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FRONTLINEOctober 2015 Vol 17 Issue 10 Dedicated to the Success of the Acura Retail Sales Professional

In search of the most complete midsize luxury sedan experience (page 2)

Total Luxury:

Luxury in a Compact Package

ILX vs. Audi A3, Lexus IS 250, and

Mercedes-Benz CLA250(page 4)

“Talk to Me!” Voice Command Enhancements (page 5)

On the iN: Frontline checks out AcuraLaunchTraining.com (page 6)

What happens in Vegas… (page 8)

PLUS

Insider Scoop: NSX at The Quail

(page 7)

TLX 3.5-liter V-6 P-AWS® and SH-AWD®

TLX 3.5-liter V-6 vs.

› Audi A4 › BMW 335i › Infiniti Q50 › Lexus ES 350 › Lexus IS 350

What defines a luxury automobile? Leather-trimmed interior? A powerful engine? Sophisticated safety technology?

While competitors may emphasize one or two elements, the Acura TLX 3.5-liter V-6 provides a total package of luxury attributes. No single competitor in its segment can match the TLX’s comprehensive approach to luxury:

› Performance: Producing a maximum of 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, TLX’s 3.5-liter V-6 is comparable to or superior to other vehicles in its competitive set with the exception of the BMW 335i’s 300 lb-ft of torque or the Infiniti Q50’s 328 horsepower. (Note: for 2016, the BMW 335i is replaced by the 340i with a twin turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that produces 320 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.)

02

Total Luxury:

Specification 2015 Acura TLX V-6

2015 Audi A4 2.0T

2015 BMW 335i

2015 Infiniti Q50

2015 Lexus ES 350

2015 Lexus IS 350

Configuration 3.5-liter V-6 2.0-liter I-4 Turbo

3.0-liter I-6 Twin Turbo 3.7-liter V-6 3.5-liter V-6 3.5-liter V-6

Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net)

290 @ 6,200 220 @ 4,450 300 @ 5,800 328 @ 7,000 268 @ 6,200 306 @ 6,400

Torque lb-ft @ rpm (SAE net)

267 @ 4,500 258 @ 1,500 300 @ 1,200 269 @ 5,200 248 @ 4,700 277 @ 4,800

› Handling: Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS®) enables the rear wheels to adjust toe angles independently, while Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) offers torque vectoring and the ability to revolve the outside rear wheel faster than the other wheels to help rotate TLX through the turn when cornering. None of the vehicles in TLX’s competitive set offer anything comparable to either technology.

y Integrated Dynamics SystemTLX’s standard Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) lets drivers emphasize performance, fuel efficiency, and/or handling by choosing one of four unique driving modes: Normal, Economy, Sport, and Sport+. Similar systems are optional on Audi A4 and standard on the other vehicles in TLX’s competitive set.

› Fuel Efficiency: Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) and a 9-speed automatic transmission are Not Available on any of the vehicles in TLX V-6’s competitive set. (In addition, direct injection is Not Available on the Lexus ES 350.) TLX V-6 with P-AWS has a better highway fuel economy rating than any vehicle in its competitive set and, except for the 220 horsepower Audi A4, an equal or better city rating. TLX V-6 SH-AWD has better ratings in all categories than AWD competitors except Audi A4 quattro®, which it matches in highway and combined ratings.

Specification 2015 Acura TLX V-6

2015 Audi A4 2.0T

2015 BMW 335i

2015 Infiniti Q50

2015 Lexus ES 350

2015 Lexus IS 350

EPA Fuel Economy Rating (City/ Highway/ Combined mpg)1

P-AWS 21/34/25SH-AWD

21/31/25

FrontTrak24/32/27

Quattro22/31/25

RWD21/32/25

xDrive20/30/24

RWD20/29/23

AWD19/27/22

FWD21/31/24

RWD19/28/22

AWD19/26/21

1Based on 2015 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only), and other factors.

