Acura Of Peabody

PEABODY, Mass.    It has been five years since the RSX was removed from the Acura lineup, but it appears that a revamped version of the sports car is on the way to provide a response to the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 compact cars. Meanwhile, the Japanese automaker is looking to deliver hybrid versions of the Acura MDX and RDX SUVs to Acura dealers in 2012.

Despite its reputation for producing cars with the latest innovations, Acura has thus far stayed away from hybrid technology, instead focusing on building more fuel-efficient conventional engines. According to Automotive News, Acura appears on course to now do both, as the hybrid additions and the revival of the smaller, entry-level Acura RSX at Acura dealerships would boost its overall fuel efficiency as a new federal 35.5-mpg fuel economy mandate takes hold in 2016.

"The RSX still has a healthy fan base despite not being sold since 2006," said Joel Avery, general manager of Massachusetts Acura dealer Acura of Peabody. "I think it hit the right chords of being sporty and fun to drive while also being good on gas, and those are traits that are very much in demand right now."

Reports say the RSX will return as a sedan in the spring of 2013, while a coupe model would see a mid-cycle launch in the spring of 2015. Based on the Honda Civic, the car will feature a 210-horsepower version of the Civic Si's 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine and the same six-speed manual transmission, making for an economical yet responsive drive.

Acura fans will have even less of a wait for the hybrid versions of the Acura RDX and Acura MDX. Both of the popular SUVs are expected to receive hybrid drivetrains as part of their redesigns in 2012. The RDX will receive a hybrid four-cylinder model as an option, while the MDX hybrid will be available to add fuel efficiency to the base V6 engine.

Even the strictly gasoline-powered models in Acura's redesigns of the RDX and MDX are expected to carry over the theme of fuel efficiency. Acura's best-selling vehicle, the MDX, is likely to get a smaller 3.5-liter V6, down from the current 3.7-liter engine. Meanwhile, the turbocharged four-cylinder on the current RDX will be replaced with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder.

Acura's recent edgy styling will also make an appearance on both vehicles, as both the new MDX and RDX are expected to feature more understated luxury styling visible on the 2012 Acura TL.

"Acura has always been on the forefront of technology, and new hybrid SUVs will solidify that image," Avery noted. "The Acura MDX is already a top-seller, not just because of its power, but because it is refined, fuel efficient and capable in a range of conditions. A hybrid MDX will undoubtedly be a hit as well."

PEABODY, Mass. - Warren Waugh, a co-founder the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group, has a passion for historic cars and charity work, which makes the North Shore Concours D'Elegance a fitting outlet for his affection. Featuring iconic cars from the last century, the car show taking place at Endicott College on July 31 and sponsored by the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group will benefit scholarship programs aimed at current and future students at the school.

Held at the oceanfront Misselwood Estate on the Endicott College campus, the Concours D'Elegance will feature two different show fields, including a judged concours field and a parking area filled with collector's cars that are open to car lovers of any age. In addition to the allure of rare and antique cars, the event will include art, jewelry and fashion shows, as well as musical entertainment.

"I can't think of a better way to spend a day than admiring historic cars along what used to be referred to as the 'Gold Coast' and raising funds to help young people continue their education," said Waugh, whose auto group includes Massachusetts MINI dealership MINI of Peabody, BMW of Peabody, Acura of Peabody, Land Rover Peabody, Audi of Nashua, and Porsche of Nashua. "Last year, the event had everything from a 1904 Grout Steamer to a 1932 Chrysler Imperial. It was a fantastic gathering and I'm hoping this year will be just as successful."

WHAT: North Shore Concours D'Elegance

WHEN: Sunday, July 31, 2011, 11 a.m. EDT ? 3:30 p.m. EDT

WHERE: Misselwood Estate at Endicott College, 407 Hale Street, Beverly, MA

HOW: General admission is $10, with a discounted $6 ticket for Beverly residents and Endicott College students, alumni and staff. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/9089245. $45 for car registration.

While there are no modern equivalents of classic cars like the 1970 Ford Torino GT 429 Convertible expected to be at this year's show, modern versions of motoring icons are still available as new cars, like the 2011 MINI Cooper available at MINI dealerships. A modern on the first MINI manufactured by the British Motor Corporation in 1959, today's MINI is available in several forms to suit the modern driver's needs.

The original MINI was a huge success, becoming a British icon and selling more than five million units before its original production run ended in 2000. The next-generation MINI would arrive in the United States a year later, and this updated MINI has evolved in the decade since while still maintaining its predecessor's classic charm. The 2011 MINI Cooper still revels its retro looks, complete with a contrasting color roof just like the MINIs of old, along with the round headlights and flared fenders.

"The 2011 MINI Cooper is a faithful modernization of the original," Waugh commented. "It has the old-school playfulness and looks that make it such a hit with people both young and old. The models at the Concours D'Elegance are on display because they showcase timeless designs, and MINIs have remained so popular throughout the years because they too are automotive icons."

