Production Honda Urban SUV rendered

The first renderings of the Honda Urban SUV’s production version have recently hit the web and they might provide us with a first glimpse of the future model.

After being officially presented to the public in concept form a few weeks ago during the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the Honda Urban is entering our news once again, this time in its final production version. The two images posted below are renderings of the SUV and they have been posted on carplace.virgula.uol.com.br, revealing how the production variant of the Honda Urban SUV might look like.

The Honda Urban is based on the same platform as the Jazz and the model will go on sale against the Dacia Duster. The Honda Urban SUV will get a 1.8 liter petrol engine under its hood, along with a 1.6 liter i-DTEC diesel unit. The Honda Urban SUV will become a global car and it’s expected to be launched in several markets across Asia, Europe or even the United States. More details on the final production version of the Honda Urban SUV are limited for the moment and will be announced close to its debut.

Source;
http://www.inautonews.com/production-honda-urban-suv-rendered#.UQ_cS_JZPQo

TOV Video: Jon Ikeda discusses the NSX Concept (2013 evolution) at the 2013 NAIAS

Acura 2014 MDX Prototype Makes World Debut at North American International Auto Show

The 2014 Acura MDX Prototype made its world debut today at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, offering a strong indication of the styling and design direction for the third generation of the popular, 7-passenger Acura MDX performance luxury SUV, launching by mid-2013 in both all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive layouts.

"Our goal is to advance on MDX's already great dynamic performance while improving fuel economy and luxury comfort," said Mike Accavitti, vice president of national marketing operations. "Building on the great momentum we established in 2012 with the launch this year of our flagship RLX, followed later this year by a terrific new luxury SUV in MDX we are very excited about the direction of the Acura brand. And we are truly looking forward to a great 2013."

The "Aero Sculpture" styling of the 2014 MDX Prototype pursues the direction of a smart, compact and premium appearance with low, wide and sleek proportions; a clean, efficient and uncluttered design; and elegant, premium detailing, including the signature Acura Jewel Eye™ LED headlights. This "aero" image also reflects significant gains in aerodynamic efficiency, up 16 percent compared to the outgoing 2013 MDX, achieved through extensive testing in Honda R&D Americas' new wind-tunnel laboratory in Raymond, Ohio – where the vehicle is being created.

The 2014 MDX Prototype's sculpted exterior and arcing roofline (1.5-inches lower than the outgoing model) encase what will be an even more spacious and versatile cabin compared to the outgoing 2013 MDX. The 2014 MDX Prototype features a longer wheelbase that enhances ride quality, increases second-row legroom, and improves third-row seat access.

"While we aren't showcasing the interior today, I can assure you it will further improve the already great functionality in the cabin and cargo area while really amping up luxury, comfort and quiet," added Jon Ikeda, chief designer, Acura Design Studio. "And that's really the focus of this new MDX, delivering outstanding luxury performance and family capability in a more refined and alluring package."

In response to strong demand from consumers in warm weather markets Acura also will, for the first time, offer a front-wheel drive version of MDX in addition to the all-wheel drive (SH-AWD) model that has earned MDX a reputation as a leader in dynamic handling and all-weather performance for a luxury SUV.

The 2014 MDX will also feature an all-new, more rigid and lightweight chassis, including new front and rear suspension designs that deliver a more refined, confidence-inspiring, and sporty driving character. An all-new, direct-injected 3.5-liter i-VTEC SOHC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) will deliver improved torque and more spirited performance while realizing a significant increase in fuel efficiency to class-leading levels. Special attention was also paid to improving cabin quietness, which is greatly enhanced by the vehicle's all-new chassis and body design and new sound-deadening techniques.

The 2014 MDX also will be equipped with a broad array of advanced safety technologies, including the next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and the available Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems, as well as visibility technologies such as the Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and the available Blind Spot Information (BSI), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow. Further, the 2014 MDX is designed to achieve top-level safety ratings, including a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the IIHS. All 2013 Acura models other than the outgoing ZDX achieved at least a TOP SAFETY PICK safety rating, while the TL sedan was one of the first two vehicles in the industry to achieve TOP SAFETY Pick+ status.

