2008 Porsche Cayenne Preview

Spicing Up an Old Recipe by Christian Wardlaw

What it Is

Porsche Cayenne Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Enthusiasts, especially Porsche purists, relentlessly criticized the German sports car manufacturer when it decided to build an SUV at the height of the sport-ute heyday. That the vehicle was co-engineered with Volkswagen didn’t lend the Cayenne credibility with that crowd, and the underpowered price-leading V6 model undermined the company’s fundamental promise of performance. Nevertheless, the Cayenne was good on the road as well as off the road, in the dry or wet, making it an impressive do-everything kind of vehicle. Now, the 2008 Porsche Cayenne gets a thorough update that makes it better in almost every regard.

Why it Matters

When it debuted, the Cayenne immediately became the best selling Porsche model. However, sales have stalled in recent years. The styling update for 2008 provides incentive for current Cayenne owners to get the latest and greatest model, and a new range of engines with more power, better acceleration, and improved fuel economy might move the needle further in Porsche’s favor.

What’s Under the Hood

More powerful, more fuel-efficient direct-injection engines are the main upgrade for the 2008 Porsche Cayenne. The standard Cayenne’s V6 increases from 3.2 to 3.6 liters in displacement, making more torque and about 290 horsepower. Still, acceleration to 60 mph takes eight seconds, which is not respectable enough for a Porsche. The new 4.8-liter V8 in the Cayenne S does better, making about 385 horsepower and getting to 60 mpg in 6.5 seconds. The top-shelf Cayenne Turbo spools up about 500 ponies for a 60-mph acceleration run in about five seconds.

What’s Under the Body

Porsche Traction Management doles power out to all four wheels in a 62:38 rear-to-front split, with up to 100 percent of power going to either set of wheels as conditions warrant. Porsche Active Management Suspension can now be equipped with the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control roll stabilizer system on Cayenne and Cayenne S models, limiting and counterbalancing roll and maximizing wheel articulation for improved handling in all situations. Porsche Stability Management includes brake assist, active trailer stabilization, and off-road ABS.

What it Looks Like

Subtle styling tweaks inside and out differentiate the revised 2008 Porsche Cayenne, which is a substantially upgraded version of the original. Most notable is the new front styling, a handsome if toothsome update that adds a crisp, modern edge to the SUV’s look. Bi-xenon headlights with dynamic bend lighting are standard on the Turbo; optional on Cayenne and S. Rear changes include minor modifications to the fascia and taillights, and new wheels are also part of the deal.

What Porsche Says

Porsche’s initial press release on the re-engineered Cayenne says: “Four years after the (Cayenne’s) launch, Porsche is presenting the second generation of its sporty SUV. The new, attractively designed Cayenne…offers significant improvements in handling, directional stability, and ride comfort.” Porsche also announced that the new Cayenne will go on sale in the U.S. on March 3, 2007. Pricing for the V6 Cayenne is $43,400, the V8 Cayenne S is $57,900, and the Cayenne Turbo is $93,700.

What We Think

Based on a cursory examination of the Cayenne’s updates, we think an impressive performance SUV has gotten better. But the question remains: What price performance? As capable as the Cayenne is on any kind of surface, is it ultimately worth the price premium paid? We’ll be driving the new 2008 Porsche Cayenne soon to find out. Photos courtesy of Porsche

2008 Subaru Legacy Preview

Subtle revisions to an established player by Staff

What it Is

Subaru Legacy Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Subaru sold more than 200,000 cars, SUVs – and whatever that Baja thing is – last year, which should surprise no one. After all, Subaru has won numerous awards for safety and has developed a reputation as maker of fun and practical cars, if a bit expensive. At the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, Subaru debuted slight revisions to one of its most popular vehicles, the Legacy sedan, lifting the curtain on a new 2008 Legacy 3.0 R Limited as the flagship sedan.

Why it Matters

For 2008, the Outback and Legacy continue their separation into two distinct models by offering only one body style each. The Outback dropped the slow-selling sedan model, and the Legacy has abandoned its wagon version. While we doubt that the goofy-looking Outback sedan will be missed, the Legacy wagon might be. It was a good handling, fun car, one that combined performance and practicality beautifully. However, business is business, and we can only assume that the Legacy wagon was as unpopular the Outback sedan. Such a pity

What’s Under the Hood

As the “flagship” sedan, the 2008 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R offers Subaru’s SI-Drive system, formerly only on the turbo models, and rides on a Bilstein Sport suspension and 18-inch tires and wheels. As with all models, the Legacy is connected to Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, an excellent layout that provides enhanced handling on dry pavement and extra security on wet or snowy roads. Unlike the Outback, the Legacy has a traditional road-hugging stance, even more so on the GT versions with the sport suspension and low-profile tires. Want Audi levels of performance but don’t have the cash? Check out a Legacy.

