The Genesis - 1988-1994 Auxio AQ
The one that started our pursuit of excellence
The AQ was the debut of the Auxio brand, hence this nameplate is extremely important and historical for us. The AQ was meant to be Auxio’s flagship full-size luxury sedan, and this being Auxio’s first product meant that the bar was set extremely high. The car has been planned, designed and engineered since 1983. The first generation AQ was known in Japan as the Tanaka Celesta, but sold everywhere else as the Auxio AQ. The AQ was a foreshadow of what is to come for the future.
Great Power, Low Resposibility
The AQ has 2 engine option. The AQ300 is equipped with a 3 litre I6 producing 187HP and 195lb-ft of torque. The AQ500 is equipped with a 5 litre V8 producing 269HP and 315lb-ft of torque. All the power is transferred to a smooth, high-tech 4-speed computer-controlled automatic transmission to the rear wheels. For ultimate safety, ABS was standard across all trims. For the 1989 model year, traction control was introduced to further control the power and boost its safety. For the 1991 model year, more airbags and tensioning seatbelts were added to further boost its crash safety. Tires are also a very important factor in safety, which is why we use Tyrelli medium compound tires to have the best optimization of road performance, durability, comfort and all-weather performance.
Tailored to Your Needs
The AQ comes in 3 different variations, the AQ300, AQ300 Luxury and the top-of-the-line AQ500. Tap on the column below to see its standard features and its optional extras.
AQ300 (left)
The AQ300 was equipped with a sunroof, 16-inch steel rims with hubcaps, solid-disk brakes on all 4 corners, luxurious interior made of high-quality luxurious genuine leather with heated orthopedic seats, interior trimmings made of real wood, 3-zone climate control, premium cassette player with AM/FM radio and 4 high-quality Auxio speakers, and high-tech adaptive dampers. It was able to accelerate from 0-60mph in 10.1 seconds an has a top speed of 156mph. It averages 22.9mpg. Back in 1988, it costs $32600.
AQ300 Luxury (middle)
The AQ300 Luxury includes everything from the standard AQ300, but adds 16-inch alloys wheels, fog lights, memory function for the seats, luxury cassette player with AM/FM radio, 4 BOSE speakers with a subwoofer, and a 2-tone colour option. Back in 1988, it costs $35700.
AQ500 (right)
The AQ500 includes everything from the AQ300 Luxury, but adds a 4-zone climate control system, rear and rear-side window shades. It costs $41100 in 1988. It was able to accelerate from 0-60mph in only 7.62 seconds and achieved a top speed of 169mph. It averages about 20.2mpg. However, there was an option only for the AQ500, the Executive Package. This package adds air suspension, high-quality genuine leather interior hand-made and hand-stitched by master craftsmen, and the removal of the rear bench seats for the replacement of 2 orthopedic leather seats with a leg-rest area. this will cost you an additional $13400, which adds up the AQ500s price to a whopping $54500 in 1988.
Success
From 1988 to 1995, Auxio managed to sell over 368000 AQs worldwide, which confirms Tanaka Heavy Industries that they should continue Auxio Automobiles. This huge sales number also meant that Auxio should release its 2nd generation, together with 2 new models, the AL and the SV. The AQ was also popular in the 90s thanks to East Coast rappers referencing this car, movies featuring the AQ, and a hosts of other advertisements.
