Changes for Acura 2006 Lineup

Press Release

Acura's Commitments to Performance and Leading-Edge Safety

 

Acura's 2006 model lineup highlights the division's commitments to performance and leading-edge safety. The TSX sports sedan receives additional horsepower, new interior features and sportier exterior styling for the 2006 model year, making it even more appealing to youthful driving enthusiasts. In addition, Acura builds on its reputation for leading-edge safety features with an optional technology package for the 2006 RL luxury sedan that includes the innovative Collision Mitigation Braking System(TM) (CMBS(TM)). The TL performance luxury sedan, the top-selling luxury sedan in America, receives a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and changes to reduce torque steer. Lastly, all 2006 Acura models will be covered by a new six-year or 70,000-mile powertain limited warranty in addition to the standard four-year or 50,000-mile limited bumper-to-bumper warranty.

 

"The 2006 Acura lineup continues to set new benchmarks in terms of both performance and safety," said Dick Colliver, vice president sales. "With a more powerful TSX, and industry leading safety features on our top-of-the-line RL sedan, we anticipate increased sales for the third straight year."

 

For the 2006 model year, all Acura horsepower and torque specifications have been updated to reflect revised Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1349 (Rev 8/04) net
calculations that went into affect in January of 2005. These new calculations reflect a number of significant changes in the way horsepower and torque are measured and may cause SAE net horsepower and torque totals published in 2006 media materials to differ from the figures published in previous years. To avoid confusion, all 2006 Acura press materials will specify "SAE net (Rev 8/04)" after all horsepower and torque figures to denote adherence to the new standards.

 

RL

 

The dramatically redesigned RL went on sale last year as an all-new model featuring a new 3.5-liter VTEC engine and the groundbreaking Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. The increased performance, exciting new styling and an assortment of exciting interior features helped the RL set numerous sales records. For 2006, Acura introduces an optional Technology Package for the RL, which adds three advanced new features:

 

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) - uses a radar unit mounted in the grille, automatic braking components and motorized E-pretentioners on the driver's and front passenger's seats to help minimize rear-end collisions and thus enhance safety
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) - In addition to maintaining a set speed, this system can automatically maintain a set following interval between the RL and the vehicle ahead
• Michelin PAX Run-Flat tires - helps provide enhanced safety and security with continuous mobility of up to 125 miles at 50 mph following a tire puncture

 

TSX

 

Since it went on sale in 2003, the TSX has built a strong following among sports sedan buyers, won a plethora of awards (including being twice named one of Car & Driver's 10Best Cars) and gained a reputation for being both stylish and fun to drive. For 2006, Acura made dynamic changes to the TSX to enhance its performance, make the styling even sportier and increase interior comfort and convenience. The result is a sports sedan that is more luxurious, more aggressive-looking and more fun to drive.

 

Modifications to the engine and exhaust system were made to the TSX's 2.4-liter i-VTEC(TM) four cylinder engine boost power to 205 horsepower at 7,000 rpm. Interior enhancements include the addition of the HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless telephone interface, a digital media auxiliary jack located in the center console for iPOD and MP3 players and upgrades to the optional Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM).

 

Outside, the TSX gets sporty, redesigned front and rear fascias, more substantial sidesills, redesigned alloy wheels and standard fog lamps.

 

RSX

 

The RSX continues to set the trend in driving excitement and refinement. With its thrilling combination of performance, aggressive styling and luxury appointments, the RSX has won over performance enthusiasts, automotive critics and sport compact fanatics year after year. For 2006, the RSX maintains its dominance in the sports coupe segment with two distinct models, the race-inspired RSX and high performance RSX Type-S models. They will be available in one new exterior color, Alabaster Silver Metallic.

 

TL

 

Since its groundbreaking redesign in 2004, the Acura TL has solidified its place as both the top selling Acura and best-selling luxury sedan in the country. The TL comes equipped with a powerful engine, a drive-by-wire throttle system, and an available close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with limited slip differential. For 2006 a Tire Pressure Monitoring System is added to the TL's already long list of standard safety features and torque steer has been reduced to provide even more precise steering feel on models equipped with manual transmissions.

The 2006 TL is available in two new exterior colors, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Royal Blue Pearl.

 

MDX

 

The MDX continues to set the standard in the increasingly competitive luxury SUV segment. To maintain its leadership position, the 2006 MDX receives further refinements including stylish additions to the interior. High quality ebony-colored Zebra wood patterned trim is now applied to the center console and door switches and refined satin chrome replaces bright chrome interior accents on models equipped with the Touring Package. The 2006 MDX is available in one new exterior color, Amazon Green Metallic.

 

Acura offers a full line of premium performance vehicles through a nationwide network of 264 dealers. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the race-bred RSX sports coupe, and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.