How Acura Became an Automotive Paragon
Acura didn't become the paradigm of automotive innovation overnight. It took years of cultivating an image and direction, powered by some of the most intelligent designers and engineers in the industry. That diligence has paid dividends because today, Acura is recognized for its performance, luxury, and technology. By identifying needs and predicting trends, Acura has always stayed ahead, inviting other manufacturers to try and keep up. The result: a company built on hunting down success and invention. This automaker has never just made cars that are more advanced, it's also built machines that are crafted around the driving experience. With its fair share of roots in the motorsport world, Acura understands what it takes to make a vehicle perform well, under any conditions.
Great Super Hero Has an Origin Story
Many people may not know that Acura is a luxury brand created by Honda to compete with other luxury imports from Europe. Starting in 1986, Honda decided to create Acura, a division dedicated to luxury and performance, and its creation made Acura the first Japanese luxury brand in the United States. The first two models released by the automaker are well-known hits: the Integra and the Legend. With immediate recognition by Car and Driver magazine and Motor Trend, it became clear that Acura was destined for success.
In 1989, the brand announced the NSX, the first Japanese supercar with an MSRP of $65,000. This car reflected Acura's focus on luxury and performance, creating a car that caters to the driving experience on and off the track. The SLX marked the first imported luxury SUV to be offered in the United States in 1995. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the automaker continued to push the limits, building off the foundation laid by Honda to create a luxury performance brand that provides value, reliability, and power.
From the Track to the Street
Developing new automotive technologies—engines, drivetrains, suspensions, and advanced capabilities—eventually requires road testing. There’s nowhere better to test the capabilities of a car than at the race track. Acura has participated in motorsports for many years, adapting what it learned on the track to the cars it offers customers. That’s why the brand is so synonymous with top-tier performance.
Following its successful first year, Acura participated in the IMSA International Sedan series Manufacturer's Championship with the Acura Integra and won. The automaker continued to participate through 1993, taking home a number of wins. The Acura TL, RSX, TLX, RDX, and NSX have all participated in different types of motorsports since. These models have all been made available for customers to take the wheel and enjoy their own ultimate driving experiences.
Committed to Evolution
A lot has changed since Acura first entered the automotive manufacturing industry. From early concepts to modern racing marvels to some of the best consumer vehicles on the road, Acura has evolved as a company, and it continues to be the catalyst for many changes in the industry. Moving into 2021 and beyond, Acura is reviving the Type S badge, a symbol of superior performance for the brand. We're also excited to see the new 2021 TLX and MDX, both of which will be redesigned for the upcoming model year. We expect another year of remarkable innovation.
Acura is still committed to changing the automotive industry, and it remains a leader in efficiency, performance, and luxury. Visit Apple Tree Acura at 193 Underwood Road, Fletcher, NC 28732 or contact our sales staff online today and let us show you how the rich history of Acura has helped this brand generate some of the best vehicles on the market today.
Image Credit: Acura