Acura Automobile Division provided a glimpse into the future at the North American International Auto Show today, with the world debut of a futuristic Acura Sports Coupe concept car code named CL-X.
Acura is giving the public an advance look at what will ultimately become a new-made- in America Acura model. 'The CL-X is more than just a styling exercise,' said Rich Thomas, Acura executive vice president. 'The overall styling theme of the CL-X concept car will actually be utilized in an exciting new Acura model that will be designed, engineered and manufactured here in the ÚSA.'
The CL-X concept car was designed exclusively in the ÚSA by a special project team at Honda R&D North America's Los Angeles design studio.
Based on a 'Neo-Classic' design theme, the Acura concept car integrates futuristic styling with classic luxury sports coupe design. The exterior utilizes a strong center character line to compliment a sculpted wedge design.
The high-fashion interior features specially contoured seating for each occupant and accentuates the driver-oriented aspect of the sports coupe by featuring wrap-around instrumentation and center console with a special command center for interior functions.
Designed on a 106.9-inch wheelbase and 63.2-inch tread width, the CL-X also features special carbon fiber and aluminum composite wheels, 18' front and 19' rear, to enhance styling while improving cornering capabilities.
Keeping with Acura's luxury image, the CL-X features a full compliment of luxury amenities, convenience features and safety appointments.
The CL-X concept car is just one of several new Acura vehicles to be introduced during the coming months. 'Acura's future is very bright,' according to Thomas. 'During the next 18 months, we will introduce several exciting new models which will ensure Acura's position as the number-one luxury import nameplate in the country.'
Source - AcuraConsidered to be one of Acura's finest vehicles, the CL showcased a balance of luxury and sport. All CL models were built at Honda's plant in Marysville, Ohio, alongside the TL. The CL is the first Acura to be built in the U.S.
The Acura CL replaced the Legend coupe just as the Acura RL replaced the Legend sedan and was offered between 1997 and 2003. Standing for ‘Contemporary Luxury', the CL was originally offered with a 2.2L straight-4 engine which was later updated to 2.3L and finally to a 3.0L J30 V6 engine. The Acura Legend coupe was dropped from Acura's line-up at the end of the 1995 model year. The Acura CL was the newly renamed sedan version. For the 1997 model year, the Acura CL replaced coupe following Acura's transition to alphanumeric naming of all of its vehicles except for the Integra, which continued until the 2001 model year. Interior options included either cloth or leather.
Honda hoped that the differentiation of the CL and RL model lines would help sales. The CL's styling and engineering did have a stronger emphasis on performance. Offered in a range of trims, the look of the CL was emphasized by the brand's sports performance and luxury focus.
Never produced as a 2000 model, the CL was released as an all new redesigned 2001 model that featured a 3.2L SOHC VTEC J-series V6. The Type-S model was Acura's Sport edition and featured a navigation system. The regular CL model featured a 225 horsepower V6, while the Type-S featured 260 horsepower with 17' wheels, slightly larger brakes, a firmer suspension and firmer seats.
For the following year, the CL Type-S model was offered as a 2003 model with a close ratio 6 speed manual transmission with a Limited Slip Differential. When the car was redesigned for the 2001, the manual transmission was dropped during the redesign, a source of some disgruntlement from fans. Only a few manual transmission models were built, a total of 2,691 without navigation and 788 units without navigation. The CL was dropped from Acura's lineup in 2004 due to declining sales. The last new CL model sold more than 31,000 units in its final year of production.
By Jessica Donaldson