› Interior Space and Ergonomics: Packaging and ergonomics—traditional Acura strengths—result in a spacious and comfortable cabin for front and rear passengers. According to Edmunds.com, TLX has: “Ample front seat leg- and headroom. Rear seat legroom is impressive, [although] rear headroom will be a problem for passengers taller than 6 feet. A picture of packaging efficiency, the TLX will keep four average-size adults comfortable.” The 9-speed automatic transmission with electronic gear selector, instead of a traditional shift lever, adds to the feeling of spaciousness for front-seat passengers.

Acura Frontline I October 2015 03

BMW 335i LEXUS ES 350

› Luxury Appointments: TLX is appointed as one would expect of a luxury automobile, with standard leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and a two-position memory for the driver’s seat on all trim levels. Such features are extra-cost options on the BMW 335i (except for driver’s seat memory), Lexus ES 350, and Lexus IS 350.

› Top Safety Ratings: The 2015 TLX 3.5 V-6 P-AWS and SH-AWD both earned a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score, a 5-Star Frontal Crash Overall Rating, a 5-Star Side Crash Overall Rating, and a 5-Star Rollover Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In TLX’s competitive set, the 2015 Audi A4 was the only other vehicle to also earn 5 Stars in all four measures. The other four competitors each earned a 4-Star rating in one of the measures.

A 2015 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ (with the Advance Package that includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ [CMBS™]), the 2015 TLX earned an ACCEPTABLE rating, the second-highest possible on the demanding new IIHS Small Overlap Front crash test. Only the 2015 Infiniti Q50 also scored an ACCEPTABLE rating on the test. The 2015 Audi A4 scored POOR, while the 2015 BMW 3 Series scored MARGINAL. The 2015 Lexus ES 350 and IS 350 were not rated. (Note: The 2016 Lexus ES 350 has earned a GOOD rating.)

› Driver-Assist Technology: The IIHS Front Crash Prevention tests measure the effectiveness of available autobrake driver-assist technology to slow the vehicles without driver intervention and thereby avoid or mitigate the force of a front collision in two tests—at 12 and 25 mph. The 2015 TLX and Infiniti Q50 both are rated SUPERIOR (with optional equipment), the highest rating possible, in Front Crash Prevention. The other vehicles in TLX’s competitive set each received ADVANCED ratings—the second highest rating, indicating that their available autobrake technology does not slow the vehicles as effectively as that of the TLX and Q50. (Note: The 2016 Lexus ES 350 has received a SUPERIOR rating.)

› Reliability: Luxury vehicle owners expect a trouble-free ownership experience. According to USNews.com, the 2015 TLX has a better reliability rating than the 2015 Audi A4 and 2015 Infiniti Q50 and a reliability rating equal to that of the 2015 BMW 3 Series and 2015 Lexus IS.

› Retained Value/Low Cost of Ownership: Luxury vehicles should have lasting value. Acura won the 2015 Edmunds.com Best Retained Value Award, Luxury Division. All trim levels of the 2015 TLX have higher ALG residual values than the 2015 Model Year Audi A4 2.0T, BMW 335i, and Infiniti Q50. Depending on trim level, TLX has better or comparable ALG residual values vs. the Lexus ES 350.

As a result of their higher residual values, Acura vehicles traditionally have lower overall cost of ownership than competitive vehicles. For example, according to IntelliChoice.com Cost of Ownership calculations, the 2015 TLX V-6 P-AWS with Technology Package will cost thousands less to own over 5 years and 75,000 miles than the 2015 BMW 335i and Infiniti Q50 and over $1,000 less than the 2015 Lexus IS 350.

› Purchase Convenience and Value: By grouping equipment into discrete trim levels instead of individual options or packages, Acura makes it simple and convenient for clients to identify the trim level they prefer and also makes it more likely they will be able to find that vehicle. Offering equipment in a limited number of packages also allows Acura to achieve economies of scale that contribute to TLX’s impressive value proposition.

See IIHS Front Crash Prevention tests:

See TLX Features on Acura.com, including Driver Assistance, Braking & Stability, and Lighting & Visibility:

02 04 04

2016 ILX vs.

› Audi A3 › Lexus IS 250 › Mercedes-Benz CLA250

The 2016 ILX also offers clients a total luxury package:

› Performance: ILX’s 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder produces 201 horsepower, which is significantly more than that of the Audi A3 1.8T and comparable to the other vehicles in its competitive set. ILX’s 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with torque converter is unique in its segment. (Note: For 2016, the Lexus IS 250 is replaced by the IS 200t turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.)

