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The cars that won't live to see 2015 [w/video]

Every year in the fast-paced automotive industry brings new models, but it also spells the end for some that have been less successful. This year will be no exception.
Japan's automakers make up the bulk of the list of discontinued models for the 2015 model year: Acura is replacing the TL and TSX with the new TLX sedan, Honda is bidding farewell to the Fit EV as the new Fit hatchback takes its place, and Nissan is saying goodbye to both the Cube and Murano CrossCabriolet. Both the Nissan Maxima and Mazda2 exit stage left before their upcoming replacements arrive, while Toyota is terminating the RAV4 EV and FJ Cruiser as well as the Scion xD, and Lexus IS C and IS F that are being effectively replaced by the new RC. Meanwhile Infiniti is finally discontinuing the G37 that was already replaced by the newer Q50.
From our own domestic automakers, Cadillac discontinues the CTS-V sedan and wagon as the new CTS rolls in, Chevy is canceling the mild-hybrid Eco versions of the Malibu and Impala sedans, and Chrysler is killing off the 200 convertible as the new 200 sedan arrives.

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.

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.