Advance Pursuit

Mar 13, 2008 - Sub-200hp V6 Engines

Personally I think V6 engines that develop less than 200hp, regardless of displacement, are just plainly pathetic. Why bother, seriously, since the modern day 4-bangers are capable of achieving the same performance while doing it more efficiently (fuel economy wise). Here's the list of cars that are equipped with sub-200hp V6 engines:

Chrysler Sebring:


Dodge Charger:


Jeep Compass:


Jeep Patriot:


Kia Rondo:


Kia Optima:


As you can see, there are not a whole lot of them. Why? Because it's pathetic that's why!

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Feb 13, 2008 - What the Heck is Wrong with Acura (Part 2)?!

The full spec of the 2009 Acura TSX has been revealed today:

Compared to the outgoing TSX, the wheelbase grows 1.3 inches, overall length is up 2.4 inches and width swells 3.0 inches (over a 2.6-inch-wider track).

Honda's 2.4-liter i-VTEC DOHC four returns as the TSX's sole power plant. When lashed to a six-speed manual transaxle it will be rated at 201 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of peak torque. That's down four ponies from the 205-hp rating the engine carries in the 2008 TSX, but up 8 lb-ft of torque. Acura claims that the better midrange oomph means the 2009 model should launch harder, with better responsiveness through corners.

Acura is pegging the mileage ratings for the manual tranny at 20 city, 28 highway and 23 combined. For the automatic those numbers go up to 21, 30 and 24 respectively.

Now my question is: You've gotta be kidding me right? We've waited 6 years for this?

Where is the turbo-4 found on the RDX with 240hp and 260 lb-ft? Granted that engine is less fuel efficient but at least it puts out "respectable" numbers compare to cars in this segment. Where is the SH-AWD? Why isn't it at least an option? Where is the new automatic transmission? When other manufactures have already moved on to 6-speed (Lexus and BMW), 7-speed (MB) and even 8-speed (Lexus) why is Acura still stuck on the ancient 5-speed?

Let's compare the 2009 TSX to the same model from 5 years ago:

2009 TSX: FWD, 5-speed AT / 6-speed MT, 201hp, 172 lb-ft
2004 TSX: FWD, 5-speed AT / 6-speed MT, 200hp, 166 lb-ft

Then let's see other competitors' 5-year comparison:

2008 BMW 335i: RWD, 6-speed AT / 6-speed MT, 300hp, 300 lb-ft
2003 BMW 330i: RWD, 5-speed AT / 5-speed MT, 225hp, 214 lb-ft

2008 Lexus IS350: RWD, 6-speed AT, 306hp, 277 lb-ft
2003 Lexus IS300: RWD, 5-speed AT / 5-speed MT, 215hp, 218 lb-ft

2008 Infiniti G35: RWD, 5-speed AT / 6-speed MT, 306hp, 268 lb-ft
2003 Infiniti G35: RWD, 5-speed AT / 6-speed MT, 260hp, 260 lb-ft

By looking at the above numbers I have only one word for the '09 TSX: PATHETIC.

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Feb 7, 2008 - What the Heck is Wrong with Acura?!

Granted the RL was plain but at least it wasn't ugly, well that's not the case anymore. Folks here's the 2009 Acura RL:

Seriously, I think Acura has gotten a little bit carry away with that shield grille design. Can someone please tell the Acura designers that IT DOESN'T LOOK GOOD. It was "blah" on the MDX and definitely is "yikes" on the RL. Also, I thought the '09 RL only shares 2 body panels with the '08 but can anyone see that? After all, besides the ugly grille and headlamps the car looks the same to me.

Which part of "RWD" and "V8" do they not understand? Granted that Honda was built by engineers but I swear Acura will be destroyed by those same stubborn engineers as well.

Acura should just let us know if they are tired of selling cars, we'll understand...

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Jan 7, 2008 - Screw the oil companies

I have made a decision that my next vehicle will have an alternative energy powertrain whether it's hybrid or diesel (hopefully hybrid diesel). However, I am not willing to totally sacrifice the performance for FE yet so the Prius and Volt are out of the picture.
 
If I am buying a car in the next 12 month the choice will be 335d or the new A4 if we are getting the TDI version. However, since I am not I guess I have the luxury to wait for more options coming up which I have no doubt that is going to happen in the very near future.
 
I am no tree-hugger but just sick and tired to give my hard earn money to the evil oil companies.

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Dec 10, 2007 - Camry XLE Finished Last in the Recent Comparo

The comparo was done by Edmunds and they fielded 4 cars: '08 Honda Accord EX-L, '07 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE, '08 Chevy Malibu LTZ and '07 Toyota Camry XLE. All equipped with V6 engines.<u1:p></u1:p>

I personally have no beef about Camry finishing 4th since it is the oldest out of the 4. What I do have problem with this comparo is that since Edmunds made driving dynamics (sportiness) such a big deal in a midsize family sedan comparison, why choose the cushy Camry (XLE) over the sporty Camry (SE)?<u1:p></u1:p>

Also, before declaring the Camry as the new Buick maybe Edmunds should do some research so they'll know that some people (as matter of fact, a lot of people) actually prefer no feedback and sloppy ride. Just because they aren't as vocal as the "enthusiasts" here on the Edmunds doesn't mean that they should be overlooked. I, for one, give credit to Toyota for offering 2 versions of the Camry in order to satisfy as many buyers as possible.
 
Some would argue what's the point for a Camry SE, wouldn't it just be another Camry? I also think that way before I had a chance to drive a Camry SE for a weekend and I can tell you in all honesty that the sports tuned suspension does make a HUGE difference.
 
I have no problem for Edmunds to field a XLE if they are intended to drive these family sedans like THE WAY MOST PEOPLE DO. However, since they are testing these cars like sports sedans and the driving dynamics are heavily emphasized I can think of no other reasons but their own biasness of why not choosing the sportier Camry.

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Nov 5, 2007 - Want to know why people think Americans are arrogant?

Because of these...

(Following are some quotes I came across in a automotive forum)

- Well the people in this country do not want to own Toyota Prius type cars. I know I don't !!!!

- The Mini-Cooper, is one of the ugliest vehicles made. I would not want to drive it. You wouldn't catch me dead in one. They also are not really that quick. They are around average. They handle okay and that's about it but so does most BMW's.

- They should have the right to drive a Suburban, if they choose. This whole CAFE, is B.S. A Hummer H-2 will pollute the enviroment a lot less than a Toyota Prius. That is a FACT !!!!

- That 35 mpg is unachievableat this present time unless GM, sells a fleet of Aveo sized automobiles. Our country will be ruined by the 35 mpg standard.

- Well the Big 3 are all I really care about and yes this CAFE increase that is unrealistic without making everybody drive under powered smaller cars will destroy the big 3 including GM

It is amazing that in some parts of this country, there are still people have dreams to drive a big arse, gas guzzler truck once they have "made it".

Sigh...

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