Videos: Tony Stark Appears in New Acura Roadster Concept during NYC Shoot for The Avengers Film

The next Hollywood superhero blockbuster to hit the silver screen is The Avengers, which is due for a 2012 release.

The movie brings together Marvel Studio's greatest superheroes like Iron Man (played by Robert Downey Jr.), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and more.

And what does the movie have to do with an automotive site like Carscoop, we hear you ask? Well, we're getting there. You see, following recent filming in Cleveland, Ohio, the movie set moved to New York City and Central Park this week.

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Acura Release Massive Photo Gallery and Prices on 2012 TL Sedan

With the 2012MY Acura TL’s market launch set for March 18, the Japanese automaker decided to drop pricing details along with a slew of new photos of its facelifted mid-size sedan. The most significant changes for the 2012 TL concern the new front and rear styling, while Acura also added a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission and made the cabin quieter.

The base front-wheel drive 2012 TL, which comes with a 280HP V6 hooked up to a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic, starts at $35,605, while the available Technology Package that includes a navigation system and a 440-watt premium audio System, increases the price to $39,335. Opt for the Advance Package that incorporates ventilated front seats, larger wheels and a new blind spot information (BSI) system, and the price goes up to $41,535.

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2012 Acura TL: Video and Live Photos from the Chicago Auto Show

In an attempt to win back buyers that were turned off by the fourth generation TL's controversial looks, Acura revealed a mid-cycle refresh for the 2012 model year version of the car at the Chicago Auto Show. We've already brought you the key details in our previous post (see here), but now we have a fresh batch of photos and a walkaround video of the 2012 TL straight from Acura's stand at the McCormick Place Convention Center. You can check both out right after the jump.

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2012 Acura TL Refreshment Brings Toned Down Shield-Grille and New 6-Speed Auto

The facelifted Acura TL made its world premiere today at the Chicago Auto Show. The 2012 model year brings a fresh look for the front and rear ends of the mid-size sedan along with a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission and equipment upgrades.

The first thing you'll notice on the 2012 Acura TL is of course the revamped front end. While Acura did not totally eliminate the shield-grille, it did soften down the design making it look less gaudy. The updated headlamps and a revised front bumper with new fog light designs that led to a shorter front overhang round off the changes up front.

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What a Tease... Acura Lifts the Veils off 2012 TL Sedan's Buttocks

In less than 24 hours from now, Acura will debut the facelifted 2012 TL at the Chicago Auto Show, but just to keep us on our toes, the Japanese automaker partially lifted the covers off the mid-size sedan's rear end. We're pretty sure that most readers are interested in what's happening on the other end of the car, but for now, it'll have to do.

From this end, we see that the model pictured here is the TL SH-AWD. Compared to the 2011 version of the car pictured below, the facelifted model gains a new bumper with a less fussy design while it also loses the quad exhaust pipes in favor of twin trapezoid-shape outlets. And well, that's about all we can see. Aside from the cosmetic changes, expect to see some minor refinements to the TL's hardware.

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Acura to Unveil 2012 TL Sedan at Chicago Auto Show in February

*Current 2011MY Acura Shown in Pictures

The next Chicago Auto Show, to be held for the public from February 11 to 20, will host the debut of the updated for the updated Acura TL. Honda's luxury division simply stated that the TL will be "newly refined" for the 2012 model year, without releasing any more details. The current, fourth generation TL was released onto the market in late 2008 and is offered with a 280HP 3.5-liter V6 and front wheel drive, or with a 305HP 3.7-liter V6 and the firm's all-wheel drive system. We'll post any updates on Acura's mid-size sedan as soon as they become available.

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Honda Expands Airbag Recall that is Linked to One Death to an Additional 437,763 Vehicles Worldwide, Most in the USA

A defective airbag that has been linked to one death and 11 injuries in the United States over the past few years is still haunting Honda as the company today announced that it is adding 437,763 cars to its existing global safety recall over the airbag inflation problem.

The expanded recall is concentrated mainly in the United States, where nearly 378,758 vehicles are affected, but the latest announcement also covers Japan, Mexico, Taiwan and Australia.

The models added to the list concern certain 2001 and 2002 Honda Accord, Civic, Odyssey, CR-V, 2002 Pilot, 2002 Acura CL and selected 2002 Acura TL vehicles.

According to the automaker, the driver's airbag inflators in these vehicles may deploy with too much pressure causing the inflator casing to rupture and send metal fragments through the airbag cushion material possibly resulting in injury or even fatality to vehicle occupants.

Honda first issued a recall on the matter on less than 4,000 model year 2001 Accord and Civic back in November 2008. After the original recall, the Japanese automaker said that two additional incidents were reported, including one fatality from a vehicle not included in that recall.

