Well, you’re probably all too drunk to be reading this, but maybe you’ll catch it in the morning.

As you and your liver know, it’s St. Patrick’s Day today! St. Partick’s Day started when…huh? Yeah, pass over another Guinness!

Enough talking – check out the gallery below and let us know what green supercar is your favorite. Feel free to share your own in the comments!

Serving as a Christmas after Christmas for me, the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto is my first chance to gain a firsthand view of the most recent products. While many have made global debuts at many prior auto shows, I will attest there is no replacement to setting your own eyes on the presence of great vehicles. Therefore, as a member of accredited media, I set out to the festivities in Toronto ready to be dazzled once again by lovely creations from metal and applicable composites. Fitting for this year, the media day corresponding with Valentine’s Day allowed me to spend a day with ones I love the most from the families of General Motors, Ford, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, just to mention a few.

By entrance into Toronto was confronted by an occurrence that left me feeling a little sore. Getting off a crowded transit train, I attempted to be courteous and allow someone else to step down the stairs from the Toronto’s Union Station first platform. For some reason, the person gave a dirty look at me with a most ungrateful fashion. Chivalry is said to be dead; I am sure people like the one I experienced was the one who killed it. After being in the presence of so many disrespectful people in the past few years, I entered 2013 realizing I need to spend less time trying to be nice to the rotten and rude people because there are too many nice individuals on this planet who deserve respect. The fact that I have written over 500 articles for Automoblog.net and sister site Audisite.com demonstrates mutual goodwill I am thankful to be part of with every project I produce. It was just a bad predicament that shamefully detracted me from my enthusiasm for the 2013 auto show.

There is also the consideration that I believe that the automobile is an exclusive culture. The development of the automobile has always been the result of mass cooperation or mass competition among respectable rivals. For this reason, I looked forward to making up way to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow. From the buzz of this year’s show, I knew it would be a bustling exhibition of vehicle lifestyle. I was not to be disappointed. Rather than giving an hour-by-hour account of everything I had the pleasure to immerse myself in during the Valentine’s Day media festivities at the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow, I can sum up the presentation along several themes.

The first such theme of the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow was more free-spirited automotive creations. The BMW i cars (the i3 hatchback and the i8 sport coupe) were found right beside a BMW Z4 roadster and 560-horsepower BMW M6 Gran Coupe creating a satisfying concentration of the German automaker’s best. Toyota brought their far-out Fun-Vii concept vehicle (a design I continue to liken to a lovechild between an electric car and smartphone). The dynamic screen-like panels of the Toyota Fun-Vii was worth beholding in person. With South Korean brand Kia, their display of family and economy-oriented vehicles (such as the newly revealed Cadenza sedan) was joined by a series of art cars.

It was my plan to regularly update of transpiring activities through Twitter but spotty media WiFi in the complex left me sending far fewer than I wanted. Nonetheless, I was able to send out a few rather eye-catching spectacles from the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow. An instantly memorable example was a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG treated with a gold exterior. All I could think of when seeing that sport utility vehicle was who would drive something as lavishly but also lovingly pompous as a gold-plated luxury product. As if 544-horsepower from a highly capable four-wheel drive is not extravagant enough. The gold Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG was fittingly placed nearby the SLS AMG GT Roadster and just a small walk away from a disco ball-themed Smart Fortwo.

Aside from the outright showmanship, the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow had many new examples of premium motoring. Maserati held a press conference for the new Quattroporte sedan, Lincoln placed the MKC compact crossover at the centerpiece of their brand exhibition, Acura arrived at the auto show with a detailed prototype of the NSX supercar and McLaren attracted a steady crowd of journalists with the MP4-12C Spider. The ELR plug-in hybrid coupe was one of many vehicles shown by Cadillac in the brand’s floor space. This year, Cadillac was noticeably further from the other General Motors products between Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Topping the premium brands, Audi uncovered the SQ5 crossover, RS7 Sportback and the a red 2014 R8 supercar.

The 2013 show in Toronto also serves as a showcase for two American-derived high performance vehicles. The 2013 SRT Viper GTS in a candy red colour accent to 640 horsepower was understandably the pride and joy of Chrysler’s display. Despite the allure of the Viper supercar (especially in the year of the snake), Chevrolet practically saved the best for last at the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow’s media day. Knowing that everyone in the press were waiting for a special sports car to break away from its concealing sheet, the Chevrolet presentation was actually heavily focused on another vehicles; the next-generation Silverado pickup truck. The reasoning is actually quite excusable based on the fact the Silverado would be a major breadwinner for the brand but this only fanned anticipation for what is the heart of Chevrolet from 2014 and beyond. Finally, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray came to sight needing only a brief introduction. At no other time in the day was there such a media mob surrounding one vehicle and I can‘t blame them (mainly because I, myself, did not let the gray 2014 Corvette Stingray leave my sights for about fifteen minutes). On Valentine’s Day, I stood only a matter of a foot away from one of the special beauties in the modern automotive world.

Every year, I acknowledge the fact it is hard to make these articles engaging when much of the vehicles are not that new to readers. However, every year there is some ‘Canadiana’ present at Toronto’s car show that allows us to stand apart from our northern neighbours. From General Motors, Canada receives the compact utility Chevrolet Trax and Orlando for which are denied a presence in the United States marketplace. In addition to showing off the 2014 Outlander crossover, Mitsubishi has been displaying their newest subcompact car at the Canadian shows ahead of United States presentation in New York later this year. Aside from individual cars, the Suzuki brand of automobiles remains alive and well for the time being in Canada as the United States new car sales have been ending.