The new MDX will also feature a full array of advanced information technologies, including the next-generation AcuraLink cloud-based connected car system featuring Pandora® connectivity, SiriusXM™ radio, SMS text messaging, and cloud-based Aha™ by Harman connectivity that brings thousands of personalized news, information and media feeds into the vehicle via the customer's compatible smartphone and data plan. A premium Acura/ELS® audio system will be available on the new MDX. Next-generation AcuraLink will also be available with a host of fee-based convenience, assistive and security features, such as automated crash notification, remote locking/unlocking, emergency "SOS" call feature, and live-operator concierge services.

With the introduction of the all-new 2014 Acura MDX production will move from Alliston, Ontario, to the company's vehicle and V-6 engine manufacturing facility in Lincoln, Alabama. Using domestic and globally sourced parts, the MDX is built exclusively in North America.

About Acura
Acura is the fastest growing automotive luxury brand in America, having posted a 26.7% year-over-year gain in 2012, its best annual sales result since 2007. Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models: the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan and Sport Wagon, the ILX luxury compact sedan, the 5-passenger RDX crossover SUV, the 7-passenger MDX luxury SUV, and the all-new Acura RLX flagship sedan, launching in March 2013.

For More Information
Additional media information including detailed features, pricing and high-resolution photography of the Acura model line is available at www.acuranews.com. Consumer information is available at www.acura.com.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/acura-2014-mdx-prototype-makes-world-debut-at-north-american-international-auto-show

Acura/Honda NSX Concept Video with Interior

NAIAS Live – Acura NSX Concept evolves a bit further

The mystery NSX hiding beneath the veil in the Acura stall at NAIAS 2013 is solved.

Acura today unveiled a revised NSX Concept previewing the design and interior of the next generation sportscar, expected in the market in the next two years. Acura unveiled a concept last year at the same venue and reopened the NSX chapter that was closed in 2005 when production of the last generation ceased.

Mike Accavitti, VP of national marketing operations -
This further evolution of the Acura NSX Concept design is remarkably true to the original concept styling. We’re making great progress in delivering on the expectations we created a year ago, with advanced technology that will bring new levels of performance and a unique, dynamic experience to the exotic sports car market.

The Acura NSX Concept is based on the production model’s underpinnings and preserves the low slung stance and the exterior proportions of last year’s vehicle that got loads of positive praise. It aims to communicate the attitude of a supercar with a high-tech feel.

The 2013 Acura NSX Concept concept provides the first insight into the future car’s interior that centers around a “Human Support Cockpit” focusing on “the synergy between man and machine.” Visibility, a sporty driving position, and reducing clutter are the three priorities for Acura’s interior designers and engineers.

Acura will launch an advanced powertrain package. It will use a direct-injected V-6 engine mated to Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system, as announced last year. The SH-AWD system is a hybrid that combines torque vectoring all-wheel drive with hybrid efficiency using three motors – one coupled to the V6 engine, and two motors spinning the front wheels. A new dual-clutch transmission is developed to pair with the V6 engine.

Engineers are at work at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. located in Los Angeles, California, and Raymond, Ohio to get the car into production. The Japanese carmaker announced that the upcoming sportscar will roll out of a new facility in central Ohio.

Source;
http://indianautosblog.com/2013/01/2013-acura-nsx-concept-evolves-60415

Honda NSX Production Version Leaks - Interior Revealed

Two images of what is reportedly the production version of the Honda/Acura NSX have surfaced online, via vwvortex.com. One shows the exterior of the car, and bears a Honda badge, while the other shows what looks to be a plausible interior for the NSX, wearing an Acura badge.

It is definitely not the interior of exactly the car in the other photo, as the badges don`t correspond, and the interior shot shows a left-hand drive car, while the exterior shows a right-hand drive example. If this is the production version, we are honestly hard-pressed to tell it from it is identical to the concept - it looks just as good and as modern as it does.

The shot of the leather-clad interior shows that the car will not be offered with a manual gearbox at all, as there would be no place for the gear selector, as it just looks like it would sit too high and would not be ergonomic and comfortable to use, especially in a supercar costing in excess of $100,000.

