When it comes to any Acura model, safety is as important as the engineering and stylistic features that often take the spotlight of a new release.

Through advancing research and technology, Acura is consistently pushing the boundary of what it means to be safe and secure behind the wheel, ultimately creating a zero-collision society with their lineup of SUVs and cars.

Introducing AcuraWatch, the manufacturer’s standard safety package that’s powered by the radar unit housed within the vehicle’s grille and a high-resolution camera mounted behind the windshield. The combination of these two systems provides drivers with a set of advanced driver assistance systems, including lane-keeping assistance, collision warning and braking, and speed and distance maintenance.

span style=”font-weight: 400;”>One of the key features of the AcuraWatch system is the Forward Collision Warning System, which automatically provides drivers with audio and visual cues moments before a collision is predicted, allowing them to take immediate corrective action. If no reaction is detected, the Collision Mitigation Braking System will apply the brakes automatically.

During travel, the Adaptive Cruise Control allows drivers the freedom of a maintained speed between 30 and 150 km/h, automatically adjusting speed and braking to hold a desired speed and follow adjacent vehicles from a safe distance. Many Acura models will additionally come to a halt with traffic from speeds under 30 km/h, the exception being the Acura ILX, which does not include this feature.

AcuraWatch additionally includes the Lane Keeping Assist System which autonomously analyses road markings and detects a lane change through the use of turn signals. If the vehicle unexpectedly drifts from the current lane, a merge is conducted without a signal or the lane is obstructed, the system will alert the driver to take action and will steer the vehicle back into the centre of the lane. Road Departure Mitigation also assures the vehicle remains on the pavements, applying the brakes in critical situations.

AcuraWatch and its systems are currently available in all Acura SUV and sedan models. Acura owners can additionally opt in and out of select features. Soon, the introduction of the 2022 TLX sedan will add a Driver Monitoring System, a Traffic-Sign Recognition System, and Traffic-Jam Assistance to the AcuraWatch features list.

In Q1 2022, Acura has released information on its current and upcoming roster of vehicles, with technical, performance and aesthetic changes arriving with the 2022 offerings. Many updates and refreshes are coming to Acura’s SUV lineup, including Acura’s flagship MDX, while excitement continues to build around the 2023 Acura Integra announcement.

Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening at Acura in 2022.

2023 Acura Integra

Acura’s iconic Integra revival, slated for arrival this year, has sparked excitement throughout the automotive community. The Integra is speculated to be a hybrid delivery with a stylistic homage to its predecessors of the 80s and 90s models.

2022 Acura NSX

The second generation of the NSX will arrive in the new year with the Type S badge and transformative changes to the power and performance of the hybrid sports car. The NSX Type S will receive a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 and a three-motor hybrid system for a combined 600 hp.

Subtle changes to the NSX’s tuning are set to make a lasting impression, as this will be the final generation of the NSX lineup. The gearbox will receive a new rapid downshift mode, the adaptive damper system has been re-tuned and an available lightweight package will offer a 58-pound weight reduction, carbon-ceramic brakes, unique engine cover and interior design changes.

Aesthetic changes, such as a reshaped front spoiler, larger rear diffuser and more angular front intake vents cement the short-lived legacy of the sports car, which will be limited to 350 units when it arrives.

2022 Acura RDX

The RDX received a substantial aesthetic facelift this year, introducing refined chrome trim around the grille, large air intake and a redesign around the available LED fog lights. Reshaped cutouts for the new rectangular exhaust tips are also featured in the rear.

Inside the cabin, occupants will notice a decrease in road and engine noise through heightened changes in the RDX’s Active Sound Control system. Wireless charging pads are now offered as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration coming standard. Drivers purchasing this year’s RDX are additionally provided with the option of pairing the Advance Package with the A-Spec package.

2022 Acura MDX

While keeping the standard 290-hp 3.5-litre V6 engine of previous MDX iterations, the 2022 Acura model arrives on an all-new chassis platform for a longer and wider vehicle. This increase in size allows the MDX more interior cargo and passenger space.

A stiffer body structure, updated suspension and brakes are packaged into the standard model release, while an MDX Type S is available, offering a superior performance boost, featuring a 355-hp 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine

Surrounded by the fully realized spirit of the 1980s and 90s, revived at the RADwood SoCal Car Show, Acura delivered the first in-person look at the long-awaited 2023 Integra Prototype, a soon-to-be re-envisioned model that originally heralded the automaker to Canada in 1987.

