Acura’s Upcoming 2013 ILX

[xcel]

Little is known other than the fact it is based off the Civic, will cost < $30K, one will be a hybrid and all will incorporate an Acura based luxury interior and latest amenities

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Jan. 13, 2011

The Acura ILX - An introduction by Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio.

Acura is beginning to make a move into the first time buyer segment when it unveiled the shell of the upcoming all-new ILX luxury compact sedan at the 2012 NAIAS.

Acura ILX Concept

While Acura is calling the reveal a concept, when a vehicle is ready for retail sale by the spring of this year, it is far beyond concept stage with late prototype mules already on the road. The Acura ILX is the introduction to an all-new Acura luxury compact sedan will feature three different powertrains including Acura’s first-ever gas-electric hybrid.

The lineup will include an entry-level 2.0L I4; a high-performance model 2.4L I4 paired with a six-speed MT and a 1.5L hybrid powertrain – presumably directly out of the Civic Hybrid -- Acura’s first-ever hybrid offering.

With the current 2012 TSX so close in size to the current 2012 Civic (95 vs. 95 cu. ft. of interior and 14 vs. 12 cu. ft. of cargo capacity), we have to wonder what will become of the TSX? The TSX is available with either a 2.4L or a 3.5L but it is the interior volumes that may make either the TSX or the ILX redundant?

The all-new ILX sedan was penned with an aerodynamically efficient exterior and what Acura is describing as a well-appointed interior that is smart and spacious. It will also provide a number of new features for the brand including a smart entry keyless access system and pushbutton start, along with Pandora internet radio interface and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world. An area that they have been behind the curve for some time now.

As with all Acura models, the ILX will have a long list of standard features, different trim levels (that will include a Technology Package), multiple transmission choices, and standard safety features including Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). The same or less than what everybody else is offering today. The ILX just like all Acura’s and Honda’s are designed to achieve 5 stars on the NHTSA and earn a top safety pick from the IIHS. While not tested yet, you can be assured that this will be the case.

The new ILX will be manufactured at Honda’s Civic plant in Greensburg, IN - one of only three plants in the world to receive J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Platinum Award for outstanding quality.

[PaleMelanesian]

I hope it's a decent 6mt, but I won't hold my breath. Most likely it's an update of the old Civic Si's transmission. They had top gear running shorter than top gear on the 5-speed mt, which was already shorter than the auto.

Maybe Acura can avoid feeling the need for such "performance".

[herm]

everyone needs top performance, along with a soft touch dash and 20" wheels.. Acura does not make econoboxes.

[PaleMelanesian]

It seems more fitting for an Acura (these days at least) to achieve power calmly through displacement rather than through rpm.

Unless they manage to recreate the magic of the old Integra Type R. It's a nice calm little car until the VTEC crossover. It sounds like "mmmmmBWAAAAAAH!" as you run it up past 8000 rpm. That's what my little Civic dreams of at night.

These days I'd expect that more from Honda than Acura, but not much even then. The new Si is up to 2.4L, compared to the 1.6 of the ITR I just mentioned.

[RichXKU]

I think the 2.4/ 6MT will be right out of the Si. Putting a 1.5 as the ICE part of the hybrid hopefully signifies a much more powerful electric motor and big battery. Hopefully.
Styling wise? I'm bored with it already.
It seems the feature set they describe is already widely available on most non-luxury models from the Mazda 3 to the Sonata.
I guess their target market is people who just want a luxury badge in the driveway?

My call:
Top seller: 2.0L Auto to girls, mostly from daddy

I predict the 2.4 MT will be traded in quickly by the male demographic when they realize it's slower than a Civic and everything in the luxury segment except a CT200h, but still costs them at the pump with a 25 MPG combined rating on premium only.
So guys, if you want one, wait 1-2 years and visit your local BMW or Infiniti dealer's used lot.

Regarding the overlap of the TSX/ILX: Acura is having this problem now with the TL/RL. The RL is not close to being $12,000+ better than the TL, especially with similarly powerful drivetrain options.

[xcel]

Hi Andrew:

I suspect what you do. Way to short ratios for the MT and even the AT will be somewhat hampered for the 0 to 60 crowd. However I doubt they will do much to the HCH-III's drivetrain although that one is a bit rough in spots as you know.

What I am looking forward to is the new soft touch dash appointments and higher end equipment. With the quick refresh of the 12 Civic currently underway, the ILX may hint as to what we may have in store for the Civic lineup later this year?

Rich, agree. What I worry about from Acura is that their designers are hamstrung. ILX and TSX are sure to be almost the same platform. In addition, Acura has to differentiate itself from Honda with "tight cost constraints" even though a large percentage of parts are already shared. If I also see a Premium fuel recommendation in the Acura with the same engine as the Honda, I do not know what I will do

Wayne

[Harold]

Finally they got rid off that grill design!!! H

[RichXKU]

Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian

Unless they manage to recreate the magic of the old Integra Type R. It's a nice calm little car until the VTEC crossover. It sounds like "mmmmmBWAAAAAAH!" as you run it up past 8000 rpm. That's what my little Civic dreams of at night.

These days I'd expect that more from Honda than Acura, but not much even then. The new Si is up to 2.4L, compared to the 1.6 of the ITR I just mentioned.

The ITR was a 1.8 (B18C) in the US.
here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEGOyrZhSWU

It was the same with the B16A in my Civic Si. With a cold air intake, I did not need a horn.
Not my car, but love this sound:
http://youtu.be/Lq2yOUq6uuc

[RichXKU]

Originally Posted by xcel

If I also see a Premium fuel recommendation in the Acura with the same engine as the Honda, I do not know what I will do
Wayne

Wayne, the 2.0 (and now 2.4) in the Civic Si from 2006-2012 requires premium, as did the 99-00, but not the 02-04.

[xcel]

Hi Rich:

The 2.4 out of the Accord, not Premium. The 3.5L out of the MDX and in the Pilot, no Premium. Acura is in some cases requesting premium because it is "supposedly a premium" vehicle but in actuality has nothing to do with the low CR's and IGN pull back at high loads and low RPM Total BS...

Wayne