PEABODY, Mass.    Acura's TL luxury sedan has been a mainstay at Acura dealerships around the United States for years, and its recent selection as a NADAguides Top Recommended Current Buy for the second quarter of 2011 further solidifies that position. The 2011 Acura TL got the nod from NADAguides in part for its low first-year depreciation rate of just 19 percent, its attractive financing options and its four-year, 50,000-mile warranty.

Other factors leading to the Acura TL being picked as a Top Recommended Current Buy included its competitive starting price and availability which, despite recent supply shortages due to the March 11 earthquake in Japan, was at a healthy 62-day inventory level at the end of May. NADAguides selected only six cars, and Acura was the only luxury brand recognized on the list.

"The TL represents all the traits the Acura brand is known for, such as value, incredible technology and cutting-edge drivetrains," said Joel Avery, general manager of Massachusetts Acura dealer Acura of Peabody. "Discerning Massachusetts car buyers have been picking up the TL for years because it is a very smart buy ? it doesn't lose its value like other luxury cars and has the reliability that is inherent in Acura vehicles."

Acura gave the TL a makeover for the new model year, and the 2012 Acura TL available at Massachusetts Acura dealers has new front and rear styling, a new six-speed automatic transmission and a refreshed interior featuring new instrument cluster arrangements and surface finishes. What isn't changing with the 2012 TL is Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system, which is of particular interest for drivers in New England who need stability on snow and ice-covered roads. The SH-AWD system is also valuable during ideal summer driving, as it redirects power around the car to improve handling dynamics and create a luxury sedan with the feel of a lightweight sports car.

Adding to that sporty feel are Acura's versatile powerplants, including a 3.5-liter V6 and optional 3.7-liter V6. The standard powerplant produces 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque while returning 29 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city. Featuring SH-AWD, the 2012 TL model with the optional 3.7-liter engine pumps out 305 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Even with that much power, the 3.7-liter engine still returns 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway when paired with an automatic transmission.

Inside, the Acura TL features an optional GPS-linked temperature control, which tracks the position of the sun relative to the car's position while a sensor measures the sun's intensity. Acura says this information allows the TL to more accurately control the temperature throughout the vehicle. There is also an available Acura/ELS Surround Sound System designed by Grammy Award-winning recording engineer Elliot Scheiner that features 10 speakers capable of reproducing sound just as it was recorded.

"There are some incredibly convenient and innovative options on the TL, especially given the price tag," Avery added. "These are things you wouldn't see from Acura's competition until you're spending well above what a TL costs, and that's one reason why the TL is a recommended buy."

PEABODY, MASS.    The struggles of Japanese automakers after the March 11 earthquake and subsequent tsunami are front of mind for Joel Avery, general manager of Greater Boston Acura dealership Acura of Peabody. He's been getting calls from customers wondering if he has certain Acura models in stock. The good news is, yes, he has plenty of new Acuras on his lot, unlike some other dealerships across the United States.

Acura posted an overall U.S. sales drop in May as inventories dried up, a consequence of the earthquake and tsunami that destroyed infrastructure and limited the ability of suppliers to manufacture parts. Acura's May sales were down 17.1 percent compared with the same month in 2010 based on the Daily Selling Rate (DSR), and the only Acura vehicle to post an increase was the 2011 Acura MDX, a luxury SUV that has been a mainstay of the brand at MassachusettsAcura dealers.

"We've avoided the shortages in other parts of the United States because we've always maintained a large inventory of cars at our dealership. Basically, our size helped protect us," Avery said. "Demand is still very high for fuel-efficient luxury cars, so we expect the short supplies to continue until Acura returns to full production. Until then, we continue to have a very healthy inventory, so I count us as lucky."

U.S. sales of the 2011 Acura MDX increased 1.9 percent in May based on DSR compared with the same time period in 2010. Produced in Alliston, Ontario, the MDX has benefitted from stronger availability than other Acura models. The Japanese automaker suspended dealer orders for the Acura TSX and RL through the months of June and July 2011 because both cars are produced in Japan, where supply shortages are still prevalent months after the natural disasters.

Many Acura showrooms have prevented their inventories from completely running out, but supplies are tight for popular models and only time will tell when production will be back to normal. Sources say that Acura hopes to be back at 100 percent output in its North American plants for most models by August, and the automaker expects global operations to return to normal by the end of the year.

"Right now we're operating like we always have, getting our customers the best deals and selling cars," Avery added. "We could see limited trim and color choices as the summer goes on, but we don't expect this to last for long. Our solid inventory means that it's business as usual, but we do encourage our customers to visit us soon, particularly if they're looking for a model with a specific set of options or a specific color."

Acura's flagship seven-passenger MDX SUV is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine and returns 21 mpg on the highway. All models come with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which is part of what makes the MDX so popular in Massachusetts, where weather adds a variety of challenges on the road.

MDX options include a voice-activated navigation system complete with Zagat restaurant reviews, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather. The MDX also offers an innovative safety option, Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), which monitors the closing speed of objects directly in front of the vehicle and applies the brakes while tightening the safety belts if it detects an impending crash.