During the presentation of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, a guest to the unveiling was Canadian sports car driver Ron Fellows. Having taken a Corvette to victory at sports car races at Daytona, Sebring, Road Atlanta and Le Mans, Fellows is so storied with the Corvette name that a special edition version of the C6 version honoured his devotion to the sports car. I can personally confirm that Ron Fellows is one classy guy who has granted me the pleasure of his time on several occasions.

Best thing about major auto shows is not limited to the new cars. Several exhibitions such as Auto Exotica, Canadian Hot Rod Builders Showcase and Cruise Nationals gave an additional flavour to the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow. Consisting of high-end new cars such the Ferrari F12berlinetta and a Skyfall Silver edition of the Aston Martin Vanquish, Auto Exotica also presented a Maserati MC12 Corsa, Ferrari F40 and a 1989 Formula 1 Ferrari driven by Nigel Mansell.

While I prefer the pristine, stock-level automobile, I am not without appreciation to the personalized efforts that go into customized vehicles. The Canadian Hot Rod Builders Showcase was a scene where mild to more extreme custom cars and trucks were treated with unique touches. One noted vehicle was decked out as a street rod version of a Bell Canada service truck. A Chip Foose modified Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was another one of many attractive machines.

An annual event for the Canadian International AutoShow again collected a selected is few vehicles from various outdoor car shows over the past summer in the province of Ontario. The 2013 Cruise Nationals combined stock and custom vehicles that are featured in a room opposite of Auto Exotica. This year’s finalists ranged from a 1937 Studebaker Dictator and 1969 Lincoln MK III to a 1955 Ford F100 truck that was rebuilt from scratch into a custom. On display at the 2013 show, the nature of Cruise Nationals insures the owners do not have to maintain their vehicles as ‘trailer queens’ meaning that all the finalists will once again be hitting Canadian roads when the weather improves.

This year’s Canadian International AutoShow was the 40th consecutive edition in Toronto. From what I had been witness to for the 2013 edition of the auto event, celebration is everywhere. For someone who attended the show with little sleep from the night before, overloaded by camera equipment this year, I left the day knowing my love is well placed in automotive culture.

Information, photo, video source: Canadian International AutoShow, Chris Nagy

Competing in the luxury segment is no easy task. When you’re up against established competitors like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, it can be hard to establish a foothold. Particularly BMW and Mercedes-Benz have had years to build up cachet and prestige.

The manufacturers who have succeeded in some regard, like Infiniti, have done so with engaging to drive rear-wheel drive cars. Acura is a brand that has clearly lost its way for the past few model generations. Acura has shown that it doesn’t clearly know what it wants to be, and without an established premium image, the brand has floundered in the marketplace.

Recently we have seen a repositioning of sorts toward more entry-level luxury rather than trying to take it to BMW and Mercedes. With a lineup based on front-wheel drive Hondas, that is more of a necessity than anything. Latest models, like the ILX and RDX, are undoubtedly better looking than their predecessors, but is that enough? In the same vein comes the all-new 2014 Acura RLX. The RLX was previewed by a thinly veiled concept and is now being introduced in production form. It is a replacement for Acura’s flagship RL – they have added an X to the name so it will ft in with their naming convention.

One way Acura has wanted to differentiate itself is through technology, and that is perhaps where the RLX makes its biggest impact. RLX debuts Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS), a world-first. This system offers the ability to adjust the angles of the left and right rear wheels to “achieve new levels of handling, agility (and) high-end low-speed maneuverability.” Also new is a follow function for the adaptive cruise-control system that will enable it to be used in low-speed and city-driving situations.

The standard car will offer the choice of one engine at first: a 3.5-liter direct-injected V6, making 310 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque. It offers cylinder shut-off in order to increase fuel efficiency. Later on, Acura’s new Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive® (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD®) technology, producing 370 horsepower, will debut. This system will be the RLX’s biggest trump card, as it is an advanced system that uses electric motors to provide an all-wheel drive system with torque-vectoring. Visually, the most unique item on the RLX is Acura’s new Jewel Eye headlights. We’ll let you decide for yourself what you think of it in our gallery below. The 2014 RLX goes on sale next spring.

When producing our everyday items, patriotism no Longer has a consistent place in corporate manufacturing in the 21st century; that may not be a bad thing. Decades ago, vehicle branding would easily define the geography of a car. An American branded car would be assembled in the United States along with the vast majority of components. At one time a taboo in reaction to fierce 1980s protectionism of the Detroit Three auto companies, Japanese automobile production in the United States is now a celebrated addition to the country’s economic community.

The synergy of Japanese and North American labour was first realized in 1982 by what is now known as American Honda Motor Company. This month 30 years ago, the first Honda Accord rolled off the Marysville Auto Plant assembly line becoming the first Japanese-based carmaker to operate production facilities in the United States. The auto company started what continues to be an enduring presence in the state of Ohio. Three years after the first US plant where the Accord continues to be built to this day, Honda’s first Canadian assembly line in Alliston, Ontario began operations. Domestic production for Honda was in effort to skirt around export agreements that limited the amount of vehicles that can be shipped to the United States.

While having a limited manufacturing presence in the United States since 1972, Toyota began assembling vehicles in United States in 1984. The Japanese entered an agreement with General Motors that led to the NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc.) plant in Fremont, California (the home base for Chevrolet and later Pontiac badged Corolla-based vehicle production for more than 25 years). NUMMI officially dissolved in 2010 but currently resides as the source of the second-highest number of US-built Toyota vehicles. Toyota would open their first wholly owned and operated manufacturing complex in Georgetown, Kentucky in 1986. As Honda celebrates 30 years of production in the United States, Toyota has recently toasted their milestone 25-millionth vehicle being built on North American soil when a 2013 model year Avalon Hybrid rolled off the Georgetown assembly line on the 30th of October.

