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The popular Acura RDX luxury crossover has undergone the most extensive redesign in a decade, and the automotive press is buzzing. The Acura RDX’s sleeker exterior styling and completely new interior design was revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit Jan. 15. The new RDX is expected to go on sale in 2018 as a 2019 model, and the experts at Speedcraft Acura in West Warwick will answer any of your questions. Here’s what we’re reading about the 2019 RDX here at Speedcraft Acura: Motor Trend says the new Acura RDX “features an angular grille that we’ve seen on other new Acuras, ditching the thick silver bar that runs across the front fascia of the current SUV.” The prototype “reveals a low-slung body, prominent window spoiler and bold character lines that accentuate the vehicle’s wheel arches.” Digital Trends, which called the 2019 RDX more “Euro-centric,” says that “the biggest changes seem to take out some of the curvaceous bits, in exchange for more angular design cues.” Search Speedcraft Acura Inventory Car and Driver reports, “Acura is returning the RDX to its turbocharged, super-handling roots and gifting it a buff, good-looking new body and a snazzy interior with an all-new infotainment system controlled by a touchpad.” The magazine enthuses, “Every 2019 RDX will have a panoramic sunroof as standard, along with the AcuraWatch batch of driver-assist tech (on the current RDX, this includes automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist). Buyers also will be offered blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree-view camera, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot with a 4G LTE data connection, and front and rear parking sensors. Acura even promises that a sportier A-Spec trim level will be in dealerships from the get-go.” Schedule a Test Drive Today USA Today comments on the interior. “The RDX’s interior will build on the looks and features in the Precision Cockpit model Acura introduced in 2016. The Precision Cockpit featured seats similar to Acura’s NSX exotic car and a large screen mounted atop the dashboard with features controlled by a touchpad in the center console.” The console “floats” over a lower storage tray between the front seats. Contact our sales team for any questions about Acura’s best-selling RDX, or schedule a test drive today.

Winter is tough, but luckily your Acura can take it. The snow, ice and frigid temperatures make driving more challenging and proper maintenance essential. The factory-trained and certified service technicians at Speedcraft Acura in West Warwick are available to help with any number of issues, including windshield wiper replacement, headline replacement, tire rotation and pressure checks, heating systems, oil changes, transmission services, battery replacement and more. The Speedcraft Acura service department always uses Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) car parts. We know that minor problems can range from a minor inconvenience to a sign of a bigger problem.  That’s the reason you want any problems in your vehicle checked as soon as possible. Bring in your Acura for a winter maintenance check. We’ll look at the condition of your engine, as well as see if you have a fully functional spark plug with working wires, and a well-maintained fuel delivery system. We will also check your antifreeze to make sure the mixture is right and that your engine doesn’t seize up in the cold. Driving with worn or unreliable tires is extremely dangerous, especially on icy roads. Our service technicians will examine your tires’ tread life, uneven wearing, as well as if there is any cuts or nicks in the sidewalls. If we do come across a problem, we will take the proper measures to fix it, such as a replacement, rotation or alignment. Schedule Service At a Time that Works for Your Lifestyle We offer convenience and peace of mind through the Speedcraft Acura Advantage, which includes a multi-point inspection, battery check, local shuttle rides and a car wash with any service. Loaner vehicles are available by appointment. Speedcraft Acura also offers lots of ways to keep your car and wallet happy at the same time. Take a look at these great car service and maintenance coupons. Don’t sweat the small stuff! Whether your vehicle is due for a routine oil change or needs repair work, you can count on the Speedcraft Acura service team to get the job done right. Our Acura-certified technicians have over 100 years of combined Acura experience and include multiple Acura Master and ASE L1 Master technicians. Your Acura is a thoroughly engineered machine – keep it in top running condition. Need a quick answer to a question? Speak with one of our professional staff members at (855) 456-2679.

