A pioneer in the world of automotive luxury and performance, Acura continues to ride on the cutting edge of the evolving luxury market in the 2008 model year with advanced technology, performance, safety, and style that set it apart from the competition. Further enhancing its technology-leader position, the Acura Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface has been upgraded to standard equipment across the full product line for the 2008 mode year.
Featuring a full lineup of performance luxury SUVs and sedans, Acura is appealing to buyers with a decidedly new and distinct definition of luxury, one that places a premium on their time, their personal sense of style, and a life experience enhanced by technology. Key models like the MDX luxury sport-utility vehicle and the RDX turbocharged crossover as well as the RL, TL, and TSX luxury performance sedans are resonating with these new luxury customers, as Acura continues to build on its reputation for providing the latest, most advanced and most customer relevant technology in the segment.
"Acura is hitting the target with a new generation of luxury buyers looking to get where they are going more quickly, more efficiently and more connected to the world around them," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. "With key standard features like Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity, the 2008 Acura lineup of sedans and SUVs is connecting drivers to the road and their lives like never before."
MDX
Completely redesigned for the 2007 model year, the MDX raises the bar in the highly competitive luxury SUV segment with substantial advances in power, handling, luxury, and style. Track-tuned at Germany's legendary Nürburgring race circuit, the MDX employs the latest Acura performance technology to push the envelope of SUV handling without sacrificing luxury or utility. For 2008, the MDX receives more comfort and convenience features with the addition of an auto dimming rear view mirror and a new exterior color choice: Sterling Gray Metallic.
The 2008 MDX is equipped with a 300-horsepower 3.7-liter VTEC ® V-6 engine, Acura's breakthrough Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system and an available Sport Package with a revolutionary Active Damper System to enhance handling precision while maintaining a smooth and controlled ride.
Generously equipped from the start, the MDX comes standard with third-row seating, Tri-Zone synchronized automatic climate control systems, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, 8-speaker Acura Premium Sound System, and a host of advanced safety features. Several option packages allow drivers to get the exact features they are looking for: The Technology Package adds AcuraLink™ Satellite Communication System with real-time traffic, the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, a rearview camera, and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Sound System with multi-format 6-disc DVD-Audio changer.
The Sport Package features additional upgrades to those found in the Technology Package, including the Active Damper System (which provides driver-selected 'sport' and 'comfort' modes for optimum handling and ride comfort) an exclusive alloy wheel design, and a Milano premium leather interior. The Entertainment Package adds a rear DVD entertainment system and power tailgate, and can be applied to either the Technology or Sport Packages.
RDX
Introduced in 2007 as an all-new Acura model, the RDX turbocharged crossover SUV is winning over consumers with its innovative performance and outstanding handling. Equipped with Acura's first ever turbocharged engine coupled to Acura's proprietary Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) technology, the RDX delivers sports sedan performance and handling without sacrificing SUV utility.
For 2008, the RDX receives even more technology with the addition of standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity. Also, a new two position driver's memory seat and auto-dimming rear view mirror are added to the RDX. A new Polished Metal Metallic exterior paint choice is available on the 2008 RDX.
The 2008 RDX is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC® inline-four engine generating an impressive 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The RDX's Variable Flow Turbo provides an exceptionally broad power band with virtually no turbocharger lag.
The well equipped RDX offers a single factory option: the Technology Package that features an Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Sound System with multi-format 6-disc DVD-Audio changer, AM/FM tuner with XM® Satellite Radio, and 10-speakers; AcuraLink™ Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic; the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™; and a rearview camera.
RL
The Acura RL enters the 2008 model year as one of the most sophisticated and exhilarating touring sedans on the road today, putting the driver in total command of their environment while delivering extraordinarily athletic performance in the luxury sedan class.
With available cutting-edge technologies including AcuraLink™ Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic (expanded to now include 76 metro markets), the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, Active Front Lighting System (AFS), and Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the RL is the bearer of technology-enhanced performance, luxury and comfort in the Acura sedan lineup.