Nissan’s history in the United States has also been storied. Mid-2013, Nissan North America will ring in 30 years of production at their Smyrna, Tennessee plant. Nissan’s Smyrna manufacturing facility accounts for just under 6,000 employees of what is currently around 12,000 US production workers for the Japanese auto company. Toyota’s overall workforce in North America is said to be 365,000 while Honda accounts over 24,000 workers on this continent in vehicle production alone.

In the near future, Japanese automakers are evermore determined to expand North American vehicle production. Even prior to the major damage caused last year that crippled their manufacturing capacity for months, Japanese automakers have been intent on making a bigger footprint in North America. Higher costs to produce vehicles in Japan and the importance of the United States auto market has made wider spread manufacturing capacity within the country more attractive. “This Lexus production increase, and the several announcements before it, reflects our growing optimism for an improving North American market and our intent to localize more production,” said the Executive Vice President of Toyota’s North American manufacturing operations Steve St. Angelo.

With the electrified vehicle build-up in the automotive market, the tides of Japanese carmakers have presented the United States and Canada as a growing manufacturing mecca. Along with producing the lithium-ion batteries, Nissan is producing the all-electric Leaf in Tennessee. Honda has also added production of their current Civic Hybrid from Japan to Greensburg, Indiana to better supply the North American market. The gasoline/electric hybrid joins the conventional Honda Civic and the all-new Acura ILX. As Honda’s Acura brand desires a greater foothold in the US market, the Marysville Auto Plant is slated to become the future production facility of the NSX supercar.

In 2008, rumours hinted that Toyota was looking at building the popular Prius in the state of California. As gas prices launched runaway levels, the gasoline/electric hybrid was flying out of dealerships at higher than MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price) thereby making the potential to increase the Toyota Prius supply tempting. Any plans were ultimately suspended when the economic crisis cooled the auto market. While the Prius is still being manufactured in Japan, Toyota’s production of the 2012 RAV4 EV depends on electric powertrain components from the Tesla Motors-occupied Fremont, California plant and final assembly in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada.

With several examples existing where international influence has injured North American markets, the auto sector has and continues to adapt well to global competition. As 30 years of Japanese vehicle production in the United States is currently being marked in a “business as usual” manner with perhaps the occasional banner, a positive effect of fair globalization has given steady employment to many North American workers and furnished greater choice for consumers.

Information source: American Honda Motor Company, Nissan North America, Toyota Motor Corporation
Photo source: American Honda Motor Company, Toyota Motor Corporation

One of the most unsuccessful product duos of the past five years has undoubtedly been the Acura ZDX and Honda Crosstour (originally Accord Crosstour). The two models were Honda’s attempt to break into the mid-size crossover segment with a mainstream and luxury offering.

It hasn’t worked out so well – they’ve tried everything with the Crosstour, such as renaming it, decontenting and offering a base model four-cylinder.For 2013 they’re trying again by making it look more rugged. It is the biggest update, and they signaled that the ZDX would be getting one as well.

Naturally we assumed that there would be a renewed push with the ZDX as well. Turns out that isn’t the case. Despite getting an update for the 2013 model year, Acura has announced that the ZDX is being axed. That isn’t any surprise on the sales front: last year only 1,564 models were sold. That makes it one of the rarer mainstream models out there on the market. As far as positioning, the ZDX was at the top of the Acura lineup. It was being pitched as a halo model of sorts, with sporty driving characteristics and a bit more capability thanks to the high ride-height.

The problem was that it never offered practicality of any sort – the rear seat was cramped in nearly every dimension and ingress/egress was terrible. We reviewed it for a week and found it to be the best example of Acura’s design philosophy. That wasn’t enough to save it though. At the $50,000 mark it was just too expensive to become mainstream. The 2013 model includes updates to the front end (a toned down “Power Plenum” grille) as well as the technology package. Given that it has been cut though, we doubt sales will see any sort of increase. We still think the ZDX is very cool as far as design, but it truly is a very niche product that never caught fire like rivals such as the BMW X6 did.

Generally when a certain formula isn’t working, you either throw it out all together or tweak with it until it works. For Acura, they are opting for the former. The company recently came around to the realization that they took their styling language “too far.”

While determined to stay the course with things like the “Power Plenum” grille, new models coming from the brand are definitely toned down. The lineup reboot has so far included a lightly-redesigned TL, all-new RLX and new models ILX and RLX. The one we’re focusing on here is the RLX. It was introduced as a concept at the New York International Auto Show in April.

The current RL is getting old and it is one of the most unattractive vehicles on the market. You can imagine then our relief at after seeing the RLX. Car and Driver caught the production version of the car via some patent filings. The patent filings show limited changes versus the New York “concept.” The RLX is following Honda’s strategy of putting out production vehicles early, save for some concept detailing. Now that we’re over the relief of it not being ugly, we can see that is is quite boring.

The production model is even more toned down versus the concept. Around back you can see some influence from the 7-Series. 7-Series is one of the most attractive full-sizers, so we can see why they’d want to copy. The overall result is entirely inoffensive, which is a step forward for Acura. Is that enough to move things forward on the sales front though? With a lot of very appealing competition, it doesn’t seem likely. The main perceived advantage for Acura right now would be Japanese reliability. The production version of the RLX should launch sometime this year, as it is slated to go on sale early next year.

The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. You can’t go about fixing something you don’t recognize. At Acura, that has been the case for a while. The manufacturer pushed its edgy, unattractive designs while customers and the media gave a collective thumbs down.

Everyone recognized it, but they didn’t. Today, Automotive News reports on an admission that wins the understatement of the year award. Along with it though is a startling “stay the course” position. In September 2011 Honda installed Toshinobu Minami as the head of its global design operations for the Honda and Acura brands.