If you want a nearly new car and limited risk, a certified pre-owned Acura may be right for you. To be certified, the Acura vehicle needs to meet specific age and mileage requirements – only vehicles less than 6 years old with under 80,000 miles are accepted into the program. Acuras also must pass a rigorous, 82-point inspection, which will earn it a limited warranty backed by Acura. A thorough appearance inspection scrutinizes inside and out to ensure that every vehicle upholds the luxury and sophistication of the Acura name. Here at Speedcraft Acura in West Warwick, drivers who buy certified pre-owned Acuras tell us that peace of mind is a major selling point. Search Speedcraft Acura Certified Pre-Owned Inventory The benefits of buying a certified pre-owned car don’t stop with the inspections and warranties. Acura offers extra benefits, such as roadside assistance and concierge service. Benefits of buying a certified pre-owned Acura include: Thorough 82-point inspection 12 months/12,000 miles warranty – Acura will repair or replace any covered part that is defective in material or workmanship under normal use. All repairs or replacements under this limited warranty will be made free of charge with no deductible. Roadside assistance – The program covers emergency fuel delivery, battery jump-start, emergency lockout assistance, flat tire changes, and, if your vehicle is mechanically disabled, emergency towing to the nearest Acura dealership or qualified repair facility. Concierge service – Acura provides urgent-message relaying, shipment of personal items, 24-hour weather information, insurance claims assistance, auto glass replacement referral, and more at no cost. Acura offers even more peace of mind with the optional Acura car coverage. Inquire about additional coverage at the time of purchase or lease of a certified pre-owned vehicle.

Answering customer demand for third-row seats, Lexus has responded with its new RX 350L, but the 2018 Acura MDX has 7.4 inches more leg room and twice the cargo capacity. Plus, it costs thousands of dollars less. Our friends at Edmunds have given the MDX a 4-star review: “Great value and an available hybrid* version help the MDX stand out among three-row luxury SUVs.” The team of automotive specialists at Speedcraft Acura in West Warwick can answer any of your questions. Roomy, Comfortable for Passengers The basic frame structure and wheel base of the RX350 remain unchanged. Lexus added 4.3 inches to the rear overhang to accommodate the third row while making the rear windshield more vertical to provide headroom. Here are the specs: leg room is 23.5, shoulder room is 45.7 and overall passenger volume is 114.9 cubic feet. Compare those to the 2018 Acura MDX: leg room is 30.9 inches, shoulder room is 54.7 inches and overall passenger volume is 132.7 cubic feet. Search Speedcraft Acura Inventory The third row seat is raised in the RX 350L, making it more difficult to get in and out of the vehicle. Clearance is narrow and passengers must step up to get inside. Even reasonably dexterous people find it challenging. According to an Edmunds review: “Lexus admits that the third-row seat is meant primarily for children up to junior-high age. We’ve tried sitting in the way back, and indeed adults are going to find it uncomfortable. Step-through access to the third row is a little tight, too. “ The 2018 Acura MDX offers one-touch buttons to move the second seat forward to provide access for third-row passengers. Ample Space for Luggage Cargo room behind the third row in the RX 350L, at 6.21 cubic feet, is paltry compared to the 2018 Acura MDX, at 14.9 cubic feet. While the external dimensions are very similar in the two vehicles the cargo volume and passenger space are must smaller. The MDX offers more than double the cargo space, no matter how the seats are configured. Edmunds noted its “… easy-to-use fold-flat seats make loading long items a breeze. Storage space for small items is another win.” The Lexus RX 350L is simply a smaller vehicle in nearly every way. If you plan to travel with passengers and their luggage, the 2018 Acura MDX is your best bet. Schedule a Test Drive Today The two vehicles can’t compare on price either. The base price of the 2018 Acura MDX is $44,200 for front-wheel drive and $46,200 for all-wheel drive. The base prices are $47,670 and $49,070, respectively, for the 2018 Lexus RX 350L. *Based on 2018 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid models only) and other factors.*Prices shown are Acura suggested retail prices only and do not include taxes, license or destination and handling charge. Destination & Handling charge is $965 for sedans and $995 for SUVs. Acura vehicle accessory costs, labor and installation vary. Dealers set their own prices. Please consult your selected dealer. *Hybrid model coming soon.

As snow and icy conditions approach, car buyers start thinking about improving their odds on the road with Acura’s AWD vehicles. The friendly experts at Speedcraft Acura in West Warwick can help you decide which model to choose. All-wheel drive, or AWD, is distinct from front and rear-wheel drive, which use only two wheels to propel a vehicle. All the car’s wheels are employed using AWD, which comes in handy during unpredictable New England weather and on loose gravel or when driving in mud. Drivers like the added control and traction when torque is displaced to all the tires. That added torque and traction is also helpful for hauling and towing. Advantages of Acura AWD With AWD, an electronic sensor sends the power to all four wheels and determines when all the wheels are needed. An AWD vehicle can accelerate better than a two-wheel-drive vehicle in inclement weather because the traction is equally distributed among all four tires. On a front-wheel drive vehicle, only two tires are doing the work. Also, he improved traction will lessen chances of getting stuck, and resale value is boosted for vehicles with AWD in areas with tough winters. The biggest downside to AWD is overconfidence. Having AWD does not mean you can drive in the snow or rain as easily as you would on a dry road. AWD helps only with acceleration and traction. Braking distances and handling don’t change. Schedule a Test Drive Director of the Bridgestone Driving School Mark Cox told Accuweather, “All-wheel drive creates a false sense of confidence.” When it comes to turning and stopping, he said, “all vehicles are created equal.” Acura offers many options for those who are looking for a different drivetrain than the usual front-wheel or rear-wheel drive. Models with AWD at Speedcraft Acura 2018 Acura RDX 2018 Acura TLX 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Want to learn more about one of these options? Contact Speedcraft Acura or drop by our store in West Warwick today.

