Autoblog

2014 Acura RLX

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura, First Drives, Luxury

Good. But Good Enough?

Spoiler alert: The 2014 Acura RLX is a good car. But that shouldn't come as a surprise. Despite the fact that Acura is subject to a lot of criticism for things like its odd positioning in the automotive landscape, questionable styling choices in recent years, and the fact that, more or less, its products feel like lux'd-up Hondas rather than something truly unique, the cars have always been inherently good - decent to drive, nice to sit in and reliable to own. That's what happens when you ride that sort of "affordable luxury" line.

Because Acura's sedans don't really fit into any one definable segment, the brand hopes it can draw customers from a broader range who aren't necessarily dedicated to a certain marque. And while there's certainly rhyme to that reason on the more entry-level end of the spectrum, that proposition makes less sense as you move toward higher price points. (Have a gander at the Hyundai Equus, if you will.) On the other hand, Acura pulled data from a 2012 Strategic Vision survey that showed the number one purchase decision for luxury buyers last year was value for the money, with manufacturer reputation coming in at a close second.

Which brings us to the 2014 RLX, a flagship that will compete in the mid/high luxury segment, battling cars like the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6, but, according to Acura, reaches up into 7 Series and A8 territory, as well.

"This is the best car Acura has ever produced," said Michael Accavitti, the automaker's vice president of national marketing operations. And he may be right. But is it truly good enough to be a more renowned player in this higher-end segment than the outgoing RL was? (That shouldn't be too hard, given the fact that the RL was the worst-selling car of 2011.) We hit the roads around Napa Valley to find out.

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2014 Acura RLX originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura RLX pricing and launch plan detailed

Michael Harley — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Acura, Luxury

Acura has released pricing for its upcoming flagship, the RLX, at the Detroit Auto Show this week. Powered by an all-new direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 rated at 310 horsepower, the front-wheel-drive sedan replaces the outgoing RL model (2011's worst-selling car of the year) as the automaker's new flagship.

In addition to boasting the most spacious passenger cabin in its mid-luxury class, the new range-topping Acura features the automaker's first-ever application of Precision All-Wheel Steer and Jewel Eye LED headlamps. Standard equipment includes Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning, with Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, and Blind Spot Information (BSI) system trim and option specific.

The four-door will initially be sold in five grades (prices exclude a destination charge of $895):

RLX - $48,450
RLX with Navigation - $50,950
RLX with Technology Package - $54,450
RLX with Krell Audio Package - $56,950
RLX with Advance Package - $60,450

While the new model doesn't officially go on sale until mid-March, to provide potential customers "with the opportunity to experience the numerous new technologies," Acura will preview its sedan at dealers during a "Destination RLX" program beginning in February.

As previously mentioned, an even more powerful version of the RLX, equipped with Acura's new Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD) and a 370-hp powerplant, will debut later this year.

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Acura RLX pricing and launch plan detailed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Acura RLX replaces SH-AWD with P-AWS

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Acura, Luxury

After teasing us with the thinly veiled concept earlier this year, Acura has officially taken the wraps off its all-new flagship sedan, the 2014 Acura RLX. Aside from its huge step forward in terms of styling and luxury, the new RLX could very well be the most advanced Acura model ever.

While the previous RL could have been one of the blandest luxury sedans of its time, the RLX builds on stylish cues introduced this year on the ILX and RDX. One of the car's signature elements is its jewel-eyed LED headlights that could end up rivaling Audi for the most distinctive in the business. The rear view of the car isn't as unique as the front, but no less attractive with LED taillights that have a slight BMW vibe and odd, chrome-ringed reflectors at the bottom of the fascia. The interior is exactly what we've come to expect from Acura with its dual-brow instrument panel and a sporty three-spoke steering wheel.

On the technology front, the RLX debuts driving features such as Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS), Adaptive Cruise Control with a low-speed follow feature and Agile Handling Assist while the interior gets a high-end Krell audio system, cloud-based AcuraLink and a multi-angle back camera. P-AWS allows the RLX actively and independently adjust the angle of the rear wheels for better agility and braking. Acura ended up cutting almost 275 pounds from the RLX's curb weight (compared to the RL) thanks to the use of high-strength steel and aluminum.

The 2014 RLX uses a 310-horsepower, direct-injected V6 to power the front wheels through a six-speed automatic, and it will go on sale in the spring; the 370-hp RLX hybrid goes on sale later next year.

Scroll down for Acura's press release.