The Integra returns with a distinctive coupe-like exterior body designed in Japan, with a sloping roofline and liftback tailgate, taking notes from the five-generation history of the namesake. This callback to classic models is further referenced by the vehicle’s muscular rear wheel arches and aggressive rear fascia with dual-exhaust, the body work finished with an iconic Indy Yellow Pearl paint job and Berlina Black accents.

Despite the homage of aesthetics to a beloved era of now classic car culture, the 2023 Integra is well equipped to surpass today’s standards for performance and comfort behind the wheel. The revived classic features Acura’s first-ever factory-turbocharged engine, with an available six-speed manual transmission and 1.5-litre motor.

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“The Integra is an exciting new chapter in the history of one of the most iconic models Acura has ever built,” said James Marchand, Assistant Vice President Acura Canada. “It’s return marks our commitment to delivering performance-focused and fun to drive vehicles that are rich in style, versatility and attainable to a variety of consumers and lifestyles.”

While the sporty five-door, with its signature frameless Diamond Pentagon grille and LED lights was sure to turn heads during its reveal, its presence among its multi-generational brethren further cemented the spirit of RADwood this past month.

Acura displayed ten multi-generational Integra models on loan from private owners and collection halls across the country, including championship-winning race cars, replicas and the actual Integra GS-R from The Fast and The Furious, all celebrating the automotive lifestyle of Acura in the 1980s and 1990s.

More details about the 2023 Acura Integra are expected early next year with it’s arrival in Canadian dealerships at a starting price within the mid $30,000s.

Photo credit: Sean Dirk

For many vehicle owners, the odometer is a reflection of memories and moments spent behind the wheel, remembered at every momentous mile marker. For 1992 Acura NSX owner Sean Dirk, that reflection came after nearly 20 years of ownership and 400,000 miles of road travelled.

After purchasing the NSX in the early 2000s from its original owner, Dirk has spent the past 17 years behind the wheel of his daily driver, adding up 330,000 miles of road trips, daily commutes and a surprisingly low number of journeys to the mechanic shop.

Besides a full suspension rebuild some 20,000 miles before the 400k mark, Dirk had only encountered one significant issue with his early production NSX involving the transmission’s snap rings, a common problem in the early 90s lineup of the NSX. Facing a crippled transmission at the 123,000 mile mark, Dirk swapped the vehicle’s gear set for a final drive system found within the reliable NSX-R with a tighter 4.23 ratio.

At its core, his NSX largely remains in factory condition with only minor adjustments to the vehicle’s exhaust, wheels and a few others. Even after its repair, the suspension system was rebuilt to stock specifications, continuing the overall performance and reliability of the NSX.

Dirk’s NSX is one of 8,997 models produced and sold to drivers in the U.S. over a 15 year period, offered with 3.0 and 3.2-liter V6 four-speed automatic engines. And while performance technology has advanced significantly since the 90s, it’s the stories found within those 400,000 miles that keep this particular NSX on the road today.

With the final year of Acura’s NSX second generation coming to a close, development leader Satoshi Mizukami and exterior designer Dai Hara took it upon themselves to create the most powerful NSX model yet: the 2022 NSX Type S.

As showcased in a video shared earlier this month, the 600-hp 2022 NSX Type S is a stunning display of performance and Acura showmanship. The bodywork of the NSX is aggressively styled, with wider air inlets for increased engine cooling, a GT3-inspired rear diffuser for aerodynamic enhancements, and handsome forged alloy split-five spoke wheels.

Further aesthetic details, such as the NSX’s gloss black mirror and door handles, distinct Type S decals, and exclusive Gotham Grey matte paint, make the NSX look fast and menacing. As exterior designer Dai Hara puts it, “at first glance, people will say it looks completely different,”

Under the hood, Acura doubles down on Dai Hara’s sentiment. The NSX features a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with a three-motor hybrid system with 600 hp and 492 lb-ft torque output delivered through Pirelli P-Zero treads. Acura has created a supercar for the truest emotional experience a driver could ever ask for with the integration of power, performance, and a commanding silhouette.

“Only NSX can go beyond NSX,” said Satoshi Mizukami, chief engineer and NSX Type S development leader. “Power definitely contributes to what we strive for, including the joy of driving, but that alone wouldn’t be enough. We want our customers to feel that performance deep inside, and if we were to enhance performance, we wanted to express the vehicle with designs that represent such performance.”

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A limited run of 350 cars will be built for global distribution, with the 2022 NSX Type S becoming the first of its moniker available for purchase outside of Japan.

First introduced when Acura arrived in Canada in 1987, the iconic Integra nameplate is returning to the spotlight, promising a familiar spirit and legacy-spanning Precision Crafted Performance that is true to the DNA of the original model.