PEABODY, MASS.   Greater Boston Acura dealer Acura of Peabody has signed a sponsorship deal with the Boston Lobsters, a World TeamTennis (WTT) league franchise featuring premier, world-ranked tennis players and several up-and-comers. The new arrangement spans the 2011 Lobsters season, which runs July 5 to July 21.

Acura of Peabody's sponsorship will help to support the return of Lobsters stars John Isner and James Blake. Isner, currently ranked 35th in the world, and Blake, who was once ranked fourth in the world, can be seen at the Ferncroft Country Club in Middleton, Massachusetts. Other players on this year's Boston team include Eric Butorac, Jan-Michael Gambill, Coco Vandeweghe and Mashona Washington.

"With the performance and agility of Isner and Blake, the Boston Lobsters are bringing high-level tennis to an area that expects excellence in their professional sports teams," said Joel Avery, general manager of Acura of Peabody. "Our customers can find the same expert precision they'll see on the court in our Acuras, so this partnership is a natural pairing for us."

Acura of Peabody's sponsorship will also lead to extra benefits for their customers. When the St. Louis Aces come to town for a July 14th match with the Lobsters, the Acura dealer will host a private cocktail party at the Ferncroft Country Club with internationally-recognized star Anna Kournikova as its guest of honor. Before her match, a limited number of Acura of Peabody customers can enjoy the company of the two-time Australian Open doubles champion.

WTT was co-founded by tennis great Billie Jean King in 1974 and is currently composed of nine national teams. Teams are comprised of one coach and four players ? more if the team has a marquee player. The league plays host to elite names like John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Venus Williams and Lindsay Davenport, making each event a star-studded spectacle.

An elite name itself, Acura of Peabody is a 2010 Dealer of Distinction that has been providing sporty luxury cars to Massachusetts Acura fans for years. One of the new arrivals is the 2011TSX Sport Wagon, which possesses the agility of a sedan and the utility of an SUV, with up to 60.5 cubic feet of space behind the front seats when the rear seats are folded down.

Wagons had been absent from the Acura lineup before the TSX Sport Wagon arrived at Acura dealerships to reset perceptions of what the vehicle could accomplish. Powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that reaches 201 horsepower, the TSX Sport Wagon also gets 30 mpg on the highway, which gives it a cruising range of up to 555 miles.

"The 2011 TSX Sport Wagon shows that a practical car can still be a blast to drive," Avery added. "There's room for a whole family's worth of tennis gear, with space left over for groceries or a week's worth of luggage. The best part is that you never feel like you're driving a wagon, because it still maintains the sporty handling the TSX is known for."

Customers interested in attending the July 14th cocktail party at Acura of Peabody should RSVP Lori Connolly of the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group at 978-532-8312.

Agents of Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division (S.H.I.E.L.D) will be fighting crime in style in Thor, an upcoming action film based on Marvel Studio's famous comic book character, thanks to Acura's partnership with Paramount Pictures and Marvel. In the movie, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents will be behind the wheel of the recently unveiled 2012 Acura TL and Acura SUVs, including some custom Acura S.H.I.E.L.D. TLs equipped with crime-busting gear you won't find at local Acura dealers like Acura of Peabody.

Featured prominently in the movie, the 2012 Acura TL will be a major focus of Acura's promotions in the weeks leading up to Thor's May 6 release. For those drivers who want high-performance handling in any weather condition, Acura is touting the new all-wheel drive TL SH-AWD. The SH-AWD is able to shift 70 percent of its power to the rear wheels and then 100 percent of the shifted power to the right or left wheel, providing the amazing cornering S.H.I.E.L.D agents need in high-speed chases.

"The Acura TL is an excellent automobile for an action movie, and I'm really excited to see what the professional drivers can do with all of the TL's firepower," said Joel Avery, general manager of Acura of Peabody. "The sleek design mixed with raw power and cutting-edge technology make it a savvy vehicle for saving the day. It's sure to turn heads in both movie theaters and neighborhoods across the United States."

In the film, the S.H.I.E.L.D. TL is equipped for chasing down villains with S.H.I.E.L.D emblems in its custom paint, a "sound cannon" ratcheted to the roof and flashing lights. On the road, Greater Boston Acura enthusiasts will find the TL's balance of power and elegance perfect for chasing down memorable drives. Under the hood, the TL SH-AWD's 3.7-liter V6 engine pushes the envelope of high performance, while the TL sedan's standard 3.5-liter V6 keeps relaxing drives through the countryside smooth and highway-weaving commutes sharp and responsive. The TL's speed-sensing steering and independent four-wheel suspension gives drivers a commanding feel for the road in all conditions.

Unlike some superheroes, the TL isn't only about muscle. With an interior featuring leather-trimmed, heated sport seats, drivers will find themselves wanting to take the long road home. The TL's iPod compatibility will provide a perfect soundtrack for thrilling highway drives or jamming out at red lights.

"When a vehicle makes it to Hollywood, you know it has to be impressive. But unlike other cars featured in movies, the TL is a model that is both advanced and affordable," Avery said. "The great thing about Acura is that it gives regular people the chance to get a taste of real luxury. James Bond's fancy imports may be out of reach for many buyers, but the Acura TL delivers a similar experience at a much friendlier price."