What it Looks Like

The changes for 2008 are subtle. The most obvious change is the new grille, headlights and fog lights, but even they are slight alterations. The revised rear bumper incorporates red fog lights, which look nice but might not stand up to the bumper-car antics of some drivers.

What’s Inside

Inside, the Legacy gets a redesigned instrument panel and revised interior fabrics. A telescopic steering column and a new integrated ignition key/remote entry unit join the standard equipment list for every 2008 Legacy model, and distinctive electroluminescent gauges, formerly featured only on the turbo, will be included on six-cylinder models for 2008.

What Subaru Says

“The Legacy 3.0 R Limited is designed to provide the refined, sophisticated – though still exciting – kind of performance that might typically be expected from a premium European All-Wheel Drive touring sedan."

What We Think

The revisions to the Legacy are pretty mild, and mostly serve to further divide the Legacy and Outback lines, even though they’re basically the same car. The departure of the wagon version is sad, but we think overall the styling revisions are a nice refresh for the line, and the addition of the 3.0 R trim at the top gives premium shoppers another reason to buy Subaru. All the way around, the 2008 Subaru Legacy represents a gentle nudge forward. Photos courtesy of Ron Perry Source : http://www.autosite.com

2008 Nissan Rogue Preview

Fashionably late = good. Just late = bad. by Thom Blackett

What it Is

Nissan Rogue Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: The term is fashionably late, not just late. Nissan apparently doesn’t understand the distinction. While the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 have been hosting a helluva small crossover party, one that’s been keeping partygoers enjoying themselves for years, Nissan has been at home. You knew they’d come, but you figured that they were working on something exceptional for a grand, albeit delayed, entrance. Then there’s that quiet knock on the door, and you see that generic body, clad in brown, bringing party favors that were old news. That’s the 2008 Nissan Rogue in a nutshell – late to the party, dressed like everyone else, and offering little to separate it from the crowd.

Why it Matters

If you’re like your neighbors - either those youngsters looking for their first new car or the established folks interested in downsizing - a small crossover is an appealing solution to your automotive needs. The current crop offers up to three rows of seating when you’re in a crunch, can be decked out in front- or all-wheel drive, feature anything from an efficient four-banger to a tire-squealing V6, and generally look pretty good. Of course, none carry the Nissan badge, and that’s why the introduction of the 2008 Rogue is so important. Models, including S and SL, go on sale this fall and are expected to start around $20,000.

What’s Under the Hood

Nissan powers the 2008 Rogue with its popular 2.5-liter, dohc four-cylinder engine, the same one that’s found in versions of the Sentra and Altima. For this application, horsepower is rated at 170 and torque measures 175 lb.-ft. There is but one transmission choice, and that’s a continuously-variable automatic (CVT) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a manual shift function (correctly on the driver’s side of the knob). Rogue buyers may opt for standard front-wheel drive or a new all-wheel drive with yaw control, a feature that should benefit handling and control. Under the skin, the 2008 Nissan Rogue includes struts up front and a multi-link setup out back, as well as antilock disc brakes and electric-assist steering.

What it Looks Like

Aside from the unique Nissan front end, complete with Sentra-esque headlights and a big ol’ chrome Nissan badge planted dead center, this little crossover has Hyundai/Kia written all over it. Part of that is because we’ve seen models like this, including the Hyundai Tucson/Kia Sportage twins, on the road for a few years now, or maybe because the silhouette compares well to a shrunken Hyundai Santa Fe. Whatever the Rogue does or does not resemble, it offers a bit of attitude with a pronounced beltline, aggressively flared wheel arches, and stylish 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch steel rims are standard). The raked windshield, sloped rear glass, and sharp rear quarter windows add some visual flair.

