1996 Acura Integra Ls Hatchback 3-door 1.8l on 2040-cars

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2018 Acura TLX will get the Precision concept's grille

The mid-cycle refresh for the Acura TLX is upon us, and the first teaser shows a car with the new corporate face. The dimly lit image shows the car's pentagonal grille we first saw on the Precision concept at last year's Detroit auto show, and is currently found on the MDX crossover. The full reveal will come on April 11 at the New York auto show. The new fascia should be a significant improvement over the boring, generic one found on the current TLX. A closer look under brighter light also reveals that some of the character lines and creases aren't as sharp and crisp as those on the Precision concept. And while this new TLX should be more distinct that the current model, the headlights are certainly reminiscent of the scowling units on the new Opel Insignia. Acura says this refresh comes with significant updates but doesn't elaborate on what they are. Updates could include a standard 9-speed for both V6 and inline-4 engines, increased power, and a refreshed interior. We'll have all the details when the car launches in the coming weeks. Related Video:

Autoblog Podcast #343

George Kennedy from Boldride.com, BMW i3, NACTOY long list, Bentley SUV
Episode #343 of the Autoblog podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth and Steven Ewing are joined by George Kennedy, Autoblog alum and Editor-in-Chief of Boldride.com. Topics include the unveiling of the BMW i3, the 2014 North American Car and Truck of the Year long list, and the green-lighted Bentley SUV. As always, we start with what's in the garage, but then answer some of your questions before diving into the week's news. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. You can follow along after the jump with our Q&A. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #343:

2014 Acura RLX replaces SH-AWD with P-AWS

After teasing us with the thinly veiled concept earlier this year, Acura has officially taken the wraps off its all-new flagship sedan, the 2014 Acura RLX. Aside from its huge step forward in terms of styling and luxury, the new RLX could very well be the most advanced Acura model ever.
While the previous RL could have been one of the blandest luxury sedans of its time, the RLX builds on stylish cues introduced this year on the ILX and RDX. One of the car's signature elements is its jewel-eyed LED headlights that could end up rivaling Audi for the most distinctive in the business. The rear view of the car isn't as unique as the front, but no less attractive with LED taillights that have a slight BMW vibe and odd, chrome-ringed reflectors at the bottom of the fascia. The interior is exactly what we've come to expect from Acura with its dual-brow instrument panel and a sporty three-spoke steering wheel.
On the technology front, the RLX debuts driving features such as Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS), Adaptive Cruise Control with a low-speed follow feature and Agile Handling Assist while the interior gets a high-end Krell audio system, cloud-based AcuraLink and a multi-angle back camera. P-AWS allows the RLX actively and independently adjust the angle of the rear wheels for better agility and braking. Acura ended up cutting almost 275 pounds from the RLX's curb weight (compared to the RL) thanks to the use of high-strength steel and aluminum.