Acura's much-maligned TL has been reinvigorated. With fresh styling and a new six-speed automatic transmission, the refreshed 2012 Acura TL may no longer be the odds-on favorite to make fun of from a design perspective.

The "what is it?" debates continue with the ZDX. Associate online editor Kirill Ougarov notes, "We might as well call the ZDX a 2+2 SUV because I pity anyone foolish enough to get into those back seats.

"Now with less ugly!" isn't the greatest selling point, but revised styling really is the most significant change to the refreshed 2012 Acura TL. Although Acura is marking 25 years in the United States, there's not much new product beside the TL and the recently arrived TSX wagon to help the brand celebrate. That's okay, because Acura expects TL sales to jump 20 percent this year on the strength of its improved efficiency, quieter cabin, and of course, its new duds.

The Acura RDX was designed to be among the sportiest in its segment, and except for a couple issues, the driving experience of the 2011 model is engaging as with our 2007 RDX long-termer. And that long-termer didn't benefit from the changes Acura made for the 2010 model year.

Acura used to set my heart aflutter.
Legends (both coupe and sedan) Vigors, Integras and the like had their flaws, but they were Acuras and that said a lot.

The ZDX's design has been getting mixed reviews from the staff. It's not exactly setting the automotive world on fire, either. Even in a trendy area like Los Angeles, there aren't a lot of ZDXs populating the streets. Writes one staffer, "You don't see too many of these on the road. It was a big shock when we spotted the ZDX's twin parked right next to our long-termer at lunch one day. (It was even the same color!) I do think this vehicle is unattractive, but once you're inside, that's not much of an issue."

The ZDX has proved itself to be a sporty, reliable conveyance for long drives. One staffer recently drove it to Las Vegas to cover a trade show, "and was pleasantly surprised by this crossover. Good acceleration and excellent passing power, but it could use a little more juice or a little less weight. I really like the way this thing handles, and I like the ride. It wasn't nearly as rough as I'd feared.

If Acura is to be believed, the vehicle above is not an SUX, not CUV, and not a wagon. No, Acura is calling the 2010 ZDX a four-door sports coupe. If you thought the BMW X6 was an odd bird, you're going to love this.

Unlike its more plebian Honda mother ship, Acura has never sold a wagon in the U.S. Until now, that is. The all-new 2011 TSX Sport Wagon represents a first for the marque, which is introducing a low-slung family-hauler at a time when year-to-year sales of its RDX and MDX crossovers are up 52 and 47 percent, respectively. Odd timing? Perhaps, since the crossover segment continues to grow and the wagon segment remains niche. But, according to Acura's assistant VP of product planning Vicki Poponi, there are two very plausible reasons why the TSX wagon may surpass its modest 4000-units-per-year forecast.

If you've ever heaped a forkful of well-made coq au vin into your mouth, you already understand what I'm about to tell you. Coq au vin, or, in English, "rooster in wine," is a simple dish of basic, if not ignoble ingredients: one tough old rooster, some fatty bacon, mushrooms, an onion (perhaps), and a bottle of mediocre table wine.