Acura RL recognized by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for side impact protection
Following the success of other models in the Acura lineup, the Acura RL has been awarded a GOOD rating in the Side Impact Collision Evaluation conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. As the IIHS?s top distinction, a GOOD rating proves that Acura?s commitment to safety is illustrating itself in real-time applications. The test involves a moving barrier striking the stationary test vehicle at 31 miles per hour.
The RL has already achieved GOOD status in the offset frontal impact evaluation, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has granted the RL a five-star rating.
Source and image: Acura Media Newsroom
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants 2007 Acura RDX a ?Top Safety Pick? Award
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named its Top Safety Picks for this year, and the 2007 Acura RDX is among the thirteen total vehicles chosen throughout the industry. Joined by the Honda Pilot and Subaru B9 Tribeca, the Acura RDX was one of three winners in the Midsize SUV segment.
The Top Safety Pick Award requires a vehicle to achieve a ?Good? rating ? the top honor ? in front impact collision safety, side impact safety and whiplash protection due to rear impacts. To be considered, a vehicle must be equipped with electronic stability control, at least optionally, as the IIHS and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) believe stability control in every vehicle could save 10,000 lives annually in the United States. Last year?s ?Gold? and ?Silver? safety ratings have been replaced by the single and more stringent ?Top? rating.
Source: CNN Money
Image: Acura
2007 Acura MDX earns Edmunds.com ?Editor?s Most Wanted? pick
In the ?SUV Under $45,000? class, Edmunds.com has granted the 2007 Acura MDX the award of ?Editor?s Most Wanted.? According to the judges,?improved handling, a redesigned interior and even more cutting-edge features? solidified Acura MDX as the vehicle most editors would park in their garages. A 300-horsepower V6 engine, navigation with real-time traffic reporting and dynamic chassis engineering proves the vehicle both performance-oriented and technical-savvy. ?With exceptional performance, standard safety and interior features, plus Acura's attention to detail, this luxury SUV sets the standard for excellence in this class,? said Edmunds.
Since 1999, Edmunds.com has granted Most Wanted status, in over 30 different market categories, including a Most Significant Vehicle of the Year award. Most wants cars and trucks are those vehicle that editors would park in their own driveways.
Source: Edmunds.com
Image: Honda/Acura news
Acura RDX crossover SUV first turbocharged model for the automaker
When developing the Acura RDX crossover, engineers sought to combine four-cylinder fuel efficiency with six-cylinder power. Their solution: a variable flow turbocharger. Bolted onto the 2.3-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that also utilizes Acura?s sophisticated i-VTEC variable valve timing/electronic lift engine management, the turbo boosts output to 240 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque. Fuel economy is expected at 19 city and 23 highway miles per gallon (mpg).
Acura?s Variable Flow Turbo (VFT) utilizes an internal valve that accelerates the exhaust flow (which spins the turbo) at low engine speeds. The turbine spins at a high rate, reducing ?turbo lag? at low revolutions per minute (rpm). When engine speed increases the valve opens, pulling more air through the turbo and thus generating maximum boost. A top mounted intercooler reduces air temperature, yielding a more dense and powerfully burning mixture.
Source and image: Acura newsroom
