Latest news with #Acura
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Auto review: Road trippin' in the eager, entry-level Acura ADX
CHARLESTON, West Virginia - Acura has finally completed its SUV menu with the entry-level ADX appetizer. It's a tasty little morsel. On a road trip to see family in West Virginia, I switched drive modes from NORMAL to SPORT and headed up Charleston's famed Loudon Heights Road, a twisted two-lane carved into the rocky hill that overlooks the capital river city. The firm, rooted steering rack gave me immediate confidence as I dove into blind bends, narrow sweepers, tight hairpins. I've been driving this road since I was 16 years old in Volkswagen Golf GTIs, Porsches and BMW M3s, and the Acura SUV showed impressive poise for a high-riding SUV. Credit Honda engineering, which has taken the solid Honda HR-V chassis and dialed it up to Acura standards. Acura has thrown out the HR-V's 158-horsepower gerbil wheel for the turbocharged, 1.5-liter 4-banger shared with Acura's entry-level Integra sedan (and the Honda Civic Si hot hatch). Charging into a left-hander at the top of Louden Heights, the all-wheel driver gripped nicely before I flattened the throttle on exit and let loose the turbo-4 and its 190 ponies with a satisfying howl. It's a dramatic change from the HR-V with its droning 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, which struggles off corners with just 138 pound-feet of torque. At rest in a parking lot, my $45,950 A-Spec Advanced tester looked sharp. Signature "chicane" LED running lights, black trim, Urban Gray wardrobe, scalloped shoulders, sharp-edged Diamond Pentagon grille. The wardrobe matches Acura's performance mission and is as different from the soft, cute lines of the HR-V as a Doberman is from a beagle. Together with Integra - a gateway drug to hotties like the Integra Type-S hatchback and TLX Type S sedan (not to mention the Acura team that races in the IMSA Weathertech SportsCar series), ADX is a proper introduction to the brand's performance-oriented SUVs: RDX A-Spec and MDX Type S. Performance, meet utility. ADX is no sports sedan, but neither is it your average family hauler, offering surprisingly fun-to-drive dynamics in a ute. For 10 grand extra, it's a significant step up from HR-V - a signal you've entered a premium store in the car mall. Good thing, because there's little to choose between premium and mainstream in digital features these days. Like Honda, ADX offers a generous suite of standard features such as wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control and a rear hot tub (kidding about that last one). ADX's sport 'n' style upgrades offer more separation from HR-V compared to, say, an Integra and Honda Civic Si - the latter a hot hatch as compelling as its luxury relative. Mission accomplished, ADX. Welcome to Acura. Ultimately, however, Acura must also justify itself relative to competitors. And subcompact luxe is a boiling shark tank. Ask $40K-plus for an SUV and you are playing in the same league as two of my favorite performers: the BMW X1 and Mazda CX-5. Like ADX, these sport utes welcome you with distinctive styling, confident handling and a basket-full of standard features. And they expose ADX's weaknesses. Chief among them is the drivetrain. A comparable $47,725 Bimmer and $40,015 Mazda offer significantly more performance. The X1 and CX-5 pack a whopping 25-35% more giddyap - 241 and 256 horsepower, respectively - from their turbo-4s. The Mazda also brings, ahem, 320 pound-feet of torque. Stomp CX-5 out of a corner and it translates that grunt to all four paws with one of the smoothest six-speed auto transmissions in the business. While ADX's throaty four is a step up from HR-V's power, it does not ditch the Honda's CVT transmission, making for less invigorating acceleration. The result is a 5.5-second 0-60 mph sprint for the BMW (seven-speed dual-clutch tranny), 6.2 seconds in the Mazda - and (yawn) 8.7 seconds for the Acura. The ADX's Integra sibling is also equipped with a CVT transmission - but it options a six-speed manual that enthusiasts can row to their hearts' content. ADX? You're stuck with the CVT, though Acura adds shift-like "steps" to the experience to simulate gear changes. The Acura's cabin also isn't as dramatic a wardrobe change from its Honda sibling as its exterior suggests. My A-Spec tester's interior offered lovely material touches like a two-toned stitched dash and blue suede door inserts, but the twin digital screens are right out of a Honda. No knock on Honda (which has elevated its game with a fine mainstream interior), but Acura has to compete against the BMW's luxurious, hoodless two-screen layout that sprawls across the dash with graphics galore. The Mazda can't match the Bimmer either, but then it is the value play here (a role Acura usually plays). The CX-5 interior exudes class with its organic lines and horizontal layout. For hours of interstate driving on our 800-mile round trip to Charleston, ADX was a serene companion. Mrs. Payne took over the wheel for a stint and I laid the driver's seat (almost) flat and was snoozing comfortably in minutes. Acura's excellent ergonomics made for easy driving over a variety of roads. I engaged adaptive cruise control