[AutoGuide.com]

Acura has confirmed that the next-generation RL flagship luxury sedan will make its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in April. The car will continue to use a V6 engine, but will gain a hybrid component and use direct-injection as well as an innovative new all-wheel drive system referred to as Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.

Using a V6 hybrid engine up front to power the front wheels, the system will also make use of two electric motors in the rear, individually powering each wheel. The new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system takes the RL's current all-wheel setup and transforms it into an electronic system, removing the mechanical components and replacing them with an electronic version. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission the result will be an engine that delivers V8 power with the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder we are told by Acura Canada senior product planner Emile Korkor.

We were treated to a few renderings of the RL at Honda Canada headquarters and while we can't share any images with you we can say it certainly has some similarity to the current car, but with a more rear-drive designed and large rear fenders - similar to styling cues shown in the new ILX. As for the size of the vehicle, Acura says it will be essentially share dimensions with the current RL, but will gain substantially on the interior. "Think of it as the interior of a 7 Series with the outside space of a 5 Series" said Korkor, stating that the RL will add roominess but not remove the soul of Acura. In addition Acura feels that the size of the RL, not to mention the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, will help deliver mid-size agility.

Read the full 2014 Acura RL story at AutoGuide.com

 

[namegoeshere]

leaked pic of new RL. Looks a little bigger than outgoing RL which is a good thing. Acura needs to differentiate it from TL.

 

[namegoeshere]

For those who want to follow the Acura RL videocast of release...

http://www.acuranews.com/pages/2012nyias-acura

Please check back with us on April 4, 2012 at 1:50 PM EST to watch the world debut of Acura's new flagship sedan live from the New York International Auto Show

 

[GoLowDrew]

Follow the Leader. Nice :thmsup:

 

[Hytekazn]

Follow the Leader. Nice :thmsup:

SMH YES! LEXUS LS is prolly the most comfy-est car i drove. Wish i had 70K to cough up and grab that. That car will last you a life time.

 

[namegoeshere]

I'm seeing a larger version of the ILX.

Impressive #s though

- 370+ HP from a V6 and hybrid combo
- SH-AWD
- 30 city/30 highway/30 combined MPG


Press Release

04/04/2012

Acura today held the world debut of the Acura RLX Concept at the New York International Auto Show, providing luxury buyers with a first 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 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 four-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 two-inch longer wheelbase and two-inch shorter front overhang. Both the track and vehicle width increase by approximately two 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 ten 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 first 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 second 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 one-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 first application of the next-generation AcuraLink® Communication System, which incorporates built-in two-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 two-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 three years.

 

[thermodynamics]

Looks like luxary accord.

 

[namegoeshere]

 

[thermodynamics]

 

[Snapple]

good power and fuel economy, but what the heck is up with those headlights.

 

[Doolie77]

I think the headlights are unique and cool looking, IMO.

 

[Hytekazn]

good power and fuel economy, but what the heck is up with those headlights.

Right!, Acura has always known for aggresive look...the MDX, tsx, and tl's...wtfreak is up with the ILX NEW RDX and RLX!!! these headlights makes the whole view of the car looks less modern and less aggresive. Com'on Acura! you got the power now (370+hp)! "Why cant you combine power and beauty!" SO aggravated with Honda and Acura of America...Just import all Honda's from japan and i'M a happy camper.

 

[Hytekazn]

is it me...or them rims are way off!!!!!! to be on a luxury car...even for a concept...they are WAY OFF lol

 

[Markus]

So if I don't want a hybrid I can't get AWD with this new Acura? I also can't get just RWD? BMW/Mecercedes/Infiniti have nothing to worry about here.

 

[kvndoom]

So if I don't want a hybrid I can't get AWD with this new Acura? I also can't get just RWD? BMW/Mecercedes/Infiniti have nothing to worry about here.

Did you just use "RWD" and "Acura" in the same breath?? :lmao:

 

[ikethegreat]

I love everything except the wheels. Yuck!

 

[Markus]

Did you just use "RWD" and "Acura" in the same breath?? :lmao:

hehe. We can always hope. It would have been nice to see Acura actually being serious in wanting to compete with other high end automakers for a change. Let's hope this new car sells better than the one it's replacing. Shouldn't be too hard to beat the sales number of the miserable failure known as the current RL.

Acura seems to think that hybrid AWD high end cars are the way to go (I base this on the published specs of the new RL and of the NSX). I don't think the majority of people in the market for this class of car agree.

Look at the Infiniti M. As well as offering a hybrid M Infiniti also offers the M in non-hybrid RWD and AWD (AWD with a bias for powering the rear wheels over the front).

 

[GoLowDrew]

Acura seems to think that hybrid AWD high end cars are the way to go (I base this on the published specs of the new RL and of the NSX). I don't think the majority of people in the market for this class of car agree.

Rich people will not question the cost of hybrid technology. The Prius gang often think about if the hybrid technology is more cost effective vs a Corolla LE.

 

[Markus]

Rich people will not question the cost of hybrid technology. The Prius gang often think about if the hybrid technology is more cost effective vs a Corolla LE.

It's not a matter of cost - it's a matter of want. There will be a few who are attracted to the nature of a hybrid but it's my experience that the vast majority of purchasers of this class of car simply do not want hybrids.

 

[andres0603]

TSX on steroids
wheels dont match
lexus LS wanna be