Acura RSX: Integra Again
Back in 1986, when the Acura brand was introduced by the Honda Motor Company, two models started it all: the Legend and the Integra. Since that time several additional models have joined the Acura line up and the two original models were renamed: the Legend became the RL and the Integra was renamed the RSX. Today’s RSX – a three door hatchback — continues to offer pretty much what the original Integra stood for: luxury, engineering, and value. Let’s take a closer look at this popular seller and what the car means to both the driver and to the company.
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Is Acura Missing the Alternate Fuels Boat?
While parent company Honda continues to bestow all of its hybrid technology on its Honda division vehicles, Acura is doing without any alternate engine sources to power their cars and SUVs. Instead, the division is relying on newer gasoline engines to promote fuel efficiency as well as to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Is Acura doing enough or is Honda’s luxury division missing the boat? Big changes are headed Acura’s way, changes that could enormously overhaul the brand and bring to the market vehicles powered by a variety of alternate fuel sources. Let’s examine exactly what might be Acura’s alternate powerplant offerings at the beginning of the next decade.
The Saturn VUE Hybrid: The Price Is Right
The hybrid fad is anything but a fad. Ever since Honda and Toyota introduced their respective gas-electric models several years ago, competing automakers have been playing catch up. Indeed, General Motors – ravaged by financial woes and negative press coverage – has been doing its best to jump into the fray nearly a full year after archrival Ford Motor Company introduced its first hybrid the Ford Escape. This summer the 2007 Saturn VUE Green Line goes on sale, an SUV that is priced just right. Please keep reading to learn what sets this new model apart from the rest.
Buying a hybrid vehicle can look like the right decision at first glance. Higher fuel mileage, lowered gas consumption, and a vehicle that is much more environmentally friendly are some of a hybrid’s chief attributes. However, most hybrids have carried a hefty price premium compared to their gasoline powered brethren. Even with soon-to-expire government tax credits figured in, most hybrids cost thousands of dollars more than the average gas-powered vehicle.
For 2007, the Saturn VUE Green Line edition will change all of that.
Yes, if you are in the market for a hybrid SUV, you do have some choices. The Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape each offer hybrid models. For 2007, Saturn’s SUV the VUE will have a hybrid model in the mix too. Here are some of the features that will set the VUE apart from the competition:
An Attractive Price – With an MSRP of $22,995, the VUE Green Line will be priced at about $4000 less than the competition. Although still several thousand dollars higher than the basic gasoline VUE, the retail price of Saturn’s hybrid VUE is something to be reckoned with.
Best Highway Mileage – Unlike some hybrids that get better fuel mileage around town, the VUE Green Line will show a dramatic improvement in highway fuel economy: projected figures are 27 mpg city; 32 mpg highway. GM says that fuel mileage improvements will come through electric powered acceleration assist, early fuel cut off during deceleration, and engine cut-off while idling.
The VUE Green Line will be powered by a 2.4L engine producing 170 horsepower. This compares to the base 2.2L gasoline engine available with other VUEs that produce 143 horsepower. In addition, standard equipment upgrades for the VUE Green Line will include 16 inch alloy wheels, antilock brakes with traction control, bright side molding with rear spoiler, and more. Finally, OnStar will be included and the usual power convenience packages will also be options.
The Saturn VUE Green Line will be joined by the Saturn AURA Green Line in 2007. This Opel-derived sedan will debut in the fall as a gasoline model, months before the hybrid version is ready. Expect sales of both models to be strong as long as high gasoline prices remain in place as expected by some.
You can power your vehicle in the right direction by only installing high quality, replacement and performance parts. Give your vehicle’s suspension system the boost that it needs by checking out the best brands, Rancho, Bilstein, and Fabtech today!
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