The RL is equipped with a powerful 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 engine, coupled to Acura's revolutionary Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system, for truly exhilarating handling and performance. A long list of standard luxury features is fitted to every RL including Acura/Bose® DVD-Audio surround sound system and keyless access system. Available is the Active Front Lighting System with Xenon HID headlights that move laterally up to 20-degrees to help illuminate the road around corners, along with active cruise control, to enhance the driving experience.
Also available on the 2008 RL is the highly advanced Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), which monitors the distance between the RL and the vehicle in front of it and automatically applies braking force if a collision appears imminent.
TL
Acura's best selling model, the TL sedan, continues to be a leader in the midsized sedan segment with its head turning style, outstanding performance, and cutting-edge technology. For 2008, the TL carries forward a series of upgrades adopted for the 2007 model year, including sharpened exterior and interior styling, an improved navigation system, a newly redesigned 5-speed automatic transmission, revised suspension tuning, and the inclusion of the much heralded TL Type-S high-performance variant. For 2008, two new exterior paint choices are available: Polished Metal Metallic and Bold Beige Metallic. The 2008 model also adds a separate Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TMPS) warning lamp to the meter display, in compliance with new government safety standards.
The 2008 TL is available with a 3.2-liter VTEC® V-6 engine turning out 258 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque, mated to a smooth shifting 5-speed automatic transmission with SportShift. Further enhancing the driving experience, every TL features the Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Sound System with multi-format 6-disc DVD-A changer and Bluetooth™ HandsFreeLink™ wireless telephone interface. The TL is also available with the AcuraLink™ Satellite Communication System with real-time traffic, Acura Navigation with Voice Recognition™, and a rearview camera.
The TL Type-S adds a double shot of adrenaline to the TL lineup with its larger and more powerful 3.5-liter VTEC® V-6 engine with 286 horsepower, sport-tuned suspension and large Brembo® four-piston front brakes. The Type-S comes with a choice of a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission or a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Race-inspired exterior cues such as a rear deck lid spoiler, an exclusive alloy wheel design, and a unique front fascia give the Type-S a more aggressive appearance.
TSX
The Acura TSX has made its mark in the highly competitive near-premium sports sedan segment, winning over driving enthusiasts with its taut styling, razor-sharp reflexes and long list of standard luxury features and technologies. The 2008 TSX continues the outstanding blend of performance, style and efficiency that has helped it to attract many new drivers from other well-established players in the sports sedan market.
The 2008 TSX is powered by a robust 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC™ engine, mated to either a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission or a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission. The TSX is equipped with standard Bluetooth™ HandsFreeLink™ connectivity, a 360-watt 8-speaker sound system, leather trimmed interior, power moonroof and available Acura navigation system with Voice Recognition™.
Safety/Environment
Acura's leadership in the application of leading-edge technologies is extended to the safety and environmental arenas as well - where Acura is once again setting the bar in the luxury market.
In keeping with Acura's "Safety Through Innovation" initiative, all Acura vehicles are equipped with a suite of advanced passive and active safety technologies as standard equipment, including sophisticated front, side and side-curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). In addition, both the MDX and RDX sport-utility vehicles incorporate a rollover sensor to further enhance safety.
Several Acura models - including the RL, MDX and RDX - also incorporate Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. The innovative and industry-exclusive ACE body design employs a network of interconnected front frame structures that work to absorb and redirect collision forces away from the passenger cabin while improving crash compatibility with vehicles of different sizes in a frontal collision.
In addition, all Acura vehicles utilize some of the very latest technologies for outstanding performance, fuel efficiency, and low emissions - including all-aluminum engines with "intelligent" i-VTEC™ valve control technology; advanced, computer-controlled engine and transmission management systems; and the strategic application of strong yet lightweight materials such as high-tensile steel, aluminum and magnesium in the body, chassis and powertrain.
In the area of vehicle emissions, every 2008 Acura achieves the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencies stringent Tier 2-Bin 5 emissions standard, which is approximately 75-percent cleaner than the average new automobile.
Warranty
All Acura models are covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service, and trip routing.
Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a nationwide network of 268 dealers within the United States. The 2008 Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.
For additional information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please go to www.acuranews.com.