[GatorGreg]

Hey guys, I saw some speculation (I think it was by megabucks and renov8r) in an earlier thread about the possibility of upscaling the 2nd gen 'V to compete with the likes of the Land Rover Freelander and possibly the BMW X3. There is an interesting article at Edmunds about a fancy schmancy CR-V ("CR-V OpenAir") that Honda recently showed at Geneva. It would look very nice with the Acura logo on the front IMO (BTW, in a recent comparo in Truck Trend the regular 2nd gen 'V already receives a better overall score than the Freelander which costs rougly $30K, as well as the RAV4 and Escape. The comparo is not available on-line AFAIK).

Here's the link to the Edmunds article on the CR-V OpenAir (courtesy of CR-Vince):


http://www.edmunds.com/news/autoshows/articles/49774/page018.html

And here's a pic of the CR-V OpenAir (courtesy of Edmunds):

 

[GatorGreg]

I still love my new 'V even if it does have a puny moonroof (even smaller than the 'X ) compared to the OpenAir.

 

[GatorGreg]

And besides, I bet the OpenAir doesn't have a mobile multimedia station like mine does. Well, maybe it does cuz the Europeans seem to get all the fun toys Anyway, I'd like to see Hondacura offer the OpenAir in the U.S. as an Acura, priced in the $25-27.5K range. I think it would provide good competition for the Freelander.

 

[MDXtrous]

I think you'll be halfway there by painting your bumpers and body side moulding body color...

 

[vicpai]

Yes Yes Yes Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

.........Thanks for that link........looks like it will become a reality after all!!!....why would they be playing around with this idea otherwise??? Can you imagine what dream machine it would be???

My wishlist for the "ACURA CR-V"

Exact same exterior dimensions as current CR-V - very important!
2.7 - 3.0 liter V6 producing 210-220bhp
5-speed automatic transmission
available Acura DVD-based Navigation system
VTM-4 4-wheel drive system with locking rear diff (same as in MDX)
Automatic climate control system
heated seats
electrochromic auto-dimming mirrors
Acura-Bose premium sound system
8-way power driver and passenger seats
Side-impact/side-curtain airbags
plus all the other usual goodies that come with a luxury vehicle..

Other features that are desirable but not a "must-have":
Xenon headlamps (HIDs)
VSA- vehicle stability assist

I would GLADLY pay 30-35K, without the slightest hesitation, if Acura brought out such a vehicle!!

 

[GatorGreg]

Re: Yes Yes Yes Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

.........Thanks for that link........looks like it will become a reality after all!!!....why would they be playing around with this idea otherwise??? Can you imagine what dream machine it would be???

My wishlist for the "ACURA CR-V"

Exact same exterior dimensions as current CR-V - very important!
2.7 - 3.0 liter V6 producing 210-220bhp
5-speed automatic transmission
available Acura DVD-based Navigation system
VTM-4 4-wheel drive system with locking rear diff (same as in MDX)
Automatic climate control system
heated seats
electrochromic auto-dimming mirrors
Acura-Bose premium sound system
8-way power driver and passenger seats
Side-impact/side-curtain airbags
plus all the other usual goodies that come with a luxury vehicle..

Other features that are desirable but not a "must-have":
Xenon headlamps (HIDs)
VSA- vehicle stability assist

I would GLADLY pay 30-35K, without the slightest hesitation, if Acura brought out such a vehicle!!

Hey Vicpal, that is a nice wishlist. However, I think the V-6, VTM-4 and 5 speed A/T are VERY unlikely, and the side-curtain airbags, xenons, and VSA are unlikely as well. It would probably get everything else you mentioned though. In fact, the EX 'V already has side-impact air bags, and I know that the Canadian EX-L model has heated leather (low quality leather in comparison to the OpenAir I'm sure) seats and heated mirrors. I also believe the navi is already available in European and Japanese market 'Vs, but I'm not sure.

The engine and powertrain upgrades would probably cost way too much to implement. I think the 'X will get a V-8 before you will ever see a V-6 in a 'V, which means I don't think it will ever happen Besides, I believe the 'V already uses a bored out version of an Acura engine (RSX) and I can tell you from experience that it provides an excellent combination of power and fuel efficiency.

One thing I would add to your wish list is steering wheel mounted audio controls, I REALLY miss that from my old 'X. In fact, it took me about 2 weeks to stop jamming my thumbs at the steering wheel of my 'V My new Alpine system has a nice remote, but it's just not as convenient as having the controls on the wheel

 

[GatorGreg]

I managed to dig up some more pics of the CR-V OpenAir on display in Geneva. I think I actually prefer the look with the spare tire on the back. This looks kind of weird IMO.

 

[GatorGreg]

Here's a shot from the front:

 

[GatorGreg]

Last one:

 

[Tech555]

I agree with your comments on the X3 given the description at the following URL:

X3 Spy Pics

They look to be about the same size.