2008
ACURA NEW CAR MODEL GUIDE
 Acura,
a line of performance and luxury vehicles
spinning out of Honda of Japan, serves
a diverse menu of models in the 2008 mix.
Acura's collection ranges from the elegant
full-size flagship RL sedan to the turbo-charged
RDX crossover utility vehicle (CUV). It
adds two more four-doors to its list —
the mid-size TL performance luxury sedan
and the compact-class TSX sports sedan
— plus a cushy mid-size CUV badged
the MDX.
 RL
Acura's fancy full-size sedan packs a
forceful engine and a smart all-wheel-drive
(AWD) system dubbed Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive
(SH-AWD). It can disburse engine torque
not just to wheels fore and aft, but also
left and right. The RL's aluminum V6 engine
displaces 3.5 liters with a drive-by-wire
throttle and VTEC (Variable valve Timing
and lift Electronic Control) system. The
muscle is controlled through a five-speed
Sequential SportShift automatic with paddle
shifters on the steering wheel. The latest
options for the RL are a Collision Mitigation
Braking System (CMBS) with grille-mounted
radar unit and a AcuraLink satellite communication
system.
 TL
The chic TL is not only a slick performance
sedan, but also a plush ride with cushy
gear aboard. It handles like a sports
car, though the five-seat cabin —
with leather seats, electronic controls
governing climate and sound and a navigation
equipment — conjures images of elegant,
even luxurious, motoring. The TL's aluminum
3.2-liter VTEC V6 creates 258 horsepower
with an automatic, five-speed transmission
adding Sequential SportShift override
for manual control. The TL Type-S performance
package adds a more powerful VTEC V6,
sport-tuned suspension and Brembo front
brakes with a five-speed automatic or
close-ratio, six-speed manual shifter.
 TSX
Keen exterior lines define Acura's compact-class
sports sedan. The TSX is fun to drive,
but also practical, with a four-door format
and seating for five. The engine is a
2.4-liter, in-line-four with 205 horsepower
through a close-ratio, six-speed manual
gearbox or no-load electronic automatic
five-speed Sequential SportShift. The
TSX carries a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) and Honda's vehicle stability
assist (VSA) equipment operating in conjunction
with an anti-lock brake system (ABS) and
traction control system (TCS). The cockpit
houses bolstered sport bucket seats covered
in perforated leather and a sports steering
wheel. HandsFreeLink Bluetooth connectivity
and a touch-screen navigation system are
additional options.
 RDX
Acura molds this five-seat crossover wagon
for the compact class, though it's stuffed
with luxurious appointments and tuned
for sporty performance. The RDX brings
a turbo-charged engine as well as the
agile control of SH-AWD and high-tech
communications, navigation and entertainment
equipment. The 2.3-liter, four-cylinder
plant — outfitted with the turbo-charger
and i-VTEC controls — produces 240
horsepower and ties to a five-speed Sequential
SportShift automatic with paddle shifters.
Acura also adds a navigation system with
voice recognition, a 360-watt premium
sound system and curtain-style side air
bags keyed to rollover sensors.
 MDX
Now in sensuous skin wrapping an expanded
structure, MDX — the car-based CUV
— slants toward performance and conjures
up images of a toned athlete worthy of
the vehicle’s name — Multi-Dimensional
Cross-Trainer. It has a 300-horsepower,
VTEC V6 with SH-AWD traction and a vehicle
stability control (VSC) system to check
lateral slippage. However, the MDX is
also a refined luxury car. The cabin —
with three rows of flexible seats —
piles on comfort gear and trim in leather
and hardwoods. Three optional packages
create step-up models, like the Technology
package, Sport package and the Entertainment
package with a DVD-based video screen.
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