“We concede that we went a little overboard at some points…we actually had pretty bad feedback on this initially from different directions. But we are not going to buckle under that pressure.” Not going to buckle under pressure – from customers, from the media? Interesting – it has been intense from both directions. Not buckling means sticking with the grey “Power Plenum” grille for its current lineup, although in a toned down way. Minami says that “There may be small evolutions here or there in details.” The current lineup is definitely in toned down form.

Minami views them as mostly continuing with the same theme: “There hasn’t been that great of a change, but maybe people have gotten used to it.” The ILX and RLX Concept are the most stylish Acuras we have seen in years, but that is faint praise. To truly compete on a global level, Acura will need something more than people “getting used” to its styling language. At the end, Minami concludes that Honda will be moving into the same stylistic space that Acura normally occupies, and that in turn Acura will be “going further out, maybe pursuing premium.” Maybe pursuing premium….with this kind of direction we’re not too hopeful that Acura will get its act together anytime soon.

At the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Honda/Acura unveiled the new NSX, which has a target launch of spring 2014. Like the original NSX this new iteration will feature a two seat design with a mid-mounted V6, but the similarities stop there. The new design incorporates a V6 hybrid powertrain, the latest version of SH-AWD (super handling all-wheel drive) system, and a newly designed dual clutch transmission.

The original NSX was born back in 1991 as a lightweight rear wheel drive sports car. It was sold around the world as a Honda and as an Acura in the states. The NSX was never known for its power, rather its handling, silky smooth transmission, lightweight, and easy-to-drive nature were its strong suits. It was a remarkable, ground breaking vehicle in its day. According to Ben Cochran, Director of Dealer Services at GoAuto, the NSX was the first car with an all-aluminum monocoque body, first equipped with variable valve timing (VTEC), and the first variable volume intake manifold.

What is even more remarkable is that in a short five years after selling cars outside Japan, the NSX was born. This passion for pioneering technology, innovative design, quality, making driver’s cars led Honda to many successful vehicles, such as:

• Civic Si
• Integra & Integra Type R
• RSX Type S
• CRX Si
• Del Sol
• Prelude
• S2000
• NSX Type R

Only one of those cars is still produced today, the Civic Si, and in its class of compact fun-to-drive cars it trails far behind the competition of the Subaru WRX, Mazda Speed 3, and Volkswagen GTI. In fact the Civic Si came in fifth in a seven car test for Car and Driver. The Civic model line was redesigned for 2012 and tested so poorly that Honda is going back to the drawing board and promises an update for 2013.

In the 90’s Honda was an innovator and lead the charge. VTEC was such a ground breaking innovation that separated the brand from the competition, but now everyone has variable valve timing. And while everyone else is exploring turbo charged engines, Honda discontinued it’s only turbo motor (RDX). Most manufacturers have six and seven speed automatic transmissions, while most Honda’s have five speeds.

So what happened to the manufacturer that had the passion and drive to build the first NSX? Where did they stray from their values? Did they become compliant in their ways? Was it because the branched out to robotics and aerospace? Could it be due to poor leadership?

I could speculate all day about what happened. But what I do know is that if this new NSX is sign of things to come we are in good hands. Honda’s current CEO, Takanobu Ito is passionate about racing and wants to make Honda known for making more than just quality cars with high resale values.

In the next year we should see a refreshed Honda Civic Si, an entirely new Honda Accord – the V6 coupe being one of the fastest front wheel drive cars out today, then in a couple years the new NSX. The future is looking bright for Honda.

About the author: James Daugherty is into cars, snowboarding, and caffeine – in no particular order. He writes for GoAuto.ca who is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to help with all your automotive needs. Stock Photo courtesy of Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Acura’s relaunch is kicking off. Over the past year we’ve seen the small ILX sedan, redesigned RDX crossover, upcoming RLX and the NSX Concept debut. The only thing left untouched so far is the best-selling MDX. With Acura’s quick pace at getting a thoroughly redesigned lineup launched, it can’t be too far behind.

This latest generation of Acuras has toned down styling (and pricing), and we think it hits just about the right note for Acura. Competing against Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz proved to be a fruitless pursuit, especially without an appealing design language or a willingness from Honda to put in the required investment. When ILX was first heard about, we didn’t have high hopes given its Honda Civic underpinnings.

After seeing it though, it largely exceeded our expectations, at least as far as styling is concerned. Entry-level small luxury is burgeoning segment and the Acura ILX goes right against the Buick Verano. Out of the two, the ILX definitely looks more youthful on the exterior while Verano has the clear edge on the interior. It’ll be interesting to see who wins in the sales race. Somehow we’d have to probably bet on the ILX, but we’ll see. Acura has announced pricing for the new small sedan.

It starts at $25,900 and includes a good amount of standard kit. Under the hood, a 2.0-liter 150 horsepower 4-cylinder is standard, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Adding options and upgrading the engine will tick the price up significantly. A fully-loaded hybrid ILX with a navigation system will ding the cash register at $34,400. Too much money in our book, and the hybrid is utterly pointless. Honda has never gotten them figured out. But, we digress. The standard 2.0-liter car loaded costs $31,400, giving Acura a nice margin on the Civic-based sedan. If you’re getting the ILX, the engine and tranny combo to go for is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 201 horsepower, mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual. That will set you back $29,200 with the Premium package. At these prices, we’d rather try to save longer and get into a 3-Series, IS or A4. That’s just us though – what do you guys think?

As warmness rushes over the previously cold climate of winter, as the ideal environment for driving nears (barring more gas price spikes), the summer blockbuster season approaches. Despite its name, the Summer blockbuster period typically starts in the month of May with the first big-budget flicks. With many 2012 releases planned through the coming months, one of the most anticipated films set to lead off the summer is derived from the Marvel comic book universe. Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans and Samuel L. Jackson are just a few lead performers lending their talents to making favoured Marvel hero characters come alive on-scene in The Avengers movie.

