(continued from above)
"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 has 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 has 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 has
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.
Acura ILX 2.4L: Review (2/2)
