When Honda unveiled the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, the concept was said to preview the replacement for the Acura NSX. But the Advanced Sports Car Concept was just a preview. Acura would unveil an updated version later this year at the Tokyo More Show, which would be a closer representation of Acura’s v10 supercar that would appear in showrooms in 2009.

Now it looks like the next concept is heading back to the drawing board. Honda’s top executives weren’t pleased with the car and have sent it back to the drawing board. Apparently, while the reviews weren’t negative, the concept didn’t get the thunderous response that Honda was looking for.

The basic proportions, V10 engine, and all-wheel-drive will remain, but the rest of the car — at least the appearance — will likely change before production.

As of right now, were not sure what — if anything — is going to appear at the Tokyo Motor Show this fall.

## Source: Winding Road ##

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Last month, we reported that Honda engineers continue to unofficially work on a successor to the Honda S2000. The report at that time was that the succussor would move upmarket and grow an additional pair of seats. Speculation was the the S2000 replacement may wear an Acura badge.

Rumors are that the S2000 really isn’t going to be much of an S2000 after all. Sources say that the replacement will give up the hardcore, high revving feel, and go mainstream, with four-seats and a retractable power hard top.

The S2000 successor may even lose its rear-wheel drive layout.

## Source: Winding Road ##

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Despite a 1.7 percent sales decline based on daily sales rates, American Honda posted its best-ever January sales of 100,790, surpassing its previous record set last year. American Honda’s January light truck sales hit a record high of 47,378, up 11.0 percent compared to 2006.

Honda Division posted record January sales of 87,773 (down 0.2 percent based on daily sales rates). Honda’s light trucks were up 7.1 percent, led by a 48.1 percent increase in CR-V sales. Honda passenger car sales were off 5.9 percent, despite a 12 percent increase in Accord sales.

Acura Division January sales were down 10.6 percent. Acura’s light truck sales were up 48.7 percent versus last year, while Acura passenger car sales were off 33.1 percent

## Source: Honda ##

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Yesterday, Honda staged the world premiere of the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. The Advanced Sports Car Concept offers a preview of the design direction for the successor to the Acura NSX.

“The Acura brand will always be a home for people who love to drive,” said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “As we advance toward building a car like this, I can tell you it will feature advanced technology matching our passion for performance.”

The Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept was designed to feature a powerful front-mounted, V10 engine and a new high-performance, rear-wheel drive based version of Acura’s ‘Super Handling All-Wheel Drive’ (SH-AWD). The design of the concept features some subtle cues to retain an association to its NSX predecessor.

“Our intention was to design an exotic sports car that gracefully combines advanced technology and strong emotion,” said Jon Ikeda, principal designer, Acura Design Center. “The technical, machined surfaces and keen-edge design are balanced with sweeping curves and dramatic lines, all of which results in the ultimate exotic sports car.”

The production version of the Acura’s NSX replacement is scheduled to debut at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show this fall.

Full press release and high resolution gallery after the jump.

## Source: Honda ##

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Acura will unveil its ‘Advanced Sports Car Concept’ at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. Acura says the concept “provides a glimpse at the next generation Acura exotic sports car,” which we hope provides a glimpse into the replacement for the HSX.

The Advanced Sports Car Concept builds on the design language introduced by the poorly received Advanced Sedan Concept that Acura unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month. The sketch features the same overtly creased bodylines and a similar boating-inspired V-shaped stern that was seen on the Advanced Sedan Concept.

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.’s President and CEO Takeo Fukui will be delivering the keynote remarks at the Acura press conference.

Larger image and press release after the jump.

## Source: Acura ##

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Acura is pushing Honda management to approve development of a V8 powerplant for its luxury lineup, according to Automotive News. Honda R&D boss Hirohide Ikeno said he’s encouraging top executives to give the green light. Acura has been criticized for not offering V8 engines and a likely reason for poor sales of Acura’s new RL is the lack of a V8.

