From the entry level ILX 2.0L model to the performance-oriented ILX 2.4L and the efficient ILX Hybrid, every 2013 Acura ILX is comfortably refined, responsive and inspiring to drive.
All ILX models feature Acura’s highly developed MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems, new Amplitude Reactive Dampers, new Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering, and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) electronic stability control system that works with the ILX’s Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system and 4-channel ABS systems to enhance vehicle control.
The ILX’s 4-wheel independent suspension is likewise tuned to provide a sporty, solid and dynamic driving experience, and the standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist uses 4-wheel disc brakes.
CHASSIS HIGHLIGHTS
- MacPherson strut front suspension
- Multi-link rear suspension
- Front and rear stabilizer bars
- Amplitude Reactive Dampers
- Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS)
- Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)
- 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The ILX chassis architecture is focused on providing a refined ride quality along with precise, spirited handling— all the while reducing the intrusion of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) into the passenger cabin. Key differences between the different ILX models include:
ILX 2.0L
- 16×6.5-inch split 5-spoke aluminum wheels with silver-painted surface
- Continental ContiProContact P205/55R16 all-season tires
- Available 17×7-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with silver-painted surface and a machined spoke face
- Available Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 P215/45R17 all-season tires
ILX 2.4L
- 17×7-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with silver-painted surface and a machined spoke face
- Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 P215/45R17 all-season tires
ILX Hybrid
- Unique 16×6.5-inch split 5-spoke aluminum wheels with silver-painted surface
- Continental ContiProContact P205/65R16 all-season tires
- Regenerative braking system with unique parameters for the power-assist braking feature
INSPIRED HANDLING
A 105.1-inch wheelbase, wide front and rear track dimensions, advanced suspension design along with features such as VSA® with Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) help give the ILX inspired handling. Specially tuned independent front and rear suspension provides quick and smooth steering response, along with agile and linear handling. These traits also contribute to the ILX’s suite of collision avoidance designs.
SUSPENSION SYSTEMS
The Acura ILX uses a combination of MacPherson struts on the front with a rear multi-link suspension system at the rear. The strut-style front suspension provides excellent handling characteristics with sophisticated ride quality, while also making room available for crash reinforcement at the front of the vehicle. Likewise, the multi-link rear suspension, provides outstanding ride and handling characteristics, while also helping to maximize second-row seating and cargo space. Suspension geometry is also optimized for nimble handling.
New Acura suspension technologies debuting in the 2013 ILX include:
- Amplitude Reactive Dampers (reduces damping forces over small-amplitude road imperfections)
- Rebound springs (for both front and rear suspensions)
- Low-friction bushings (further improves ride quality in small-amplitude impacts)
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
The MacPherson strut front suspension provides precise and engaging handling performance, a responsive feel for the driver, and luxurious ride quality. Specially tuned bushings along with performance-calibrated geometry ensure optimal wheel alignment while turning for confident handling. The ILX 2.0L and 2.4L models use a 20-mm diameter tubular front stabilizer bar while the ILX Hybrid model uses a 19-mm diameter tubular front stabilizer bar.
Multi-Link Rear Suspension
The ILX uses a multi-link rear suspension that features stamped-steel upper A-arms, cast-aluminum knuckles, double lower tubular lateral links, tubular-steel toe-control links, coil-over dampers and a stabilizer bar. The system provides excellent handling, a flat ride and excellent control of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). All models of ILX use a 14-mm diameter solid rear stabilizer bar.
AMPLITUDE REACTIVE DAMPERS
A new technology for Acura, Amplitude Reactive Dampers are used on the 2013 ILX to provide a superior level of ride comfort together with crisp, precise handling. The dampers operate in two distinct performance parameters, including a Ride Zone and a Handling Zone. Each zone has a unique set of compression and rebound damping forces tailored to provide the desired ride and handling attributes. In essence, the amplitude reactive dampers operate like two separate suspension systems combined in one. The new dampers are entirely mechanical in operation with no electronics required.
Ride Zone
For short suspension stroke (between 1-5 mm travel), the dampers provide minimal damping effect to provide an extremely comfortable ride where little suspension travel is needed— such as on smooth road surfaces.
Handling Zone
For longer suspension stroke (over 10 mm travel), a second damping circuit is engaged. Here damping effect is maximized for enhanced steering feel, improved body-roll control and more secure handling— such as during aggressive cornering or on severe road conditions.
With the Amplitude Reactive Dampers, by adding a second spring floating valve above a conventional main piston valve, the IDX is able to maintain the superior driving dynamics.
