October 1999

Personal Newsletter

Finishing First

October 1999 Volume 3, Issue 3

The New Car Issue: 2000

As we motor into the 2000 model year, Acura has given our cars "evolutionary" changes only. Revisions to the Electronic Control Units and On Board Diagnostics have insured that all 2000 models are Low Emission Vehicles (LEV), including our ultra high performance NSX.

The Integra series of coupes and sedans receive the Immobilizer theft deterrent system This excellent system disables the ignition if the correct key code is not recognized. Each key has a coded electronic resistor that is programmed into the ignition lock cylinder, insuring only the correct key will start the car. All Integra automatic transmissions receive enhancements to improve shift quality. Sedans now feature child safety seat anchors on the rear deck, GS-R coupes are available in "Dark Violet Pearl" and there is a beautiful new "Voltage Blue Metallic" paint scheme available on all sedans and the LS coupe.

The 2000 Integra Type-R in Phoenix Yellow. Simply Stunning!

The biggest news for Integras is the "Return of the R!" That’s right the Type-R Integra will return for the year 2000. It will be available in two colors, Phoenix Yellow Pearl and Berlina Black. This year they will be standard with air conditioning and probably a moonroof. Unchanged from the ’98 model year is the high revving, hand built, 195 hp VTEC motor, lowered sport suspension, and stiffened body structure. This will continue to be a very limited production automobile with only around 1000 built for the whole US.

The 1999 CL will be the last CL for this body style. There will be no 2000 model. We will clear out the remaining inventory of ‘99s in preparation for the all-new 2001 3.2 CL. This should be available sometime in March of 2000 as our first 2001 model. There are few details available for the new 3.2 CL, but we do know the 4 cylinder will be dropped (replaced with the V-6 from the current TL) but I’ll try to keep you informed of the changes as I find out about them.

The 3.2 TL continues with a new 5-speed Sport Shift automatic transmission!

The 2000 3.2 TL has received minor revisions to keep it far ahead of the pack in this competitive near-luxury segment. Acura has developed a new intake manifold that improves throttle response and enables maximum torque to arrive 300 rpm sooner. This coupled with the all-new 5-speed Sport Shift automatic transmission enables a 4/10ths of a second improvement in the 0-60 times AND a 2-mile per gallon improvement in highway mileage. On the safety front, the 2000 TL gets the sophisticated smart airbag system from the RL - including side airbags.

Fresh off the successful facelift for the 1999 model year, the 3.5 RL now features VSA or Vehicle Stability Assist. This important safety advancement uses on-board sensors to detect an impending skid. The computer will then modulate the throttle or apply the brake to the individual wheel or wheels that will restore directional stability. Combine this with the smart airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, ABS, traction control and the extremely rigid body shell, and you have one of the safest luxury cars on the road today.

Subtle suspension changes to the RL improve handling and Vehicle Stability Assist provides anti-skid control.

The NSX continues into the new millenium with small changes to the 6-speed manual transmission to improve shift quality. The 290 hp VTEC powerplant mated to this 6-speed manual transmission gives the car stunning acceleration, providing 0-60 in under 5 seconds. Unlike most cars of this caliber, it also delivers 19 miles per gallon in the city and up to 24 on the highway! Also new for 2000 are perforated leather seats, to make the trip to 170 mph more comfortable.

The NSX adds perforated leather seats and steering wheel (like the S2000).

Overall the turn of the century will be a bit quiet, but there are big changes afoot for Acura. After the CL, there will be a new Sport Utility Vehicle, new Integra, new RL, and somewhere down the line a replacement for the NSX. Watch out we’re on the move!