mmarshall

No...as far as I know, it was Honda, though I don't have a firm date to prove it. Honda first started using VTEC technology in their Formula One engines ( which were dominating the sport at the time before Michael Shumacker came along with his Ferrrari ) and then it tricked down into first their higher-priced street cars, then across the board. Other companies later followed suit.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I too thought it was Honda that pioneered the variable valve timing technology, but I too can't be certain. Either way, what about varaible volume induction that everyone seems to be using today? I know Honda had that at least in 1986.

mmarshall

While, of course, Honda / Acura certainly can be classed as a "technology " company, we actually owe many of our modern safety-related features to Mercedes and Volvo. Those two companies pioneered multiple air bags, rigid safety roll cages, front and rear-end crush zones, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and vehicle stability systems. Recently NHTSA announced that stability systems will be standard in all new vehicles by 2012.

mavericck

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable_valve_timing

mmarshall

I'm not doubting that GM may have first had the idea. Honda, as far as I know, was the first to put it into mass production.

It is similiar to the old air-bag and anti-lock controversy. GM had airbags as an option in some 1974 Oldsmobiles, I distinctly remember, and the 1971 Chrysler Imperial and Lincoln Continental both offered anti-lock brakes. There were few takers...safety generally didn't sell in those days. Mercedes and Volvo generally perfected the modern safety systems. Same with Honda and the modern VTEC system.

STIG

it says GM threw away the project cz they couldn't get that right?

It was HONDA that used VTEC in mass production engines. And they done it right.

mavericck

Yes, Honda improved and already invented technology. That was the point I was trying to get across to people who thought they invented it.

shyguy16

I think Acura packs a lot of technology for the money, but I can't seem to understand why the RDX (and the new MDX) does not have keyless entry/push button start

uncle_el

the honda s2000 is rwd.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Dont forget the NSX

STIG

Point taken.

But I have an idea that we can make people fly. But does it say anything?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

overall i think that's a right statement about acura, but i would probably weigh more towards the early years with the nsx and the legend. those were some really crazy and "way ahead of time" techs. but as of late, i think acura does try to put more new techs on the cars, but sometimes when i look at them i dont' think they really stand out that much more. they are new, but they are not alone, that's how i would put it

Shawnmack

I have a 99 TL And I guess the only thing I think is Luxury on it is the nav. And that's it nothing different than my nephew 98 Honda accord coupe.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

acura packs quite a bit of tech in their cars for the price, give you HIDs when its optional on some cars that are more expensive