What’s Inside

Like many of its competitors, Nissan has been working on improving its interiors, and the five-passenger 2008 Rogue indicates the work may be paying off. From a styling perspective, there’s much to like, such as chrome and silver accents, a smooth dash surface that sits above an ergonomically correct instrument panel, clearly marked steering wheel controls, padded armrests, large cupholders, not to mention big and simple radio and climate control dials and buttons. Behind the second row split bench is a decent cargo area, and the tailgate features a built-in grab handle. Among the interior features are six standard airbags, front active headrests, an available Bose sound system, optional leather and heated seats, and Bluetooth hands-free capability.

What Nissan Says

Bill Bosley, Nissan’s vice president and general manager, says, “With Rogue, we’ve targeted drivers in their early 30s, whose responsibilities and functional needs have changed but who don’t want to leave behind the person they’ve always been – someone who enjoys driving, who values style and design, and who wants to retain his or her individuality. The Rogue name was chosen to reflect its independence-oriented positioning, though we certainly believe that all buyers, regardless of age or life stage, will positively respond to Rogue’s fun-to-drive, all-climate performance and aggressive styling.”

What We Think

Nissan is late to the small crossover game. Honda’s and Toyota’s entries are both in their third generation, and more recently, the Koreans have started to increase their presence. Depending on how you classify a small crossover, the domestics may also be added into the mix. The reason for this growth is obvious – shoppers want capable vehicles that are relatively efficient. Without fuel economy figures, we can’t say how fuel-frugal the Rogue may be, but we can confirm that its 170 horsepower engine and five-passenger seating put it in the latter half of the pack (when considering power and optional seating), which is not a good place to be when stepping foot into an increasingly competitive field. Photos courtesy of Nissan and Thom Blackett Source : http://www.autosite.com

2008 Dodge Magnum Preview

A triple espresso shot of wagon, improved by Brian Chee

What it Is

Dodge Magnum Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Lots of people want to buy the Magnum, and many do. For those who don’t it’s more a case of what the Magnum is than what it’s not. It’s an unabashedly macho, gas guzzling, low riding ’tude wagon that looks great when you’re off with friends from your bowling league, but not so hot when you’re driving to that all-important corporate lunch. Dodge aims to change that – but only slightly – with changes to the 2008 Dodge Magnum, by making it as macho but more refined, and more comfortable to sit inside.

Why it Matters

Going into year four, the Magnum has won and lost buyers without compromising (unless you consider that V6 engine a compromise). It looks nothing like an SUV, or a crossover, or anything besides what it is: The wagon you owned when you were 18, the one you still wish you had tucked away in the garage somewhere. Few vehicles have such strong personalities anymore, so it’s refreshing that the Magnum’s refresh has kept much of that personality intact. Indeed, by knocking a few corners off the design and improving the interior, the folks at Dodge just may convince more people that it’s okay to love a wagon that looks like a wagon – on ’roids.

What it Looks Like

Dodge designers knocked a few rough corners off the Magnum by enhancing the side creases and stretching the front end, lowering the hoodline and adding chrome accents under the headlights. High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights are also available. Overall, the design looks more smooth and refined. For SRT8 models, changes include a restyled front fascia and a functional hood scoop.

What’s Inside

Changes inside the Magnum cabin include higher quality materials, chrome trim and the now trendy LED backlighting.

What Dodge Says

“The 2008 Dodge Magnum offers interior and exterior refinements in a boldly-styled package that delivers comfort, functionality and performance.”

What We Think

We’re glad the Magnum kept its aggressive, no compromise styling. This is a true Dodge in that it gives no apologies for what it is, gets right up in your face and makes you choose. No one ever needs to think twice when they see a Magnum coming – it’s either love or hate. Unfortunately, most people fall out of love when they sit inside the cabin and experience the rough plastics and poor fit and finish. We hope the 2008 model goes to significant lengths to improve the interior materials and overall driver/rider experience. Photos courtesy of The Chrysler Group, Ron Perry

Souce : http://www.autosite.com

Mitsubishi Prototype X Concept Preview

The next evolution of the Evo by Keith Buglewicz

What it Is

Mitsubishi Prototype X Concept Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: The Prototype X Concept is a preview of what we will see when the Evolution X bows. But this “concept” leaves less to the imagination than does a Victoria’s Secret model on the catwalk. Change out the headlights, put on different wheels, tweak the interior a little bit, and you basically have the production Evolution X.