Are you having trouble making plans for New Year’s Eve? We’re here to help! Check out this list of New Year’s Eve 2017 events in Providence, R.I. Start your New Year off right. NYE One Providence Swing by downtown Providence for the first-ever ball drop and fireworks show. Who needs Times Square? Enjoy food trucks, as Financial Way will be closed, hot chocolate, face painting, music, and a laser light show around the basin of Waterplace Park. In addition, a separate, ticket-only black tie event in Skyline at Waterplace features dinner, valet, dessert and additional entertainment. To learn more, click on this link. It all starts at 7. All outdoor activities are free and open to the public. “Providence is the perfect place to celebrate the New Year,” said Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza. “Residents from across Rhode Island are welcome to join us for another memorable night in the Creative Capital complete with outdoor musical performances in our very own Waterplace Park and fireworks over the city to finish the night.” Learn more here. The Midnight Ball Are you looking for a crazy party to attend this New Year’s Eve? The Midnight Ball is a big party with DJs playing the hottest hits. You’ll be in good company with 800 other party-goers and celebrate the New Year with an exhilarating experience. Learn more. Marriott Downtown The Marriott Downtown in Providence is holding specials for those who like a fine meal along with party supplies and accommodations on New Year’s Eve. To learn more, check out their website for more information.

The redesigned 2018 Acura TLX comes with a long list of standard features, and bolder, sportier styling. Find it at Speedcraft Acura in West Warwick. The 2018 Acura TLX has a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA, 5-Star ratings in every Frontal Crash and Rollover Test. Its ACE body structure is four to five times stronger than traditional-grade automotive steel. It’s also the only vehicle in its class to offer a full suite of safety and technology features. AcuraWatch is designed to increase awareness and support the driver, working to help prevent, avoid and mitigate impacts. AcuraWatch monitors surroundings and warns of threats, keeps you in the center of the lane, and helps brake to keep the appropriate space between cars. Available safety features include blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree-view camera. Schedule a Test Drive Today Also, LED brake lights illuminate 200 milliseconds faster than conventional bulbs, giving drivers more time to react. LED headlights are standard on every Acura and provide a wide beam of light that is designed to mimic natural sunlight. The result is clarity, more vivid colors, and less tired driving. All this safety comes at a good value, but don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what U.S. News and World Report says, “If you’re looking for a luxury car but don’t want to break the bank, the 2018 Acura TLX is a good choice. Starting at $33,000, it has one of the lowest price tags in the class, yet it still has most of the amenities you’d expect of a luxury midsize car.” Lease and Finance Offers at Speedcraft Acura Acura TLX Exterior Most of the major changes are in its exterior design, which is more sporty and modern. The TLX, which comes with four- and six-cylinder engines, is highlighted by a new diamond pentagon grille and a low, wide stance that allows for precision handling. The V-6 Advance Package has even more elevated design features, such as 18-inch, pewter-gray machine-finished, fifteen-spoke wheels; LED fog lights; a body-colored rear spoiler and rectangular dual-exhaust outlets. Colors: bellanova white pearl, lunar silver metallic, modern steel metallic, crystal black peak, fathom blue pearl, still night blue pearl, san marino red and black copper pearl. Search Speedcraft Acura Inventory Acura TLX Interior The interior features a fast an intuitive, easy-to-use updated infotainment system. The center stack has two display screens, not one. One is for phone navigation and information and the other controls audio and climate. Other features include a proximity key, heated front seats, and an electric parking brake with auto brake hold. Perforated Milano leather provide comfort, ventilation and a distinctive espresso appearance. Colors: ebony, graystone, parchment, espresso, ebony and full red. Prices shown are Acura suggested retail prices only and do not include taxes, license or destination and handling charge. Destination & Handling charge is $965 for sedans and $995 for SUVs. Acura vehicle accessory costs, labor and installation vary. Dealers set their own prices. Please consult your selected dealer. *NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ( NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program. For additional information on the 5-Star Safety Ratings program, please visit www.safercar.gov.

