A Look Back on Acura's Innovations as it Approaches 30

SALEM, Ore. - July 10, 2015 - PRLog -- Acura has been in existence since 1986 when Honda first launched its luxury line in North America. The first Japanese luxury vehicle to be introduced to the world of luxury automobiles, the brand name was the among the best-selling luxury marques in the Unites States during the first years after its inception. The brand underwent a drastic redesigning period in the early 2000s. The redesigning process, along with the introduction of several new models, jumpstarted the popularity of the brand name again.

One of the first vehicles produced under the brand name was the NSX. The NSX made its first appearance in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show. The name of the car is an acronym for New Sportscar eXperimental. The NSX was the first Honda vehicle to have an all-aluminum body. The second-generation NSX was announced in December 2011. While the original version was manufactured in Japan from 1990 to 2005 before its discontinuation, the new model is now manufactured in the United States.

The first-generation MDX was based on the Honda Odyssey minivan. This three-row crossover was the replacement for the not-so-popular SLX, which bore a close resemblance to the Isuzu Trooper. The MDX was rated as one of the top vehicles in its class by Car and Driver. The third-generation MDX was released in 2013 to compete with the Lexus RX and the Audi Q7. As of 2014, leather is standard on all trim levels for the MDX.

One of the newest models is the ILX. The ILX is based on the Honda Civic and shares powertrains with the Civic Hybrid and the Civic Si. The ILX was first released in May 2012 for model year 2013 and has since remained one of the most popular choices for first-time buyers of the brand.

Honda has included many wonderful technological advances in its luxury line, but perhaps the most incredible milestone for the company is its creation of the ELS Surround® audio system. ELS Surround® was developed in collaboration with Panasonic and world-famous recording engineer Elliot Scheiner. The system underwent many hours of testing and tuning before Scheiner was satisfied with the product. The resulting audio system was stunning in its sound-producing capabilities and drew praise from well-known music artists. In the words of some of these artists, ELS Surround® is “the closest thing to being in the studio.”

Acura continues to produce world-class luxury automobiles to this day and remains one of the top luxury brands in America. The brand name logo is a pair of calipers, representing the brand name’s commitment to excellence and precision. Some have said that the logo could also be a fountain pen nib, a symbol of the company’s dedication to design excellence. Whatever the reason behind the logo, Acura is a name that will remain in the minds of humankind for years to come.

For more information, be sure to visit http://www.acuraofsalem.com.