Why it Matters

Cynics might say that the Evolution has been the only Mitsubishi to get excited about for the past few years. You can call us cynics. While the new Lancer appears to have a nice compliment of goodies, asphalt-ripping performance isn’t part of the package. That’s the Evolution’s job, and as a preview to Mitsubishi’s performance leader—not to mention its official gladiator against Subaru’s STi on the streets and the track—the Prototype X Concept is a significant introduction for enthusiasts of any stripe.

What’s Under the Hood

Mitsubishi performance geeks have to learn a new engine designation: 4B11. This all-aluminum engine replaces the 56-lb. heavier iron-block 4G63 from all previous Evolutions. It's still 2.0-liters and twin cams, now with Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable valve timing, all turbocharged to within an inch of its life. Numbers weren’t given, but rest assured there will be more horsepower than the current Evolution, and we’ll bet more than the Subaru STi’s 300 horses. The engine is connected to either a traditional five-speed manual or a six-speed automated manual with steering column-mounted shifter paddles. The all-wheel drive system is based on the Outlander’s with an Active Center Differential, Active Yaw Control rear differential and Active Skid Control promising to give the next Evolution exceptional handling.

What it Looks Like

The Prototype X Concept looks a lot like the Concept X from a few years ago, which is no bad thing. It shares a basic silhouette with the Lancer, but bigger fenders front and rear, a unique nose and 20-inch wheels with monster brakes give it an eat-you-alive aggressiveness the Lancer can’t hope to match. The big spoiler, deep air dam, presumably functional hood scoop and gray grille treatment are all over the top, as well it should be. Has the Evolution ever been subtle in anything it does?

What’s Inside

Most of what’s inside the Prototype X Concept will make it to production: the dash layout, the overall look and feel, etc. However, to earn the designation “concept,” there are some show-car features. For example, we’re pretty sure that production Evos won’t have a band of red LEDs stretching from the doors onto the dash. We’re also betting Mitsubishi’s product liability lawyers will nix the electronic lap counter. On the other hand, we truly hope the Alcantara-swaddled sport seats make it to production.

What Mitsubishi Says

According to Mitsubishi’s official info: “The Lancer Evolution has long lived up to its namesake by greatly improving with each successive generation…. As Prototype X demonstrates, the Lancer Evolution will soon make perhaps the largest leap in overall capability seen between two generations of this model. The next Evolution will offer major gains in handling dynamics and technology while maintaining the kind of thrilling turbo engine performance that has made the model a street legend around the world.” Sounds good to us.

What We Think

The current Evolution XI is one of the best bang-for-the-buck values in existence. For the money, and even for a lot more, it’s hard to touch its performance envelope, not to mention the unqualified love for the car flowing from the aftermarket. The next-generation Evolution promises an even greater performance capability, but with an added dose of refinement that has never before been part of the Evolution’s mission. While we would love a smoother ride and quieter interior, our hearts are set on a future with many days of tire-shredding fun. Photos courtesy of Ron Perry, Mitsubishi Souce : http://www.autosite.com

Jaguar C-XF Concept Preview

The C-XF aims to prove that cats do indeed have nine lives by Thom Blackett

What it Is

Jaguar C-XF Concept Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Mention four-door luxury cars, and your mind may imagine stately Rolls-Royces, generic Lexus models, or a barge behind a Cadillac crest. But with the release of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the picture of pricey four doors is starting to change, a fact exemplified by the Jaguar C-XF concept. Hinting at an upcoming production model as well as future technological possibilities, the C-XF symbolizes a new styling approach from this struggling British marque, one that aims to authoritatively blend the best of Jaguar heritage with the needs and desires of future luxury car buyers.

Why it Matters

Jaguar has seen some success with the recent launches of redesigned models such as the XJ and XK, and to keep the momentum going additional models or variants need to enter the pipeline. That’s where the C-XF comes in, demonstrating what Jaguar’s designers and engineers are capable of, which should create some excitement in preparation of the launch of an eventual production version. The C-XF loses the traditional Jag face found on the XJ and the Ford Taurus-esque mug of the XK to make room for an entirely new look, one that may attract a new segment of buyers to dealerships that need the showroom traffic.

