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Acura of Peabody News

Redesigned Acura RDX Offers More Crossover for Less Dough

Already competing in a saturated segment, Acura is looking to put even more pressure on its competition when it debuts the forthcoming 2013 RDX crossover SUV. Rolling into Acura dealerships early this spring, the new Acura RDX aims to offer luxury sport utility shoppers more bang for the buck by offering the lowest starting price and a long list of standard features.

Completely redesigned for the 2013 model year, the Acura RDX will have a starting MSRP of $34,320, plus a destination charge of $885. That sticker price clocks in significantly below the competition, as the upcoming 2013 BMW X3, 2012 Cadillac SRX and 2012 Audi Q5 start at $37,995, $36,360 and $36,475, respectively.

"The Acura RDX delivers unbeatable value for luxury-car shoppers in the market for a crossover SUV," said Joel Avery, general manager of Greater Boston Acura dealer Acura of Peabody. "The RDX isn't just more affordable than its competitors, though; it also offers excellent fuel efficiency and a more well-rounded collection of features."

At its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February, the 2013 Acura RDX sported a new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 273 horsepower. That figure beats the previous model's turbocharged four-cylinder, which delivered 33 fewer horses under the hood.

For its 2013 model-year upgrade, the Acura RDX receives sleeker and more aerodynamic exterior styling, while its interior is replete with luxury touches like leather, matte surface trim and sweeping accents. Those aesthetic upgrades help the RDX break away from the sporty compact crossover look of its predecessor to a more formal SUV look. Acura has stated that it intended the redesigned RDX to be more elegant, sophisticated and timeless than the outgoing model.

In-car technology is a must to compete in the luxury-vehicle market, and the 2013 Acura RDX brings plenty of it to the table. Pandora internet radio, an SMS text message feature, a Keyless Access System and a three-view rear camera are all standard for 2013. Meanwhile, the available Technology Package adds an advanced navigation system with voice recognition, real-time traffic and weather updates, a satellite communications system, a premium audio system and 60 gigabytes of storage capacity for navigation and music.

"While other luxury brands charge a premium for their badge, Acura decided that what's really worth paying for are the actual amenities," added Avery. "This brand is very serious about giving shoppers affordable luxury, and that is evident when you compare what the RDX delivers to the competition."

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Acura Preps for Entrance into Alternative-Powertrain Market

Japanese Automaker Looks to Rev Up Fuel-Efficient Performance

While Acura has had its share of firsts in the industry, like the first all-aluminum production car, it has taken a more calculated approach in developing its first alternative powertrains. In the near future though, Acura dealers could feature a range of vehicles showcasing hybrid and diesel drivetrains designed to boost performance and fuel economy simultaneously.

Acura recently allowed Motor Trend magazine behind the wheel of three vehicles sporting its new powerplants, including a 1.6-liter turbodiesel, a 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder gas engine and a hybrid version of the automaker's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Motor Trend says the new drivetrains would be coming sooner rather than later once approved for production, a fact that is sure to please the many Acura fans that have been waiting for a hybrid from the luxury automaker.

"Acura is always looking to innovate and improve, and a large part of their focus is directed toward the powertrain," said Joel Avery, general manager of Greater Boston Acura dealer Acura of Peabody. "An Acura hybrid that has both performance and cost savings would check a lot of boxes with Massachusetts drivers, and the fact that it will likely come as part of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system is really icing on the cake."

While some automakers may have simply added a single electric motor to the SH-AWD system and called it a day, Acura added a set of three for its hybrid drivetrain. Each rear wheel gets an electric motor that produces 27 horsepower and 52 pound-feet of torque, aiding acceleration and providing more power to the outside wheel during cornering. Up front, there is a 310-horsepower direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 40-horsepower electric motor that also contributes 96 pound-feet of torque.

Every Acura currently features SH-AWD except for the TSX, which was fitted with the new 2.4-liter gas engine and 1.6-liter diesel for Motor Trend's testing. While Acura has remained silent when it comes to power output of the new gas unit, a diagram of its torque output has Motor Trend guessing it could reach 189 pound-feet of torque. This would be a 10-percent boost over the 2.4-liter engine on the current 2012 Acura TSX .

When it comes to torque it is hard to beat a diesel, and the 1.6-liter turbodiesel provided surprising acceleration in the TSX thanks to 221 pound-feet of twist. Featuring an advanced aluminum design, the 1.6-liter unit is the lightest diesel engine of its size in the world, and Acura claims it will offer the most output and highest efficiency of the 1.6-liter class. Coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, Motor Trend felt the diesel TSX provided more than ample performance.

The TSX was Acura's best-selling car last month, netting its best November ever with 2,691 units finding new homes. Available as a wagon and a sedan, the vehicle is available with either the 2.4-liter or a 3.5-liter V6 unit with 280 horsepower.

"Massachusetts drivers love the athleticism of the TSX, as well as the fact that it doesn't come with a penalty at the pump," Avery noted. "It's a fun car to drive on a twisty back road, and in the Sport Wagon guise it's a great car for a family on the move."

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Acura Owner Gets Red Carpet Treatment for Legendary Milestone

Tyson Hugie Hits 500,000 Miles in a 1994 Acura Legend

Hitting 100,000 miles in a car is an achievement for some, but on November 4 Tyson Hugie was declared by Acura to be their "newest Legend" when his 1994 Acura Legend LS Coupe hit the 500,000-mile mark.

