2013 Acura RL

Acura introduced a slightly revised version of its RL flagship sedan for the 2011 model year but there’s no denying that the car is seriously starting to showing its age, having been on the market since 2004.

A successor is promised, with reports on its development dating back all the way to 2008, but now we have some official spiel on just exactly what Acura has planned.

Speaking with Inside Line, Acura officials confirmed that the replacement for the RL would debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show in April before going on sale before the end of the year as a 2013 model.

While the car may drop its RL name, it will remain Acura’s flagship sedan and will even grown in size compared to today’s version. The officials said it will offer BMW 7-Series interior space but with the driving dynamics of the smaller 5-Series.

Two drivetrain options will be on offer: a standard V-6 or a V-6 matched with a hybrid-based SH-AWD (super-handling all-wheel drive) system. Fuel efficiency of the hybrid system is said to be comparable with a four-cylinder engine while performance is said to be on par with a V-8.

As previewed at the recent 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the hybrid system relies on a 3.5-liter V-6 matched to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and integrated electric motor to drive one axle and two more electric motors to drive the opposing axle. A high-performance version of this hybrid all-wheel drive setup will feature in the replacement for the Acura NSX supercar.

What hasn’t been mentioned is the fate of the Acura TSX and TL. The most likely scenario will see the TSX and TL replaced by a single model serving as Acura’s mid-level sedan, followed by the RL replacement as its flagship and the Honda Civic-based ILX as the brand’s entry-level sedan.

The 2012 Acura MDX

 The 2012 Acura MDX could be the best luxury crossover you haven't yet considered. Lost among the European-style icons, the American bulk carriers and its own Japanese rivals, the Acura MDX is a quiet challenger. It offers some of the nicest luxury appointments, top comfort and safety technology, and satisfying driving dynamics in the class without relying on brand cachet to get your attention.
Much of the MDX's dynamic enjoyment comes from its "Super Handling" all-wheel-drive system (SH-AWD). Many luxury crossover shoppers will only consider a rear- or all-wheel-drive model, and the Acura uses its AWD system to apportion power automatically to outside wheels during cornering. While the MDX is still mostly driven by the front wheels in straight-line cruising, the system kicks in undetected to all but the savviest drivers during spirited maneuvers on twisting sections of road. The net effect is a crossover with predictable driving dynamics in all kinds of weather conditions, plus communicative steering that makes this utility vehicle feel smaller than it is.
Inside its cabin, the MDX rivals Acura's flagship RL sedan for quality. Soft leather, handsome wood trim, and buttons, switches and knobs with a precise action to them demonstrate Acura's attention to detail. The base MDX comes with a wealth of standard features, but three available packages push the tech and luxury into territory more familiar to buyers of European models.
For the money, the 2012 Acura MDX makes a lot of sense. Crossovers like the Buick Enclave and Ford Flex are roomier, but lack the MDX's refinement. The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class offer slightly more premium environments, but in smaller, more expensive packages. The Lexus RX 350 is more comfortable but lacks a third-row seat. Certainly, all have distinct benefits, but when it comes to a deft blend of luxury, technology and drivability, the MDX is peerless.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2012 Acura MDX is available in one trim level.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlamps, foglamps, heated side mirrors, a power liftgate, a sunroof, privacy glass, heated eight-way power front seats, two-way adjustable driver lumbar, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated rearview camera, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker sound system with six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.
The Technology package adds a multi-view parking camera, GPS-linked and solar-sensing climate control, upgraded leather upholstery, a navigation system with 8-inch display and dial controller, real-time traffic and weather, voice controls and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system with digital music storage and an iPod/USB interface.
The Advance package includes all Technology package features and adds 19-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), auto-leveling headlamps, a sport steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The Entertainment package, which can be added to the Technology or Advanced packages, adds a rear-seat entertainment system and heated second-row seats.

 
Powertrains and Performance
The 2012 Acura MDX is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard.
In Edmunds performance testing, the MDX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. Properly equipped, the MDX can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Safety
Standard safety equipment for the 2012 Acura MDX includes antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, traction control and stability control with a stabilizing feature for trailer towing. The optional CMBS monitors following distance and closure rate, and uses visual and auditory warnings to alert the driver to a possible collision. If the system senses an imminent collision, it can apply hard braking and cinch up the front seatbelts.
In government crash testing, the MDX received four out of five possible stars for overall frontal crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the MDX its top score of "Good" for occupant protection in frontal offset and side-impact crashes. In Edmunds brake testing, the MDX came to a stop from 60 mph in 123 feet, an average result for this class of vehicle.