Acura announced the new-generation Integra during Monterey Car Week with a display of drone-ferrying lights outlining a compact two-door hatchback, with iconic pop-up headlights and boxy appearance, emblematic of the ’80s Integra two-door design.

The series of lights continued, announcing “Integra returns 2022,” a decision allegedly made six years ago according to Acura Brand Officer Jon Ikeda. While many details as to the next-generation Integra’s platform and production are still in the dark, the returning model is likely to be a hybrid vehicle, following Acura’s electrification goals.

With auto enthusiasts calling back to their first experiences with the original Integra during its reign, Ikeda notes, “it will live up to the hype,” fueling the excitement as eager eyes turn to Acura in the coming years, waiting to catch a glimpse at a new point in the manufacturer’s history.

Acura has further teased the upcoming Integra with an image of the car’s new checkmark-shaped LED headlight on the brand website. The image also reveals a small slice of the Integra’s new grille, but little else.

How do you interpret Acura’s Integra signalling? Will the car be electric? Four-doors or two? Will they keep it true to the original and go for points in the nostalgia category? Or look to revitalize the nameplate, bumper to boot, for the future?

Join the conversation on the Policaro Acura Facebook page.

Taking the time to make your Acura look its absolute best can be a rewarding process. But we believe that drivers should spend more time behind the wheel instead of suffering the many trials of detailing, so we’ve rounded up five tips to take the guesswork out of making your vehicle look its best this summer.

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Consistency is key

Providing your Acura with a shampoo and wax every 2 weeks is not only a great way to keep it looking spotless on the summer roads, but it also protects from an unwanted buildup of abrasive materials that could lead to damage or rust. Be sure to use automotive wash and wax to keep your paint spotless and protected.

Skip the sponge

Opting for a soft microfibre cloth instead of the traditional yellow sponge will offer a much better clean. Microfibre cloths make it easier to wash, rinse and dry your vehicle, avoiding scrubbing away or scratching the paint. Remember to keep your dry and wet cloths separate, take off any labels and rinse your cloth regularly during cleaning to prevent dirt buildup.

Clear as crystal

Window streaks are a nuisance to every driver. To catch them on cleaning day, get into a habit of wiping your windows in two directions. For example, wipe vertically outside and horizontally inside. In doing this, you’ll be able to determine which side of the glass the streak is on. Don’t forget to roll the windows down by two inches to clean the top of the glass.

More than a vacuum

Bits of dirt will often linger within the carpet after a vacuum. Try using a latex glove to create static within the carpet or lightly brush the carpet fibres with a nylon brush to release the dirt bits. Utilizing a carpet brush vacuum attachment will also aid this process.

Tires last, always

When the work is done, and your Acura is sparkling under the summer sun, take the time to detail your wheels and tires. This process should always be done last, as dressings or treatments often contain silicone that shouldn’t be on the bodywork before waxing.

Of course, we’d be happy to take all the guesswork and labour out of your next detailing. Policaro Acura offers several exceptional detailing services and packages to get your Acura summer-ready. Pre-book a service with us and have your vehicle tops for your summer road trips.

Since 2001, the Type S moniker has been a representation of Acura’s highest-performing models, offering drivers an unparalleled experience behind the wheel with precision handling, assertive braking and powerful performance.

For nearly a decade, Acura redefined the expectations of a Type S model, through vehicles such as the Acura CL, TL, RSX and CSX. Now, after another decade of automotive evolution and the absence of a Type S model, Acura has introduced a new generation of high-performance variants with the 2021 TLX Type S and the 2022 MDX Type S.

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To honour the new models, we’re looking back at the history that led to them. This is a brief history of the Acura Type S lineage:

Acura CL Type S

The first North American Type S arrived in the 2001 Acura CL. The sedan was Acura’s first commercial attempt at delivering the highest level of performance for a vehicle class, with a 3.2-litre V6 engine outputting 260 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque between 3,500 and 5,500 rpm. As the years progressed, the five-speed automatic transmission with the manual gear-change system evolved to a 6-speed manual transmission, along with a sport-tuned suspension, quicker steering and 17-inch wheels.

Acura TL Type S

Several TL models held the Type S moniker over the first decade, the first debuting one year after the CL Type S. The 2002 Acura TL Type S had similar performance components as the CL until its third-generation appeared in 2007. This new TL Type S featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine making 286 hp and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Acura RSX Type S

In 2002, the RSX joined the lineup with a new 2.0-litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder putting out 200 hp and also connected to a 6-speed manual transmission. This model later underwent additional aesthetic and performance changes, receiving a larger rear wing and a 10-hp boost.