That led Honda to expand the recall in July 2009 to include approximately 440,000 model year 2001 and 2002 Accord, Civic and certain 2002 Acura TL vehicles.

New Acura TL Gets 6-Speed Manual Gearbox in 2009

It looks like Acura’s trying to reach out to those that actually enjoy driving a car. Starting from next fall, the Japanese automaker will offer a new 6-speed manual gearbox on the 2010 TL SH-AWD model. Aside from the fact that it’s the first time that Acura has ever paired its all-wheel-drive system with a stick-shift, the new close-ratio 6-speed manual is approximately 110 lbs lighter than the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission currently offered in the top-spec TL. -Continued

Furthermore, the 2010 TL SH-AWD 6MT models also benefit from suspension upgrades that include special coil spring and shock absorber rates tuned for flatter cornering with reduced pitching motions under acceleration and braking. The manual models also employ firmer engine and transmission bushings along with a sportier tuning for the steering wheel system.

According to Acura, the addition of a manual transmission, an all-new clutch system and suspension changes yield an 88 lb. reduction in overall vehicle weight and at the same time, improves weight distribution by 1-percent compared to the automatic model generating a 58/42 ratio versus the 5AT's 59/41 ratio.

Acura Prices 2009 TL Sedan from $34,995

The final piece of the 2009 Acura TL (click here for details and high-res images) puzzle fell into place today with the announcement of the luxury sedan’s pricing. The all-new TL will go on sale at Acura dealerships in the U.S. on September 24th with all-wheel-drive models following in November. The starting price for the front-wheel drive model equipped with the 280HP 3.5-liter V6 engine is $34,955. If you add the Technology Package that includes a navigation system, a premium audio system, keyless entry with push-button ignition and interior upgrades, the price rises to $38,685. -Continued

The more powerful all-wheel drive TL SH-AWD model that is equipped with a 305HP 3.7-liter V6 engine carries an MSRP of $38,505, while the TL SH-AWD with the Technology Package will cost you $42,235.

In addition, the TL SH-AWD model with Technology Package is also available with bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels and high-performance summer tire package for an MSRP of $43,235. Have in mind that Acura will also charge you a destination and handling fee of $760 as it is not included in any price.

Standard features on all TL models include a power moonroof, dual-zone adaptive climate control, 10-way adjustable (8-way power seat with 2-way power lumbar support) driver seat, 8-way adjustable power front passenger seat and steering-wheel-mounted F1-style paddle shifters for the Sequential SportShift automatic transmission. In addition, an 8-speaker 276-watt audio system with 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM radio, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth Audio, USB port and AUX jack connectivity and HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface are standard.

2009 Acura TL: 24 High-Res Photos & Official Details

Following last Friday’s initial leak and even though Acura has yet to make an official announcement, the damn surrounding the all-new 2009 TL Sedan broke into pieces today with the release of 24 high resolution images along with official press release that that reveals Acura’s controversially styled mid-size sedan in detail.

While we’d like to see the fourth-generation TL in person to make our final assessment, we think that Acura’s designers overdid it in their attempt to create a vehicle that stands out from the crowd. As a result, the new TL looks rather clunky and over detailed in some aspects. As for the interior, our initial thoughts are that it looks kind of “plasticy” and a bit too Honda-like for a mid-size luxury sedan.

In terms of dimensions, the new TL is larger than the outgoing model as it rides on a 1.4-inch longer wheelbase and is longer (+6.0 inches) and wider (+1.8 inches) thus promising to offer improved interior space. Available in the U.S. from this fall, the 2009 Acura TL will be offered with a choice of two powertrains. -Continued

The entry-level 2009 TL is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 HP and 254 lb-ft of torque that sends power to the front wheels through Acura's Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. According to Acura, the FWD TL has projected EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The top-notch TL SH-AWD is equipped with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system while power comes from a beefier 3.7-liter V6 engine delivering 305 HP and 275 lb-ft of torque. Projected EPA fuel economy ratings for the TL SH-AWD are 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Like the basic FWD version, the TL SH-AWD gets a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

PRESS RELEASE: All-New 2009 TL Redefines Performance with the Most Powerful Engine in Acura History and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive

With dramatic new styling, precise handling and a host of advanced technology and safety features, the fourth-generation TL is Acura's performance leader TORRANCE, Calif. - Since inception, the Acura TL performance luxury sedan has set lofty standards for styling, performance, comfort and technology. Available for 2009 in two distinctly different models, TL and TL SH-AWD, the all-new fourth-generation Acura TL dramatically expands the model's capabilities and appeal with evocative style, a choice of two VTEC® powertrains (including a new 305-horsepower V-6) and the TL's first-ever application of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®).

