2013 Acura ILX Revealed in Production Form

[omoderncultureo]

2013 Acura ILX
The 2013 Acura ILX compact sedan is an all-new model that is positioned as the gateway into the Acura brand. The primary target customers for the new ILX are Generation Y- successful 20 and 30-somethings moving into the luxury car ranks but looking for high-value propositions in their purchases.

"First-time luxury buyers tend to place a high value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues, and that's what we have created with the new Acura ILX," said Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio. "The strategy behind this new model is to position ILX as the first opportunity for many young buyers to enter the luxury market."

Sleek and sporty, the ILX combines luxury, performance and efficiency. While maintaining a strong emphasis on stylish and aerodynamically efficient exterior design, the ILX features a large and airy greenhouse that provides excellent outward visibility. As a five-passenger luxury sedan, the ILX combines compact proportions with a spacious passenger interior and ample cargo space- perfect attributes for young professionals on the go.

The ILX will feature three advanced, sporty and efficient powertrain choices, including Acura's first-ever gas-electric hybrid. The entry-level ILX will be powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. Paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, the ILX 2.0L will deliver an EPA estimated* city/highway fuel economy of 24/32 mpg.

For those who seek a more dynamic driving experience, the ILX can be equipped with a 2.4-liter engine with an output of 201 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft torque at 4,300 rpm. Mated to a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission, the ILX 2.4L will deliver an EPA estimated* city/highway fuel economy of 20/29 mpg.

Marking the debut of Acura's first ever hybrid model, the ILX Hybrid makes use of a 1.5-liter inline engine and an Integrated Motor Assist® electric motor. Paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the ILX 1.5L Hybrid will deliver an EPA estimated* city/highway fuel economy rating of 35/38 mpg.

The hybrid drivetrain uses the gasoline engine as the primary power source, while an electric motor provides additional power when needed. A lithium-ion battery pack is used to capture and store electricity for the 20 horsepower electric motor. Together, the gasoline engine and electric motor produce 111 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque between 1,000-3,000 rpm. During braking, the gasoline engine deactivates and the electric motor acts as a generator to recharge the battery pack. At a stop, the 1.5-liter engine can enter idle-stop mode to save fuel and reduce emissions. The engine remains off until the brake pedal is released.

The ILX chassis utilizes advanced MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems, along with new Amplitude Reactive Dampers. The dampers operate in two distinct performance parameters to simultaneously provide superior ride comfort and precision handling. In addition, Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering is used for excellent steering feel and improved fuel efficiency. The result is a chassis with a high level of refinement, confident handling and a nimble and sporty driving experience.

The ILX will feature a high-quality, well-appointed interior that is smart, spacious and sporty. It will offer a number of new, high-value features including a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, along with Pandora® internet radio interface and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world.

As with all Acura models, the ILX will have a long list of standard features, multiple trim levels (a Premium Package and Technology Package), and excellent standard safety features- including Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®). Although yet to be tested, Acura anticipates that the ILX will achieve top crash safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The available Premium Package features leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system, a rear view camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin.

Building on the Premium Package, the available Technology Package adds Acura's award winning ELS Surround® audio system and a full complement of relevant technologies, including AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps. The navigation system makes use of a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity- including 15 gigabytes that can be specifically allocated for music storage. With the available Premium or Technology Package, a new multi-view rear camera is used.

The Acura ILX will be manufactured (using U.S. and globally sourced parts), exclusively at the company's state-of-the-art Greensburg, Indiana plant, one of only three plants worldwide to receive J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Platinum Award for outstanding product quality, and the top award for any factory in North America.

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[invisiblewar]

its not terrible

[urogolf]

odd vent placement on the rt side..
but other than that.. Looks nice!

glad to see the beak is under control

[vwpiloto]

That thing looks awful. Not only is the current Acura design language horrible, on this particular model it seems that they tried to force it onto that specific chassis size.

[50fridge]

The car looks nice except the rear. I wish they made it a hatchback because it would look better.

[too_slow]

The air-flow vents inside the cabin looks HUUUUUUUUUUUGE!

Interesting how they detuned the K20A base engine. The CSX in Canada offers 160hp, albeit it "recommends" putting in premium (which nobody does). Will wait for pricing before I pick this car apart. If pricing is close to CSX pricing, then do want!

[TangoRed]

Meh. For whatever reason if you told me this was a 2009 or a 2010 model car I wouldn't blink.

[TooFitToQuit]

I love it. Too bad there's no wagon version.

[Mazda 3s]

The dashboard looks huge and like something you'd find in a crossover (namely the MDX or RDX)

[Mazda 3s]

I love it. Too bad there's no wagon version.