Luxury in a Compact Package: ILX

Specification 2016 Acura ILX

2015 Audi A3 1.8T

2015 Lexus IS 250

2015 Mercedes-Benz

CLA250

Configuration 2.4-liter I-4 1.8-liter I-4 Turbo 2.5-liter V-6 2.0-liter I-4 Turbo

Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net) 201 @ 6,800 170 @ 4,500 204 @ 6,400 208 @ 5,500

Torque lb-ft @ rpm (SAE net) 180 @ 3,600 200 @ 1,600 185 @ 4,800 258 @ 1,250

› Handling: ILX’s independent strut-type front suspension and multi-link rear suspension are comparable to those of the other vehicles in its competitive set.

› Fuel Efficiency: ILX has better EPA city, highway, and combined fuel economy ratings than any of the vehicles in its competitive set.

Specification 2016 Acura ILX

2015 Audi A3 1.8T

2015 Lexus IS 250

2015 Mercedes-Benz

CLA250 EPA Fuel Economy Rating (City/ Highway/ Combined mpg)

25/36/292 23/33/271 21/30/241 24/33/271



› Interior Space and Ergonomics: ILX has 6.9 inches more rear-seat legroom than the Mercedes-Benz CLA250. ILX’s headroom, legroom, and shoulder room measurements are comparable to the other vehicles in its class.

› Top Safety Ratings: The 2016 ILX, 2015 Audi A3, and 2015 Lexus IS 250 have all received a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is Not Rated. ILX and the A3 earned 2015 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ ratings when equipped with optional autobrake systems. IS 250 and CLA250 have not completed all IIHS tests.

› Driver-Assist Technology: Only ILX and CLA250 earned SUPERIOR ratings for Front Crash Prevention when equipped with optional autobrake systems. A3 and IS 250 received ADVANCED ratings when equipped with their autobrake systems.

› Reliability: The 2015 ILX’s reliability rating is equal to that for the Lexus IS 250 and Mercedes-Benz CLA250. It has a better reliability rating than the Audi A3. (Reliability ratings are not yet available for the 2016 ILX.)

› Retained Value/Low Cost of Ownership: ILX’s ALG residual values are comparable to those of the other vehicles in its competitive set.

› Purchase Convenience and Value: ILX’s trim levels make it simple and convenient for clients to identify the trim level they prefer, makes it more likely they will be able to find that vehicle, and contributes to ILX’s impressive value proposition.

See ILX Features on Acura.com, including Driver Assistance, Braking & Stability, and Lighting & Visibility:


New:

Beginning with some Acura models delivered in Fall 2015, new voice recognition system software is designed to provide enhanced system speed and voice recognition accuracy. Future Navigation software updates will include the upgraded voice recognition system. Please refer to www.acuranavi.com for details on map update information. For the latest information on application of the update, scan this QR code.

With a shortened list of available commands and a new 6-category voice recognition portal, the update provides easy access to the most commonly used commands, while improving voice recognition accuracy.

It’s important to note that existing clients who install the update will have a reduced number of available voice commands and it’s possible that some commands they have used in the past will no longer be available in their Acura. The software update cannot be reversed.

Commands shown in white in the following chart are available with the updated voice recognition system software. The previous software generation offered the commands shown in white, along with the additional commands in gray.

Updated Voice Recognition System“Talk to Me!”

If you haven’t yet checked out AcuraLaunchTraining.com, try your hand at finding the following information there.

› Where and when will the Product Technology Training Tour be in

Washington state?

› If you’re from Washington state, where and when will it be

in Florida?

› Find and view the Acura Technology Animation for Precision

All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS). Describe what happens when the

vehicle brakes.

› What’s shown on the front cover of the 2014 Facts Guide relating to

Heritage of Innovation?

› How many AcuraLink® App Demos are currently available?

› Which two Acura models will currently allow you to use the Acura

In-Car Technology Trainer?