It is set to hit the market in 2014, as a 2015 model-year offering, and it both the Acura and Honda versions will be built in the US, at the Marysville, Ohio plant. The car is expected to have all-wheel drive and the integration of a hybrid system is also likely.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/honda-nsx-production-version-leaks-53950.html

2014 Acura MDX Prototype / Concept First Photos

The brand new Acura MDX is poised to make its debut shortly, at an official Detroit Auto Show scheduled to stat at 10:40 AM (EST). However, photos of the crossover have already leaked onto the web.

The MDX is a pre-producton prototype with no interior right now, but within a year or so, it will be ready for the American market.

The small crossover is designed using Acura’s new "Aero Sculpture" language. Compared to the existing MDX, the front end is more masculine, with sharply angled grille.

Since this is a concept powertrain details are not available, but power could come from either the existing V6 3.5-liter engine developing 310 hp or the hybrid all-wheel drive system developed for the RLX sedan.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2014-acura-mdx-prototype-concept-first-photos-53952.html

NEW Honda Urban SUV Concept Video with Interior

Honda "Urban SUV Concept" Makes World Debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show

An all-new Honda "Urban SUV Concept" vehicle made its world debut today at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The dynamic and youthful concept hints at the styling direction of an all-new small SUV slated to launch in Japan by the end of 2013, followed by the U.S. market in 2014.

"No one has had greater success with small cars than Honda, and this Urban SUV Concept will create new value in the growing small-SUV segment," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda. "With the continued expansion of our North American manufacturing operations, we expect fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive 'small' cars to play a key role in meeting the needs of our customers in the U.S."

The Urban SUV Concept is intended to provide the basis for a fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient small SUV with aspirational design, flexible packaging and next-generation connectivity targeting active lifestyle customers. The concept showcases clean and sophisticated styling, dynamic character lines and a strong stance, with hidden rear door handles giving the SUV a coupe-like presence. Measuring 169.3 inches long, the Urban SUV Concept is nine inches shorter than the Honda CR-V, making it the ideal size for navigating both crowded city streets and open mountain roads.

The Urban SUV Concept represents the expansion of vehicles based on Honda's Global Compact Series, which includes the Honda Fit subcompact and the Honda City subcompact sedan, a model sold in markets outside the United States.

All-New Small SUV Launching 2014
Coming to the U.S. in 2014, an all-new small SUV based on the Urban SUV Concept will feature fuel-efficient Earth Dreams™ Technology and be priced and positioned below the CR-V within the Honda light-truck lineup. Part of Honda's Global Compact Series, and utilizing the Honda-original center-tank layout featured on the Fit, the model will include Honda's configurable Magic Seat® setup that can provide a host of passenger and cargo options, including a fold-flat mode for maximum cargo capacity. The all-new model will also feature next-generation telematics and a modern interior.

The small SUV will be manufactured along with the Fit at Honda's newest North American plant near Celaya, Mexico, expected to open in the spring of 2014. The growth and expansion of its small-vehicle lineup will help Honda double worldwide production of vehicles in its Global Compact Series to more than 1.5 million units by the end of 2016, and remain a global small-car leader.

About Honda
American Honda offers a complete lineup of Honda cars, trucks and service through a network of over 1,000 Honda dealerships within the United States. In 2012, Honda marked 30 years of producing automobiles in the U.S., which began with the Accord in Marysville, Ohio in November 1982. Having produced over 23 million vehicles in North America, Honda currently operates 14 manufacturing facilities in the region, producing¹ a wide range of Honda automobiles, engines and transmissions.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-urban-suv-concept-makes-world-debut-at-the-2013-north-american-international-auto-show-1/photos/honda-urban-suv-concept-4

Acura to Debut the All-New 2014 MDX Prototype at the 2013 North American International Auto Show

 

12/12/2012 - LOS ANGELES, Calif.

Acura announced today that it will unveil a prototype of the next-generation MDX luxury sport utility vehicle during the press days of the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), held in Detroit over January 14-15. Utilizing "Aero Sculpture" design language affecting both form and function, the 2014 MDX Prototype will feature alluring proportions with smooth, arching body lines matched to an efficient architecture.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/acura-to-debut-the-all-new-2014-mdx-prototype-at-the-2013-north-american-international-auto-show