2 May 2013

Edmunds: 2015 Acura ILX Coupe Is Dead

Just the Facts:
  • A coupe version of the ILX sedan was part of the original product plan for the new nameplate.
  • Slow sales of the ILX sedan make the coupe a less likely addition.
  • An Acura official refused to comment on any future product plans.

TORRANCE, California — Last year's launch of the 2013 Acura ILX sedan has consumers asking the next logical question — when will we see an ILX coupe?

The answer is, disappointingly, probably never.

Considering the ILX is based on the Honda Civic, which is available in sedan and coupe body styles, and given Acura's history with the Integra and RSX coupes, this will surprise many. Not to mention that prior to the launch of the ILX, Honda officials hinted to Edmunds that a coupe version of the ILX was in the works.

But plans change and as tempting as an ILX coupe might be to Acura enthusiasts, slow sales of the ILX sedan may have already sunk the coupe's chances for production. Sales have already fallen below projections and Honda has reduced output of the ILX to concentrate on Civic production, which occurs at the same assembly plant.

When asked to comment on the current possibility of an ILX coupe, Acura Public Relations Manager Chuck Schifsky responded, "We do not comment on future product or our product planning process for potential models."

The return of an entry-level Acura coupe has been anticipated ever since the RSX ceased production in 2006. And of course every hard-core sport compact enthusiast out there wants Acura to revive the Type R name, which has become a performance legend. The high-performance Acura Integra Type R was built in very small numbers from 1995-2000 (and sold in the U.S. from 1997-2001), and is still considered by many to be the best hot hatch ever created.

But first Acura needs to figure out the small premium sedan segment, which is about to become a war zone with the introductions of the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA250 and the Audi A3.

Edmunds says: It's an unlikely addition given the sedan's current weakness, but an ILX coupe would still go a long way toward injecting some excitement into Acura's lineup.

Source;
http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2015-acura-ilx-coupe-is-dead.html

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