In April, Acura will introduce the second generation RDX sport utility vehicle. Acura has taken the lessons learned from the first generation RDX and fashioned a new vehicle designed to improve upon the outgoing car.  Among the enhancements are improved fuel economy, a new transmission, and an all-new all wheel drive system.

 At the Chicago Auto Show Acura introduced the production version of the all-new 2013 ILX.  They provided a good deal of information but have stopped short of releasing pricing for now.  However, we can share what we know so far.  There will be three engines available in the ILX; a 2.0 liter 150 hp four-cylinder, a 2.4 liter 201 hp four-cylinder, and a 1.5 liter Hybrid.

The new NSX isn't ready for the street yet, but you can see it in action in this great video by Acura.  The animations illustrate how the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system works to harvest energy and improve the handling and overall performance. 

Acura announced two prototypes and a stunning NSX concept on Monday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.  Acura streamed the event on their site, and within a quick 20 minutes, it was over. Unveiled onstage were three all-new Acuras, the 2013 RDX prototype, 2013 ILX prototype and the NSX Concept. 

To say that many (including me) were surprised with Honda's announcements at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show would be an understatement. They announced a number of new technologies, but I'll focus most on the things are are likely to find their way into Acura product in the coming years. 

This morning I looked into the Temple of VTEC as I often do and found and found a simple one line post talking about an Acura concept on the set of the new Avengers movie currently filming in New York.  The link was to www.superherohype.com and photos from WENN.com that included a set of pictures that showed Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and a low-slung, burgundy, Acura convertible. 

As Acura continues to recover from the production setbacks caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, it's becoming a little clearer what the future holds.  As it stands, North American production should be fully up to speed in August 2011 and Japanese production should return to normal shortly thereafter.

The following is a rough outline of what we are going to see in the showrooms in the near term and a little further down the line.

For 2011, the TSX Sport Wagon makes it's debut, but the entire TSX lineup receives a number of upgrades designed to keep the car fresh and up-to-date.  As is the normal practice, none of the sheetmetal changes, but there are are a number of improvements to the front and rear bumpers, wheels and interior.  Under the skin there are engine modifications for improved fuel economy and reduced noise and vibration. 

Acura too the wraps off the revised TL at the Chicago Auto show and streamed it live via webcast.  Since 2011 marks the brand's 25th Anniversary, Acura began the presentation by reviewing Acura's history in North America.  Jeff Conrad took the stage and spoke about some Acura "firsts" including: First Luxury brand, VTEC, Drive-by-Wire Throttle, In-dash Navigation, and Bluetooth as a standard feature.  Of course, there are more, but these must have been the ones he wanted to highlight.

It looks like this will be a different implementation from the ZDX, MDX and RL packages in that it won't feature the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) or Active Cruise Control (ACC). It will feature Blind Spot Monitoring and Cooled Seats, but what else?  Maybe adaptive shocks from the MDX?

Also unclear at the time of this note, is whether all the TLs will get the new 6AT, or only the AWD, 3.7 liter cars?  The order going in this week will be for February production with (estimated) March or April delivery.

I've added the color chart for the TL