down I-75, across U.S. 35 in Ohio, and into Charleston on I-64. Speed and radio controls on the steering wheel are raised so I didn't have to take my eyes off the road to find them with my fingers. Happily, Acura has ditched the fussy remote True Touchpad Interface screen controller it introduced on the RDX SUV last decade. A nine-inch touchscreen does the job. BMW, Mazda and Acura complement their controls with voice commands, and my ADX tester stands out with Google Built-in (a system familiar to owners of GM brands). Hey Google, set driver temperature to 70 degrees. Done. Hey Google, navigate to Charleston, West Virginia. Done. Hey, Google, what is a good pizza restaurant in Charleston, West Virginia? "Lola's and Pies & Pints are often recommended." Oh, Google you are good. But Google Built-in is only offered on the top A-Spec model with the Advance Package, an oversight for this technically focused brand. Otherwise, the interior is spacious for a subcompact with 37.7 inches of rear legroom. Competitive with Bimmer, two inches shy of the Mazda value king. Head-to-head comparisons aside, ADX sets the bar for Acura. And that's what you want in an entry model (plus Acura reliability). After having my fun up Loudon Heights Road, Mrs. Payne finally had enough. "Can we slow down now?" she pleaded. ADX SUV, take a bow. As we say in West Virginia: Almost heaven. 2025 Acura ADX Vehicle type: Front- and all-wheel-drive, four-door, five-passenger SUV Price: $31,590, including $1,595 destination charge ($44,925 Badlands Sasquatch as tested) Powerplant: 1.5-liter turbocharged, inline 4-cylinder Power: 190 horsepower, 179 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Continuously variable automatic Performance: 0-60 mph, 8.7 seconds (Car and Driver); top speed, 125 mph (est.) Weight: 3,611 pounds (as tested) Fuel economy: EPA 25 mpg city/30 highway/27 combined (26 mpg observed) Report card Highs: Sharp styling to match handling; suite of standard features Lows: Less power than competitors; Google Built-in only available on top trim Overall: 3 stars ____ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
The Rarest Acura Ever Built Has Nothing to Do With the Integra Type R
Ask any Honda and Acura enthusiast what the rarest model the Japanese automaker produced is, and chances are they'll say, "the Integra Type R." It's a solid guess, considering the high-revving performance coupe was only produced for a few short years and in limited numbers, but that's not the correct answer. Look a little deeper into Acura's production history, and you will uncover a model that's even rarer than the beloved Type R. It's so obscure that most people probably don't even know it exists. That model is the 2003 Acura CL Type S with a six-speed manual transmission. Sure, the Acura CL was a popular car, as it was produced from 1997 to 2003. However, nearly all of them were offered with an automatic transmission. It wasn't until its final year that Acura offered a manual option, making this variant a true unicorn. The Acura CL was based on the Honda Accord platform and was essentially sold as a sporty two-door version of the mid-size Acura TL. In its early years, the Acura CL was offered with either a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter V6. Positioned between the sporty Integra and the larger TL sedan, the CL offered a comfortable blend of performance and luxury. The CL gained enough popularity that Acura revised it for its second generation, which started in 2001. The redesign included a longer, wider body and sleeker aesthetics inside and out. Under its hood was a larger 3.2-liter V6 engine, as the four-cylinder engine and manual transmission options were dropped entirely in favor of a more powerful Type S variant. However, its performance was initially hampered by a weak point: the automatic transmission. The automatic transmission was notorious for having issues, which included torque converter problems, slipping gears, and premature failure, which was an unfortunate trait shared with other Honda and Acura models at the time. In response, Acura offered a six-speed manual transmission for the 2003 model year, making the CL Type S far more appealing to driving enthusiasts. The manual-equipped 2003 Acura CL Type S boasted 260 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, which allowed it to keep up with the BMW 3 Series at the time. It could dash to highway speeds from a standstill in the low six-second range, all while coddling its occupants in leather-trimmed comfort. The Acura CL was not only about performance, but it was also comfortable. Its interior was adorned with plush leather seats, a sunroof, and a Bose premium audio system. The rear seat area could accommodate two adults, and the cargo area could fit a few suitcases for a weekend getaway. Considering its power and luxury, the CL Type S was more comfortable than the fabled Integra Type R, and it delivered the same amount of performance. The editors at Car and Driver noted, "Not only does this update enhance the driving experience-more interaction between man and machine, less likelihood of excessive cell phone usage-it lends an extra element of sportiness to a car that, for all its excellence, needed it." Since Acura only produced