Acura is hosting a media event for the 2013 Acura ILX and RDX this week in Arizona. Tonight was the first night of the event and we were treated to introductions to each model. Tomorrow and Tuesday we will get detailed technical briefings on each vehicle, but the one new nugget we heard tonight was that the 2013 ILX will be priced at a starting point of around $27000 when it goes on sale next month.

Below are a few photos of the ILX from this evening's reception.





UPDATE from the morning technical meeting:
The 2.4L 6MT and 1.5L Hybrid models are expected to start at around $30k. The cars go on-sale officially May 25th, 2012 and will be built at Honda's new Greensburg, Indiana facility.

A few other notes of interest:

2.0L engine has a balancer shaft, Acura says it delivers performance that matches TSX 2.4 5AT.

Hybrid powertrain is nearly identical to Civic Hybrid powertrain but the electronics have been retuned extensively - said to deliver city-speed responsiveness approaching the level of CR-Z in sport mode

All ILX trim levels feature Amplitude Reactive Dampers for improved maneuverabilty and ride comfort

That huge glovebox has a 7.4L capacity

To be built and sold in North America and exported to China

Earth Dreams powerplants will be introduced to the line about as soon as they're available. Not necessarily waiting for a hard date for an MMC event.

Driving impressions of the ILX are embargoed until April 20, 2012.

From a "premium" standpoint, the ILX is a pretty clear step above the 9th generation Civics. This is from the standpoint of build quality, features, materials, and design details.

The ILX body is composed of 62% high strength steel, with aluminum hood and and bumper beams to keep body weight as low as possible

The 6MT 2.4L version lacks the limited-slip differential found in the 2012 Civic Si.

Between the 3 trim levels, there's a surprisingly tight range of curb weights - the base 2.0L version is the lightest at 2910lb, while the Hybrid Technology model tops out the range at 2987lb, for a span of a mere 77lb. The 2.4 6MT model (only offered in Premium trim) weighs 2978lb.

Last edited by JeffX on March 20, 2012 04:08