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Acura For 2001 |
By Carey Russ |
Acura has two all-new vehicles for 2001, the second-generation 3.2 CL coupe and its first "home-grown" SUV, the MDX. The other Acuras, including its 3.5 RL luxury sedan, 3.2 TL sports-luxury sedan, nimble line of small, quick Integra coupes and sedans, and exotic NSX sports car, remain mostly unchanged. The Acura sedans do get standard carpeted floor mats and an emergency trunk release. And the screaming Integra Type R continues to be available.
MDX
Acura has offered an SUV previously. It gave Acura an entry in the immensely popular sport-utility field, but didn't quite fit in with the rest of Acura's lineup. The new MDX should have no such problem. Like many other new-generation "crossover" SUVs, the MDX is built on a carlike unit-construction frame for rigidity and quiet, and features a fully-independent suspension for a carlike ride and agile handling. It has an innovative all-wheel drive system for all-weather driving, and, with a standard third-row seat, can hold up to seven passengers. Its torquey 240-hp 3.5-liter V6 gives it performance more commonly associated with a sport sedan than sport utility.
3.2 CL
The Acura CL name may be familiar, but the car, introduced early in 2000, is definitely not the same car as was sold from 1996 through 1999. It offers much greater performance, comfort, and luxury. Two models are offered, both with a 3.2-liter V6 engine using Acura's "VTEC" variable valve timing system. The standard 3.2 CL has a 225-hp version, while the Type S has modifications to its engine that enable it to make 260 horsepower. Think of it as an Integra GS-R for grownups.
Acura Specifications 2001 MDX ENGINE: 3.5-liter V6 peak horsepower: 240 @ 5300 rpm peak torque, lb-ft: 245 @ 3000-5000 rpm DRIVE TRAIN front engine, fully-automatic all-wheel drive with 5-speed automatic transmission CHASSIS & SUSPENSION unit-construction chassis Front suspension: independent strut Rear suspension: independent multilink BRAKES Four-wheel discs, antilock standard EPA ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY City / Highway: 17 / 23 Fuel tank: 19.2 gallons CL / CL Type S ENGINE 3.2-liter V6 peak horsepower: 225 @ 5600 / 260 @ 6100 rpm peak torque, lb-ft: 217 @ 4700 / 232 @ 3500-5500 rpm DRIVE TRAIN front-wheel drive with 5 - speed automatic CHASSIS & SUSPENSION Front suspension: independent double wishbone Rear suspension: independent multilink double wishbone BRAKES Four-wheel discs, antilock standard EPA ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY City / Highway: 19 / 29 mpg Fuel tank: 17.2 gallons