Hyundai Elantra Launch Review
American Honda Civic Sedan spied for the first tim...
Jaguar to preview 2012 XK with Paris concept
Audi Downsizes
Acura TL 2006
Honda’s luxury division redesigned its midsize sedan. TL is a midsize, front-wheel-drive, four-door sedan powered by a 3.2-liter V6 engine. Acura offers the TL in only one trim level ($32,900). Except for two new body colors and a newly standard tire-pressure-monitoring system, little has changed for the 2006 model year. A revised engine management system and steering-angle sensor logic are intended to reduce torque steer. The TL has been Acura’s top-selling model.
Although the engine offers the same performance as last year, the revised horsepower and torque numbers are 256 horsepower and 233 pound-feet, respectively. TL buyers choose between two transmissions: five-speed automatic or six-speed manual; the cost is the same. Included with the manual transmission is a limited-slip differential, Brembo four-piston front brake calipers and larger front brake rotors.
Leather is standard and trims the seats and door panels and wraps the shift knob and steering wheel. A 10-way power driver’s seat is equipped with power lumbar-support adjustment.
Also standard: the DVD/CD/cassette/AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio system with DVD-Audio 5.1. Hands-free, wireless, cellular telephone capability employing Bluetooth technology is built in.
Each
TL includes dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a tilt/telescoping steering column, and an Acura/ELS eight-speaker surround-sound system with an in-dash six-CD changer and DVD audio. Steering-wheel buttons operate audio, cruise-control and voice-recognition functions. Brushed-aluminum trim accents the dashboard. Acura’s optional navigation system features voice recognition and an 8-inch display screen.
The TL comes with dual-zone, dual-mode automatic air conditioning with micron filter, power everything, xenon high-intensity discharge headlights, green-tinted glass and a long list of other features.
Antilock brakes include electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist functions. Side-impact airbags, dual-stage front airbags and side curtain-type airbags are installed. A passenger-side position sensor controls airbag deployment. An electronic stability system is standard.
The four-channel vehicle stability system works in conjunction with the drive-by-wire throttle and antilock brakes on each wheel to provide stability for accelerating, braking and cornering.
The 17-inch wheels and firmly tuned suspension make the TL feel like a European car. Huge Brembo disc brakes come standard with the six-speed manual transmission, and they do an excellent job of erasing speed. Brake Assist automatically applies maximum braking pressure in emergencies while Electronic Brake Distribution changes front/rear brake force depending on the load.
The TL also has a Bluetooth-based hands-free phone system standard. This system allows voice-activated, hands-free calling through the built-in audio system with any cell phone.
Styling, performance and an exceptional interior make the TL a delight to drive every day.
Acura TSX 2006
The TSX sports sedan complements the sporty TL and the luxurious RL in Acura’s lineup of performance luxury sedans. The TSX is positioned as a stepping stone to other Acura products and provides luxury sedan buyers with an entry point to the Acura brand.
The front-wheel drive TSX was engineered and appointed to compete with Europe’s best sedans in the sporty near-luxury segment (the European D segment). This segment includes cars like the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series.
In keeping with its European competitors, the TSX driving character is sharply focused on the sporty end of the scale. Its double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension has sophisticated geometry that helps the TSX corner flat and resist acceleration lift and braking dive. In addition, the TSX has P215/50R17 Michelin MXM4 V-rated tires, 4-wheel disc brakes, and an impressive arsenal of electronic driver aids including Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The takeaway for the driver is an ultra-competent entry luxury sports sedan that’s immensely fun to drive.
Modifications to the intake, exhaust and emissions systems were made to the TSX’s 2.4-liter i-VTEC(TM) four cylinder engine. These changes boost power from 200 hp at 6,800 rpm to 205 hp SAE net (Rev 8/04) at 7,000 rpm and help to make the TSX sportier and even more agile.
The 2006 TSX is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission (with a lightweight magnesium case) or a 5-speed SportShift(TM) automatic that offers quick and precise gear changes. The engine provides a broad, useable powerband that’s uncommon in a 4-cylinder engine, together with a stirring high-rpm power rush. The TSX engine is backed by 40 years of Honda international racing experience in Formula One, CART, Indy Car and Grand Prix motorcycles.
Creature comforts include a dual-zone climate control system and a power moonroof with sliding shade. Steering-wheel mounted switches control the standard 360-watt Premium Sound System, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, cruise control and functions of the optional latest-generation Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM).
The interior of the 2006 TSX has been enhanced through the addition of several key new features including the HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless phone interface, an auxiliary jack for digital music players and Acura’s Smart Maintenance System. In addition, the navigation system was upgraded and a sportier steering wheel was applied.
For 2006, exterior styling changes have been made to enhance the TSX’s bold demeanor while retaining the sporty character that has made it a hot seller since its debut in 2003. Exterior enhancements include restyled front and rear fascias and side sills, a new wheel design and the addition of bumper-integrated fog lights. Four new exterior colors have been added: Alabaster Silver Metallic, Deep Green Pearl, Royal Blue Pearl and Silver Stone Metallic.
Acura RL 2006
Acura’s flagship sedan is more luxurious all-wheel-drive model. The 2006 Acura RL is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan. It comes mated to a five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic that can be taken through the gears manually, via either a console shifter or steering-wheel-mounted race car-like paddle controls. A four-wheel independent suspension helps the car hold the corners, and traction on both wet and dry pavement benefits from the RL’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System that distributes the optimum amount of torque between both the front/rear and left/right rear wheels. The 2006 Acura RL is a carryover from 2005.
