Acura launches into the 2001 model year with an invigorated line up, buoyed by the launch of its first, designed-from-the-ground-up luxury sport utility vehicle -- the MDX -- and a completely redesigned CL luxury performance coupe. Both models emphasize Acura's performance and engineering attributes without compromising the quality and reliability buyers have come to expect from the brand.
"Acura's line up has reached new heights this model year, with the addition of the all-new CL and our first Acura-designed luxury sport utility vehicle," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, Acura Division. "Our aim now is to continue to refine and enhance the line to provide the most innovative vehicles on the market today."
CL
Introduced in the spring, the all-new Acura 3.2 CL is setting a
strong sales pace while boosting the brand's performance image.
Offering the best performance, luxury and value in its class, the new
CL coupe is available in two distinct models -- the
fully-featured 3.2 CL and the high-performance 3.2 CL Type S. Both CL
models offer state-of-the-art technology, advanced safety engineering
and a comprehensive list of standard luxury amenities.
MDX
Joining the line-up this fall is the MDX, a fully-featured luxury
SUV that combines exhilarating performance and outstanding
all-weather handling with a five-star safety performance*,
class-leading fuel-economy, 50-state ultra low vehicle emissions
(ULEV) and a uniquely transformable seven-passenger interior.
"The Acura MDX represents a giant leap forward in the evolution of the luxury SUV," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, Acura Division. "With its versatile seating environment, world-class power, handling and luxury features, the MDX is positioned to be a breakthrough model in its market segment."
Designed as a true luxury performance SUV, the Acura MDX combines a highly rigid unit- body structure, advanced all-aluminum 3.5 liter VTEC V-6 engine generating 240 horsepower and 245 lb.-ft. of torque, a 5-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel independent suspension to deliver sports sedan-like driving performance.
In addition, the MDX employs Acura's innovative, new, fully automatic VTM-4 four-wheel drive system, which offers the best elements of full-time and automatic four-wheel drive to deliver a truly superior level of driver control in all types of weather and road conditions.
NSX
The NSX has earned its status as one of the world's premier sports
cars and continues its legacy into the new millennium. The exotic NSX
features all-aluminum construction and is powered by an advanced 290
horsepower DOHC, VTEC, V-6 engine coupled to a 6-speed close-ratio
manual transmission.
RL
As Acura's flagship luxury performance sedan, the 3.5 RL continues
to establish itself as a leader in its class. Offering exceptional
performance, handling and ride comfort, the RL provides a spacious,
fully featured interior. Showcasing many of Acura's most advanced
technologies, the RL includes a Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
system, which enhances driver control during acceleration and
cornering by adding lateral control to the vehicle's Traction Control
System (TCS) and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). In addition, the RL
features an advanced side air bag system with front-passenger height
and position sensors and a dual-stage, front passenger supplemental
restraint system (SRS) airbag.
TL
The Acura 3.2 TL is the number one selling luxury performance
sedan among all import nameplates and has set new month-to-month
sales records every month since its introduction. For 2001, the TL
returns with its competent 225 horsepower, all-aluminum, 24-valve,
VTEC, V-6 engine, featuring a 5-speed automatic transmission with
Sequential SportShift, which puts control in the hands of the
driver.
In addition to the comprehensive list of standard equipment offered on the TL, Acura adds carpeted floor mats and a new emergency trunk release for the '01 model year.
Integra
For 2001, the Integra line of Sports Coupes and Sports Sedans is
refined and adds carpeted floor mats as standard equipment, an
emergency trunk release (sedan models only) and four new exterior
colors.
The Integra models feature high performance 1.8-liter DOHC engines, state-of-the-art double wishbone suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and a long list of standard comfort and convenience features. The high-revving, NSX-inspired Integra Type R also returns for the new model year.
Acura offers a full line of premium performance vehicles through a nationwide network of nearly 260 dealers. The Acura line up features six distinct models including the exotic NSX supercar, the 3.5 RL flagship luxury sedan, the best-selling 3.2 TL luxury performance sedan, the all-new 3.2 CL luxury performance coupe, the fun-to-drive Integra and the revolutionary MDX luxury sport utility vehicle. For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com.
*Rating expected based on internal tests.