Daily Archives: March 25, 2016
Acura NSX GT3 Race Car Unveiled At NY Auto Show
If it’s even possible, Acura has made overlooking its new NSX more difficult. Although we know for a fact that the Acura NSX went on sale last month, we were still surprised with the unveiling of the 2017 Acura NSX GT3 during the 2016 New York International Auto Show.
Of course, even more surprising is the fact that Acura plans to homologate the model as an FIA GT3 class race car this coming fall.
The Acura NXS GT3 features custom bodywork and aero components such as a deck wing spoiler, underbody diffuser and enlarged hood vents for efficient engine cooling. It is powered by a 3.5-liter, 75-degree, twin turbocharged DOHC V-6 engine. The power unit shares the same specifications as the engine in the production 2017 Acura NSX.
This allows the NSX to produce 573 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque. The NSX has a top speed of 191 mph. Surely, the GT3 would receive some upgrade on this regard.
The cars also share the same block, heads, valve train, crankshaft, pistons and dry sump lubrication system. The engine will be paired with a 6-speed, sequential-shift racing gearbox that puts power on the rear wheels.
The GT3 version, however, has a new hood that has a larger vent, which is perfect for engine cooling. It has a new and taller air dam as well with a large front spoiler below it.
Acura has yet to reveal details of what’s inside the GT3, although a photo showed that it would have an extensive roll cage, carbon-fiber racing seat, a flat-bottom steering wheel with buttons on the left and right spokes, and a driver information center.
The current Acura NSX has a selling price of $168,400, but expect the NSX GT3 to cost significantly more, especially with the expected changes. Its current competition, the Porsche 911 GT3 R, goes for $479,216.
2017 Kia Cadenza Gets 8-Speed Auto, Fuel Economy
The 2016 New York International Auto Show highlighted a slew of budget sedans and SUVs that would revamp market availabilities, targets and demands in the following months. One of the most anticipated confirmations is Kia’s 2017 Cadenza.
The brand has finally gives a glimpse of what’s new with the 2017 Kia Cadenza during the New York Auto Show. It can be recalled that the company revealed that the car will arrive in US shores later this year.
The car was first offered to Americans in 2013, so it’s not exactly old, but changes are forthcoming and much needed amid a society of automobile enthusiasts constantly needing upgrades, not to mention options for fuel economy.
The big sedan is related to the Azera, made by sister company Hyundai. It sports the same 3.3-liter V-6 and front-wheel drive setup currently in the outgoing model. The use of the same drive setup is not really surprising, although we expected more from this upgrade—preferably a smaller and more fuel-efficient engine.
The new Cadenza will also replace its current 6-speed automatic with the new 8-speed automatic transmission that promises to improve fuel economy.
If it follows the schedule, the new Kia Cadenza will be the first one from the brand to use the front-wheel and 8-speed auto transmission combination. We’re expecting that combination to be a platform for other future Kia vehicles, although the company has yet to confirm that.
Although it’s looking like the new Cadenza will be more fuel efficient than the current one in the market, Kia did not give any details to how economic it will be. Experts said it’ll be a slight improvement from the 19 mpg city, 28 highway and 22 combined from the current car. Here’s hoping the 2017 Cadenza will breach the 30 mpg threshold.
Outside, the Cadenza will have the same design as the one that debuted last November in Korea. It has a European-inspired exterior while the interior has light updates.
Source: Motor Authority