I never consider Acura as Tier 1 company. They had NSX but now all of the cars they produce is FWD or FWD based AWD. They don't even have a RWD sedan or flagship sedan to compete with any Tier 1 auto companies. No, RL doesn't cut it.

 

I'd actually argue that aside from making public comments, or the rumors that popped up every now an then, Acura never really persued a "tier 1" title.

And looking back, nothing about their concepts said "tier 1" either.

Acura might have talked about it, and really wanted it, but they never actually did anything to make it happen.

That's what makes it sad. They didn't try and fail, they just never tried at all.

 

Acura ILX Concept ushers in era of entry-level luxury

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/acura...photo-4730876/

It's no secret that Acura has had a rough couple of years. After an extremely successful launch in the late 1980s, Honda's luxury marque truly hit high gear in the mid 2000s with such successful models as the TL sedan and MDX crossover. And then things went south with a fury that sent the automaker reeling into regroup mode.

The brand's stumbling blocks were many and diverse – from the styling of the redesigned 2009 TL and TSX, which we'll charitably describe as divisive, to the scrapped plans for a V8-powered rear-wheel-drive RL replacement – but the net result was a precipitous drop in sales. Clearly, a new strategy was in order.

Enter the upcoming ILX sedan. While Acura isn't calling its new compact luxury sedan a replacement for the TSX, we're inclined to think the automaker doesn't need four sedans, and the TSX is within spitting distance size-wise to its higher-priced sibling. Don't be fooled by the 'concept' label, either – the ILX will be coming to a showroom near you in the spring of 2012 almost exactly as you see it here.

As you can see, the ILX is a mix of bold creases and flat surfaces, and it's what we'd consider a much-toned-down version of Acura's previous styling direction. Let's all be thankful of that. There's a shield-shaped grille up front, but it's not nearly as prominently displayed as on models like the TL and TSX, instead blending in more seamlessly with the rest of the car's overall design. Also note the boldly upswept character line highlighting the rear doors and quarters.

Three powertrain options will be available: a base 2.0-liter four cylinder mated to an automatic gearbox, a 2.4-liter four with an exclusive six-speed manual transmission and, finally, Acura's first hybrid drivetrain, which will be very similar to the one seen in the Honda Civic Hybrid. Expect a 1.5-liter engine with Honda's well-known IMA electric motor assist and a CVT transmission.

The Acura ILX is based on the same platform that underpins the Honda Civic, but, having seen the ILX sedan in person, we can tell you it doesn't share any styling features with Honda's compact. And that is a very good thing, as Acura needs its ILX to be seen as a premium product. To that end, there will be a number of high-tech options inside, including a Technology Package, Pandora internet radio and integrated text messaging functionality.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/a...-detroit-2012/

 

I like it, from every angle....just want more engine with my manual transmission.

 

The front resembles the third generation TL. This is what the fourth generation TL should have looked like when it was redesigned in 2009.

 

The Cruze based Buick Verano will battle this Civic based car head on. Both made in America too. The hybrid version may interest some people interested in the CT. Acura will finally have a hybrid.

Its a much better job than the old Acura El and Acura CSX rebadges.

And its sub entry level luxury. The new Caddy ATS is a real entry level luxury car.

 

This should have been the continuation of design language after previous gen TL. It flows very nice, beak is not that prominent. Nothing spectacular but feels right just like previous TL.

 

A surprisingly good design from Acura. The corporate grill is even done right here.

I wonder if the TSX will live on when the production version of this arrives. It seems like a bit of overlap, but I wouldn't mind both of them in the lineup.

 

The TSX is rumored to be going away unfortunately. The next TL is supposed to be a little smaller also.

I think the ILX is a nice looking design but it needs more power. The 2.4 liter engine should also be offered with a auto or upcoming CVT instead of just a manual.

 

Not feeling any luxury or sport here. What's up with the kicked up Dodge Charger character line? The Mazda 3 sedan d-pillar? The hatchback appearance and lack of trunk?
About the only nice touch I see is the back view looks like the 2IS, but even that's a 2006 styling theme.

 

Uhh...isnt anyone getting an instant 2IS look from the rear and side profile?

 

I think we posted at the same time! lol

 

if the ats is priced like a 3 series, then i would consider that entry level luxury for the 1%

 

I was worried about the beak before I opened this thread but it's not too bad, it does remind me of a 3G TL which is my daily.

 

Yes which is probably why I was thinking it was a pretty good looking car for Acura.