Here's what happened. I come home today and find a nicely designed, well-thought out brochure in the mail for the new Acura ILX, see below:
While I've enjoyed owning two different Acuras in my lifetime and find them to be wonderful cars, I've been scratching my head for over a decade at what exactly Honda Motor Corp is doing with this underutilized and somewhat abused brand. It all started when they decided to hop on the alphanumeric trend inspired by Mercedes and BMW (which have always designated their cars this way). The heresy was dropping the Legend and Integra names for the RL and RSX respectively. STUPID!!!
Back to the ILX - seriously? ILX? Trust me when I say that this car will never stick, nor will anyone ever swoon when they mention that they drive an ILX. Just bad.
Let's talk marketing - the goal with the ILX is to introduce a small entry level sedan that can be a volume leader and "affordable luxury". Did they not realize they have the TSX??? That is EXACTLY what the TSX is. You can't find a better value out there in the same class.
So the TSX will eventually be phased out. DUMB! It's gotten quite a following and is perfect for the people who don't want the larger TL sedan.
I'm way off the bigger subject. There has been a serious lack of creative automobile names in lieu of these alphanumeric designations, but the problem is, there are only so many letters, numbers and combinations of the two. THEY WILL EVENTUALLY RUN OUT! and certain letters can't be used successfully - i.e. B, H, J, K, N, P...and really, who would buy a Chrysler U666. No one.
All I'm saying is that there are many more names out there - VW went to Africa to inspire the Touareg and although totally weird, it's developed a following. Whodathunk? Even if manufacturers go back to previously discontinued models to get names - I'd be all over a modernized Buick Electra.
Bottom line is that if the letters and numbers make sense, then go for it. A8, A6, A4 - All traditional sedans for Audi. Add the Avant if you want a wagon - A4 Avant. I get it. Q7 & Q5 - SUVs. Perfect. KISS people, Keep It Simple Stupid.
I know there aren't a lot of pictures, colors or videos here, but I had to just share my thoughts.
Stay tuned...I have another letter-oriented post brewing in me; all it will take is seeing that commercial for the new Lexus RX F-sport just one. more. time.
Peace out.
