Trade In a Toyota or Honda and get $1,000

Thoroughbred Ford Announces Trade-in AssistanceTrade In Assistance 

Ford has announced that they will be offering a $1,000 rebate for Trade-In Assistance on any 1995 or newer Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Scion or Acura.  The vehicle must be traded in!

Thoroughbred Ford will get you the best price for your trade.

Spy Shots: Honda NSX Supercar Prototype

While both Nissan and Toyota are either have a supercar or working hard for a new one only an idiot would think Honda will let its competitors steal all the thunder in this segment. The spies at KGP Photography have captured the next Acura NSX in its prototype form for the first time. The car photographed under S2000 disguise recently.

Unlike the previous mid-engined NSX this prototype is running a front-mid engine, with its powerplant placed well behind the front wheels to ensure excellent weight distribution. This should also allow the new NSX to offer 2+2 cabin accommodation, broadening its appeal against the Nissan GT-R and Lexus LF-A - particularly in the USA. -Continued after the jump...

Gallery: Honda NSX Spy Shots






The engine is still a mystery. There’s talk of a high-revving naturally aspirated V10. An output of 450 hp seems likely. Four-wheel-drive, with rearward bias, is also rumoured, the handling expected to be controlled by a version of Honda’s electronic Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.

The Honda NSX is not expected until 2009 and on top of its Japanese rivals it must also compete with the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430 and the Lamborghini Gallardo.

Spy Shots: 2011 Acura RL

It looks like Acura is getting serious about entering the large-car luxury game with a new version of its flagship sedan, the RL. The latest spy shots of the 2011 RL appear to corroborate the rumors suggesting that Honda will use a rear-wheel-drive layout in a bid to compete with its peer class, which includes the BMW 5 series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Tough much is hidden by the stretched-out TSX bodywork. But a closer look at the profile shows a longer hood with the front wheels moved farther forward, which not only improves the vehicle's looks with less front overhang but also indicates that the engine may be longitudinally mounted.

The rumored V8 engine may be underhood of the next RL. Previous reports indicate its output at 420 horsepower, which should be matched with cylinder deactivation in an effort to keep fuel economy respectable. With these high gas prices, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the next RL with a V6 engine as standard, leaving the eight-cylinder as an option.

2009 Acura TSX Details Surfaced

A forum member over at VWVortex published Acura's press release for the 2009 TSX. There's nothing unexpected, but nothing groundbreaking, too. According to the press release Acura will continue to use the 2.4-liter four cylinder used in the current model, sending power to the front wheels through either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual.

The dimensions of the TSX have grown slightly, while two-stage dampers connect to double wishbones up front and a multilink setup out back. Inside, both the driver and front-seat passenger get power seats and upgraded leather, while a USB port for the stereo is standard equipment. - Press release after the jump...

PRESS RELEASE

All-New 2009 TSX to Debut at New York International Auto Show
The second-generation Acura TSX is designed to appeal to young professionals with its keen-edge styling, athletic performance and advanced electronic features

TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A., February 11, 2008– Designed and engineered to reaffirm its place as a desirable and affordable entry point for entry-premium buyers, the all-new second-generation 2009 TSX is larger, more agile, more performance minded and even "more Acura" than ever before. Carefully crafted to honor the original TSX's vision as a world-class sports sedan, the new TSX has significantly evolved to offer more comfort, convenience, driving performance and safety. It does so with expanded luxury and electronic features, a wider stance for more agile performance, and advanced safety systems.

The 2009 TSX is expected to appeal to current TSX owners, young professionals and other image seekers who will appreciate its innovative styling, technical allure and total performance – while also valuing the outstanding customer treatment that owners have come to enjoy at Acura dealerships. Extremely brand conscious and eclectic in their tastes, buyers will find the TSX as satisfying for driving colleagues to lunch as it is for weekend snowboarding trips or vacation travel.

Powertrain
An all-aluminum DOHC i-VTEC® in-line 4-cylinder engine heralds a pair of firsts for the TSX model, including dual balance shafts and a direct ignition system. Along with improved performance, it is also cleaner as it now meeting the EPA's aggressive Tier 2-Bin 5 and CARB LEV II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards for the first time in TSX history.

Displacing 2.4-liters and producing 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque (with manual transmission), the new in-line 4-cylinder engine produces its useable power across a much wider rpm range, while five percent more torque further strengthens the engine's pulling power at middle rpm levels. This allows the 2009 TSX to be more responsive off the line and out of corners, and stronger in the middle of the rpm range where the engine operates most of the time.