Exterior
Acura says the RL has a “wide, muscular stance” and that the “dramatically sloping hood leads down to an aggressive front fascia with angular headlight treatments.” Aluminum is used for the hood, front fenders, deck lid, subframe and suspension. Riding a 110.2-inch wheelbase, the RL is 193.6 inches long overall, 72.7 inches wide and 57.1 inches tall. Alloy wheels hold 17-inch tires.
The RL exterior’s aggressive style foreshadows the power beneath the hood. Its shape is taut and athletic, and its acceleration and cornering performance allow it to challenge the most capable German and Japanese sports sedans. Comfort, quietness and ride quality are also on a par with any competitor.
Interior
The interior of the 2006 Acura RL is more than just luxurious, sporty, and fully equipped with comfort and convenience features. The elegantly styled interior includes perforated leather-trimmed seats, fine wood accents and top-rate materials. The five-occupant RL has an interior trimmed with wood and leather. A 10-speaker Acura/Bose DVD Audio system, XM Satellite Radio and an OnStar communication system are installed.
Acura’s Keyless Access System does away with a traditional key for starting, locking and unlocking. To better illuminate road curves, adaptive headlights swivel up to 20 degrees left or right depending on speed and steering input.
The Acura RL’s 8-inch LCD is still big and bright, but it’s starting to look a little dated. Available in two trims, both trims are equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, VTEC V-6 engine delivers a respectable 290 horsepower that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway.
Acura’s 3.5-liter V-6 generates 290 hp and 256 pounds-feet of torque and drives a five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission with paddle-style shifters on the steering wheel. All RLs have the SH-AWD system.
A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. Its resolution is no longer the best in the business, and it doesn’t offer a bird’s-eye-view mode. It doesn’t have touch-screen capability either, which is becoming more common, although the RL’s screen is too far back in the dash for this to be simply added without repositioning the display closer to the driver.
Body and Chassis Features
- Unit body with extensive use of high-tensile steel and aluminum
- Lightweight aluminum front and rear subframes
- Heated outside mirrors with driver recognition, reverse gear tilt-down and integrated directional signals
- Independent double-wishbone front suspension
- Independent multi-link rear suspension
- Electronically controlled, speed-sensing, variable power-assist rack-and-pinion steering
- 17 x 8-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
- P245/50R17 98V high performance, all season tires
- Optional Michelin PAX Run-flat high performance, all-season tires (New for 2006 as part of Technology Package)
- 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA(R)) with traction control
- Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with Active Front Lighting System (AFS)
- LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination
- Flush junction between side glass and B-pillars
- Power moonroof with tilt, auto-open/close, auto-reverse and key-off operation
Safety features
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure
- Side impact door beams
- Optional Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) (New for 2006 as part of Technology Package)
- Impact-absorbing crumple zones (front/rear)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with location and pressure indicators
- Driver’s and front passenger’s dual-stage, dual-threshold airbag Supplementary Restraint System (SRS)
- Driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags with front passenger Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
- Side curtain airbags for front and rear outboard seats
- 3-point adjustable height seat belts with load limiters and front pretensioners
- 3-point seat belts at all seating positions
- Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractors (ALR/ELR)
- Front head restraints adjustable for height and tilt
- Remote retractable rear seat head restraints
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child-seat mounting system
The RL’s standard-issue Bose audio system uses Cabin Surround and Center Point technologies to create very accurate imaging when playing any disc, but with their 5.1 surround-sound coding, DVD-Audio discs especially stand out. There are 10 speakers onboard, driven by a 280-watt, 6-channel amp.
Acura MDX 2006
For the 2006 model year, the MDX receives an assortment of stylish and sporty additions to the interior. High quality ebony-colored Zebra wood garnishes the center console and door switches and refined Satin Chrome accents are added to models equipped with the Touring Package. The MDX also adds a new exterior color, Amazon Green Metallic.
Acura MDX Exterior 2006
The MDX is Acura’s midsize luxury crossover SUV with seating for seven occupants. Acura was one of the first import luxury brands to offer a sport utility in 1996, with the the SLX, which was a rebadged Isuzu Trooper.
The MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine, tuned to deliver an outstanding 253 peak horsepower SAE net (8/04)* at 5800 rpm and 250 lbs-ft of torque SAE net (rev 8/04) at 3500 rpm. Providing V-8-like power, this engine is coupled to a compact 5-speed automatic transmission and a drive-by-wire throttle system (DBW) that deliver precise shifts and reduced shift shock. The MDX’s standard VTM-4 four-wheel drive system works seamlessly with the DBW and the standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system to enhance performance on low traction surfaces, and enhance stability in all conditions.
The MDX’s 4500-pound boat towing package (3500-pound for trailers) was achieved by tuning the powertrain and chassis systems to manage heavy loads with confidence. This vehicle’s wider-than-normal stance, high-torque engine, wide-ratio 5-speed automatic transmission, and powerful brakes yield a highly competent tow vehicle.
For the 2006 model year, horsepower and torque specifications for all Acura models have been updated in press materials to reflect the revised Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1349 (Rev 8/04) net calculations. These new specifications reflect a number of significant differences from the old test procedures and may cause horsepower and torque totals published in 2006 media materials to differ from the figures published in previous years. To avoid confusion, all 2006 Acura press materials will specify SAE net (Rev 8/04) after all horsepower and torque figures to denote adherence to the new standards.
Acura 2006 3471 cc (3.5 in x 3.6 in) model engine produces 265 hp (198 kW) and 253 lb·ft (343 N·m) . Curb weight is 4,451 lb (2,019 kg) , with a 106.3 in (2,700 mm) wheelbase and 8 in (200 mm) of ground clearance. The cargo floor can flip up to provide two additional seats. The vehicle is designed to hold 7 passengers, but the third row seats are small.
