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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:

2021 Acura TLX to start at $38,525, hits dealers this fall

The 2021 Acura TLX will start at $38,525 (including a $1,025 destination fee) when it arrives in dealerships this fall. The flagship Type S model, which will be powered by a twin-turbocharged V6, will not arrive until spring, and while Acura has not yet finalized pricing, we're told it will start above the $50,000 mark.  The $38,525 base price of the 2021 TLX makes it $4,500 more dear than the model it replaces, but competitive with most of its luxury peers, largely thanks to its far more potent base engine. In fact, the 272-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo mill in the 2021 model in only down 18 horsepower from the V6 offered as the upgraded engine in the 2020. The new also TLX gets an updated platform that brings back its traditional double-wishbone front suspension, introduces a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and marks the return of the sporty Type S to the model lineup. To further make up for the rather large price increase, Acura has seen to it that the TLX is more feature-rich pretty much across the board. For example, base models now get a 10-speaker audio system with twin subwoofers and 12-way powered front seats. All models also come standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration for 2021. We'll come back to the Type-S momentarily; first, here's a breakdown of 2021 TLX pricing with destination included: 2021 TLX 2.0T — $38,525 2021 TLX 2.0T with Technology Package — $42,525 2021 TLX 2.0T with A-Spec Package —  $45,275 2021 TLX 2.0T with Advance Package — $47,325 A-Spec models are focused on sporty appearance and handling add-ons, while the Technology package is geared more toward those who want more convenience features. The Advance trim effectively blends them together and adds more premium features, such as Milano leather seating surfaces, heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD) is available across the lineup for $2,000.  As for the 355-horsepower Type S model, Acura says it won't appear in showrooms until spring 2021, and while pricing has yet to be finalized, Acura says it will cost more than $50,000. That tracks, considering the Advance Package with SH-AWD is already a $49,325 car. Related Video: 2021 Acura TLX unveiling

Acura ZDX getting the axe after 2013 despite new updates [w/poll]

The Acura ZDX hasn't exactly lived a conventional existence, so perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that its death announcement isn't going according to standard industry protocol, either. Parent company Honda has taken the unusual step of trumpeting a refreshed-for-2013 model while simultaneously announcing that this will be the model's last year. According to Acura, the model's cancellation comes as the brand "sharpens its focus on new models and core products" like the forthcoming RLX sedan.
The audaciously styled crossover has been, to be charitable, a very reluctant seller since its 2009 introduction, but for 2013, Acura is jazzing up its concept car for the street with new kit. The changes include a lightly reworked front shield grille along with new power folding side mirrors and new tech features including lane departure and forward collision warning systems.
We'd say that announcing the model's discontinuation at the same time one is presenting a freshened model could hurt sales, but we're not sure there's anyone paying attention. Last year, Acura managed to shift just 1,564 units of the ZDX, giving it the No. 4 spot on our Worst Sellers of 2011 list. Through September, Automotive News reports that only 642 examples have been sold in 2012, making it one of the rarest new cars on the market.