the CL Type S with a manual transmission for one year, finding one in today's market is no easy task. Acura built only 2,690 units without navigation and 820 units with it in the U.S., leaving the grand total at 3,510 units for 2003. It's even rarer in the north, as Canada received just 331 units. By comparison, the Acura produced a total of 3,822 Integra Type R models throughout its four-year production run, which lasted from 1997 to 1998 and then from 2000 to 2001, after a mild refresh. Speaking of rare Acuras, another rarity is the NSX Zanardi Edition, which was a special edition that paid tribute to professional racecar driver Alex Zanardi. Acura only produced 51 of these special edition cars, but it was far more out of reach to the masses due to costing well over $100,000, which was double the Acura CL Type S and Integra Type R's price tags. The CL Type S 6MT, by contrast, remains a little more attainable. Clean examples can be found for anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000 nationwide, depending on the car's condition and location. However, if you do find one, you'll have one of Acura's hidden gems, and you won't have to worry about it getting stolen like the Integra Type R or having to shell out over $100,000 for an NSX Zanardi Edition. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
The Rarest Acura Ever Built Has Nothing to Do With the Integra Type R
Ask any Honda and Acura enthusiast what the rarest model the Japanese automaker produced is, and chances are they'll say, 'the Integra Type R.' It's a solid guess, considering the high-revving performance coupe was only produced for a few short years and in limited numbers, but that's not the correct answer. Look a little deeper into Acura's production history, and you will uncover a model that's even rarer than the beloved Type R. It's so obscure that most people probably don't even know it exists. That model is the 2003 Acura CL Type S with a six-speed manual transmission. Sure, the Acura CL was a popular car, as it was produced from 1997 to 2003. However, nearly all of them were offered with an automatic transmission. It wasn't until its final year that Acura offered a manual option, making this variant a true unicorn. 2003 Acura CL Type S — Source: Acura Sleeker and more luxurious than an Integra Type R The Acura CL was based on the Honda Accord platform and was essentially sold as a sporty two-door version of the mid-size Acura TL. In its early years, the Acura CL was offered with either a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter V6. Positioned between the sporty Integra and the larger TL sedan, the CL offered a comfortable blend of performance and luxury. 2003 Acura CL Type S The CL gained enough popularity that Acura revised it for its second generation, which started in 2001. The redesign included a longer, wider body and sleeker aesthetics inside and out. Under its hood was a larger 3.2-liter V6 engine, as the four-cylinder engine and manual transmission options were dropped entirely in favor of a more powerful Type S variant. However, its performance was initially hampered by a weak point: the automatic transmission. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The automatic transmission was notorious for having issues, which included torque converter problems, slipping gears, and premature failure, which was an unfortunate trait shared with other Honda and Acura models at the time. In response, Acura offered a six-speed manual transmission for the 2003 model year, making the CL Type S far more appealing to driving enthusiasts. 2003 Acura CL Type S The Acura CL 6MT was a sleeper The manual-equipped 2003 Acura CL Type S boasted 260 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, which allowed it to keep up with the BMW 3 Series at the time. It could dash to highway speeds from a standstill in the low six-second range, all while coddling its occupants in leather-trimmed comfort. The Acura CL was not only about performance, but it was also comfortable. Its interior was adorned with plush leather seats, a sunroof, and a Bose premium audio system. The rear seat area could accommodate two adults, and the cargo area could fit a few suitcases for a weekend getaway. Considering its power and luxury, the CL Type S was more comfortable than the fabled Integra Type R, and it delivered the same amount of performance. 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S. The editors at Car and Driver noted, 'Not only does this update enhance the driving experience—more interaction between man and machine, less likelihood of excessive cell phone usage—it lends an extra element of sportiness to a car that, for all its excellence, needed it.' Final thoughts Since Acura only produced the CL Type S with a manual transmission for one year, finding one in today's market is no easy task. Acura built only 2,690 units without navigation and 820 units with it in the U.S., leaving the grand total at 3,510 units for 2003. It's even rarer in the north, as Canada received just 331 units. By comparison, the Acura produced a total of 3,822 Integra Type R models throughout its four-year production run, which lasted from 1997 to 1998 and then from 2000 to 2001, after a mild refresh. Speaking of rare