Acura opened its design center in California in May, a step toward distancing itself from sibling Honda Division.

"We want to rival Bentley and Maybach in performance and design," Dave Marek, chief designer for Honda R&D Americas, said in an interview at the Los Angeles auto show last November.

But critics say that because there is no V-8 in Acura's future, the brand will remain a second-tier luxury marque.

TSX: The small sedan will be redesigned for the 2009 model year. It may get the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is in the RDX crossover.

TL: A redesign is scheduled for the 2009 model year. All-wheel drive will be available. The new 3.5-liter V-6 engine is expected to put out close to 300 hp. A V-6 diesel may be available for the 2010 model year.

RL: Acura's flagship sedan was redesigned for the 2006 model year but has disappointed Acura and its dealers. Consumers refused to pay a premium price for a V-6-powered vehicle.

The RL is scheduled to be redesigned for the 2011 model year. There has been no word on whether it will get a V-8. Some sources say it may get the V-10 scheduled for the next-generation NSX.

NSX: No firm date has been given for the next-generation two-passenger sports car's debut. Acura sources say it could be the 2010 or 2011 model year. Acura showed an advanced sports car concept at the Detroit auto show in January, but it had no engine.

Acura sources say the company hasn't decided whether the next NSX will be powered by a V-10 or if it will be a mid-engine, rwd car or a front-engine awd vehicle. Sources say the V-10 may generate more than 500 hp.

RDX: Acura's new small crossover went on sale as a 2007 model. No major changes are scheduled, but sources say the company is rethinking the four-cylinder turbocharged engine offered as the only powerplant. Because of the RDX's premium price, a V-6 also may be offered.

MDX: The mid-sized crossover was redesigned for the 2007 model year. No major changes are planned in the coming years. A V-6 diesel will be available for the 2010 or 2011 model year.

You may e-mail Kathy Jackson at kjackson@crain.com