What’s Under the Hood

The news about the C-XF is primarily about design and technology, so don’t be terribly disappointed to learn that the powertrain has been largely borrowed from the current crop of Jags. It’s the supercharged 4.2-liter V8 that’s good for about 420 horses, with power delivered to the rear wheels courtesy of a 6-speed automatic transmission featuring a manual function. Jaguar estimates a “possible” unrestricted top speed of 180 mph, but chances are this one-off concept would never, ever be pushed to even half that speed. Interestingly, all of the engine wires are enclosed in a carbon-fiber housing, designed to not only improve the appearance under the hood but also to protect the wires from possible damage.

What it Looks Like

As mentioned previously, the C-XF joins the ranks of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and others as part of a breed of new four-door coupes. The overall look is long, lean, and a bit wide, which affords the concept a hunkered-down appearance. Spy shots of the production model suggest that the rear pillar will rise up to provide more head room. Up front is an intimidating face marked by a powerful, contoured hood as well as a prominent black chrome grille. Residing in the recessed pocket behind the front wheels are ceramic vent liners, above which is a pronounced shoulder line spawning from just above the menacing headlights. The C-XF is granted its own Metashine silver paint color.

What’s Inside

Jaguar has outfitted the C-XF concept with four leather-clad bucket seats sans visible stitching, brushed aluminum and leather bits featuring a carbon fiber design on the dash, and poplar wood that has been scorched for a unique visual experience. Push the start button and the JaguarDrive Selector is revealed, pale blue lights fill the interior, and the cabin is illuminated with a ray of blue light (someone’s been watching too many reruns of Knight Rider). Also debuting on the C-XF is JaguarSense, a sensor system that unveils hidden door handles and a center-mounted display screen with the brush of a hand. Included here is a single screen that uses individual viewing cones, simultaneously offering driver and passenger different displays.

When You Can Buy It

Given this car’s concept status, there’s no point in talking about an on-sale date (though it could theoretically end up on the Barrett-Jackson block decades from now). However, Jaguar suggests that the C-XF hints at what’s currently in its pipeline, a point backed up by recent spy photos of a less svelte C-XF derivative. No word on when that model may hit officially see the light of day, but it’s reasonable to assume a debut for the 2008 or 2009 model year. Just don’t expect the artsy bucket seats or blue lights shooting from the nose.

What Jaguar Says

According to Bibiana Boerio, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, “the C-XF, and the future generation of sports saloons it signals, reaffirms the direction Jaguar is taking. When we launched the new XK sports car series, we talked about a product-led transformation of the company. We promised that new Jaguars would be beautiful, fast, glamorous, and evocative. The new XK delivered on that promise and the C-XF proves that these same values and more are coming in our saloon cars.” Director of Design Ian Callum, goes on: “Throughout its history Jaguar has created some of the most striking, modern and beautiful sports saloons imaginable and our objective with the C-XF was to recognize those principle design disciplines.”

What we Think

When it comes to current Jaguars, we’re a bit conflicted. We give props to the heritage styling of the XJ, thumbs down to the bland XK front end, and a big “hell ya!” to the supercharged V8 engine. The C-XF fails to sway the pendulum either way. On one hand, we look favorably upon on the sleek shape, the take-no-prisoners front styling, the aforementioned V8, and the willingness to explore new design territory. On the other hand, that same styling could offend returning Jag buyers, and if the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is any indication, Jag’s four-door coupe will offer precious little rear headroom. Those are only concerns when you consider that the C-XF is a preamble to an upcoming production model. Photos courtesy of Jaguar

Ford Interceptor Concept Preview

Dad’s Dream: a 400-Horsepower, Mustang-Based Sedan by Thom Blackett

What it Is

Ford Interceptor Concept Preview - 2007 Detroit Auto Show: Leave it to the domestics to offer a new take on the bad-ass family sedan. OK, the Ford Interceptor concept isn’t exactly new since we saw the similar 427 concept years ago, and the market currently supplies a Hemi-powered Chrysler 300. That German-inspired Chrysler offers its own take on aggression and four-door transportation, but even it doesn’t match the Interceptor’s pavement-emulsifying six-speed manual tranny. Couple that to the 400-horsepower racing engine that drinks E-85 ethanol, not to mention the four-point belts that inflate for rear passengers, and you’ve got one helluva fun corn burner. Too bad it’s just a concept.