Yeah, because people are buying the TSX Wagon...

[TooFitToQuit]

Yeah, because people are buying the TSX Wagon...

I like it, just not in that class of car these days.

[classicjetta]

Looks decent, pricing better be competitive though. Starting at $22-23 and topping out around $30.

[Yo Teach]

Hmm...I'd take a Verano instead. But I'm not shopping this class, so what I think is inconsequential.

[DubNMiatafan]

I dig it

[Hufeisen]

I have not paid attention to the Acura line (not hating, just not intrigued lately), but the rear fenders remind me of Mercedes's pontoon design element.

[Mazda 3s]

Wait, what? 111 hp total (gas + electric motor) in the hybrid? Wonder how slow that biatch is gonna be

And how is it that the 150hp engine only gets 24/32 city/highway? WTF?

[choochoo]

that's the dash that should have been in the civic in the first place...... i don't know what else to say.... it better be a hell of a lot better than a civic if Acura plans to sell a lot of them.

[TigerinColorado]

OMG that looks down-market. Even from a TSX.

5-speed Auto?! It had better be cheap.

[esrballa]

Very meh, and the rear on that side profile looks like its been cut short.

[mozcar78]

Wait, what? 111 hp total (gas + electric motor) in the hybrid? Wonder how slow that biatch is gonna be

the fury of 111 hp is just overwhelming...

[Swallow Doretti]

OMG that looks down-market. Even from a TSX.

It had better be cheap.

It is downmarket. Where are the luxury features? I know Honda still thinks a power driver's seat and a 360 watt stereo are a big deal, but the rest of the world has moved on. A Ford Focus can be had with significantly more feature content--LUXURY feature content--for less money. Same with the new Dodge Dart. I get this is just a tarted-up Civic, but there's just a dearth of tart here.

Funny thing--my sister is totally buying one of these for her next car (she's been extraordinarily happy with her Acura dealer), but I'm just left scratching my head.

[C4 A6]

Looks like Camry...

[acceleration]

I guess the inspiration for the C-pillar came from here:





Not a fan. I was looking forward to this car, but the end result is uninspiring to say the least (not that the concept was much better). Bring back the days of the Integra, RSX and original TSX!

[Guy Legend]

OMG that looks down-market. Even from a TSX. :facepalm

And its supposed to replace the TSX too. Gonna be interesting to see where the TL goes from here in terms of size/price. Acura wants 3 clearly differentiated sedans - ILX, TL, and RL/flagship.

[2.0_Mazda]

was looking forward for this Acura, and I'm disappointed. C-pillar is worst then expected

[RWD_only]

Alright, I'll admit it: I like it. I wouldn't buy one, but this is the first Acura product I wouldn't be embarrassed to be in since 2007.

[Lwize]

And how is it that the 150hp engine only gets 24/32 city/highway? WTF?

It's probably geared for sporty, rather than thrifty.

The hybrid, too, must be programmed for "peppy", considering the Civic Hybrid is rated 44/44, versus 35/38 here.

I do like the analog gauges. The split-level analog/digital setup in the Civic isn't thrilling.

[CadiGTi]

Pricing will be paramount.

If it is priced right and there are lease deals it will be a success.

Fuel economy is a big disappointment..even on the hybrid...Honda needs to be a leader in powertrains again.

[2.0T_Convert]

Buick Verano - 21/32
Acura ILX - 24/32

Acura is down on power but then if you jump a class the Buick Regal is much slower than a VW CC but each car directly competes.

The engine is likely the R20. Old technology still which means a new DI engine could be around the corner. Peak torque seems rather low so I assume the ILX will be geared to feel peppy at the expense of fuel economy.

[SHIPARCH]

Looks bland, this should've been the new Civic, of course the one shown here being the highest trim level. The new RDX crossover looks even more bland, for entry level premium cars I say not good.

Acura (and Honda) has lost it's mojo, interiors look like higher end Hondas and exterior styling is as bland as ever and IMO, unable to compete with either Lexus, Infiniti, Audi, Mercedes, etc.

[IdontOwnAVW]

I saw the car at the Philly Auto Show (well...their model of it with no interior) and was a fan. Depending on pricing this could be a good commuter.

[InfinitiG]

Ok, I was championing the concept, I thought it looked great. But this looks straight up whack.

That wheel gap is horrendous.

[InfinitiG]

And how is it that the 150hp engine only gets 24/32 city/highway? WTF?

Seriously. My 200 hp Honda engine gets 31 highway no problem.

[Robski92]

I like it. It's clean and classy and with a nice set of classy wheels it will look the business as an entry level luxury car ..................depending on the price

[six_banger]

Came here to post this. Leaving fulfilled.