This summer blockbuster movie will be start unusually with the release of the movie adaptation of The Hunger Games novel garnering runaway acclaim by viewers and critics. Set for worldwide release on May 4th, The Avengers movie will have one thing The Hunger Games does not have; robust product placement from an auto brand fighting to regain its position in the arena of premium car sales.

For what could be the biggest movie cross-promotion for Honda’s luxury car brand, Acura make a notable presence alongside the likes Captain America, Iron Man and Thor. With a wide range of Acura vehicles positioned through The Avengers movie, audiences will catch a peek at the ZDX and the all-new RDX models in minor roles. Part of Acura’s appearance The Avengers film will come in the role of supporting Marvel comic book’s peacekeeping alliance S.H.I.E.L.D. Presented at Acura’s 2012 New York International Auto Show, a specially-outfitted MDX crossover vehicle revealed the military prowess of the Acura.

The most eye-catching vehicle related to the upcoming 2012 comic book action will be based on the recent Acura NSX concept car. Shown off in a dark red similar to the shade covering Iron Man’s armor suit, the concept supercar revealed for The Avengers film shows off the Acura NSX for the first time as a convertible form to the public.

Coinciding with Acura’s presentation in The Avengers film, there are several cross-promotions going into effect leading up to the movie. Firstly, Acura has created a television commercial depicting a 2013 Acura RDX storming away from a besieged city street in the midst of an epic Marvel battle between good and evil. The 30-second ad spot will be televised April 16th but can be seen in Acura’s Youtube channel now.

Another interactive experience will offer Internet-connected fans to partake in part of The Avengers’ fight. Working as an agent for S.H.I.E.L.D., users will play various missions using Acura vehicles through the www.Shieldops.com website. Featuring a “Tony Stark-inspired” all expense paid trip to New York as a grand prize, other items to be potentially won includes S.H.I.E.L.D. merchandise and a replica of the Acura NSX Convertible.

A stylized presentation of their vehicle and brand, auto manufacturers have long associated itself directly with Hollywood. General Motors’ extensive contribution to the Transformers trilogy gave shape to various Autobots (notably Bumblebee with a Chevrolet Camaro vehicle mode) and a few Decepticons. German luxury carmaker Audi placed their vehicles in the two live-action Iron Man films.

During this recent cycle of auto shows, the Honda luxury car division has been feverish in building a persona in the highly image-driven vehicle segment. Igniting the North American International Auto Show in Detroit with the Acura NSX and IFX concept cars, the addition of this cross-promotion deal with The Avengers movie could the climatic resurgence the Japanese luxury brand is looking to obtain.

Information and photo source: American Honda Motor Company

Acura’s lineup is being given a complete makeover. After realizing its strategy in the past decade just wasn’t working, Honda decided to make a change. Acura would abandon its push to compete head-to-head with top-tier brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Instead, Acura would compete in the near-luxury realm against Buick and Lincoln.

We’ve seen evidence this with the ILX (although we don’t think that’s a value proposition….)RDX, and now RLX. The TL got an update not too long ago that helped smoothen out some of its edges. So far, the hot-selling (well, comparative to the rest of the lineup) MDX has been the only product left untouched. You can sure a new one is just around the corner. The RLX Concept previews Acura’s update to its lackluster RL flagship.

RLX is in keeping with Honda’s recent habit of introducing models badged as “concepts” that are anything but. The good news is that the RLX looks way better. It is actually a good-looking vehicle now, while the previous RL wasn’t attractive in the least.

The RLX largely achieves this by being inoffensive. Like the rest of the updated lineup, the RLX’s front end design is much more muted than previous Acuras. The “Power Plenum” grille has been tamed and it works now. Progress! Moving to the rear, the RLX is very good-looking, but that is because we’ve seen it somewhere else. The RLX appears to draw heavily from the BMW 7-Series around back. Given that it and the S-Class rank high in a lot of people’s minds, we don’t think that was accidental.

The interior hasn’t been revealed (they’re saving a reveal of that for the production debut, who knows when….) but the RLX Concept’s powertrain is pretty impressive. The RLX Concept features Acura’s new hybrid Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel drive system that we’ve been hearing about, combined with a 3.5-liter V-6. The result is 370 horsepower, a great figure. Hybrid SH-AWD is an area where we see Acura innovating, so we hope this spreads across the lineup soon. While we’re used to Acuras that just up until recently had five-speed trannies, the RLX Concept has a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox unit. Is this exact powertrain setup headed for production? Hopefully so.

The confirmations of new product at the New York International Auto Show keep coming. This year the show is set to play host to a whole slew of important debuts. SRT Viper, Fisker Nina, Honda Crosstour Concept, Hyundai Sante Fe, the 2013 Chevrolet Impala and Traverse have all been confirmed. Earlier today Toyota released a teaser of what is likely to be the new Avalon.

Particularly in the full-size sedan arena the show will be an interesting one – Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon (likely) and now the replacement for the Acura RL. Wards Auto has confirmed that the new sedan will be getting a name change, dubbed RLX. RLX? What is it with Acura these days sticking X on everything? We thought X was supposed to mean crossover, or at least all-wheel drive. Regardless, RLX it is. As far as full-size sedans go, the current RL is just about as uncompetitive as they come.

First introduced in 2004 as a 2005 model, the RL is overdue for a replacement. The mid-cycle enhancement it received for 2009 did it no favors, only making it look more dated (in our humble opinions). According to Acura’s vice-president Jeff Conrad, the redesign will be a total one. That is good news. Past reports have pointed to the new car being the first to debut Honda’s new hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive technology.

