Acuras Take a Superhero-Supporting Role in 'The Avengers'

Heavy-Hitting Models Transport S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents in New Film

PEABODY, MASS. (05/07/2012)(readMedia)-- In the new film "The Avengers" it takes exceptional talent to be a part of S.H.I.E.L.D, so it is only fitting that Acura would pull out all the stops to supply the government-protection agency with specialized vehicles fit for duty. Featuring militarized versions of models found at Acura dealerships, including the Acura TL, MDX, RDX and ZDX, "The Avengers" reminds viewers that superheroes sometimes need horsepower to back up their superpowers.

In supporting roles to superheroes Thor, Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Black Widow and Hawkeye, the Acura TL and MDX received a number of cosmetic tweaks and body modifications to adopt a more battle-ready appearance. Each model was also equipped with Acura's Technology Package and given a flat-black paint job. The all-new 2013 Acura RDX makes a cameo as well, and a customized, Iron-Man-red Acura NSX Roadster serves as Tony Stark's ride.

"To support a superhero, a car needs to be quick, tough and good-looking, and Acuras play the part," said Joel Avery, general manager of Greater Boston Acura dealer Acura of Peabody. "Sure, there is some movie magic going on in the film, with S.H.I.E.L.D's MDX propped up so high it couldn't corner quickly in reality, but Acuras convey a larger-than-life stature on-screen because of their reputation off-screen."

In real life, the 2012 Acura MDX SUV offers buyers a smooth, confident ride with its standard all-wheel drive and thick front and rear stabilizer bars. Featuring a 300-horsepower V6 engine, 83.5 cubic-feet of cargo room and seating for seven adults, the Acura MDX can tackle most anything thrown at it during daily routines, as long as they don't involve battling supervillains. However, buyers can still opt for a more authentic S.H.I.E.L.D experience with the Technology Package, which adds a navigation system, multi-view rear camera, real-time traffic and weather updates, and a premium sound system.

Just as suitable for saving money as it is for saving the world in movies, the 2012 Acura MDX recently earned a 2012 Best Retained Value Award from Edmunds.com in their SUV Over $45,000 category. Predicted to hold the largest percentage of its original True Market Value after five years, the MDX beat out the Lexus GX 460 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class to top its segment.

Edmunds.com also ranked Acura as the top luxury brand overall in its 2012 Best Retained Value Awards. Expected to retain 44.6 percent of their value on average by the five-year point of ownership, Acura vehicles bested their nearest competition from Lexus and Cadillac to take the prize. Acura's sister brand, Honda, won the award for best retained value among non-luxury brands for the second year in a row. All brands with sales of more than 100,000 total vehicles in 2011 were eligible for the 2012 awards.

"Upfront costs do matter when making a car purchase, but smart shoppers will also consider what happens to that initial investment over time," added Avery. "A new Acura will help you hold on to as much as that investment as possible as the years pass. That means if another Avengers movie comes out five years from now, you can expect to have saved more money with your Acura than with a competitor."

About Acura of Peabody:

Thanks to a complete commitment to the Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC) philosophy from the sales, parts and service teams, this dealership has the best customer satisfaction and retention rates of any Acura dealership in the Northeast. They offer an extensive inventory of new and used Acura models, backed by a service center with the highest customer loyalty in the Northeast. Visit their website at www.acuraofpeabody.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/acuraofpeabody, visit their Acura showroom and service center at 233 Andover Street in Peabody, Massachusetts, or call them at 888-825-7965.