DETROIT AUTO SHOW: Acura Unveils The Civic-Inspired ILX Concept. Did Acura Do Something WRONG Here?

Years ago, Acura use to offer affordable offerings like the Integra and RSX. These days you can't touch anything below $30,000 smackers thanks to the TSX.

Well, Acura is setting out to change that with an all-new concept it displayed at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. That, my friends, is the ILX.

But there is one catch: It is largely based on the Honda Civic.

That could actually work FOR the brand as many Honda loyalists love their Civic but want to trade UP for a set of fancier wheels. It also could be a risky move because who wants to cough up some serious dough for a Civic?

Acura claims it will be priced well below the $30K mark but, of course, no estimates were thrown out there.

So, we divert this conundrum to you, our faithful Spies: Is this a genius move to get Acuras in the hands of younger buyers OR is this a risky play?

Either way you flip the coin, Infiniti's missing out...


Acura's press release follows:

Acura ILX Concept

The Acura ILX Concept is the precursor to an all-new Acura luxury compact sedan scheduled for launch in Spring 2012. To be positioned as the gateway to the Acura brand, the ILX will feature three different powertrains, including Acura's first-ever gas-electric hybrid.

"First time luxury buyers place the highest value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues and that's a virtual definition of what we have created with the new Acura ILX," said Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio. "The strategy behind this new model is to position ILX as the first opportunity for many young buyers to enter the luxury market."

Sleek, sporty and aerodynamically efficient, the exterior of the all-new Acura ILX combines luxury, performance and efficiency. A beautifully styled luxury sedan, the ILX Concept has a compact, yet formal proportion, targeting a very professional image. The Acura ILX delivers both, with a greenhouse that provides excellent visibility, an aerodynamic low and wide stance, the ILX is immediately recognizable as an Acura

The lineup of ILX models will include an entry-level model powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine; a high-performance model with a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission; and a 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, Acura's first-ever hybrid offering.

The ILX will feature a high–quality, well-appointed interior that is smart, spacious and sporty. It will offer a number of new, high-value features, including a smart entry keyless access system and pushbutton start, along with Pandora internet radio interface and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world.

As with all Acura models, the ILX will have a long list of standard features, different trim levels (that will include a Technology Package), multiple transmission choices, and excellent standard safety features— including Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure, front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA™). Acura anticipates that the ILX will achieve top ratings in both NHTSA and IIHS crash safety testing.

The new ILX will be manufactured exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC, in its Greensburg, Ind. plant— one of only three plants in the world to receive J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Platinum Award for outstanding quality.