The system would eliminate the usual AWD driveline because the rear wheels would be powered by electric motors. This would enable the SH-AWD’s usual front-to-back side-to-side distribution of power. If true, that’s what we like to hear – innovative technology to differentiate Acura from the rest. Acura is near-luxury, and it has adopted that role wholeheartedly with the new ILX and redesigned RDX. It remains to be seen where the new sedan will be positioned. Without rear-wheel drive or V-8 power though, we don’t expect it to make much of an impact.

Concept cars always amuse an auto show crowds with notions of what the future of motoring has in store. With most automakers recovering from their pre-recession belt tightening, the auto show is once again a place where imagination is welcomed to shine. Through my recent pilgrimage to the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow, I caught a glance at the future ideas of auto manufacturers.

While there were no concept cars making global premieres at the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow, this year’s sampling of modern design and engineering was an up-close awakening.

Jaguar C-X16

Loosely derived from the C-X75 concept that commemorated Jaguar‘s 75th anniversary, the C-X16 is a more production-polished design that continues to explore advanced powertrains integration with their sports cars. Instead of employing the radical gasoline/electric turbine powertrain of the C-X75, the Jaguar C-X16 utilizes a conventional supercharged 3-liter V-6 engine in concert with an electric drive system. Jaguar predicts this arrangement can equate to 0 to 62-mile per hour acceleration of 4.4 seconds and a top speed potential of 186 miles per hour. Electric power is available through a steering wheel-mounted boost button providing a shear blast of momentum.

A stunning aluminum-bodied vehicle built with Jaguar’s design DNA, the Neutron White CX-16 projects the classic elegance associated with the British brand. Inside, a Vermillion Red two-seat interior is said to be lay out like an airplane cockpit with toggle and joystick controls easily accessible to the driver. The Jaguar C-X16 also adds carbon fiber and aluminum trim pieces inside for a full race car inspired experience.

Volkswagen Bulli

Several years back, Volkswagen has to admit they lost touch with the virtues that made their brand the first truly successful imported car to North America in the 1960s and 1970s. Attempting to insert themselves within a premium car marketplace close to their own Audi product line-up, Volkswagen fans grew wary of the “VW” badge based on elevated prices and suspect quality. Since the 2009 introduction of the new Golf, Volkswagen has renovated their image further with more affordable Jetta and Passat sedan. Revisiting the Microbus design and premise, Volkswagen gives the new generation of automotive enthusiasts a taste of old school van styling.

The second concept based on the original Microbus in a decade, the Volkswagen Bulli premiered last year as a unique compact vehicle study. Only 3.99 meters (157.09 inches) in total length, the use of Volkswagen’s historical van silhouette assures a specious interior. Fitted with an experimental electric powerplant, the Bulli displays flexibility of accommodating a vast arrangement of other efficient powertrains.

It’s entirely questionable what the future of the Bulli has in store. President and CEO of Volkswagen Canada John White’s words on the Bulli concept stated “…its future looks bright indeed.” Will the concept vehicle become the direction for a new production car or become a recollection rarely recalled in the future (similar to the flower power generation’s acknowledgement of themselves in the 1960s).

Kia GT

First shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show by Kia, the four-door, rear-wheel drive GT concept vehicle represents a forward look into the South Korea automaker’s future designs and technologies.

A 396-horsepower sport sedan, the Kia GT concept mirrors the styling stance designers of the Audi A7 and the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class took in creating a four-door coupe-type appearance. Based on a long 112.6-inch, the GT concept’s exterior lines elegantly roll along the triangular headlamps and flow overtop of a sports car racing roof. The wide wheelbase also assists in passenger room inside of a four-seat cabin accessed through front and rear hinged doors. According to the manufacturer’s press conference at the 2012 Canadian International Auto Show, the Kia GT Concept is wrapped in sheetmetal also draws inspiration from the European sports cars of the late 1960s and 1970s.

Always tough to gauge how seriously a car brand accepts its design studies, recently received renderings indicate that Kia is indeed focused on directing the GT concept on to a production line. Sketches of a rear-wheel drive Kia sedan even bare a striking resemblance to the GT concept car.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept

Taking three years to reach the Canadian Auto Show circuit since its debut at the 2009 Chicago exhibition, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept is still a cutting-edge design. A show car built to respect Corvette’s past, the Stingray Concept explores some drastic touches that may astonish current fans of the American sports car in either a positive or a negative way.

Strong hints of the 1963 to 1967 version of the Chevrolet Corvette is detailed through the bulging fender and by the split rear window of the Stingray Concept but the vehicle remains ultra-modern in overall design. Much like other exotic supercars that insist on greeting motorists with flamboyance, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept incorporates scissor-opening doors. Featuring a high-tech interior compartment for two occupants, the powertrain is also quite evolved said to be a high-power gasoline/electric hybrid setup.

With a new Chevrolet Corvette on the way, the popularity of the Corvette Stingray Concept will be realized by the adoption of styling cues. From analysis of pre-debut renderings for the C7 Corvette, the Stingray Concept appears to have been a worthwhile endeavour.

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive

Sports cars are known to invoke some of the purest sensations of human and driving machine working in unison. Making its North American debut at the 2012 Canadian International Auto Show, the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive roadster show car demonstrates how the German auto company pictures the near spiritual interaction of unlikely pairing in a 21st century connected world. A sparkling spectacle of German motoring design, the 20-inch wheels and fiber optics of the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive draws attention to a new theory of how a vehicle can interact with people as well as environment.

