Acura RLX
04-04-12, 11:25 AM
#61
Acura today held the world debut of the Acura RLX Concept at the New York International Auto Show, providing luxury buyers with a 1st look at the design and engineering direction for its all-new Acura RLX flagship sedan, slated for launch at the beginning of 2013.
The RLX Concept employs an extraordinary array of new Acura technologies, including the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, in combination with sophisticated styling and smart packaging to deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort.
Utilizing highly efficient packaging, the RLX Concept delivers the interior space of a large luxury sedan with the footprint and agility of a midsize luxury sedan. The RLX Concept's all-new 3.5L direct-injected VTEC® V-6 engine and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, with 3 electric motors, combine to generate more than 370-horsepower, and are paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and lightweight body to deliver V-8 acceleration with 4-cylinder fuel economy—with an estimated EPA (city/highway/combined) rating of 30/30/30 mpg.
"We have created a true luxury sedan based on our Acura DNA," said American Honda president & CEO, Tetsuo Iwamura. "This means achieving advanced performance through engineering efficiency to create a unique synergy between the vehicle and its driver. Inside and out, on the open road or city streets, the sophisticated and elegant Acura RLX will offer a level of connectivity, comfort and advanced performance demanded by today's luxury buyers."
Acura also announced that the production RLX will be offered in a 310-horsepower, front-wheel-drive version, which will also deliver superior handling performance through the application of another new Acura technology— Precision All Wheel Steer™.
Styling-Design
The RLX Concept styling builds on Acura's 'Keen Edge' design motif with its taut and aerodynamic shape, carefully tailored proportions, and sophisticated and distinctive detailing. Its athletic stance is accented by 20-inch forged aluminum wheels and 255/35 R20 high-performance tires. Dimensionally, the RLX Concept is approximately the same length as the current RL, but with a 2-inch longer wheelbase and 2-inch shorter front overhang. Both the track and vehicle width increase by approximately 2 inches.
Acura's exclusive new Jewel Eye™ LED headlamps debut on the RLX Concept. The Acura signature Jewel Eye™ headlamps use a dual-stacked array with a total of 10 separate high-intensity LED lamps, with ultra-reflective optical lenses and high-gloss trim, to provide powerful down-the-road illumination while simultaneously giving the RLX a highly distinctive and bright-eyed look in both daytime and nighttime conditions.
Body and Chassis
Through engineering efficiency, including substantial use of high-strength steel and aluminum, the RLX Concept achieves an ultra-rigid and light body design, with the front wheel drive version to weigh in at well under 4,000 pounds. An all-new double wishbone front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, Amplitude Reactive Dampers and electronic power steering with a variable gear ratio team to provide the foundation for the RLX's precise and intuitive handling control — termed by Acura as "Inomama" or "at the will of the driver."
Front-wheel-drive versions of RLX will utilize Acura's all-new Precision All Wheel Steer™ system. This system provides for independent control of the steering (toe) angle of the right and left rear wheels by utilizing electrically controlled actuators. Precision All Wheel Steer™ works in tandem with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering to deliver an extraordinary level of cornering control and steering precision.
All-wheel-drive RLX models add even more handling performance with Acura's highly advanced Sport-Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive), recently introduced at the 2012 North American International Auto Show on the NSX Concept. The performance hybrid system utilizes a front-mounted electric motor, located within the dual clutch transmission, and a unique dual electric motor drive unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system to instantly generate negative or positive torque to the rear wheels during cornering. This provides a new level of agility and confidence to create an "on-the-rails-cornering" experience.
Safety
The Acura RLX will offer an extensive array of passive and active safety features. These include a Collision Mitigation Braking System™ and the 1st application of Acura's Lane Keep Assist System. In addition, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning will be offered as standard equipment on the RLX.
Passive safety features will include front, side and side-curtain airbags for the driver and front passenger, and a driver's knee airbag. The RLX also incorporates the 2nd generation of Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, with reinforced front frame members for further enhanced frontal crash energy management. The RLX is expected to achieve a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA and TOP SAFETY PICK status from IIHS.
Advanced Telematics
In keeping with the 'human-centered synergy' focus of Acura, the RLX will feature state-of-the-art communications, navigation and infotainment technologies with intuitive and easy-to-operate controls. Dual LCD screens (8-inch display and 7-inch touch screen) will provide easy and direct 1-touch access to key functions — including audio, heating and cooling, navigation and voice-to-text SMS text message function.
The RLX will also feature the 1st application of the next-generation AcuraLink® Communication System, which incorporates built-in 2-way cellular communication to deliver an array of new convenience features, including airbag deployment notification, stolen vehicle tracking, remote locking and unlocking, security alarm notification and concierge service.