What’s Under the Hood

There are the car shoppers who seek out the most practical, fuel-efficient, and socially-responsible rides available on the market, and then there are those who would buy the Ford Interceptor should it ever move from concept to production. Sure, it runs on E-85 ethanol, so it represents a slap rather than a punch to the Sierra Club’s face, but the greenies probably won’t approve of the 400-horsepower, 5.0-liter cammer V8 sourced from Ford Racing. That macho engine is joined to a six-speed manual tranny which pushes power through a solid rear axle. Twenty-two inch rubber ensures a solid grip. At 201.6 inches, the Interceptor is about an inch longer than the Ford Five Hundred.

What’s Inside

Inside, the Ford Interceptor concept sports some funky gauges, headrests that retract from the roof, black leather with caramel-colored stitching, and thick cowhides on the shift knob and steering wheel. Nice, but more interesting are the seatbelts fastened to the four sport bucket seats. The Interceptor uses four-point harnesses, safety items that Ford is apparently testing for production application. Rear passengers are treated to inflatable rear belts, another new technology that Ford engineers are currently putting through the wringer. What’s not found inside the Interceptor is exceptional head room – with 37.5 and 35.9 inches front and rear, respectively, the Interceptor comes up about two to three inches shy of the 2007 Ford Five Hundred.

What Ford Says

Ford’s executive director of design, Peter Horbury, has this to say about the Interceptor concept and the audience it attracts: “Our customer target for this powerful, masculine sedan was a man with a family. He’s essentially a good guy, but a bit mischievous. He loves power and performance. But ultimately, he’s responsible. When he has his family on board, he values new safety technology as well as a powerful engine that runs on E-85 ethanol.” Horbury goes on by saying, “The Interceptor concept is much like a Marine in dress uniform. He looks smart and elegant but you can see the raw power that lies beneath.”

What We Think

Call us crazy, but the Interceptor concept looks eerily similar to the 427 concept Ford unveiled years ago. That monster lead to the comparatively effeminate Fusion, so maybe we should conclude that the Interceptor hints at another V6-powered, front-drive sedan from Ford. Don’t bet on it. Just as was the case with the 427, we’re a fan of the Interceptor, if for no other reasons than it packs a big engine, puts power to the ground through a manual transmission, and does the whole big sedan thing in an in-your-face way that that few outside the domestic market can match. Unfortunately, chances of seeing the Interceptor anywhere near production are less than nil. Photos courtesy of Ford

Source : http://www.autosite.com

Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept Preview

Behold, the next NSX by Keith Buglewicz

What it Is

Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show:The Acura NSX was exactly the kind of car that we always knew Honda Motor Co. could build, bringing together the company’s wild-child Formula 1 expertise with its sensible shoes Civic-minded reliability and drivability. But despite its greatness, the NSX was allowed to wither, with hardly any attention paid to it during its 15-year run. With the Advanced Sports Car Concept, Acura is giving us a glimpse at what the NSX’s replacement will look like. While a few NSX cues are evident (the LED headlight treatment is meant to evoke the pop-ups of the original), its classic front-engine, rear-drive proportions speak to a completely different car, one with V10 power going to the rear wheels.

Why it Matters

The Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept, if it does indeed presage the NSX replacement, is a Very Big Deal. After losing its way in the 90s and only just now reviving its reputation as a precision automaker, this concept signals the next big thing from Acura. It also showcases a distinct departure for Acura (and Honda), as the Advanced Sports Car Concept is powered by a V10 engine that Acura says will be its most powerful ever. That engine will be mounted in the front and drive the rear wheels, also a departure for the company.

What’s Under the Hood

Specifics of the Advanced Sports Car Concept weren’t released by Acura at the time of the press conference; however three important features were noted. The first was the front-mounted V10 engine. It’s the most cylinders Honda has ever put in one production car engine, and considering the power the company can squeeze out of even the most diminutive four banger, we’re excited to see (and hear) this engine. Second is the rear-drive configuration, also a rarity from this manufacturer. Finally, the rear drive will be augmented with a two-wheel version of the company’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, which if it’s as good in two-wheel form as it is in all-wheel form, should help this car kick some major butt.

What We Think

Even as it made its exit some 15 years after its introduction, the NSX was still a thrilling machine to drive. Acura could certainly use the credibility boost a world-beating exotic could bring to its lineup. Considering how much the company can do when it’s on a budget (i.e., the Civic Si and S2000, for starters), we can’t wait to see what happens when cost is suddenly no, or at least not a primary, object. Photos courtesy of Acura, Ron Perry Source : http://www.autosite.com