Honda President Says NSX Successor Back on Track, May Use a Hybrid Drivetrain

The Shanghai Auto Show brought some exciting news for Honda fans as the Japanese automaker revealed plans for the development of a new sports car that will be the spiritual successor to the iconic Honda NSX (Acura NSX in North America).

Speaking on the sidelines of the show, Honda Motor Company president, Takanobu Ito, said the new car won't feature the V10 engine that had been planned for the next NSX, as the company scrapped this project back in 2008, during the global financial crisis. Ito told reporters that the future NSX would be exhilarating to drive but also environmentally friendly. “That's the kind of sports car we want to make. We are working very hard on it,” Ito was quoted as saying by Autonews.

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Mazda, Honda Suspend U.S. Orders for Japan-Made Models

Mazda has suspended all US orders for cars built in Japan as the carmaker is preparing to shut down its plants once again after a short reopening period. According to the automaker’s American spokesman Jay Amestoy, the decision will affect shipments of cars that were due to arrive in the U.S. in May. The Mazda official added that it was uncertain when normal activity will resume.

Mazda USA imports almost all its range from the Japan, except the U.S.-built Mazda6 and Tribute. The models produced in Japan are the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5, MX-5 / Miata, RX-8, CX7 and CX9. Mazda halted production at its Hiroshima and Hofu plants from March 14 through March 21, but three days ago, it resumed temporary production using parts it had in its inventory.

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Acura TL Sedan 2012 Prices and Wallpapers

With the 2012MY Acura TL’s market launch set for March 18, the Japanese automaker decided to drop pricing details along with a slew of new photos of its facelifted mid-size sedan. The most significant changes for the 2012 TL concern the new front and rear styling, while Acura also added a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission and made the cabin quieter.The base front-wheel drive 2012 TL, which comes with a 280HP V6 hooked up to a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic, starts at $35,605, while the available Technology Package that includes a navigation system and a 440-watt premium audio System, increases the price to $39,335. Opt for the Advance Package that incorporates ventilated front seats, larger wheels and a new blind spot information (BSI) system, and the price goes up to $41,535. 
 
The TL SH-AWD, which features a 305HP V6 linked to a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, has an MSRP of $39,155. The MSRP for models equipped with the Technology Package is $42,885, and with the Advance Package, it’s $45,085.
Finally, the TL SH-AWD with a six-speed manual gearbox and the Technology Package has an MSRP of $42,885.


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2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

Back in October of 2009, Acura told us about its plans to expand its TSX lineup with a more practical station wagon variant in the fall of 2010. Today, the Japanese automaker announced that we'll get our first look at what is essentially the North American market version of the European Honda Accord Tourer (pictured here) at the New York International Auto Show on March 31.

"The TSX Sport Wagon will offer a new solution to modern utility needs with its balanced and efficient performance coupled with bold styling and versatile cargo capabilities," said Acura in brief press release without revealing any other details on the car.
However, we believe it's safe to assume that the TSX Sport Wagon will be offered with the same 201HP 2.4-liter four cylinder and 280HP 3.5-liter V6 powertrains already available on the sedan version here in the States.
 
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Acura TSX Sedan 2011

Making its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto show tomorrow is the barely botoxed 2011 Acura TSX sedan. Our previous guesstimates about Acura bringing the TSX sedan in line with the new Sport Wagon model, which is based on the corresponding European Honda Accord model, proved to be more or less true.

n the outside, the 2011 TSX gets an extremely discreet facelift that includes, a new front fascia, revised chin spoiler, new fog light garnish assembly and an updated grill. At the back, the sedan model features revised taillights and an updated license plate garnish. The fresh alloy wheel designs and new underbody panels that improve aerodynamics sum up the exterior changes.
Revisions inside the car concern the updated styling of the center console, the darker trim pieces, brightly finished door handles, an updated parking brake handle, new garnishes for the steering wheel and an available LED backlit full VGA navigation screen that generates 400-percent better resolution than before.
Furthermore, there's new contrasting-color stitching for the leather seats and door armrests, while Acura also mounted heating/cooling vents at the rear of the center console.

The thicker side glass, increased use of sound-deadening insulation, improved floor mats and new underfloor covers, complete the interior upgrades.
Under the sheetmetal, the Japanese maker's engineers have tweaked the 2.4L inline four cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engines. According to Acura, both units receive numerous improvements to reduce internal operating friction which help improve fuel economy, lower carbon dioxide (CO2) output and increase engine life.
The automatic transmission was also upgraded with new programming that helps maximize engine output by allowing for Shift Hold Control during cornering along with "smart shift" functionality that allows for semi-manual operation when in Drive and not just when in Sport Mode as before.
Acura claims that the changes on 2011MY TSX improve both the 2.4L and 3.5L model's fuel efficiency by 1mpg in both city and highway driving.
The updated 2011 TSX sedan goes on sale in the U.S. on November 23, with prices starting from $29,610 for the 2.4L engine with both manual and automatic transmissions, and from $35,150 for the 3.5L V6 version.

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