“I’m pushing for it,” said Ikeno. “That is our direction.”

Hirohide Ikeno hinted that a new direction for Acura powerplants would debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Ikeno said V8s are only being considered for Acura, and would not be available in any Honda models. The next-generation NSX sports car, due in 2009, is expected to be powered by a mid-engine V10.

## Source: Automotive News ##

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American Honda reported a 0.6 percent increase in November vehicle sales, breaking the previous November record set last year. Honda and Acura brand sales were primarily driven by the automaker’s new SUVs.

“Our all-new light truck products are off to a strong start” said Richard Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The 2007 Honda CR-V has set a record every month since its introduction in September and the all-new 2007 Acura MDX posted its second best month ever.”

Honda Division sales were down 3.0 percent from last year’s record November, led by a 51.1 percent increase in Honda CR-V sales. Honda passenger car sales were off 4.6 percent from last year, and the brand’s light trucks were off 1.2 percent, despite the increase in CR-V sales.

The Acura Division posted record November sales of 17,200 vehicles, up 23.9 percent, with a 120.3 percent increase in light truck sales offsetting a 10.5 decline in passenger car sales. Sales of the MDX were up 66.8 percent for the month.

Full press release after the jump.

## Source: Honda ##

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Yesterday, Honda unveiled the Acura “Advanced Sedan Concept” at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The concept was created by Acura’s Los Angeles-based advanced design team, and was designed to feature a modern, powerful exterior while retaining an ultra luxurious feel.

“The Advanced Sedan Concept illustrates Acura’s commitment to modern design and cutting-edge style,” said John Mendel, senior vice president, auto operations.”With our advanced design team taking a significant role in shaping future vehicle design, we can expect upcoming products to reflect this progressive, forward-thinking styling.”

The “Advanced Sedan Concept” is bound to a polarizing design. The reverse crease leading back from the front of the car gives the appearance of the bow of a boat. With the high beltline and the low and wide design, the may provide visual thrills for some, others are likely to be shocked.

If this is the future, we aren’t sure if we are ready or even want to go.

More images and press release after the jump.

## Source: Honda ##

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American Honda reported its October 2006 sales increased by 3.7 percent over last year. For the month, passenger car sales declined by 5.1 percent, but were more than made up for by a 15.6 percent gain in light truck sales. The Honda Division posted sales up 4.3 percent, on a 2.6 percent drop in cars and 12.4 increase in light trucks. The Acura Division recorded sales up 0.7 percent, with a 16 percent drop in cars, but a whopping 47.2 percent increase in trucks.

The all-new 2007 Honda CR-V totaled 20,413 (up 95.7 percent) in its first full month of sales. The Acuar MDX SUV is up 6.4 percent and the all-new RDX crossover SUV posted 1,701 sales during its second full month of sales.

For the year-to-date, American Honda continued its record-setting pace, with sales up 3.9 percent. The automaker is on-track for a 13th consecutive year-over-year sales increase.

## Source: Honda ##

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Acura announced pricing for the all-new 2007 MDX seven-passenger crossover SUV today. Starting at a base price of $39,995, the 2007 Acura MDX will be available at Acura dealerships on October 17th. The MDX is powered by a 300-hp 3.7L V6, which is “Acura’s most powerful engine in its history.”

The Acura MDX will be available with three option packages, including a Technology Package for $43,495 that adds a 10-speaker, 410-watt surround sound audio system, plus a navigation with voice recognition, the AcuraLink satellite communication system with real-time traffic, and a rearview camera; a Sport Package for $45,595, which includes Technology Package and add the Active Damper System sport suspension, upgraded interior leather, model-specific alloy wheels and auto-leveling Xenon headlights; and an Entertainment Package, which is a $2,200 add-on to either the Sport or Technology package, which adds a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, 110 VAC outlet, heated second row seats and a power tailgate.

Full press release after the jump.

