Press Release
In 2002, Honda's final year of participation in CART racing, Honda drivers scored five victories and five pole positions. Race winners include Michael Andretti, Paul Tracy and Dario Franchitti.
Honda entered the Indy Racing League (IRL) IndyCar Series for the 2003 season, beginning a new era of competition. Honda's racing subsidiary, Honda Performance Development, Inc. (HPD) leads the effort in partnership with Ilmor Engineering Inc.
HPD and Ilmor work together as technical partners to design, develop and produce engines for several IRL teams.
In its first season in the IRL, Honda fielded four teams with a total of six drivers. Tony Kanaan won in
In 2004, in only its second year of IRL competition, Honda captured the prestigious Manufacturer's Championship with four races remaining in the 2004 season.
A year later, in 2005, Dan Wheldon, Kanaan, Franchitti and Bryan Herta powered the Andretti Green Racing team to a 1-2-3-4 sweep of the IRL's first-ever street race, in
Acura Model History
Two initial model lines went on sale in March 1986. The Integra sports sedans, in both 3-door and 5-door versions, were introduced, along with the Legend 4-door luxury performance sedan. The Legend coupe was introduced a year later, in 1987.
Acura introduced the second-generation 1990 model Integra in 1989. The following model year, the mid-engine 1991 NSX exotic sports car joined the Acura lineup. Acura then released the second-generation 1991 Legend sedan and Legend coupe. The 1992 lineup added the Vigor sports sedan. The 1994 Integra sports coupe and sports sedan represented the third generation of the Integra nameplate. The removable-top NSX-T was added as a 1995 model.
In early 1995, the Vigor was replaced by the all-new Acura TL Series. The TL was unveiled as a 1996 model signaling the beginning of Acura's conversion to alphanumeric model designations. That was followed in the fall by the introduction of the 1996 Acura SLX, the first sport utility vehicle offered in the
For the 1999 model year, a completely redesigned 3.2 TL was introduced, reasserting Acura's powerful presence in the near luxury segment. In 2000, Acura incorporated significant technical advances in both the 3.2 TL and 3.5 RL.
That same year also marked the introduction of Acura's first built-from-the-ground-up luxury sport utility vehicle, the 2001 MDX. The 2001 model year also saw the introduction of the all-new, high-performance 3.2 CL and CL Type-S luxury performance coupes.
For the 2002 model year, Acura replaced the Integra with the all-new RSX sports coupe, redefining its entry-level vehicle with advancements in power, technology and luxury.
Acura also substantially upgraded the 3.2 TL and added a high-performance Type-S version. Boasting a 260-horsepower engine, the TL Type-S added a surge of performance to Acura's best-selling luxury sedan. The 3.5 RL also received numerous enhancements including increased horsepower, sport-tuned suspension, enhanced braking and more responsive steering.
The 2003 model year began with the addition of an available close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission to the 3.2 CL Type-S. Designed specifically for the performance characteristics of the CL, the 6-speed manual was coupled with a limited-slip differential and provided additional performance and handling responsiveness. The 2003 MDX, Acura's award-winning luxury SUV received a next generation engine that boosted horsepower as well as an all-new automatic transmission and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). The MDX also debuted the second generation of the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM) and an available Acura DVD Entertainment Center.
The 2004 model year saw the debut of the Acura TSX sports sedan. With an i-VTEC engine, drive-by-wire throttle, available 6-speed manual transmission and the latest in safety and interior technology, the TSX provides an exciting blend of power and refinement. For 2004 the TL performance luxury sedan was redesigned and debuted as an all-new model with aggressive new styling, a potent VTEC V-6 engine and, for the first time, an available 6-speed manual transmission. Inside, an array of cutting edge equipment makes the TL the most technologically advanced car in its class. It is the first vehicle in
In 2005, Acura completed the revitalization of its sedan lineup with the introduction of the all-new 2005 RL. The RL featured a powerful 3.5 liter VTEC V-6, a close-ratio five-speed automatic transmission, and the world's first Super Handling All-Wheel Drive System(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)) which, unlike other all-wheel drive systems, distributes torque not only between the front and rear wheels, but also overdrives and splits torque between the left and right rear wheels. In addition, the RL is equipped with an assortment of leading-edge technology including real-time traffic gathered from XM Radio(R) satellites and incorporated into the navigation system display. The RSX sports coupe received a large number of chassis, body and suspension enhancements designed to improve handling precision while at the same time, providing a more refined ride. The RSX Type-S also received a performance boost.
For 2006, the RL gets a new available Technology Package featuring the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS(TM)). The system prompts the driver to take preventative action but if an accident appears to be unavoidable, the system automatically applies strong braking and strong retraction of the front seatbelts. The RL Technology Package also features Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a following interval from the vehicle ahead in the same lane, and Michelin" PAX" Run-Flat tires. The TSX sports sedan receives a host of technological upgrades including a HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless telephone interface, a digital media auxiliary jack in the center console for iPOD" and MP3 players and an updated Acura navigation system. The TSX also receives additional horsepower and more aggressive styling front and rear. The TL features the new Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS(TM)), as well as reduced torque steer. Lastly, 2006 Acura models will be covered by a new six-year or 70,000-mile powertrain limited warranty in addition to the standard four-year or 50,000-mile limited bumper-to-bumper warranty.