Boasting larger dimensions, optimized suspension, a new Sequential SportShift transmission, plus an available Technology Package featuring a comprehensive array of navigation and communication aids, the 2009 TL offers more appeal than ever before. Along with an available Acura/ELS Surround® premium 10-speaker surround sound system and an all-new AcuraLink® weather feature, the new TL is by far the most technologically advanced sedan in Acura's history.

The combination of dramatic new styling, exhilarating performance and an extensive array of electronics (including AcuraLink® real-time traffic and AcuraLink® weather with Doppler-style radar mapping) ensures the 2009 Acura TL will appeal to a sophisticated, technology-savvy audience.

Powertrain: A choice of two different all-aluminum VTEC® engines enables the new 2009 TL to satisfy a wide range of customers. Standard is a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque that sends power to the front wheels through Acura's sophisticated Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel- mounted paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control. Though powerful, the new engine is also fuel efficient, with projected EPA fuel economy ratings* of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The engine is targeted to meet California's tough CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification standards, thanks to features including a Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system, Computer-Controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) and Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) for the intake valves.

Serious performance-sedan devotees will choose the TL SH-AWD to make winding roads their own. Its all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine produces 305 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque courtesy of greater displacement and additional high-performance features like Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) on both the intake and exhaust valves, and a special high-flow dual exhaust system. With projected EPA fuel economy ratings* of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, the 3.7L is also targeted to meet California's stringent CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification. The pièce de résistance on the TL SH-AWD® is the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system, now available on the TL for the first time.

During spirited cornering, SH-AWD® seamlessly distributes more torque to the outside rear wheel to create a "yaw moment" to help the TL turn in more quickly and precisely - while also continuously apportioning drivetrain torque front to rear and left to right. The result is a remarkably balanced and precise all-wheel-drive performance sedan that excels year-round, not just during inclement weather.

Acura TL's performance achievements extend to durability, reliability and refinement as well. Both engines feature electronically controlled engine mounts to reduce engine noise, vibration and harshness (NVH); quiet and efficient Electric Power Steering (EPS) and maintenance-free serpentine accessory belt also boost operating refinement. A standard Maintenance Minder™ system and up to a 100,000-mile tune-up interval offer further time and cost savings for the TL owner.

The standard transmission on the 2009 TL and TL SH-AWD® is a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic featuring F1®-style steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control. Merging the convenience of an automatic with the enjoyment of SportShift manual gear selection, the transmission also features an overdriven top gear for maximum fuel efficiency on the highway. In fact, the Acura transmission has the widest gear-ratio spread of any 5-speed transmission in its class, providing strong acceleration in lower gears and relaxed, fuel-efficient highway cruising.

Body/Chassis: Major improvements in structural engineering for the unit-body further define the 2009 TL. The list of substantial changes begins with the relocation of frame rails inside (rather than underneath) the vehicle's floor pan, resulting in a nearly flat body underside. Benefits of this design include improved crash safety, a significant reduction in interior noise levels, and reduced aerodynamic drag that helps enhance fuel economy. Another significant improvement is the increased use of high-strength steel, which simultaneously improves the unit-body's overall strength while helping to reduce weight. For additional weight savings, aluminum is used for the hood, the front suspension subframe and rear suspension knuckles.

Ride quality and passenger comfort benefit from the 2009 TL's larger exterior dimensions. Featuring 6.0 inches greater exterior length, 1.8 inches more overall width and Ride quality and passenger comfort benefit from the 2009 TL's larger exterior dimensions. Featuring 6.0 inches greater exterior length, 1.8 inches more overall width and a modest 0.5-inch increase in overall height, the TL is noticeably larger than its predecessor.

The larger body size directly contributes to greater interior roominess; it also allows a 1.4-inch longer wheelbase to improve ride quality and a significantly wider track (1.1 inches wider in front, 1.8 inches wider in the rear) helps generate even more tenacious cornering power. The TL employs a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent system in back.

Further improving ride quality and road-holding are new dual-stage "blow off" style hydraulic suspension dampers, new hydro-compliant bushings (used to mount the transmission and key suspension components) and a new "smart" engine mount design. On the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) model, more performance-minded suspension and brake tuning, larger wheels/tires, racing-inspired front brake cooling ducts, and specially-tuned Electric Power Steering (EPS) take the enthusiast's driving experience to an even higher level.

Exterior/Interior: An evocative and powerful exterior body design dramatically advances the TL's image as a performance luxury sedan. Designed by Acura in Southern California, the TL utilizes an array of styling techniques to express motion - and emotion - even when the car is at rest. Featuring Acura's new signature front grille, body sides defined by strong character lines, sweeping C-pillars and new LED taillights, the 2009 TL is simultaneously Acura and yet wholly unique. Plentiful use of luxury and performance features add visual appeal while adding to the TL's vigorous statement - including bright HID projector-beam front headlights, pronounced wheel arches, a standard power moonroof and genuine stainless-steel body trim.

