Acura considers adding niche products to lineup, good idea?
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Acura is reportedly looking at expanding its lineup with several models designed to fill niche segments. The latest word from American Honda, via an Automotive News report, is that a small luxury coupe to replace the long-gone CL and a retractable hardtop model are both being considered. American Honda also pointed to the separation of Honda and Acura R&D departments and Acura's foray into the racing world as part of an effort to firmly establish the Japanese premium brand as a contender in the U.S. market.
Acura's sales dropped 7.8 percent this year through the end of August, with every model save the redesigned MDX crossover showing a loss in sales compared with 2006 figures. One bright spot is the RDX small crossover. Introduced late last year as a 2007 model year vehicle, the RDX has sold some 15,000 units since launch.
Industry analysts have suggested Acura could use a flagship sedan featuring an eight-cylinder, higher-displacement engine -- perhaps based on its 3.4-liter V-8 racing currently campaigning in the American Le Mans Series. There's also good reason to believe Acura will bring back its NSX halo sports car, which may boost the automaker's image despite the model's history of losing money. The Advanced Sports Car Concept (pictured) shown at last year's Detroit auto show likely represents the early stages of that car's development.
What does Acura need to place them as a true contender alongside Lexus and Infiniti? Should Acura enter niche markets as a method of attracting more business? Why hasn't Acura maintained its position as well as other premium Japanese brands despite having virtually invented the segment? Let's hear your thoughts! Also, to read about Acura's racing efforts in the ALMS, check out this exclusive feature article.
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