With his mother in the passenger seat, Hugie drove his Legend from Phoenix to Acura's Torrance, California headquarters, making sure that his odometer rolled over to 500,000 as his car arrived at the red carpet reception in his honor. Acura, in support of Hugie's achievement, presented him with vehicle-related gifts, including a certificate to cover all of his maintenance through 2012, a timing belt and a water pump. Acura also gave Hugie a tour of their heritage museum, where he was able to see historic cars that could not be found on the lot of an Acura dealer today.

"Of course, you can extend the lifetime of your vehicle by keeping up with regular maintenance and using common sense while driving, but 500,000 miles on a car is almost unheard of," said Joel Avery, general manager of Greater Boston Acura dealer Acura of Peabody. "The fact that Hugie drove an appropriately named Acura Legend makes the story that much more epic. It goes to show that Acuras have the potential to serve their owners for decades."

Hugie put more than 400,000 miles on the 1994 Acura LS Coupe himself, having bought it from the previous owner when the vehicle was already close to a decade old. During that time, he kept up with regular maintenance, claiming that the Legend has had 142 documented oil changes and gone through five timing belts and five water pumps. The Legend still possesses its original engine, clutch and transmission, however, which is a remarkable feat for a vehicle with such high mileage.

Although Acura ceased production of the Legend in 1995, the Legend Coupe won a variety of awards during its time. Motor Trend named the Legend Coupe its Import Car of the Year for 1987, and the Coupe also appeared on the Car and Driver 10Best list three years in a row from 1988 to 1990. However, as celebrated as it was, the Legend was eventually replaced by the Acura RL for the 1996 model year.

Since then, Acura has relentlessly perfected the RL, earning it accolades like the Legend before it. One of the awards the RL was given was from Popular Science, who named the RL's industry-first Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive the Best of What's New in Automotive Technology in 2004. The 2011 Acura RL still utilizes Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, an ideal feature for New England drivers who want to effectively unleash the RL's 300 horsepower while driving in often treacherous winter weather.

"The Legend attained a status that the Acura RL has only continued to build on," added Avery. "When we hear stories like Hugie's, we know that the reputation of the Legend is well earned. Even if new Acura buyers aren't looking for a Legend when they come to our dealership, they know they'll pleased by what Acura is putting out today."

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Acura of Peabody to Welcome All-New Acura ILX in Style

Massachusetts Dealership Holding Launch Party for New Luxury Compact

Acura is making luxury-car ownership more affordable with the debut of its ILX compact sedan, and Massachusetts Acura dealer Acura of Peabody is celebrating the all- new model's arrival in style. The Greater Boston dealership is holding an Acura ILX launch party at its showroom on Thursday, June 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., giving Acura fans their first up-close look at the newest offering from the brand.

Open to the general public, Acura of Peabody's ILX launch party will feature free food and refreshments, as well as live music and prizes. New England Sports Network (NESN) personality Tom Caron will also be making an appearance, but the real star of the show will be the 2013 Acura ILX, which will be flaunting its sleek styling and innovative new drivetrains under the spotlights.

"It's not every day that a brand-new Acura joins the family, so we're celebrating with a unique event at our dealership," said Joel Avery, general manager of Acura of Peabody. "The Acura ILX is a great new gateway vehicle for the brand, a model which showcases the fuel-efficient performance and cutting-edge technology that make Acuras so special."

What: Acura of Peabody 2013 Acura ILX Launch Party

When: Thursday, June 14, 2012, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Where: Acura of Peabody, 233 Andover St., Peabody, MA

RSVP by filling out the online form at www.acuraofpeabody.com/2013-acura-ilx.htm or by emailing cschwartz@acurapeabody.com.

While the Acura ILX's distinctive sweeping design should attract many buyers, the available powertrains underneath the sedan's stylish sheet metal are what separates it from other affordable luxury vehicles. The ILX is available with Acura's first hybrid drivetrain, making it a more sophisticated option for commuters looking to save at the gas pump. There are also two gas-only choices, with a standard 2.0-liter powerplant delivering 150 horsepower and an optional 2.4-liter engine producing 201 horsepower.

The 2013 Acura ILX provides an impressive mix of performance and fuel efficiency across the board, but its new advanced stability system may be the luxury compact's most remarkable feature. Using lessons learned from Honda's Asimo humanoid robot, which can walk, climb stairs and even run without assistance, Acura has created a stability system that judges the driver's intentions more quickly when reacting to adverse road conditions.

"Asimo is the world's most advanced humanoid robot, and the technology behind it now plays a big role in keeping the Acura ILX stable in ice, snow and rain," Avery noted. "This is just another example of how Acura is pushing technology forward rather than resting on past achievements like other luxury automakers."

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News and Events

Redesigned Acura RDX Offers More Crossover for Less Dough: Already competing in a saturated segment, Acura is looking to put even more pressure on its competition ...
Acura Preps for Entrance into Alternative-Powertrain Market: Japanese Automaker Looks to Rev Up Fuel-Efficient Performance While Acura has had its share of firsts ...

Acura Owner Gets Red Carpet Treatment for Legendary Milestone: Tyson Hugie Hits 500,000 Miles in a 1994 Acura Legend Hitting 100,000 miles in a car is an achievement ...
Acura of Peabody to Welcome All-New Acura ILX in Style: Massachusetts Dealership Holding Launch Party for New Luxury Compact Acura is making luxury-car ownership ...