÕs interior, this vehicle has LED backlit analog instruments that have been specially placed and mounted so as to allow the driver instant and easy access to information. Luxury has also been enhanced with the use of upgraded interior materials. The vehicle also sports a more spacious and stylish interior along with its standard perforated leather-trimmed seating.
What have already been scheduled for the Acura TL come year 2007 are some minor model changes. Also, for 2009, the Acura TL will have to undergo a major redesigning. Rumors have it that the vehicle will be most likely to receive new clear taillights, a redesigned front bumper and headlight, and additional horsepower with revised intake and exhaust system.
By Christopher Luck.
