More Than Luxury
When you get behind the wheel of an Acura, you feel it instantly—a connection to the road that’s both thrilling and refined. That feeling isn’t an accident. It’s the result of decades of relentless innovation and a philosophy called “Precision Crafted Performance.” In other words – Acura engineering.
Two of the most iconic technologies that define this philosophy are VTEC and SH-AWD. Let’s take a look at the engineering magic that makes your Acura so much more than just a luxury car.
The Legend of VTEC: Two Engines in One
If you’ve ever pushed an Acura engine toward the redline, you’ve likely felt that famous surge of power and heard the engine note change to a thrilling growl. That’s VTEC kicking in.
VTEC (Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control) is a stroke of genius. In simple terms, it allows the engine to operate with two different camshaft profiles:
- A Low-RPM Profile: At normal driving speeds, the engine uses a mild cam profile that is smooth, efficient, and perfect for city commuting.
- A High-RPM Profile: When you demand more power, the engine’s computer engages a high-performance “wild” cam profile via oil pressure. This opens the valves wider and for longer, allowing the engine to breathe more deeply and produce a dramatic increase in horsepower.
It’s like having an economy car and a race car in one engine, giving you the best of both worlds. This is the technology that powered legendary cars like the Integra Type R and continues to define the character of models like the new Integra and TLX Type S.
The Magic of SH-AWD Acura Engineering: Super Handling for Every Corner
All-wheel drive is usually associated with snow and rain. But Acura’s SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) is different. It’s a performance system designed to make you a better, more confident driver on dry pavement. Like driving along the beach roads in San Diego.
While conventional AWD systems react to slip, SH-AWD proactively manages power distribution. Its secret weapon is torque vectoring. Not only can it send power between the front and rear wheels, but it can also send up to 100% of the rear power to either the left or right wheel.
When you enter a corner, the system sends more power to the outside rear wheel. This creates a “yaw moment” that physically pushes the car’s nose into the turn, reducing understeer and making the car feel like it’s rotating on a string. The result is shockingly precise handling and a feeling of complete control.
Expert Care for Advanced Acura Engineering
This incredible technology is what makes your Acura special, and it deserves specialized care. The VTEC system relies on pristine oil quality and pressure, while the SH-AWD’s differentials require specific fluids and service intervals. A general mechanic may not understand the nuances of these systems.
At Pacific Automotive, we don’t just fix cars—we’re enthusiasts who appreciate the engineering that goes into them. Our technicians have the specialized training and tools to maintain your Acura’s advanced systems to factory standards.
Trust the engineering masterpiece that is your Acura to the experts. Schedule your service with the specialists at Pacific Automotive today!