"We have strong entries in each of the segments in which we compete, and this gives us the strongest lineup in our history," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, auto sales. "We have raised the performance on each new model and it's paid off with record-breaking sales and extremely strong brand recognition among driving enthusiasts."
RL
With a 300 horsepower VTEC™ V-6 engine, a revolutionary all-wheel drive
system, dynamic styling and breakthrough technology, including the first North
American application of satellite-based real-time traffic information, the all-new
2005 Acura RL is designed to redefine the luxury performance sedan category.
The RL showcases an assortment of Acura firsts including the Super Handling
All-Wheel Drive™ System (SH-AWD™), the first and only all-wheel
drive platform that distributes the optimum amount of torque not only between
the front and rear wheels but also between the left and right rear wheels for
breathtaking handling and optimum stability on all road surfaces.
The RL's 3.5-liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum VTEC engine is the most powerful engine ever in an Acura, generating 300 hp at 6200 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. A 5-speed Sequential SportShift™ automatic transmission enables gears to be shifted using a shift lever on the center console or paddle-shifters located on the steering wheel.
To complement the high performance powertrain, Acura gave the RL a highly rigid yet lightweight unit body, that, as part of Acura's commitment to providing Safety for Everyone, includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering ™ (ACE™) body structure. By dispersing collision forces over a larger frontal area, the ACE structure helps to provide even better protection for vehicle occupants while at the same time reducing aggressivity toward other vehicles in a frontal collision.
The RL's lightweight chassis and 4-wheel independent suspension components are tuned to complement the SH-AWD system and deliver a linear cornering feel, optimum traction and a smooth ride. The 17x8-inch alloy wheels are fitted with P245/50R17 98 V-rated Michelin all-season high performance tires. Large 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with 4-piston front calipers, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist provide optimum stopping power.
The RL's exterior styling reflects the abundant power under the hood. A sleek cockpit, forward sloping beltline and short deck lid accent the RL's pronounced wedge shape, making it look fast from any angle. While it is almost three inches shorter than the current RL, it is over an inch wider and offers more passenger volume than the RL it replaces.
Inside, the new RL features rich leather, genuine wood trim, an assortment of leading-edge technology including a satellite communications system called AcuraLink™ that provides the latest in in-car communications including, for the first time in North America, standard real time traffic information.
RSX
To make it ever more fun to drive, Acura's dynamic sports coupe receives
substantial performance and styling enhancements for 2005 that update its dynamic
looks and give it even more precise handling.
The 2005 RSX is available in two versions, the sporty RSX and the high-performance RSX Type-S. The RSX is equipped with a 16-valve DOHC, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces an impressive 160 horsepower and 141 lb-ft. of torque. For 2005, the Type-S model receives engine and exhaust system modifications that boost horsepower from 200 to 210. The Type-S model's 6-speed manual transmission was optimized by lowering the final drive ratio for quicker acceleration, and by applying carbon synchronizers on fifth and sixth gear for improved shift feel.
The suspensions on both RSX models were optimized through an assortment of modifications including a new geometry, reduced ride height, retuned bushings, firmer stabilizer bars and inversely wound front coil springs, designed to enhance handling while promoting an even smoother ride. In addition, both the steering and braking systems were modified to make the response to driver input even more precise. To further enhance the Type-S model's handling prowess for 2005, larger 17x7-inch alloy wheels and Michelin 215/45R17 all-season high-performance tires were applied.
The exterior styling of the RSX was updated to look lower, faster and more
aggressive with redesigned front and rear fascias, new sidesills, and on the
Type-S, a deck lid spoiler. These enhancements not only highlight the dynamic
nature of the RSX, they improve aerodynamics as well.
Inside, the front sport seats were redesigned to provide more support during
aggressive driving and increased comfort on long drives.
TL
Since its introduction in 1995, the TL has been a top-seller in an extremely
competitive segment. Introduced last year as an all-new model, the TL performance
luxury sedan has been Acura's top-selling model each month since. It comes
equipped with a 270-horsepower engine, a drive-by-wire throttle system, and
an available close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with limited slip differential.
For 2005, passenger's seat weight sensors and driver's seat position
sensors are applied to the TL's front airbag system.
Inside, the TL comes equipped with an array of ground-breaking technology. The Acura/ELS Surround ™ Premium 8-speaker Sound System with 6-disc, CD, DVD-Audio, and DTS® changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby® cassette delivers a whole new level of audio fidelity. The TL also features the HandsFreeLink™ wireless phone interface, which utilizes a Bluetooth® wireless interface with mobile phones allowing calls to be made and received using the TL's voice recognition and audio systems.
TSX
The Acura TSX sports sedan features crisp sport sedan styling, a powerful 200-horsepower
engine, choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic
transmission, drive-by-wire throttle system and race-bred suspension.
For 2005, the TSX receives several comfort and convenience enhancements including standard XM Satellite Radio, heated door mirrors, and a 4-way adjustable power passenger seat. In addition, TSX models with Milano Red exterior color are now available with an Ebony interior.
MDX
To keep the MDX competitive in the increasingly competitive
luxury SUV segment, Acura each year has instituted a targeted assortment of
enhancements. To this end, the 2005 MDX receives several new features, standard
XM Satellite Radio and the HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface.
The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, which works in concert with the
MDX's VTM-4 all-wheel drive system, has been enhanced with active yaw
control to help provide even
more secure footing. A larger fuel tank has been applied that not only increases
capacity by over a gallon, but also reduces sloshing noise.
The Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ is enhanced to provide quicker response times, additional voice recognition commands, inclusion of more points of interest and access to the Zagat Survey™ restaurant guide. Models equipped with the navigation system also include the OnStar system. All MDX touring models receive the HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface. Models equipped with the Rear Entertainment System get a 6-disc In-Dash CD player.
The 2005 MDX is available in three new exterior colors including Desert Rock Metallic, Billet Silver Metallic and Steel Blue Metallic.
NSX
The NSX has earned its status as one of the world's premier sports cars
and continues its legacy into its 13th year of production. The exotic NSX is
refined, fully appointed and features an open-top cockpit. It boasts all-aluminum
construction and is powered by a 290-horsepower DOHC, VTEC, V-6 engine coupled
to a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission or 4-speed Sequential SportShift
automatic transmission.
Acura offers a full line of premium performance vehicles through a nationwide network of 264 dealers. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the exotic NSX supercar, the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the race-bred RSX sports coupe, and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle. For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please go to www.acuranews.com.
