View Poll Results: Should Acura differentiate itself by making AWD standard across the line?
Yes
18
47.37%
No
11
28.95%
Maybe
7
18.42%
Not Sure
2
5.26%
Voters: 38. You may not vote on this poll
Acura May Follow Subaru
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13,282
Likes: 1,890
From: WA
A new platform makes its debut here, developed just for the MDX (at least for now). Cutting ties with the rest of Honda’s light trucks, which shared architecture with the Odyssey minivan, helped the MDX drop 275 pounds compared with the old model.
As recently as this past August, C&D was expecting the next generation Pilot to use the new MDX platform:
Platform: In the past, the Pilot has shared its bones with Acura’s MDX luxury crossover, and the basic profile of this test mule indicates that will continue to be the case. There is a lot more rear overhang on this prototype than on past Pilots, and the wheelbase-to-overhang relationships are very current-gen MDX. Underneath, what few suspension pieces are visible look very similar to those on the MDX, especially at the rear.
I haven't spent much time looking, but didn't immediately see news on the next Odyssey platform, one way or the other.
The Odyssey is still using the same platform as the Pilot as it should be since it's been out since 2010-2011. The 2014 MDX is on an all-new platform. As of right now, NO other Honda/Acura uses it. Both Pilot and Odyssey will eventually get the new chassis for weight reduction.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,589
Likes: 285
From: Illinois
Acura's missteps have been well documented. The important question is, do they appear to be moving forward from them. To me, the answer is yes. The MDX and RDX are solid and selling well. The TLX appears to be a winner for the division. The RLX and ILX need work but it seems like they are headed in the right direction.
It appears to be a unique platform, at least for now. From Car & Driver:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t-drive-review
As recently as this past August, C&D was expecting the next generation Pilot to use the new MDX platform:
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...py-photos-news
I haven't spent much time looking, but didn't immediately see news on the next Odyssey platform, one way or the other.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t-drive-review
As recently as this past August, C&D was expecting the next generation Pilot to use the new MDX platform:
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...py-photos-news
I haven't spent much time looking, but didn't immediately see news on the next Odyssey platform, one way or the other.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,269
Likes: 296
From: ------
Its okay to platform share if you have solid platforms. Honda uses the same 2-3 engines in everything. Lexus and Nissan can get away with it because they also use engines and chassis that are only privy to the luxury brand.
Honda on the other hand is one sausage different lengths. Give me a rwd platform and a engine that inspires some excitement. Not the same recycled, reworked stuff we've had over the past decade.
Honda on the other hand is one sausage different lengths. Give me a rwd platform and a engine that inspires some excitement. Not the same recycled, reworked stuff we've had over the past decade.
Lexus does use bespoke platforms/engines for the IS, GS, LS but those models don't make up the bulk of their sales or sell anywhere near what the ES/RX do.
Audi A4 and A6 are based on a fwd platform, TLX is not a A3/cla competitor, a ILX compares with those cars, TLX has much more interior room and also offers a V6.
I do agree it would be nice to have some rwd models in the Acura lineup. they really need rwd for the RLX and a new direction.
Last edited by UDel; Oct 19, 2014 at 10:56 AM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,078
Likes: 110
From: Southeastern PA
This post is spot on.
Also, this day in age, AWD is becoming less and less of a premium feature, and if we're looking at luxury brands, Audi made AWD famous decades ago and still rides that reputation today. You can get AWD on mainstream vehicles (Subarus) and almost every single luxury vehicle.
Acura keeps grasping for straws and looking for ways to be relevant, but they don't actually want to play the game.
Also, this day in age, AWD is becoming less and less of a premium feature, and if we're looking at luxury brands, Audi made AWD famous decades ago and still rides that reputation today. You can get AWD on mainstream vehicles (Subarus) and almost every single luxury vehicle.
Acura keeps grasping for straws and looking for ways to be relevant, but they don't actually want to play the game.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 42,476
Likes: 321
From: California
I don't get it. How does AWD "differentiate" Acura models? It seems to me, across the board, all of their models compete with other cars that offer AWD. This is not the case for Subaru--if you want an AWD family sedan or econobox--how many other choices are really out there? Not many.
Last edited by Hoovey689; Oct 19, 2014 at 12:42 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,244
Likes: 275
I don't get it. How does AWD "differentiate" Acura models? It seems to me, across the board, all of their models compete with other cars that offer AWD. This is not the case for Subaru--if you want an AWD family sedan or econobox--how many other choices are really out there? Not many.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 838
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Well...yes...and no..really. They should however stick to their signature linage of high revving engine, light weight platforms with RWD standard and AWD as an option.....acura and Honda has been on the opposite end of what the consumer need. Toyota is the same, but the different is Toyota woke his brand up earlier with more exciting lines as FRS and IS....
However Toyota and Honda slipped it....and handed it toward Subaru. I would not have a Subaru, if I could choose Civic type R and or a supra...almost went with the IS....but it is still too luxurious to excite me
However Toyota and Honda slipped it....and handed it toward Subaru. I would not have a Subaru, if I could choose Civic type R and or a supra...almost went with the IS....but it is still too luxurious to excite me
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,244
Likes: 275
Well...yes...and no..really. They should however stick to their signature linage of high revving engine, light weight platforms with RWD standard and AWD as an option.....acura and Honda has been on the opposite end of what the consumer need. Toyota is the same, but the different is Toyota woke his brand up earlier with more exciting lines as FRS and IS....
However Toyota and Honda slipped it....and handed it toward Subaru. I would not have a Subaru, if I could choose Civic type R and or a supra...almost went with the IS....but it is still too luxurious to excite me
However Toyota and Honda slipped it....and handed it toward Subaru. I would not have a Subaru, if I could choose Civic type R and or a supra...almost went with the IS....but it is still too luxurious to excite me
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,571
Likes: 265
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
That may (?) have been fun in its time, but it probably wouldn't work today. Most states, today, have mandatory seat-belt-use laws and prohibit passengers or pets from riding in open beds.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 0
From: CA
Acuras "awd" system. 
I am pretty sure they use the exact system as Honda's considering how cheap they are.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkiv-bWbLIo
I am pretty sure they use the exact system as Honda's considering how cheap they are.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkiv-bWbLIo
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,059
Likes: 3
From: tx
I agree with this statement. The have created a beautiful TL, before that a really nice TSX and before that a RSX, and now they are gonna get rid of both nice looking cars and replace them with TLX (IMO is a complete disaster) , RL (still years behind visually and technologically), and hideous looking ILX (I wouldn't advice my enemy to drive one)