A data analysis of traffic patterns over the years says the best time to leave for your Thanksgiving destination is 6 a.m. the Sunday before the holiday. The best time to go home is 6 a.m. Friday. That advice, coming from Google, means spending five days with loved ones for a one-meal holiday. Many can’t bear the idea of that much togetherness, nor can they take that much time away from work, which means driving at less-than-ideal times. Let AcuraWatch ease some of the hassles while bolstering safety in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Technicians at Speedcraft Acura in West Warwick can answer any questions you may have. AcuraWatch is an entire network of sensing technologies that work together to constantly gather information and offer warnings when necessary. In certain situations, AcuraWatch even takes action, such as applying the brakes in an emergency. Schedule a Test Drive The sensing technologies offered in the AcuraWatch system include adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, road-departure mitigation, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and a multi-view rear camera that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle. Combining alert driving with AcuraWatch can help drivers get through the worst holiday traffic. Google warns that traffic only gets progressively worse after 6 a.m. Sunday. Traffic can choke heavily traveled routes, like the I-95 corridor, adding hours to your trip. The worst times to drive are right before and after Thanksgiving (Wednesday and Friday) at 3 p.m. Schedule a Service Appointment Online A few other tips: Plan your route ahead of time, and make a Plan B if traffic gets too bad. Bring along an E-ZPass for the tolls, as well as plenty of snacks and water, and be sure to fill up on gas before you hit the road. Also brush up on tips to handle hazardous road conditions during icy or stormy weather. There’s no doubt that the Thanksgiving holiday is the busiest travel time of the year, but with a bit of travel planning, you may ease some road trip headaches.

The best time to buy a new Acura is now. Dozens of lease and finance offers are available at Speedcraft Acura on RT2 West Warwick. It seems “end of year” timing for new car purchases is the only area of agreement on the much-debated topic. Edmunds, which offers auto information, reviews and advice, says there are “as many theories on this topic as there are days in the year.” Some say the end of the month is best; others say buy at the end of the day; some say bad weather days are best. Edmunds says there’s a grain of truth in all of those ideas, but if your main goal is to buy or lease at the best price, December will give you a “perfect storm” of savings. Search Speedcraft Acura Inventory At Speedcraft Acura, you will find an incredible selection of vehicles, including ILX, MDX, RDX, RLX and TLX, and a team of experts to help you at every step of the way. From paperwork to the financing, everything is simple and seamless. Customers love our no-nonsense approach. Schedule a Test Drive Today After all is said and done, Edmunds advises buyers to think about your needs, not your timing. “Car buying can be stressful, and it can take more than a month to go from deciding what to buy to actually closing the deal.” Why pressure yourself? Do your research and buy when you’re ready, but if you’re ready now you’ll save big.

Acura has updated its powerful 2018 Acura MDX luxury SUV with faster, more modern technology, and its new colors are sporty and sophisticated. Best of all, its Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, starting at $44,200, is just $150 more than the outgoing model. Check them out now at Speedcraft Acura in West Warwick. The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time and has been recognized by Edmunds.com as the “Most Wanted Luxury Midsize SUV” (2017) and as “Best Luxury Three-Row SUV for the Money” (2017) by U.S. News & World Report. 2018 Acura MDX Technology Upgrades For 2018, the Acura MDX features a new 7-inch touchscreen with more intuitive menus and command structures with a 30% faster response time. It includes support for Apple CarPlay, which seamlessly integrates compatible iPhones in the car, allowing users to get directions optimized for traffic, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music. It also supports Android Auto compatibility. Lease and Finance Offers on new Acura models The 2018 Acura MDX features a 3.5-liter direct-injected 24-valve V6 engine rated at 290 peak horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. peak torque, and is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Similar to other Acura models, the 2018 Acura MDX offers the AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard. Search Speedcraft Acura Inventory Premium Features The 2018 MDX offers a broad range of comfort and convenience features including a multi-angle rearview camera, heated steering wheel, keyless entry and push-button start. The 2018 Acura MDX Technology and Advance packages add two 20-inch wheel and tire options, bi-directional keyless remote engine start, power folding side mirrors and HD traffic. Schedule a Test Drive Today In addition, the Advance grades include LED fog lights, wood interior trim, a heated steering wheel and a camera system with six selectable viewing angles. Advance models can also be equipped with two second-row captain’s chairs and a center console with two additional USB ports for third-row passengers. An ultra-widescreen rear entertainment system is also available on models with the Advance Entertainment Package. Two new eye-catching exterior colors have been addd for 2018: Basque Red, available on base and Technology trims, and sporty San Marino Red on Advance trims. Prices shown are Acura suggested retail prices only and do not include taxes, license or destination and handling charge. Destination & Handling charge is $965 for sedans and $995 for SUVs. Acura vehicle accessory costs, labor and installation vary. Dealers set their own prices. Please consult your selected dealer.