Acuras, another rarity is the NSX Zanardi Edition, which was a special edition that paid tribute to professional racecar driver Alex Zanardi. Acura only produced 51 of these special edition cars, but it was far more out of reach to the masses due to costing well over $100,000, which was double the Acura CL Type S and Integra Type R's price tags. 2003 Acura CL Type S The CL Type S 6MT, by contrast, remains a little more attainable. Clean examples can be found for anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000 nationwide, depending on the car's condition and location. However, if you do find one, you'll have one of Acura's hidden gems, and you won't have to worry about it getting stolen like the Integra Type R or having to shell out over $100,000 for an NSX Zanardi Edition. About the Author Joe Santos View Profile
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Springfield pedestrian dies after she was hit by white Acura sedan that fled scene
SPRINGFIELD — Police are searching for the car that struck and killed a pedestrian on Bowles Street in Springfield on Monday morning. At around 10:20 a.m., officers responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 100-block area of Bowles Street, near the Rebecca M. Johnson Elementary School in the McKnight neighborhood. The woman was taken to Baystate Medical Center, where she later died, according to Ryan Walsh, public information officer for the Springfield Police Department. The police had not released the victim's name by Monday afternoon. More details about the crash are not yet known. In a post on X, Walsh said police were looking for a white Acura. The police are seeking the public's help to find the driver. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the non-emergency line at 413-787-6300. The Springfield police and Hampden District Attorney's Office Motor Vehicle Homicide Unit are investigating. How Chicopee's new tracking program helps locate residents with cognitive conditions A change in tenor: Springfield Symphony, union announce labor contract Holy cow! CowParade comes to Old Sturbridge Village Business Monday ETC: June 23, 2025 Read the original article on MassLive.
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
This is the Last Week to Get Lucid's Killer Air Lease Deal
The opulent Lucid Air sedan is an overlooked gem of an EV. It starts with the single motor Air Pure, with 420 miles of range and 430 horsepower funneled to the rear wheels, although dual motors and all-wheel drive are available. Then comes the Air Touring, with standard dual motors and all-wheel drive, 620 horsepower, and 406 miles of range. Next in line is the Grand Touring, boasting 819 horsepower and 480 miles of range. Its brawnier brother, the Grand Touring Performance, generates 1,050 horsepower and 427 miles of range. At the top of the heap is the Air Sapphire, packing a massive 1,234 horsepower. Better yet, the Lucid Air possesses some of the fastest recharge times of any EV, with 300 miles being generated in as little as 21 minutes with a 350-kilowatt public quick charger. Even with slower chargers, it doesn't take long, with a Level 2 charger providing 75 miles of range in an hour. Being a low-slung sedan, not an SUV, drivers can take advantage of its responsive driveline that summons up 60 mph in as little as 1.89 seconds. Given the current incentives being offered, you might want to rush to your local Lucid store before they end on June 30th. Lucid is offering $2,000 off any on-site vehicle, $2,000 in conquest cash for those coming from an Acura, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac Ferrari, Genesis, Ineos, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lamborghini, Lexus, Lincoln, Lotus, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, or Volvo, and a $4,000 Tesla trade-in allowance. Keep in mind that the Lucid Air is not eligible for a $7,500 federal EV tax credit as its starting price exceeds the government's $55,000 MSRP limit. Still, there are some tempting deals. You can lease a Lucid Air Pure for $519 a month for 36 months with $3,639 due at signing. Opt for the Touring trim, and it costs $539 a month for 36 months with $4,079 due at signing. Leasing a Grand Touring is quite a bit pricier at $849 per month for 36 months with $6,819 due at signing. All leases assume both the On-Site Bonus and Conquest Offer apply. Keep in mind that, when leasing, consider the monthly payment cost, taxes, and fees before signing. Lease offers vary by metro market. Check out Lucid's pricing here: If you don't like plunking down a wad of cash, the deals are still good, with the Lucid Air Pure going for $620 a month for 36 months, the Touring trim costing $652 a month for 36 months, and the Grand Touring coming in at $1,417 a month for 36 months. The Lucid Air is a grand touring car of the first order, one that indulges you in a way few others can. But the lease value comes at the lower end of the line-up, where even the base model provides more range than its competitors. If you can meet the offers, you'll find the Lucid Air costs about the same to lease as cars of much lesser quality, design, performance or prestige. It's just too good a deal to pass up. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
