Acura Earns Two Class Victories and Sets Record at 2017 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Acura Earns Two Class Victories and Sets Record at 2017 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Acura Earns Two Class Victories and Sets Record at 2017 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Acura entries were victorious at the 95th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this past weekend. Making its first run to the 14,115-foot summit, the TLX GT, driven by long-time Acura race car driver Peter Cunningham, set a new Open Class record with a time of 9:33.797, finishing second overall and earning Cunningham “Rookie of the Year” honors for the annual event. The 2018 Acura TLX A-Spec, making its racing debut, won the top spot in the Exhibition Class with a time of 11:03.655, while the production-based NSX with GT3-inspired modifications earned a podium finish in 10:03.433, taking third place in the Time Attack 1 class.

“Just an incredible month of June was had by RealTime Racing in Colorado. Today’s result on the hill is the culmination of a ton of hard work by my team and the Honda Performance Development group,” said Cunningham. “The No. 42 Acura TLX GT achieved 100 percent reliability and great speed, including the time that mattered today on our one 12.42-mile run from the 9,390-foot start line to the 14,115-foot summit. “Congratulations to my Acura teammates Nick Robinson, securing the Exhibition Class title, and James Robinson, bringing home a podium in his Time Attack 1 NSX,” continued Cunningham. “A fantastic day for Acura at Pikes Peak!”

Acura Earns Two Class Victories and Sets Record at 2017 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

“I couldn’t be happier with our finish today with the Time Attack 1 NSX,” said James Robinson. “Our time of 10:03 was very close to our goal to get a mass production NSX under 10 minutes. I think this speaks directly to the effectiveness of the Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. In addition, we were able to get a third place in the Time Attack 1 class, and 7th fastest car overall.

“I’m very proud to say that we were able to give the brand-new 2018 Acura TLX A-Spec its first win here at Pikes Peak,” said Nick Robinson. “Combined with Peter’s win in the Open Class, I think we’ve really shown the Precision Crafted Performance of the TLX here at America’s Mountain!”

This is the sixth consecutive year that Acura has raced vehicles in the Pikes Peak event.

courtesy: hondanews.com

Acura Precision Concept Points To Bold Future For Acura Design

Acura Precision Concept

The Acura Precision Concept model made its world debut at the 2016 North American International Auto Show today, pointing toward a bolder, more distinctive future for Acura vehicle design. The Acura Precision Concept was developed by the Acura Design Studio in California to express the Acura brand DNA of “Precision Crafted Performance.”

“There is no more clear promise for the Acura brand than Precision Crafted Performance,” said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of Acura. “We’re committed to infusing this core Acura promise into every facet of our products and every aspect of our relationship with the customer.”

With an emphasis on high-contrast details and the intersection of modern, sheer surfaces and muscular, organic sculpting, the Acura Precision Concept communicates Acura’s focus on performance and prestige through its ultra-low and wide stance, long dash-to-axle ratio, deeply sculpted surfaces and the debut of a new Diamond Pentagon grille.

“The Acura Precision Concept is more than simply a concept vehicle, it is a design study model that literally will shape the direction of all future Acura products around our Precision Crafted Performance DNA,” said Dave Marek, Acura global creative director. “The Acura Precision Concept is the leading edge of a renewed commitment to delivering Precision Crafted Performance in every facet of the product experience and creating a powerful and very exciting direction for the next generation of Acura models.”

The Acura Precision Concept’s crouched and athletic stance is further emphasized by its deeply sculpted side surfaces pouring over swelling rear wheel arches covering 22-inch wheels and tires. The forward-looking concept also features signature lighting designs – in front with its Jewel Constellation LED headlights composed of organically arranged fractal elements, and in back with floating LED taillights.

A key design theme, dubbed “quantum continuum,” is seen in the seamless transition of materials and structure from the exterior to the interior of the vehicle, which is further highlighted by the absence of a b-pillar. The large door rocker panel flows into the interior side sill, transitioning into a cantilever for the floating rear seats. The rear center high-mounted stoplight becomes an architecture element piercing the rear glass and then flowing down to help form the structure for the metal airfoil shape of the rear headrests.
The elegant and powerful exterior is matched by its dramatic interior design, where cantilevered surfaces meet with striking tones, expressive surfacing and modern detailing. Of particular note are the double-layered instrument panel, the high-contrast front seat surfaces, the ultra-thin “floating” rear seats, evoking the look of modern lounge furniture, and the hand-crafted audio speaker grilles made of exotic wood.

