ACURA RSX TYPE-S

Hot Acura RSX Receives Substantial Enhancements for 2005

Since its debut in July of 2001, the RSX sports coupe has been an unqualified success, winning an array of industry awards including being named to Car and Driver's "10 Best" and Ward's "10 Best Engines" lists. To maintain the RSX's position as the benchmark in its class, Acura's dynamic sports coupe receives substantial performance and styling enhancements for 2005 that update its dynamic looks, refine and modernize the interior and make it even more fun to drive.


For 2005, the high performance Type-S model receives engine and exhaust system modifications that boost horsepower from 200 to 210 and torque from 142 lb-ft to 143 lb-ft. Engine output was optimized by applying high performance camshafts and enlarging the diameter of the intake duct by 10 percent. A larger diameter exhaust pipe and free-flowing catalytic converter helped to boost horsepower by increasing exhaust flow by 10 percent.

ACURA RSX A-SPEC CONCEPT

First Glance
The RSX is a nice-looking car to start out with, before you start tacking on any accessories. It's low and sleek for a hatchback coupe, not excessively sporty or styled. Acura's quality control is top-notch, so everything on the RSX fits right and is tight as a drum.

The majority of the accessories that make up the A-Spec package are visible on the outside of the RSX-S. An "A-Spec" badge gets installed below the RSX-S logo on the back. 17" alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohama rubber dress the corners. The body kit includes front, rear and side underbody spoilers, and a prominent High Wing Spoiler on the back deck. In high speed situations, a wing provides downforce and stabilize your ride. The A-Spec wing isn't excessive. Like all of the A-Spec accessories, it's well constructed and integrated with rest of the car. Still, I would skip the wing if I bought an RSX. I'd just be way too self-conscious.


Driving a car with underbody spoilers, you have to be very careful when you park and when you encounter speed bumps. An average curb can be a hazard, and a wicked speed bump could devastate your investment. If your driveway has a steep approach angle, you'd better find street parking for your RSX, or you'll be cleaning up plastic shards.

ACURA RL A-SPEC

Overview
The Acura RL is all new for 2005, and it's sleeker, sportier and more fun to drive than last year's model. The RL still uses a V6 engine, but it's much more powerful than before. And while previous RL models were front-wheel drive, the 2005 RL uses all-wheel drive for improved grip and superior stability and to handle the higher horsepower. The new RL offers the responsive handling of a sports sedan yet it rides smoothly.

While the previous-generation RL had become big, bloated and boring, slinking around in the shadows of the Lexus LS430 and Infiniti Q45, the new RL compares quite favorably to BMW, Mercedes and Audi as well as Lexus and Infiniti. It's more fun to drive than a Mercedes E320. And while it may not offer the sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics of the new BMW 530i, it's right with it on a race track.


Acura's innovative all-wheel-drive system makes the new RL easy to drive and helps keep its driver out of trouble. Called Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive, the system overdrives the outside rear wheel when motoring around corners, improving the handling balance and enhancing stability. It feels solid in corners. It forgives minor driver errors and makes the driver look skilled. And of course it works exceptionally well in adverse weather. Honda's 300-horsepower VTEC V6 provides plenty of power yet the RL is rated 26 mpg on the highway.


The RL is Acura's flagship luxury car. It's more luxurious and slightly larger than the sporty TL. The new 2005 RL is smaller outside but larger inside than last year's previous-generation model.

ACURA NSX

Acura NSX: Timeless Performance and Style

The Acura NSX supercar exemplifies the precision crafted performance that lies at the heart of every Acura vehicle. Developed out of years of racing experience, the NSX sets the benchmark for Acura technology, combining world-class performance and styling with exceptional drivability and refinement.

The Acura NSX offers two distinct, mid-ship mounted powertrains. The first is a lightweight, all-aluminum 3.2 liter, DOHC, 24-valve, 90-degree V-6 engine coupled with a 6-speed, close-ratio manual transmission producing 290 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque. The second is a 3.0 liter DOHC, 24-valve V-6 engine with a 4-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission that generates 252 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque.

Both Acura NSX engines are equipped with Acura's patented VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), a Variable Volume Induction System, direct ignition and a computerized Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system pioneered in Formula One racing. The NSX engine also features titanium connecting rods, which are stronger and lighter than comparable steel connecting rods.