Import Insights: Honda/Acura (July 2014)

Import Insights: Honda/Acura (July 2014)

Acura ILX underhoodHonda Sales Hot In May

May 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales showed an overall increase of 9% compared to May 2013, which showed a similar increase vs. the previous year. The Honda Division posted an increase of 9.8% with May sales of 137,928 units. The Acura division gained 2.2% on May sales of 14,675, with light trucks increasing 32.9% for the month on sales of 10,301 units. Year-to-date American Honda sales reached 610,413 units. In particular, Accord, Civic and CR-V each topped 30,000 units in May, with the Accord up 19.3%.

Hot-selling Acura light trucks continued their record-setting pace, combining to achieve the best May sales in division history. Total Acura division sales in- creased 2.2% over last year on sales of 14,675 units in May.

Acura ILX emblem2015 Acura ILX Powertrain Specs

The 2015 Acura ILX made its debut in the Honda lineup in June. The ILX is available in four grade levels offering different blends of performance and premium features with these two powertrain choices:

• The SOHC 2.0-L inline 4-cylinder has 16 valves, i-VTEC and a specially tuned dual-stage intake manifold. The 2.0-L produces 150 hp at 6,500 rpm, and 140 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm.

• ILX 2.4-L i-VTEC, six-speed manual transmission, 31 mpg rating (highway), with Premium Package.

Acura’s i-VTEC is an “intelligent” valve control system that pairs Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) with Variable Timing Control (VTC). The aluminum powerplant produces 201 hp at 7,000 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm.

The 2.0-L direct-injected engine produces 150 hp and is paired with a Sequential SportShift five-speed automatic transmission. For a more dynamic driving experience, a 2.4-L engine that pumps out 201 hp is mated to a close- ratio, six-speed manual transmission.

Acura ILX hybridAcura Debuts First Hybrid

The ILX Hybrid is the first-ever hybrid vehicle from Acura, powered by a fifth-generation of Honda’s integrated electric motor system. The integrated electric motor consists of an ultra-thin DC brushless electric motor mounted between the gasoline engine and the Continuously Variable Transmission. The gasoline engine and electric motor combine to produce maximum output of 111 hp at 5,500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,000-3,500 rpm.

You May Also Like

Toyota Direct Injection? Port Injection? Why Not Both?

Port fuel injection and direct fuel injection systems each have their advantages and disadvantages.

If you’ve serviced import vehicles for at least the past decade, you may have seen a Toyota vehicle that has both direct fuel injection and port fuel injection. You will see port fuel injectors in the intake manifold and a direct injection fuel pump. Toyota calls this system the D-4S or Dynamic Force Engine (the “S” stands for superior) and the earliest application was on the Lexus GS SUV with the V8. The D-4S system is not a “cold start” or “dousing” injector system, like that on V6 engines from the early to late 2000s.

Toyota Squeaking Noise From Rear Suspension 

Follow the repair procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.

Toyota Milliwave Calibration Tips

Calibration is necessary due to several factors affecting the radar’s functionality.

Different Nameplates, Different Expectations

Honda is one of the least concerned manufacturers about system voltages when it comes to reflashing.

Nissan Electro Hydraulic Steering

Nissan’s steering system is susceptible to driver-error.

Other Posts

Honda’s Cumulative EV Sales Tick Past the 1 Million Mark

The automaker says it has a vision to make battery-electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles represent 100% of its new vehicle sales by 2040.

Acura Frozen Starter Causes No Start

Why won’t the engine crank after the vehicle has been exposed to precipitation and then freezing temperatures?

Honda Prologue All-Electric SUV Debuts

The vehicle will have an estimated 288 horsepower, 333 lb.-ft. of torque and a 300-mile range.

EVgo, Honda Partner on Public Fast Charging

EVgo charging credit of up to $750 will be available for drivers of upcoming Honda and Acura EV models.