This newfound performance and flexibility is due in part to a higher compression ratio, revised valve timing, and improved intake and exhaust gas flow. Further credit goes to the TSX engine's i-VTEC® "intelligent" valve control system, which provides the power characteristics of a V-6 without sacrificing the light weight or fuel efficiency of an in-line four. Likewise, a new rear-mounted exhaust manifold layout, a close-coupled catalytic converter design, and a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system substantially reduce emissions levels. Estimated fuel mileage is 21/30/24 mpg* (city/highway/combined, 5 AT) and 20/28/23 mpg* (city/highway/combined, 6 MT).

Two transmissions are available, both as standard equipment – a 6-speed close- ratio manual with new performance-oriented ratios for Second through Sixth gears, and a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic with a new lock-up torque converter assembly. The manual transmission features a short-throw shifter with a precise, light action that makes it highly rewarding to use, while the Sequential SportShift automatic permits fully automatic operation with intelligent features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control, which make driving the TSX on hilly or winding roads more enjoyable. If the driver desires, the automatic transmission can also be operated manually via new steering-wheel mounted F1®-style paddle shifters.


Body and Chassis
The 2009 TSX body structure includes two firsts for the Acura division, including a closed-channel cross-braced roof structure and inside frame rails. Along with a stronger rear bulkhead, the closed-channel cross-braced roof structure yields a more rigid and vibration-resistant structure. The first use of inside frame rails for any Acura model help tailor the aerodynamics underneath the car for improved fuel economy, lower emissions and reduced noise. In addition, new A-, B- and C-pillar separators improve the TSX's quietness over rough roads and at high speed. Slippery aerodynamics also helps fuel economy as well as high-speed stability – all while lowering emissions.

In addition to its 3.0-inch greater width and 2.6-inch wider track, the 2009 TSX has a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase and 2.4 inches more overall length. These dimensions combine to provide greater interior roominess, more agile handling and improved ride quality. Another first for Acura are the TSX's new dual-mode suspension dampers, which provide superior suspension damping characteristics at both lower and higher damper speeds. Using a unique deflector plate stack, the new dampers adjust compression damping characteristics to suit the vehicle speed, cornering forces and road surface. In creating the second-generation TSX body design, Acura designers sought to retain the crisp, dynamic design of the original and enhance it by widening the body overall and adding more muscular and distinctive cues to create a keen-edged sports sedan. Their key design goal was to create an aerodynamic design that evokes both emotion and tension with a decisively sporty flair.

Outward visibility is improved with a slimmer A-pillar design, while an auto up/down front passenger window adds convenience and a reverse-linked passenger-side door mirror tilts down to help improve safety while parallel parking. The new TSX also has a wider trunk opening and a lower trunk lift-over height for more convenient loading.


Exterior/Interior
Functionality and refinement converge with luxury and style in the interior of the 2009 Acura TSX. Featuring a blend of sweeping, contemporary shapes, a high level of standard comfort and convenience features, widespread use of premium materials and an available Technology Package, this 5-passenger sports sedan offers the upscale modern interior that customers have come to expect from Acura.

From the precision-crafted metal door sills to the satin-metal finish accents, from new leather-covered seats to the steering-wheel mounted controls, and from the premium 7-speaker sound system to the dual-zone automatic climate control, the TSX represents a merge of intelligent design and innovation. For example, Bluetooth® connectivity is standard and includes a HandsFreeLink® cellular telephone interface that makes communications easier and safer while en route.

Typical of Acura, the TSX offers an exceptional level of standard equipment. Included are a standard power passenger seat, a new folding key with remote entry, new automatic headlight activation, a premium 7-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM/XM®, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® , and USB port music interface. A HomeLink® remote control system is also standard.

Adding to the already impressive list of TSX standard equipment is the available Technology Package, which bristles with leading-edge electronics that make driving much more efficient and enjoyable. These include an Acura Navigation System with Voice RecognitionTM, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, AcuraLink® weather, and the highly useful AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System. The navigation system also features Real-time trafficTM covering 76 major metropolitan markets, and offers Traffic Rerouting with dynamic route guidance to help navigate around slow-downs. For 2009, the TSX receives a dash-mounted electronic compass for added directional information while driving.