A concept vehicle created for furnishing occupants with a highly sensual driving experience, the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive promotes a heavily intuitive electronic connection to the world. For the driver, the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive avails an advanced heads-up display that can be programmed with a rich assortment of driving data. An augmented reality view is available to the motorist projecting 3-dimensional icons of the road ahead. A Passenger Information Display on the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive provides extensive information access for everything from navigation to music. The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive concept roadster’s further interacts with surroundings thanks to a cloud computing supported Emotion Browser that finds and relays relevant information on locations and destinations.

Acura NSX

Poor Acura! Entering North America as the first Japanese luxury car badge, the Honda-owned has been struggling to find an ace in the hole against Lexus and Infiniti in recent years. A premium car division looking for an image, Acura chose to revive their most beloved nameplate at the 2012 North American International Auto Show as a show car on the verge of production. Seven years since the last Acura NSX supercar pleased the exotic car enthusiasts as Japanese engineering taken to the limits of performance, the 2012 concept car rekindles the excitement of the revered original.

A charming silver supercar shape, the Acura NSX concept was near show stopping at the 2012 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. A low, aerodynamic figure, the 2012 concept car version of the Acura NSX conceals Super Handling all-Wheel Drive, dual-clutch transmission and a hybrid powertrain combining a direct-injected six-cylinder engine with two electric motors. The 400-horsepower Acura NSX premiere on the auto show circuit has been a run away success for the Honda-derived product. Acura will be hoping that the NSX supercar’s enthusiasm and gawks at the Toronto auto exhibit will translate into sales demand.

Information source: American Honda Motor Company, BMW AG, General Motors, Jaguar/Land Rover, Kia Motors America, Volkswagen AG
Photo and video source: Chris Nagy

It’s wintertime! A season that brings extreme cold temperatures and the presence of snowflakes, this time of year drives many creatures to insulated environments. For car lovers thirsting for the nectar of the freshest flowers set to blossom for the 2012 vehicle year and beyond, winter is also known as the indoor auto show season. Started in the more temperate climate of Los Angeles, recent indoor auto shows in Detroit and Chicago were staged as a sanctuary to the automobile-addicted crowds. In the Great White North known as Canada, the midday point of winter has crowds seeking a cure to the blahs of the season. The 2012 Canadian International Autoshow at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre is the strong medicine needed to reenergize love and vision of mechanical beauty.

For the forth year in a row, I have been greanted coveted media access to this large Canadian exhibition serving as a hotbed for automobiles and ideas. Of course, with such an enviable gift comes the responsibility to communicate the attitude of this major industry to esteemed readers. Despite the fact many new production or concept cars have previously been fixtures at other auto shows around the world, there remained an infectious mood of enthusiasm from media members and most importantly the auto company executives/staff throughout media day.

While auto companies in the 2010 and 2011 exhibitions offered only anecdotal details of better times ahead, the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow has become the chosen destination for past optimism. At the 2012 show, the Detroit Three automakers were back in brilliant form. General Motors delivered an automotive pageantry left unseen for years. Featuring bloated 7-brand line-up in 2009, General Motors’ bankruptcy greatly affected the size of their Canadian International Autoshow present in the following year. Shrinking to about 1/3 the floor space, GM steadily regained its convention center real estate in addition to market share. This year GM presented the Cadillac ATS and XTS sedans as well as the Buick Encore crossover. From the Hot Wheels prepared Camaro, the Chip Foose-prepared Foose Cruze to the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, General Motors hammered a home run with their presentation at the 2012 auto show. The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept show car also made a debut at the Canadian International Autoshow a full three years after premiering in Chicago (better late than never).

In the case of Ford Motor Company, the 2013 Ford Fusion line was the headliner of the auto manufacturer’s media show. The full gasoline Fusion, Fusion Hybrid and the Fusion Energi were literally given center stage by Ford as other 2013 model year vehicles including the Escape crossover surrounded. Performance-driven members of the media were definitely captivated by the 2013 Ford Mustangs (a Boss 302 and a GT500 convertible) while the luxury car fans were eagerly awaiting the Lincoln MKZ concept to be uncovered. A profile described as modern and athletic, this concept sedan is perhaps the Ford premium car division’s most important vehicle in a long time.

In the afternoon, Chrysler became the final of the Detroit Three to hold their press conference promoting their 2013 Dodge Dart at the forefront. A standout moment came when Chrysler’s spokesperson gave pricing details for the 2013 Dart. Reacting contrary to much of the industry that continues to mark up the price of the same vehicles sold in the United States, Chrysler promised that the 2013 Dodge Dart selling in Canada will have the exact same base price of $15,995. The announcement was immediately met with an ovation from the largely Canadian press.

Having named only three automakers, almost every marque that arrived for the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow made smashing presentations. BMW brought the 2011 Geneva Motor Show Vision ConnectedDrive Concept to Toronto as some garnish to a display exhibiting the all-new BMW 3 Series and M5 sedan. BMW’s small carmaker MINI also created a stir with the Roll-Royce outfitted MINI Inspired by Goodwood vehicle. Unwilling to be bested by their German rival at any auto show, Mercedes-Benz featured their all-new SL-Class fitted with a twin-turbocharged, 429-horsepower V-8. Magic Sky Control retractable hardtop and the cloud computing framework of mbrace2 infotainment system are features Mercedes-Benz fans will find on the 2013 car.

At Jaguar, sports cars were the centerpiece of the company’s exhibition. A blue XKR-S wears Jaguar’s upgraded suspension system that includes the brand’s Active Differential Control. However, it was a Neutron White concept C-X16 sports coupe that ignited fires of enthusiasm. Demonstrating lightweight all-aluminum bodywork and hybrid powertrain performance, the Jaguar C-X16 is slated to storm from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds.

