Auto blog

2015 Acura TLX prototype to debut in Detroit, TSX to be discontinued

Acura confirmed that its new mid-range sedan, the TLX, will debut in prototype form at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show next month. The automaker is currently mum on specific details, but in a press release, Acura stated, "The all-new model will feature more emotional styling with tidier, sports sedan proportions wrapped around two all-new advanced powertrains that provide even more athletic performance, along with a host of signature Acura technologies."
During an event in Detroit earlier this week, Mike Accavitti, American Honda's senior vice president, told Autoblog that the introduction of the TLX will create a three-tier sedan lineup for the luxury brand in the United States. In other words, the TLX won't just replace the aging TL, it will also mark the death of the smaller TSX sedan (and wagon). The TSX will officially be axed sometime next year.
The 2015 TLX will be available with either two- (read: front) or all-wheel drive, and will use two direct-injected engines, both of which will be mated to a brand-new transmission. We'll have more details in just a few weeks, but for now, scroll down to read Acura's official press blast.

BMW reclaims US luxury sales crown from Mercedes

The numbers, they are in: BMW has reclaimed the luxury-sales crown from Mercedes by a margin of 9,347 cars. Mercedes donned the king's headgear in 2013 after a strong final quarter of 2013 when the new CLA and S-Class poured out of dealerships. This year, led by the 3 Series/4 Series and X5, BMW sold 339,738 units – a 9.8-percent increase year-on-year. Mercedes, led by the C-Class and M-Class, saw its sales go up by 5.7 percent to 330,391 units. We'll have to wait a bit to see if there's another registrations-vs-sales challenge as in 2012, when BMW was anointed US luxury ruler. Behind them, a dark horse named Lexus nudged closer to the leading Teutons, selling 311,389 cars. The Japanese luxury automaker also had the biggest gain among the top three, its sales rising by 13.7 percent compared to 2013. Audi had the biggest sales of anyone among the top five, though, with a 15.2-percent gain to 182,011, which moved it a spot ahead of Cadillac; the Wreath-and-Crest brand dropped 6.5 percent to 170,750. Acura (167,843), Infiniti (117,300), and Lincoln (94,474) took the final positions. Speaking of Lincoln, sales at the once-mighty luxury marque stand as the mightiest jump of any on this list, up 15.6 percent. That's the power of Matthew McConaughey... and better cars and a new crossover, sure. So now that we're back to Round One of 2015, in case no one else has said it yet: "Ok, fight!"

Acura heading to SEMA with... a '93 Legend?

Acura is gearing up for SEMA this year, and it'll be showing a 1993 Legend, the second-generation version of the sedan that had launched the brand in the first place. You read that right. The vehicle just happens to belong to one Christopher Bridges, better known to some as Ludacris and to others as Tej from the Fast and Furious movies. The Legend is the rapper-turned-actor's cherished possession, having appeared on the cover of his ninth studio album Ludaversal. It was involved in a collision recently, but is being painstakingly repaired, restored, and modified by Acura and will be on display at the Vegas tuner expo. Of course that's not all that Honda's premium division has in store for the show. It's also teaming up again with Galpin Auto Sports to customize a TLX and an ILX – the latter inspired by the aforementioned Ludacris project. Galpin may be better known for working on Fords, but did a custom TLX for last year's SEMA show as well. Joining the Legend and the Galpin customs will be a new NSX and an ILX fitted with several factory-backed accessories. Acura to Showcase Legendary Performance Heritage and Personalization at 2015 SEMA Show Oct 12, 2015 - TORRANCE, Calif. - Acura to unveil rapper, actor Ludacris' custom-restored 1993 Legend - Highly modified 2016 ILX by Galpin Auto Sports will also debut at SEMA during the Acura press conference on Nov. 3 Acura's 2015 SEMA showcase will be highlighted by a custom-restored 1993 Acura Legend sedan owned by actor and rap artist Ludacris. Stepping up its game from the 2014 SEMA Show – where the performance-oriented Galpin Auto Sports Acura TLX was unveiled – the luxury brand will also feature a wide variety of vehicles showcasing its performance heritage and its products' customization potential at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Following a collision that severely damaged Ludacris' cherished 1993 Legend, Team Acura set about to artfully restore and modify the vehicle under the guidance of Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles and under the watchful eye of Acura Global Creative Director, Dave Marek. Fans can follow the build progress leading up to SEMA on Acura (@Acura) and Ludacris' (@Ludacris) social media channels and by using the hashtag #LegendaryDuo. "Working with a real car guy and a passionate Acura owner like Ludacris has made the processes of bringing his Legend back to its original glory a fun and unique experience," said Marek.