› According to the Acura Lineup Guide, on which two Acura models is

acoustic front side glass standard?

› On which Acura model is acoustic rear side glass standard?

› What is the recent blog post—It Looks Like This Is Goodbye. For

Now.—about?

› What was the subject of the August 2015 blog post?

ExploringAcuraLaunchTraining.com Have you explored everything it has to offer?

06

For More InformationTo go directly to the Acura Launch

Training website, scan this QR Code

with your smartphone or tablet with

the QR Code reader app installed.

Consumer Information Booklet

Maintenance Journal

Owner’s Guide

CD

A slimmed-down Acura Owner Information Kit first appeared in the 2015 RDX and is now provided for all Acura models.

Please remember…The trimmed-down kit includes a printed Owner’s Guide that is much smaller than the Owner’s Manual and replaces the Advanced Technology Guide. It’s a visually driven primer on how to operate all of the vehicle’s technology, audio, and convenience features, and it also includes safety, emergency, and specification information.

Also included in the Owner Information Kit is a CD containing the following: › Full Owner’s Manual

› Navigation Manual

› Vehicle Warranty Booklet

› Tire Warranty Booklet

All of these can also be viewed at the Acura Owners website (owners.acura.com).The SiriusXM® Radio brochure is also included in the kit.

Owner’s Guide Replaces Advanced Technology Guide

The Owner’s Guide that is included in the slimmed-down Acura Owner Information Kit replaces the

previous Advanced Technology Guide.


NSX at The QuailThe Quail is an invitation-only annual Monterey Car Week event held at Quail Lodge and Golf Club in Carmel Valley, California, where car enthusiasts come to show each other their beautifully restored automobiles. This past August, the restored classics were joined by three all-new NSX models—two that were being shown for the first time.


Valencia Red Pearl NSXExterior Features and Options › Black brake calipers with ceramic rotors

› NSX Signature Y-spoke wheels

› Body-colored rear decklid

Interior Features and Options › Red interior

› Leather and Alcantara power sports seats

› Black Alcantara headliner

› ELS Studio® Audio and Technology Package:

– 9-speaker ELS Studio Premium Audio

– Acura Navigation System

– SiriusXM® Satellite Radio

– AcuraLink

– Front and rear parking sensors

As the first build-to-order (“bespoke”) vehicle for Acura, the all-new NSX will feature an extensive array of factory-installed options. The following features and options were displayed on the three NSX models at the prestigious event.

Nouvelle Blue Pearl NSXExterior Features and Options › Carbon Exterior Package: carbon fiber front

spoiler, side sills, rear diffuser, and exhaust finisher

› NSX Carbon Engine Cover: carbon fiber front, side, and rear engine covers

› Carbon roof

› Silver brake calipers with ceramic rotors

› NSX exclusive Interwoven wheels


Interior Features and Options › Orchid interior

› Interior Carbon Sports Package: carbon fiber meter visor, steering garnish, aluminum foot rest, and sport pedals



› ELS Studio Audio and Technology Package:



– SiriusXM Satellite Radio

– AcuraLink


Berlina Black NSXExterior Features and Options › Carbon Exterior Package: carbon fiber front

spoiler, side sills, rear diffuser, and exhaust finisher

› NSX Carbon Engine Cover: carbon fiber front, side, and rear engine covers

› Carbon roof

› Black brake calipers with ceramic rotors

› NSX Signature Y-spoke wheels


Interior Features and Options › Saddle interior

› Interior Carbon Sports Package: carbon fiber meter visor, steering garnish, aluminum foot rest, and sport pedals



› ELS Studio Audio and Technology Package:



– SiriusXM Satellite Radio

– AcuraLink


Scan the QR Code with your smartphone or tablet with QR Code reader app installed to watch the latest NSX videos.

NSX Videos

Acura Frontline is published by the Auto Sales Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Sales Communications Department, solely as an informational aid for Acura Retail Sales Professionals. By publication of this material, Acura does not create any warranty either expressed or implied as to Acura products. Employees, representatives, or agents shall not be held liable for any omission of data or inclusion of erroneous data. ©2015 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Printed in U.S.A. 08

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