From sports car excitement to practicality, Audi, Nissan and Subaru brought some machines to the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow tempting the realists. While a premium vehicle, the 2013 Audi A4 Allroad furnishes itself to high-end customers looking for the space of a utility vehicle and the flexibility of all-wheel drive in a car-based wagon. With Nissan, the press conference focused around a vehicle designed for commercial people moving. The Nissan e-NV200 Concept is a zero-emissions van marrying lessons learned from the Leaf. Alongside the Subaru BRZ sports coupe, the Japanese auto company brought the XV crossover vehicle to Canada. Selling in European markets, the Subaru XV has been invited to Toronto in order to gauge public appeal for the crossover utility vehicle in North America.

At Honda’s presentation, the Japanese-derived auto brand was candid on the worldwide difficulties experienced through the 2011 calendar year. However, Honda expressed ambition for the future as they unveiled the 2013 Honda Accord Concept touting the introduction of a direct injected V-TEC engine. Honda’s luxury brand Acura collaborated with an overall strong product showing in Toronto. The next generation Acura supercar became the same bona fide hit in Canada as it was in its Detroit premiere. Said to be forthcoming in three years, the production version of the NSX concept is being branded the exotic car that will once again establish the Acura brand as a premium performance name.

While the Acura NSX and ILX concept cars show off hybrid or electrified powertrains in the near future, the Eco-Drive Showcase at the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow collected green-conscious solutions for today. Displaying currently available vehicles offering hybrid, all electric or ultra-fuel efficient gasoline powerplants, the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and Fisker Karma Ever are popular standouts in the exhibition. The Eco-Drive Showcase also promoted several electric vehicle-charging solutions for home as well as public settings from Ford, Schneider Electric and Eaton.

On the less promising side of the automotive industry spectrum, the absence of Swedish automaker Saab comes as no surprise. Delivering a speech reflecting a company ready rebound in the premium car industry, the Saab story for 2011 progressively worsened concluding with the company requiring creditor protection. There wasn’t a single Saab-branded vehicle found anywhere at 2012 Canadian International Autoshow.

With Saab bordering on an extinct European car brand, the Toronto show honoured the work of another once-popular former company. A collection of 30 vehicles identifying English car builder Triumph, the company’s celebrated sports car past (telegraphed through a wide variety of TR-6, TR-7, Sprite and Spitfires) was understandably dominate the exhibit. The oldest sports car was a pre-war car was the Triumph Gloria followed by the 1948 Triumph 2000 roadster. In a rare sight of post-war motoring, the Triumph 2000 featured a dickey seat (better known as a rumble seat in North America). Visitors to the Triumph Classics display will also be treated to a look back to the Triumph Standard 10 vehicles consisting of a four-door, pick-up truck and delivery wagon. A remarkably compelling gathering, the Triumph showcase also brought some rare examples of the British motor company’s work. Representing one of only 43 cars ever built, the Triumph Dové GTR4 was revealed in vintage race trim.

During the late stage of media day for the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow, I descended to the lower level of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre where the Auto Exotica display housed some of the most lavish automotive creations. Possessing a price tag estimated around 1.7 million dollars, the Aston Martin One-77 was a showpiece with a Canadian connection. Multimatic of Canada developed and constructed the carbon fiber underbody of the Aston Martin One-77 supercar. With only 77 cars set to be built for the special Aston Martin, the specific vehicle shown in the Auto Exotica display was a pre-production engineering development car. The Ferrari FF, Bugatti Veyron 16.4 and a Pagani Zonda R were other pieces found within the exclusive assortment of vehicles at the show’s Auto Exotica exhibit.

Seeing the best examples of motoring machines new and old, my media day visit concluded ahead of the when the show opens for the public. It is a fortunate opportunity that I have the ability to share the pleasures of such a day. A full day’s worth of automotive-related activity, the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow is an effective cure for enthusiasts suffering from a withdraw of car-related passion.

Information source: American Honda Motors, Canadian International Auto Show, Nissan North America
Photo source: Chris Nagy

Last month Acura previewed major changes to its lineup. The NSX Concept was no doubt Acura’s main event, and one of the stars of the show. Overall though, the new supercar is a deviation from the strategy that the brand is pursuing. Acura hopes the NSX effect will trickle down, but at the show the ILX Concept was the most important debut, showing off a change in approach for the brand.

Instead of trying to take it to Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Acura is repositioning as a more near-luxury brand, going against Buick and Lexus. Its a space that Acura has always found success in in the past. Why not return to it now? The ILX is a return to that. The ILX Concept we really liked at the North American International Auto Show is barely different here; that car was a concept in name only. The ILX’s style is crisp and youthful, with some very nice lines and surfacing.

It is a genuinely good-looking car, and that is something we have been hard pressed to say about any Acuras of late. This design has had us hopeful about Acura’s future. While the ILX is Civic based, you would never know it. The interior is where the problem begins….

It doesn’t feel special enough; we’re getting Civic vibes. That’s unfortunate, given that the Civic’s interior isn’t even impressive for its segment. That isn’t to say the ILX doesn’t Acura-ify things up; it does. Instead of being canted slightly toward the driver, the center stack is vertical and upright. It follows the Acura design motif of a thin swoopy head unit integrated into the center stack. There is also a new navigation system setup mounted in the upper dash. Nice, but a definite win for the Buick Verano in the interior.

Under the hood there are three engine options. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder making 150 horsepower. The top-shelf engine is 201 horsepower 2.4-liter unit mated to a six-speed manual. The fuel economy leader is Acura’s first hybrid, a Integrated Motor Assist setup combined with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder making 11 horsepower. Acura estimates it will get 35 mpg city/38 mpg highway. The ILX is making a play for first-time luxury buyers in their 20s and 30s. With competitive pricing and based on the looks alone, it should do better than most Acuras in recent memory. It’s just too bad they didn’t bring their A-game in the interior.