Acura ILX Concept - 2012 Detroit Auto Show

By KBB.com Editors on December 20, 2011 3:14 PM

A close-to-the-mark precursor of an elegant new sport sedan that will replace the current Acura TSX as the "gateway" model to Honda's luxury division, the Acura ILX Concept made its world premiere in Detroit. Aimed squarely at young professionals and on sale later this year with a starting price "well below the $30,000 mark," it also will be the first Acura to offer the choice of both conventional and hybrid power. Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio summed up this newest family member-to-be by noting: "First time luxury buyers place the highest value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues and that's a virtual definition of what we have created with the new Acura ILX."

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Based on a modified version of the platform that underpins the new Honda Civic, the Acura ILX's low, wide stance and classic long-nose/short-tail proportions give this compact, front-driver an aggressively edgy appearance. Inside, the Acura gave the ILX a quiet, comfortable and well-appointed interior that is "smart, spacious and sporty" with a generous list of model-specific standards and options plus features like a smart entry keyless access system, pushbutton starting, Pandora internet radio interface and SMS text messaging. All models will come with front/side/side-curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist and four-channel anti-lock brakes.

>More Acura from Detroit: Acura NSX Concept | 2013 Acura RDX Prototype

As we reported earlier, the ILX lineup will be available in three distinct variants. The entry-level conventional model will have a 2.0-liter inline-four paired with an automatic transmission while a high-performance ILX version will get a 2.4-liter four with a six-speed manual. The ILX Hybrid will share powertrain elements with the Civic Hybrid, and match a 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder with the latest iteration of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system and a continuously variable automatic transmission.

This story was updated on January 9, 2012, with new information and photos released in conjunction with the world premiere of the Acura ILX Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

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