## Source: Acura ##

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The second-generation of Honda’s S2000 and the replacement for the Acura NSX will not be available until 2009, according to U.K.’s WhatCar? magazine. The current but aging S2000 roadster will have to soldier on until the replacement is available, which would mean that the first-generation S2000 would have been on the market for 10 years, twice as long as Honda’s typical product cycle of five years.

The replacement for the Acura NSX could appear the same year, which is thought to have been delayed over design issues. While the HSC concept from the 2003 Toyota Motor Show hinted at the NSX replacement, Honda is working on another concept that is expected to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

## Source: What Car? ##

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XM Satellite Radio announced that Acura will make the factory-installed XM radios standard equipment on all od its models for 2007. Acura will also offer XM NavTraffic as part of the AcuraLink system available in four of its top-selling models, including the 2007 Acura RL and TL, and the all-new MDX and RDX luxury SUVs.

Acura was the first automaker to offer XM NavTraffic when it was introduced in the 2005 Acura RL.

Acura will also pick up the tab, offering a three-month complimentary subscription to XM radio and XM NavTraffic service (for those vehicles equipped with compatible systems) on all 2007 models.

## Source: XM Satellite Radio ##

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American Honda reported a surprising 6.7 percent drop in sales for August 2006 from the same period last year. American Honda saw light truck sales increase by 10.5, but that wasn’t enought to offset a 17.6 percent drop in passenger cars.

While the Honda Division truck/SUV sales were up 11.4 percent to an all-time record of 63,731 units, passenger car sales for Honda were off 18.5 percent, led by a 28 percent drop in to Accord sales from the same period last year and a 12.6 decline in Civic sales. Overall, the Honda Division was down 6.5 percent for August 2006.

Acura experienced an 8.5 percent drop in overall sales for the month of August from the same period in 2005. Again light trucks were up by 1.2 percent — mostly from the new RDX, but passenger car sales continued to decline, down 12.3 percent for the month.

## Source: American Honda ##

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Acura has revealed its all-new 2007 MDX crossover SUV. Despite declining sales of conventional SUVs, Acura expects the luxury midsize crossover SUV segment will grow by 26 percent in the next five years.

The new MDX features crisp sheetmetal with bolder styling, including the stylish grille plate that was first seen on the MD-X concept, massive fender flares that appear to have been taken off of the new Mercedes S-Class. The interior of the MDX borrows much of its design from the RL sedan, including the large sweeping wood across the dash.

The MDX is powered by a new 3.7L V6 developing 300-hp and 275 lb.-ft. of torque, up 40 and 25 respectively. The new engine is mated to a 5-speed sequential gearbox.

The 2007 MDX will be available with three option packages, including a Sport package with active dampers, high-end leather and alloy wheels; a Technology package featuring DVD navigation with real-time traffic, rearview camera, and automatic climate control; and an Entertainment package with a rear-entertainment system, power tailgate and heated second-row seats.

Prices haven’t been finalized yet but expect to see prices from the low- to high-forties. The 2007 Acura MDX will be available within a month or so.

More images after the jump.

## Source: AutoWeek ##

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AutoWeek’s look at automaker’s future products continues with a look at what Honda Motor has up its sleeves for its luxury Acura brand. After consulting with inside sources, checking out rumors, and likely resorting to a little speculation, here’s what AutoWeek sees coming from an upmarket Acura that will be distanced from Honda in the next five or so years:

• TSX - Redesign for MY 2009, may offer turbo engine and all-wheel drive, convertible may be in the works
• TL - Refreshed for MY 2007, redesign coming for MY 2009, AWD expected
• RL - Lower content model for MY 2007, redesign for 2010 or 2011 may have V10 and share chassis with new NSX
• NSX - New sports car for 2008 or 2009 model year, powered by V10, testing front- and mid-engine layouts
• MDX - Redesign for the MY 2007, wider, longer and lower than the current model, V6 with about 300-hp expected

## Source: AutoWeek ##

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