Wheels and tires are as expressive as the exterior styling. Standard on the 2009 TL are 17-inch aluminum wheels with P245/50R17 all-season Bridgestone Turanza or available Michelin Pilot tires for confident year-round performance. The TL SH-AWD® comes with 18-inch aluminum wheels with lower-profile P245/45R18 Michelin Pilot tires for more agile handling. Finally, the TL SH-AWD® offers available 19-inch aluminum wheels with aggressive P245/40ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 summer tires for the ultimate TL performance experience.

In keeping with its mission as a driver's car, the 2009 TL interior features a new "dual personal" layout that provides both the driver and front passenger with their own personal space. Thanks to its larger exterior dimensions, the new TL has 1.3 inches more rear legroom and 0.5-inch of added rear shoulder room compared to the previous generation TL.

Acura's commitment to luxury and technology becomes apparent from the first moment the driver's door is opened. With sweeping shapes, generous use of premium materials and passionate attention to detail, the TL rewards the discriminating eye. The design and execution of the interior is an artful combination of leather surfaces, accented by metallic and wood-pattern trim. An impressive array of premium standard features includes a power moonroof, dual-zone adaptive climate control, 10-way adjustable (8-way power seat with 2-way power lumbar support) driver seat, 8-way adjustable power front passenger seat, and steering-wheel-mounted F1®-style paddle shifters for the Sequential SportShift automatic transmission. An 8-speaker, 276-watt audio system that includes a 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM radio, XM® Satellite Radio, Bluetooth® Audio, USB port and AUX jack connectivity, and HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface are standard.

Available on both the TL and TL SH-AWD® is a Technology Package that includes the most comprehensive array of advanced electronic features ever offered by Acura. The Technology Package includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink® real-time traffic, AcuraLink® weather with Doppler-style radar mapping, an Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system and Keyless Access System with pushbutton ignition. The included Navigation System features a new 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display for improved visibility.

Audiophiles with appreciate the new Acura/ELS Surround® 10-speaker, 440-watt premium sound system with DVD-Audio, CD, DTS™, AM/FM radio, XM® Satellite Radio and 2,500-song** hard disk drive (HDD) media storage. An intuitive interface dial as well as sophisticated voice recognition capability simplifies control of this impressive technology. Premium Milano leather seating surfaces included in the Technology Package further enhances comfort and visual appeal.

Safety: Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) represents a major advance in structural engineering for the 2009 TL. In simple terms, ACE™ better dissipates crash energy in a severe frontal collision through the use of dedicated load-bearing frame structures that efficiently distribute crash energy through the body structure—while also helping to preserve the integrity of the passenger compartment. Acura first introduced ACE™ to the Acura line for the 2005 model year and its inclusion in the 2009 TL means that every vehicle in the Acura model range now has this advanced safety engineering.

Six airbags and a new Active Head Restraint System for the driver and front passenger headrests top the long list of passive safety features built into the new TL. The airbag array includes dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, new dual-chamber front seat side airbags with front passenger seat Occupant Position Detection System, along with side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions. Additional passive-safety features include 3-point seatbelts and head restraints for all seating positions, driver and front passenger seatbelt load-limiters with an automatic tensioning system and a Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system that permits quick, secure attachment of up to two child seats in the rear seating area.

The new TL includes sophisticated active safety features including powerful 4-wheel disc brakes (with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), all-season tires and an available SH-AWD® system. Adding to the list of standard exterior safety features are daytime running lights (DRL) along with 2.5-mph front and rear bumpers.

The 2009 Acura TL is designed to meet the latest crash-safety regulations, including the new FMVSS214 side crash standards (which the TL meets three years early) and the new FMVSS301 rear crash standards. Internal testing indicates that the 2009 TL should achieve the highest ratings in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)*** and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests.

The 2009 Acura TL is assembled in Marysville, Ohio and is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

Via: Jalopnik , Source: Acura

2009 Acura TL Sedan: Official Images Leaked on the Net!

A full set of photos along with preliminary specifications of the 2009 Acura TL were leaked into the internet today, a whole week ahead of the planned debut. The new images reveal among other things, the 2009 TL’s puffed arse in all its glory while we also have the first pictures of the interior.

According to the guys that leaked the pictures, the new TL will be offered in two flavors, a front wheel drive version powered by a 280HP 3.5-liter V6 engine and the first ever AWD TL that’s equipped with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive with power coming from a 305 HP 3.7-liter V6 unit. Both versions of the TL will be matted to a sequential sportshift five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The 2009 TL will go on sale across the U.S. this fall. Follow the jump to check out the full image gallery and as always, feel free to drop us a comment with your thoughts on the new TL. -Continued

Via: Edmunds – Thanks for the tip Jose S.!