"The featured models represent three of the four new automobiles we intend to offer over the next 12 months," said Rich Thomas, Acura's executive vice president and general manager. "These cars usher in an important new era as we near the end of our fust successful decade."
The all-aluminum NSX-T is powered by a 270-horsepower, 3.0-liter, VTEC engine and is a showcase of leading-edge technology. It's unique 19-lb. aluminum top is easily stored neatly between the engine cover and the rear glass. The Formula One-inspired SportShift system for the automatic transmission models features a selectable manual shift mode which incorporates a unique steering column-mounted finger-tip shift control allowing either fully automatic or manually-controlled shifts for spirited driving.
Other features include the only electric power steering system available on any production car, an updated Traction Control System (TCS) and drive-by-wire throttle control system.
The new TL Sedan Series will be available in two models, the luxurious 3.2TL, which will offer a 200-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6, and the 2.5TL, which will feature a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower inline 5-cylinder engine. The models were designed as touring luxury - automobiles which offer a sporty, youthful alternative to traditional luxury automobiles.
The new TL models feature a full array of luxury appointments including an automatic climate control system, power windows and door locks, cruise control, and a high power AM/FM cassette/CD player. Some of the standard safety features on the TL series include dual airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), side-impact protection and available Traction Control System (TCS).
"The new TL Series will be the first models to adopt an alphanumeric designation in Acura's efforts to maintain focus on the "Acura" brand name," said Thomas. "Each model-- with the exception of the NSX-- will also adopt an alphanumeric designation at their full model changeover."
The futuristic "Neo-Classic" CL-X concept car integrates futuristic styling with classic luxury sports coupe design. The CL-X offers a preview of what will ultimately become a new, made-in-America model.
The CL-X was designed exclusively in the USA by a special project team at Honda R&D North America's Los Angeles design studio.
"With the introduction of Acura's U.S.-built model, the Acura division will be the first luxury import automaker to design, engineer, develop and manufacture an automobile in the U.S.," said Thomas. "This will contribute greatly to the company's expansion strategy here in North America."
Since starting operations in 1986, Acura has sold more than one million luxury performance automobiles in the U.S. The new Acura NSX-T and 2.5TL, along with the Legend and Integra, are now available at nearly 300 dealers across the U.S. The 3.2TL goes on sale in July.
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