Acura TL 2009 Model

/ / /

Car Name: Acura TL 2009

Brand Name: Acura

TopClass View

 

Acura's midsize sports sedan gets all-new style and some serious upgrades in the performance specs department. The 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD replaces the outgoing TL S-Type model, while retaining the AWD power delivery system and performance styling and features.

The body styling is polarizing, to say the least. With sharp creases all around and a beak-like nose that some will hate, the TL SH-AWD is much more visually interesting than its TL S-Type predecessor, though that is not necessarily a good thing. Those who love the new styling will love the attention to detail Honda has put into every performance aspect of the TL.

Among notable new Acura TL features is what Acura calls SportShift, an electronically controlled and paddle-shifted pseudo-manual gearbox like that now found in all its luxury performance sedan competitors. Rated at 305 horsepower, the 3.7 liter V6 is the most powerful engine Honda has ever offered in any of its models.

Drivetrain
Transmission	5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, F1-style paddle shifters, and Grade Logic Control
Layout	Front Engine, AWD
Final Drive Ratio	4.533:1
Brakes	Dual-diagonal, power-assisted, 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
Engine
Displacement	3.7 Liters
Horsepower	305 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft. @ 5000 rpm
Redline	6700 rpm
Bore X Stroke	3.54 in x 3.88 in
Exterior
Width	74.0 in
Length	195.3 in
Height	57.2 in
Wheelbase	109.3 in
Body Type	4 Door, 5 Seat Sport Sedan
Wheels	19x8 in cast-aluminum
Tires	245/40ZR19 94Y
Performance
Fuel Economy	17 mpg city/ 25 mpg highway

 

Acura MDX SH-AWD 2007 Model

/ / /

Car Name: Acura MDX SH-AWD

Brand Name: Acura

TopClass View

The original Acura(R) MDX(R), produced from 2001 to 2006 model years, broke new ground in the emerging luxury SUV segment. Now, the all-new 2007 MDX takes its predecessor’s best qualities and radically expands them, pushing performance and sophistication in the luxury SUV segment to new levels. Benchmarked against some of the best performance SUVs in the world and tuned on the Nurburgring racetrack in Germany, the new MDX clearly establishes itself as a driver’s SUV. Outfitted with Acura’s tenacious Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)) system and an available sport package with Active Damper System, the MDX yields a combination of handling and comfort that is truly on the cutting edge.

The 2007 MDX is equally daring in its styling and thorough in its safety and environmental responsibilities. Included as standard equipment is the largest array of passive safety features in Acura history. The MDX’s class-leading 300-hp VTEC(TM) V-6 makes as much power as some competitive V-8s, yet delivers ultra-low emissions and excellent fuel economy. Inside the 7-passenger interior, the MDX offers thoughtful luxury and an unmatched range of advanced available technologies, including the Acura Navigation System and AcuraLink(TM) Satellite Communication System with real-time traffic and a spectacular 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround(TM) Premium Sound System.

With a displacement of 3.7 liters, the 2007 MDX features Acura’s largest and most powerful V-6 engine. Developing 300 horsepower and 275 lbs.-ft. of torque, the MDX’s output is competitive with many V-8 engines – without the fuel-economy penalty that some V-8 engines suffer. To widen the powerband and improve emissions and fuel economy the engine has VTEC(R) (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), a dual-stage intake manifold, and an electronic Drive-by-Wire Throttle System(TM). EPA estimated mileage of 17/22 mpg (City/Highway) and a large 21-gallon fuel capacity mean the MDX also has a greater cruising range. The MDX is also designed to meet the latest CARB-Certified LEV-2 ULEV emissions certification.

A 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift is designed to satisfy the most performance-oriented drivers. Tuned on the challenging Nurburgring circuit in Germany, the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)) system likewise provides handling precision that sets a new benchmark for SUVs. SH-AWD(TM) “actively” varies the torque distribution between front and rear axles – then between the left and right rear wheels – to provide the maximum grip under all driving circumstances. Operating seamlessly and automatically, SH-AWD(TM) overdrives the outside rear wheel up to 1.7% faster than the front wheels to help the vehicle “rotate” around a corner.

AC Schnitzer 2011 BMW 5-Series

/ / /

Car Name: AC Schnitzer 2011 BMW5 Series

Brand Name: AC

TopClass View

The tuning specialists over at AC Schnitzer in Germany have endowed the latest BMW 5-Series saloon, codenamed F10, with exterior and interior styling accessories, as well as hardware upgrades.

The company's engineers got under the bonnet and came up with a performance upgrade for the 530d's straight-six turbo diesel pushing output from the 245HP to 286HP. Optimizations for the rest of the diesel range, including the 520d, 525d and 535d models in Europe, are also under development and will become available soon, according to AC Schnitzer.

There's also a new sport exhaust system with chrome tail pipes that offers a throatier tone and is available on the 550i and 535i petrol, and 535d and 530d diesel models.

To improve handling, AC Schnitzer has come up with some minor enhancements to make the 5er more sporty on the road, including stiffer springs that lower the vehicle's road height by 25mm and an 8-piston caliper brake system for the front axle.

Buyers can choose from two different alloy wheel designs that are available in sizes 19- and 20-inches. The 20s are fitted with high performance tires size 245/35 R20 on the front and 285/30 R 20 on the rear.

For the exterior, there's a body kit package with a new front spoiler, a chromed twin kidney grille, side skirts, roof and boot lid spoilers, and a rear apron incorporating a diffuser.

Inside, the cockpit and steering wheel can be trimmed in black carbon fiber with silver accents, while the tuner also offers aluminum foot rest and pedal sets, gear knobs trimmed in leather and aluminum (with or without the digital gear display) and an aluminum cover for the i-Drive system controller.



Blaupunkt Acurabot 2005

/ / /

Car Name: Blaupunkt Acurabot

Brand Name: Acura

TopClass View

The Acurabot, the newest showcar in Blaupunkt’s sponsorship stable, was unveiled in its new form at this years CES in Las Vegas. This highly modified 1994 Acura Integra LS was completely rebuilt over a seven week period between November’s SEMA show and the January 7th start of CES.

Owner Tajai Das of Xclusive Concepts first bought the car in 1998 as a stock, non-Vtec, Integra LS. By 1999 he had begun to customize the car’s appearance, soon taking the Best Vinyl Graphics category at the 1999 Import Revolution show in his native Ontario. “That was it,” Das recalls. “From that moment, I was hooked.”

The Acurabot has since undergone three separate overhauls, each time raising the bar on performance, appearance, and sound. By 2003, Das had assembled what he considered his dream team for the third customization of the Acurabot, and the car took Best in Show awards across Canada, and took the Best Stereo Display at Hot Import Nights Chicago, edging out Blaupunkt’s acclaimed Evil-Z.

For Audio reproduction, the Acurabot features four sets of Blaupunkt component speakers in the hood, doors, and trunk. Four 12-inch Blaupunkt Velocity subwoofers are mounted in a rear-seat enclosure, and a fifth is in a roof-mounted enclosure. The fullrange speakers and roof-mounted subwoofer are driven by five Velocity VA2100 amplifiers in the rear seat enclosure, and two VA2200 amplifiers are mounted in the motorized chest of Optimus Prime to drive the four rear-seat subwoofers.

The car rests on Cusco full coilover system, Type R rear control arms, and Vibrant sway bar and Ti bars. Braking was enhanced with an AEM 13-inch big Brake System, and the ride sits on 19-inch Racing Hart 3-piece CR rims shod with nitto Neo Gen tires. All suspension system components are custom chromed, and braking/suspension system was installed by Simon Rowe of Rowe Tech.