Included in the Technology Package is a premium sound system tuned by legendary sound engineer Elliot Scheiner. This 10-speaker Acura/ELSTM Premium Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio includes a new Note function for XM® Radio that makes it easy to identify songs to recall at a later date. With push of a button, the Note function can capture 10 seconds of up to 30 songs, along with noting text indicating song title, artist name, and XM® channel.

Safety
The 2009 Acura TSX leads the way in safety with its new Advanced Compatibility EngineeringTM (ACETM) body structure. Engineered into the TSX model for the first time, ACETM improves the dispersal of frontal crash energy through the use of load-bearing frame structures that better match the TSX with other vehicles of different sizes and with different bumper heights. Simply put, ACETM helps maximize the effectiveness of the TSX's front crumple zones, better dispersing crash forces before they reach the passenger compartment.

A broad range of passive safety features likewise contributes to occupant safety, including six airbags (dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, new dual-chamber front seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions). Three-point seatbelts and head restraints are provided in all seating positions, and front seatbelt load limiters with an integrated automatic tensioning system further protect the TSX driver and front passenger. A new Active Headrest Restrain System is used for the first time on the TSX, while the rear seat features a Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system that allows for the easy and secure affixing of up to two child seats. Exterior features designed to further improve safety include daytime running lights (DRL), pedestrian-injury mitigation features such as a deformable hood, hood hinges and windshield-wiper pivots, and a 5-mph front bumper and 2.5-mph rear bumper. The 2009 Acura TSX is expected to achieve the highest ratings in both government (NHTSA)** and independent (IIHS) crash testing – including garnering IIHS's TOP SAFETY PICK.

Finally, the 2009 Acura TSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®) that provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

NY 2008 Preview: 2009 Acura TSX To Be Unveiled In Big Apple

Acura has released the first official photo of the 2009 TSX and announced that the car will make its debut in the Big Apple next month. No specifications of the car were released. But we know that the new TSX will go on sale this Spring. And surely with Honda's new i-DTEC clean diesel engine offering.

Acura's new identical grill, which we've first seen on Acura RL, found its way to the front of the new TSX. The car actually looks refreshed than restyled. The headlamps still retain the shape of current car's. We'll get definitely a good idea of what to expect before the New York Auto Show in late March when the car is unveiled as the new Euro Accord earlier in the month at the Geneva Motor Show.

Spy Shots: Euro Honda Accord Tourer

The European Honda Accord Tourer, which sold in the U.S as the Acura TSX spotted at a gas station in Europe. The car's design is based on the Accord Tourer Concept that was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September. While the car has no covering, we can see all those bits that Honda showed in teaser images last month.

It's shaping up to be one extremely sharp wagon. We'll see the car next month at the Geneva Motor Show.

Spy Shots: New Euro Honda Accord

An Autoblog reader has snapped the new Euro Honda Accord on transporter in Slovenia. While the taillamps are mostly obscured on the white car, the dark one in front of it fully reveals the taillights. Overall we get a pretty good sense of what to see when the car makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month and as the new Acura TSX (probably in New York).

Chicago 2008: Acura RL Revealed

Acura has revised its flagship sedan RL with a striking face. A big, shield-shaped grille leads the way and leaves no doubt as to its identity, and Acura says that striking look will spread across the lineup to improve the brand's visual impact. A new 3.7 liter V6 is Acura's first engine with VTEC variable valve timing on an SOHC engine, and it makes 300 horsepower. Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive is along for the ride again, and it's all controlled through a five-speed automatic transmission. The SH-AWD's responsiveness has been improved for 2009.

Acura has concentrated on the amenities and ride. Improved sound deadening in the form of an Active Sound Abatement system mutes the ride, while an interior restyling improves rear-seat room. The new RL's navigation system now includes real-time weather and traffic updates via XM satellite radio. It'll give you restaurant ratings as well. Other new features are the adaptive cruise control, active front lighting that turns with the front wheels and Acura's new Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS) which works with the adaptive cruise control to reduce impact speed in the event of an unavoidable crash.

The car will go on sale in this spring.

Gallery: 2009 Acura RL

Spy Shots: 2009 Acura TSX

A user from the Temple of VTEC forums took a couple shots of a car which is believed to be the 2009 Acura TSX. The silver sedan snapped in near of the Honda's US Headquarters.

The Acura TSX is known as Honda Accord in the rest of the world. There's a pleasing evolution from the current TSX/Euro Accord. Production is expected to start later this year.