Interior Design and Special Features
The MDX's cabin is a technology lover's dream. Thankfully, the MDX's connected creature comforts are easy to use via a multipurpose knob and a selection of voice commands. As in most Acuras, the center stack is loaded with buttons for climate control and multimedia. It's an intimidating array at first, but the learning curve is short. The Panasonic/ELS surround-sound audio system is one of the best in the business, as is the navigation system.
The MDX is pretty spacious for a three-row midsize luxury crossover SUV. The rearmost seats are better suited to children, but adults can ride there for short journeys without complaint. Second-row seats recline for additional comfort, but if you need legitimate room for adults in the third row, the Buick Enclave and Ford Flex are better choices. The MDX yields 83.5 cubic feet of cargo space with its second and third rows folded, which is above average for a midsize luxury crossover.

Driving Impressions
For a three-row SUV, the 2012 Acura MDX rarely acts like one. The all-wheel-drive system, while biased toward the front wheels, does an outstanding job of shifting torque during hard cornering. Body roll is well-contained and the MDX's center of gravity feels lower than it looks to the eye. The active dampers (available with the Advance package) soak up the bumps when necessary and firm up when the pace quickens, though the standard suspension works just fine (and without the added cost).
Acceleration from the 3.7-liter V6 is a little soft until the revs reach the midrange. From there the engine pulls with enthusiasm, while the MDX's six-speed automatic transmission upshifts smoothly. Overall, the MDX is one of the most rewarding luxury crossovers to drive.

650i BMW coming to Vietnam

After 5 months of inventory, 650i BMW with first generation devices M Sport package arrived in Saigon.

Sports car brand new car sold in the U.S. Germany from May 7/2011 and there is also the time of both the coupe and convertible are built M Sport package equipment. Vehicles using LED fog lights, alloy wheels 19 inch double-spoke aluminum, leather sports seats and steering wheel, Alcantara and leather.

Surround sound system Bang & Olufsen brand and was particularly developed for each version, with Acoustic Lens technology with a capacity of 1,200 watt amplifier and 16 speakers on a coupe, or 1,000 watts power amplifier and 12 speakers on the roof ceiling.

650i BMW equipped with a 4.4 liter V8 Twin Turbo with maximum capacity of 400 horsepower at 5500 rpm machine cycles / min to 6400 r / min. Equipped with automatic transmission 8 levels (optional), Series 6 can accelerate from 0 to 100km / h in 4.9 seconds.

BMW interior is extensively improved and easier to use. An HD monitor is 10.2 inches in the middle front dash is connected to the system alerts the system changing lanes, intelligent camera system supports vehicle traffic observed when the night, both sides of the camera vehicle and rear, parking assist system. Vehicles are also equipped with advanced safety technology of the German carmaker.

BMW 328i new generation coming in Vietnam

The 2012 BMW 328i with the new engine, designed more to changes in both the port of Saigon.

Sedan 6th generation of German car manufacturers to change the basic appearance and engine inside. 2012 BMW 328i became the "Friends" of the firm in some Asian markets, including Vietnam. Serious competitor of 328i 2012 Audi A4 and Mercedes C-imported and domestically assembled class.

German carmakers seem to want the new generation 3 Series has more similarities with the new models of series 5, 6 and 7. The most obvious difference lies in the hood, when the size is developed. In addition, to meet the safety standards of Europe, the bonnet is also higher for the safety of pedestrians. Therefore, the 3 Series now has a wider nose high and the current generation.

The most obvious new feature is the type grille no longer separate from the headlights, which now also be made larger. Instead, surround grille connected to the extension of light create a sense of unity.

2012 BMW 328i has larger size version, the new electronic steering systems, tires support the lower fuel consumption, increase traction. New suspension, and a spacious luggage compartment contains. The body also revised down nearly 40 kg compared with the current version.

The engine code N20, capacity 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, for a capacity of 240 horsepower at 5,000 revolutions / min and torque of 255 Nm achieved at 1250 rpm / min. Box of 8 levels. Electronic system is upgraded, the driver's feeling better, more comfortable.