The driver’s space is highlighted by a compact, race-inspired, sports steering wheel with paddle shifters and Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) controls, a floating center meter, a driver’s head-up display, a cantilevered center stack and an ultra-wide, thin and curved center display screen.


New Acura HMI Concept

The Acura Precision Concept also explores a new approach for Acura’s digital human-machine interface (HMI), enabling a more intuitive, advanced and seamless connection between man and machine. The ultra-wide and curved center screen is operated by a floating touch pad suspended on the cantilevered center stack. Upon entry, the system scans each occupant and selects personalized features and functions, including maps, audio and customized vehicle performance settings.
Acura Precision Concept dimensions:

Width 84 inches
Length 204 inches
Height 52 inches
Wheelbase 122 inches
Wheel/Tire – 5-spoke machined wheels
– 22-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport Summer Tire

About the Acura Precision Concept

The Acura Precision Concept was created to explore new and challenging ideas for future Acura design, particularly Acura sedans. The concept was created by Acura’s California Design Studio under the direction of Acura global creative director, Dave Marek. The exterior design was led by Michelle Christensen, principal exterior designer, with the interior design created under the leadership of John Norman, principal interior designer. Both Christensen and Norman also played a key role in the creation of the next-generation Acura NSX supercar.

courtesy: www.acura.com

Acura ZDX

Acura zdx

Acura zdx

A prototype of the provocative Acura ZDX luxury four-door sports coupe made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show. The production version of the dramatically styled prototype goes on-sale in the fall of 2009. The segment bending ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility.

“The ZDX is truly a luxury performance coupe – plus,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “The emotional coupe styling coupled with a luxurious and dramatic interior and surprising versatility, allows the ZDX to define its own segment and attract an entirely new customer.”

The ZDX is designed to break new ground for Acura in the areas of provocative styling, contemporary luxury and meticulous refinement. With its sensuous curves, sharply raked roofline and bold fender flares, the ZDX blurs the distinction between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle. Clean, flowing lines start from the headlights and run the length of the car, accentuating the cars presence and grace. In keeping with the coupe-inspired styling, the rear door handles are cleverly concealed in the C-pillar. The all-glass tailgate opens wide to reveal a highly functional cargo space with integrated under-floor storage. The prototype is finished off with stylish dual chrome exhaust outlets and 9-spoke machined wheels fitted with 20-inch Michelin tires.

“From the very first sketch of the ZDX, I wanted to create an emotional vehicle that challenged conventional thinking of what a sports coupe should be,” said Michelle Christensen, ZDX exterior designer. “My goal was to create a strikingly beautiful exterior, and use that attraction to help draw you into the rich interior.”

Inside, the ZDX exudes modern luxury while focusing on pampering the front passengers. The cabin is enveloped in leather, which gives the interior a luxurious and inviting feel. The hand-stitched leather dash and instrument panel sweep down to form a dual cockpit layout, creating a personal and intimate experience for the front seat occupants. The premium leather seats are highly bolstered to support the passengers during sporty driving and at the same time provide comfort during a long getaway. A black monochromatic center stack leads to the textured metallic center console, which complements the black and pearl white leather trim. The thick leather wrapped steering wheel provides ample grip and is framed by racing-inspired paddle shifters for the ultimate in driver control. The cabin is enclosed by a panoramic glass roof which runs the entire length of the vehicle, providing occupants with a breathtaking view of the world around them.

The production ZDX will bring a new level of prestige and sophistication when it arrives at Acura dealerships in the fall, offering the latest advancements in performance, technology and safety. The ZDX will deliver sports sedan performance on the road with its powerful V-6 engine mated to an all-new, smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. The potent powertrain will be coupled with Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, giving the ZDX outstanding handling and cornering capabilities in all-weather conditions.

In typical Acura fashion, the ZDX will be available with the latest in customer enhancing technologies and advanced safety features including an all-new blind spot information system, which will help drivers change lanes more confidently. A new multi-view rear camera makes parking even easier with the added enhancement of both a wide angle and top down view. Acura signature technologies like Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™, Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system and Bluetooth® connectivity will also be available on the all-new model.

The ZDX represents the next step for Acura in its advancement to becoming one of the top luxury brands and makes a clear statement toward the future of the brand.