LOW-FRICTION BUSHINGS
Reducing the hysterics of the lower front and rear suspension bushings helps improve ride quality during small-amplitude road imperfections without sacrificing steering precision, handling response or ride quality under strenuous cornering or rough road conditions. Front and rear anti-roll bars utilize Teflon bushings for smooth operation.
MOTION ADAPTIVE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS)
Representing a first use for Acura, as an element of Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) the new Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) offers a direct feeling and efficient steering performance, together with improved active safety. Standard on all ILX models, Motion-Adaptive EPS is a sophisticated new system that incorporates driving stability technology which initiates steering inputs that prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction during cornering and when experiencing slippery road conditions. Using vehicle speed and steering angle data, Motion-Adaptive EPS works with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) and Electric Power Steering to detect instability in low traction conditions (both during cornering and under braking) and automatically initiates steering inputs aimed at prompting the driver to steer in the correct direction. This new advanced technology supports the driver’s action in operating the vehicle more safely and comfortably.
Noted below are three examples of how Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) works as part of VSA®.
Mitigates Understeer: Helps correct the steering inputs to mitigate understeer and help the driver trace the intended curve of the road
Mitigates Oversteer: Helps correct the steering inputs to mitigate oversteer and help the driver trace the intended curve of the road
Stabilizes Braking: Helps correct the driver’s steering input to reduce vehicle instability when the driver is braking hard on road surfaces with different friction coefficients (such as pavement that is only partially covered with dirt or snow)
With Electric Power Steering (EPS), a sophisticated electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system takes the place of a conventional hydraulic power steering system. EPS responds instantly to steering input and automatically changes the amount of power assist appropriate to the vehicle’s speed.
The Motion-Adaptive EPS system consists of a rack-and-pinion steering gear with an electric motor installed concentrically around the steering rack. To control the level of assist the Powertrain Control Module receives signals from a speed sensor and, coupled with a steering sensor for torque and rotation, then calculates the optimal amount of assist and sends a signal to the electric motor.
When compared to the operation of a conventional hydraulic pump power steering system, the simpler Motion-Adaptive EPS increases efficiency because it does not draw a continuous amount of power directly from the engine. Other advantages of electric power-assisted steering include its simplicity, its lower power consumption (which helps improve fuel efficiency), and its compactness (and resulting lower overall weight).
4-WHEEL DISC BRAKES WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
All Acura ILX models are equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
ABS independently modulates braking power at each wheel to help the driver retain steering control during heavy deceleration. EBD automatically optimizes braking force between the front and rear wheels, adjusting for the weight and loading of passengers and cargo, to help the ILX stop as quickly as possible. EBD also provides excellent pedal feel and reduced brake fade under strenuous driving conditions. Brake Assist recognizes emergency braking situations and assists the driver by helping apply full braking force when appropriate.
All ILX models are equipped with ventilated front brake rotors (11.1-inch diameter on ILX 2.0L, 11.8-inch on ILX 2.4L, and 10.3-inch on ILX Hybrid) clamped by single-piston calipers. At the rear are 10.2-inch diameter solid rotors clamped by single-piston calipers. The rear brakes incorporate a splash shield for better performance in wet conditions.
The servo ratio is idealized for improved braking response with initial pedal force, while high-strength calipers add stiffness for improved pedal feel and braking effectiveness. The result is a secure, effective and satisfying braking system.
In the ILX Hybrid, the hydraulic brake booster cooperates electronically with the Engine ECU to provide optimum amount of regenerative braking during light deceleration conditions.
WHEELS AND TIRES
The base ILX 2.0L and ILX Hybrid models feature as standard equipment Continental ContiProContact P205/55R16 tires mounted on 16×6.5-inch aluminum wheels for an excellent blend of ride quality, handling and fuel efficiency. The ILX 2.4L features as standard equipment Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 P215/45R17 tires and 17×7-inch aluminum wheels for enhanced handling.
The ILX 2.0L (Base model) and ILX Hybrid featured split 5-spoke wheels with a silver-painted surface. The ILX 2.0L (with Premium and Technology Package) and all ILX 2.4L models feature 5-spoke wheels with a silver-painted spokes with machined surfaces.
Space-Saving Spare Tire
The ILX 2.0L and ILX 2.4L use a space- and weight-saving temporary tire assembly that is stored under the carpeted floor in the trunk. With the ILX Hybrid, a flat-repair kit (consisting of a special puncture sealant and an air compressor) is used to afford more room for the integrated electric motor batteries. Should ILX Hybrid owners want a temporary spare tire assembly, available as a dealer-installed accessory is a spare tire that is mounted in the front area of the trunk.