Reviewers of the 2017 Acura RDX repeatedly cite its good value, comfort, power and numerous standard features. That’s why drivers tell us at Speedcraft Acura that they are choosing the 2017 Acura RDX after comparing it against the 2017 Volvo XC60. U.S. News and World Report, which ranks the 2017 Acura RDX at No. 3 out of 14 luxury compact SUVs, cites the 2017 Acura RDX’s “peppy and capable” V6 engine and smooth, quiet ride. The Car Connection, the car review website, says the 2017 Acura RDX has “just the right amount of versatility and practicality,” and is “one of the smoothest, most responsive-driving compact crossover SUVs.” Edmunds likes the elevated rear seat, which provides good legroom and views, generous storage for luxury compact SUVs and more features that its competitors. 2017 Acura RDX Means Efficiency The Acura RDX and the pricier Volvo XC60 are about the same size, although the Acura is slightly narrower, making parking a bit easier. The 2017 Acura RDX also has more head and legroom in the front. Although the Volvo XC60 has a good ride, downsides cited by CarConnection.com are its aged styling and limited legroom in the rear. It also notes that the Volvo XC60’s “plethora of powertrains and options can take the $36,000 base price well over $50,000,” and that it’s “not particularly efficient.” By contrast, the 2017 Acura RDX boasts a Variable Cylinder Management™ system, which automatically changes the engine to run from six to three cylinders during steady highway driving. This helps the RDX earn 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for all-wheel drive models and 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models. Luxury is Standard for 2017 Acura RDX Here are some of the 2017 Acura RDX standard luxury features: heated front seats, second-row air conditioning vents, a power tailgate and multi-view rear camera. The 2017 RDX with Technology Package has numerous upgrades including Acura’s dual-screen On-Demand Multi-Information Display HD Radio®, blind spot information and rear cross traffic monitor. At the top of the range is the Advance Package, which includes rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights, remote engine start, front and rear parking sensors, ventilated front seats, and an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, along with standard AcuraWatch™ safety and driver-assistive technologies. Perhaps Edmunds.com sums it up best, “This stylish Acura is one of our favorites thanks to its fuel-efficient, yet powerful V6, comfortable interior and long list of standard features.” *Based on 2017 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors

Every driver should know that rotating Acura tires is important, but why should it be done and when? Consider if it’s not done: The tread will wear unevenly, and one or two tires will need replacement before the others. Rear tires tend to wear fairly evenly, but the front tires usually wear faster and less uniformly. Front tires need to lean to the outside edge on corners, and they carry more weight than the rear tires because they’re closer to the engine and get more stress upon braking. Rotating your tires – side to side, front to back, or even diagonally – will ensure that they last as long as possible, wear more evenly, and that your car will handle predictably. Tires that wear unevenly are noisier as well. When Should I Rotate Acura Tires? Generally, tires should be rotated every six months, or 5,000 to 8,000 miles. The tires mounted on the drive wheels of any vehicle work harder because they apply the power to the pavement. Another thing to consider is your driving habits and terrain. The rougher the terrain – think potholes and gravel – the more often tires should be rotated. All-wheel drive Acuras, such as the TLX, RLX, RDX and MDX, will need to have their tires rotated as well. Because power is constantly directed to all tires, it follows that all tires would wear at the same rate. However, each wheel gets varying degrees of driving traction and steering. When in doubt of your specific Acura’s tire rotation schedule, call a Speedcraft Acura expert or refer to your owner’s manual, which was written by the factory representatives who designed and built the car. The next time you’re considering an oil change or brake inspection, ask about having your tires rotated and balanced. If your vehicle is overdue, schedule an appointment with Speedcraft’s service department today. And remember to check for online coupons. Speedcraft Acura offers numerous specials every month.