An all-new, 14-speaker ultra premium audio system will be offered in addition to Acura's award winning ELS Surround® sound system. Both audio systems provide MP3 connectivity via USB along with integration of HD radio™, Pandora® internet radio interface and Aha Radio® interface via Bluetooth® smart phone pairing. Using Aha, RLX drivers can choose from thousands of web-based audio stations, including music, live news, podcasts, audio books, personalized points of interest, and audio newsfeeds from Facebook and Twitter. In addition, a new Acura-exclusive smart phone application integrates smart phone functions (such as email, text messaging and contacts) into the RLX's on-demand touch screen functions. Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® calling and pre-loaded text message replies provide for easy 2-way communication.
The RLX also will be available with Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™. This innovative system offers the driver a wide range of search options including Bing™ search functionality and the option for an AcuraLink® concierge to send a destination to the vehicle's navigation system. In addition, the RLX navigation system will feature AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ for both highways and surface streets.
Acura Brand
With a focus on 'human-centered synergy,' Acura is embarking on its next 25 years as a pioneering and innovative performance-luxury nameplate and is undertaking an aggressive revitalization of its Acura product and technology portfolio.
The RLX Concept is Acura's fourth new model debut since January 2012, when Acura took the wraps off its redesigned RDX Protoype crossover SUV, all-new Acura ILX Concept sedan, and next-generation Acura NSX Concept supercar, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Following the introduction of the production versions of the more powerful and fuel-efficient 2013 RDX in March, and the all-new 2013 Acura ILX and ILX Hybrid sedans in May, the production RLX will launch in early 2013. The next-generation Acura NSX, being developed by Honda R&D Americas in the U.S., will be produced in Ohio using domestically and globally sourced parts and launched within the next 3 years.
Acura is projecting an annual sales volume of 180,000 vehicles for the brand in 2012, which would represent a nearly 50% increase over 2011 sales results.
Last edited by GS69; 04-04-12 at 11:29 AM.
04-04-12, 11:27 AM
#62
Utilizing highly efficient packaging, the RLX Concept delivers the interior space of a large luxury sedan with the footprint and agility of a midsize luxury sedan. The RLX Concept's all-new 3.5L direct-injected VTEC® V-6 engine and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, with three electric motors, combine to generate more than 370-horsepower, and are paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and lightweight body to deliver V-8 acceleration with 4-cylinder fuel economy—with an estimated EPA (city/highway/combined) rating of 30/30/30 mpg.
04-04-12, 11:42 AM
#65
The RLX is DOA. Exterior looks like it came out in 2005 and the interior is nowhere near class leading, even among cars like the new ES or Genesis, let alone GS, 5 series, or A6.
Nobody will dish out the money for a 370hp flagship Acura, so it's a good thing that they are doing an FWD model.
Nobody will dish out the money for a 370hp flagship Acura, so it's a good thing that they are doing an FWD model.
04-04-12, 12:07 PM
#66
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
front led lights are nice, and 30/30/30 mpg is impressive, although of course the just announced es hybrid will eat its lunch.
04-04-12, 12:24 PM
#68
Pole Position
Once again, a perfectly fluid design completely ruined by a wacky, ridiculous, body line. The exterior styling would
have been near perfect if the designer had not slipped with his pencil at the fender.
have been near perfect if the designer had not slipped with his pencil at the fender.
Last edited by IS350jet; 04-04-12 at 12:45 PM.
04-04-12, 12:25 PM
#69
simply put no. I just wish that there was more bhp for the 450h considering its only 32hp more than the 350. Most V8s these days seem to crest over the 360hp mark so as a V8 replacement I'd like to see a bit more (granted they make some impressive fuel economy numbers in the 450h)
Good for them. Nicely detailed. Not sure about the placement of that start/stop button though
04-04-12, 12:26 PM
#70
Pole Position
The RLX is DOA. Exterior looks like it came out in 2005 and the interior is nowhere near class leading, even among cars like the new ES or Genesis, let alone GS, 5 series, or A6.
Nobody will dish out the money for a 370hp flagship Acura, so it's a good thing that they are doing an FWD model.
Nobody will dish out the money for a 370hp flagship Acura, so it's a good thing that they are doing an FWD model.
04-04-12, 12:28 PM
#72
Pole Position
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I dont post here very often and im a longgggggg time lurker here. This abomination of an acura flagship has provoked me to post the similarity this turd has with the outgoing Toyota Camry. Really Acura ?!?!?! is this the best you can do ? Soichiro is rolling in his grave right now. 
The most sedate car company award goes to Acura. Bravo.
04-04-12, 01:07 PM
#74
simply put no. I just wish that there was more bhp for the 450h considering its only 32hp more than the 350. Most V8s these days seem to crest over the 360hp mark so as a V8 replacement I'd like to see a bit more (granted they make some impressive fuel economy numbers in the 450h)