Acura CSX Type S

Nearing the end of the decade, the 2007 CSX Type S took to Canadian streets exclusively with a 2.0 litre I4, i-VTEC engine (197 hp) and a 6-speed manual transmission. The sporty rear spoiler featured embedded LED brake lights, while the cabin received an upgraded audio system with Bluetooth and USB integration.

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Acura TLX and MDX Type S Models

Now, a new generation of Type S models are arriving with the recent announcement of the 2021 TLX Type S and the first Type S SUV with the Acura MDX, Acura’s latest flagship model.

The TLX is set to be the fastest, most powerful and best handling Type S model in the lineage. It’s powered by the Type S Turbo V6, outputting 355 hp through an upgraded 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2022 Acura MDX builds on the fourth generation model, with the Type S Turbo V6 with 355 hp.

Both the TLX and MDX models feature the Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive. For a more in-depth history, check out this video put together by Acura.

Holding the first Type S badge in 13 years, the 2021 Acura TLX Type S carried a weight of anticipation to its online pre-sale, selling out of its exclusive 119 units to Canadians in eight hours.

While eager luxury vehicle enthusiasts can expect the first allotment of TLX Type S models to arrive in Canada in June, consumers interested in getting behind the wheel of Acura’s most-anticipated performance sedan are encouraged to put their name on the waiting list for the 240 additional units being made available in Canada.

The TLX Type S marks history as Acura’s most-powerful Type S model, with a 3.0-litre Type S Turbo V6, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This power, built on decades of performance engine development, is distributed through the automatic 10-speed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system with true torque vectoring, another first for the Type S moniker.

Further building on the second-generation TLX standard model, the Type S has the best handling in the badges’ two-decade legacy credited to its sport-tuned chassis, double-wishbone front suspension and powerfully responsive Brembo brakes. The Type S-exclusive Sport+ driving mode has been further engineered for driving comfort and additional performance.

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The all-new and exclusive Tiger Eye Pearl paint is one of six colour choices to accentuate the TLX’s muscular demeanour, paired with two interior options and Type S trim signatures, including: an open-surface diamond pentagon grille for increased airflow, large-quad exhaust outlets, and lightweight 20-inch wheels fitted with 255-series Pirelli P-Zero tires.

Suede “Type S” embossed headrests feature on the 16-way power front seats, one of several interior upgrades including wireless charging, a flat-bottom steering wheel and a 17-speaker ELS sound system for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

2021 Acura TLX Type S models are expected to reach Policaro Acura in June 2021. Reach out here to put your name on the waiting list.

Building on a legacy of reliability and excellence, the 2022 MDX is the first-ever sport-utility vehicle Acura has positioned as its flagship model. With an all-new platform, heightened driving capabilities and more powerful performance, there’s a lot to unpack about the fourth-generation MDX. Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:

What’s new for the 2022 MDX?

Acura’s flagship model arrives with a brand new platform, featuring its first-ever double-wishbone front suspension and an all-new multilink rear suspension, delivering confident road handling. Enhancements have also been made to the platform, introducing a new rigidity-mounted front subframe for increased stability. Additional updates include 30mm larger and 2mm thicker front braking rotors and an improved tire-road contact on the standard 19-inch wheels for increased handling through demanding corners. For more info on the 2022 MDX, read our introductory article here.

Is the 2022 MDX a seven-seater?

The MDX requires no compromise to accompany up to seven passengers within the spacious cabin. In fact, the family friendly configuration comes standard on all MDX models. A bespoke cabin design, complete with open-pore wood, brushed aluminum and Milano leather, is complemented by extra leg and headroom. The cabin also features a Smart Slide 2nd-row seat with One Touch Walk-In, a removable centre seat and a larger 3rd row.

What does the 2022 MDX look like?

Bold and sophisticated, the 2022 MDX builds on the MDX model’s legacy in an aggressive fashion. An elongated hood and new oversized 3D diamond pentagon grille commands attention, while the sculpted body, featuring lower chrome trim accents, is illuminated by full LED taillights and Jewel Eye™ LED front headlights.

Where is the MDX made?

Production of the 2022 MDX is handled by Honda’s East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio. In the 30 years that this plant has been operating, East Liberty Auto has produced more than six million vehicles, including the Acura RDX, MDX and Honda CR-V.

Is the 2022 MDX be available yet?

Acura’s flagship SUV arrived available at Policaro Acura in March 2021. You can be one of the next Canadians to experience the new generation MDX. Book a test drive here.