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2014 Acura RLX replaces SH-AWD with P-AWS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Acura RLX to debut at LA Auto Show

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Acura, Luxury

During a mid-year speech being delivered in Japan, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO Takanobu Ito stated that the production 2014 Acura RLX sedan will be revealed at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show in late November. The RLX Concept (pictured) first debuted at the New York Auto Show this past April.

The most significant part about the RLX package will be its use of Honda's new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, which is essentially a through-the-road electric all-wheel-drive system. This new technology uses three individual motors, and combined output is said to be somewhere around 370 horsepower, the bulk of which comes from a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6. When the RLX Concept debuted, there was talk of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but we'll see if that actually flows through to production.

A less-powerful, 310-horsepower, front-wheel-drive version of the RLX is also said to be in the cards. Acura initially stated that the RLX would be capable of achieving at least 30 miles per gallon in both the city and highway driving cycles.

We'll have more details about the 2014 RLX closer to its debut. The LA Auto Show festivities kick off on November 28. Scroll down to read Acura's press release, containing the full notes from Ito's speech.

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2014 Acura RLX to debut at LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #288

Dan Roth — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Acura, BMW, Chevrolet, Toyota, Tesla

Tesla Model S, Toyota and BMW partnership, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu pricing, Acura RLX

Episode #288 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Chris and Dan are joined by Test Fleet Manager Steven Ewing to chat about 2013 Chevrolet Malibu pricing, expanding BMW/Toyota partnerships, the Tesla Model S and the Acura RLX. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #288:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2012 Toyota Prius PHEV
2012 Honda CR-V
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Steven Ewing

Runtime: 01:20:07

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #288

Autoblog Podcast #288 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura RLX revealed in production form by patent filing

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Acura, Rumormill, Design/Style, Luxury

If you're looking for a phrase to capture the excitement of a new flagship sedan, "patent filing" is probably not it. Then again, the 2014 Acura RLX is the replacement for the Acura RL, the least interesting luxury sedan extant. (And yes, we're including Lincoln in that assessment.)

Car and Driver says these images were pulled from a European patent database, claiming that this is, in fact, the new RLX that will go on sale next year. The car pictured in these images adheres quite closely to the RLX Concept displayed at this year's New York Auto Show, with only slight changes to the front and rear fascias and more generic wheels. The side character line that runs from the top of the fender back to the rear door is there, as is the rest of the shape.

In between bashing Acura for its dull design, C&D speculates that the Honda luxury brand may show the production RLX at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Check out all five images in our gallery.

Acura RLX revealed in production form by patent filing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura RLX Concept looks to kickstart Honda's premium brand from the top [w/video]

Chris Shunk — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Sedan, Acura, Honda, Design/Style, Luxury

There is no sugar-coating the fact that the Acura RL has been a dud since Day One. Honda's luxury brand is painfully aware of this fact, especially since next to nobody purchased the pricey sedan. Then again, the RL has suffered the indignity of being outgunned by a lower-priced model from within its own portfolio, so we can see how selling one has been an uphill climb for dealers. But Acura has an all-new luxury flagship waiting in the wings, and it's seen its first light of day as the RLX Concept, which just debuted at the New York Auto Show.

Honda is quick to point out that the sedan will provide large car interior volume in a mid-size package.

Like most other Honda/Acura concepts, the RLX is sure to look much the same in production trim. The concept features a new design direction for the upscale marque, with more understated yet elegant lines that just look more expensive than the outgoing RL. With the exception of the fussy concept car wheels, we think it looks rather crisp, though it is very conservative and has a trunk that reminds us more than a little bit of the BMW 7 Series when viewed in profile. The concept appears to be quite large as well, but Honda is quick to point out that the sedan will provide large car interior volume in a mid-size package.

The RLX concept arrives packing some advanced technology under the hood as well, including an all-new 3.5-liter V6 mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. But the reworked V6 and all-new transmission is just part of the powertrain story. The concept also features an advanced Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system that helps boost overall power to a V8-like 370 horsepower.

The concept features a Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system that boosts power to a V8-like 370 horsepower.

The "hybrid" part of that title includes what Acura is calling a "unique dual electric motor drive unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system." Basically, it's a through-the-road electric all-wheel-drive setup with torque vectoring on the rear axle. The same Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system first appeared on the NSX concept, and we drove a prototype of the system disguised as a Honda Accord last November. Acura promises fuel economy numbers of at least 30 miles per gallon on the highway and in the city.

The production RLX will also be available sans electric-AWD system, with 310 horsepower coming solely from the 3.5-liter V6. The front-wheel-drive version will feature a plethora of technology that improves handling, including Amplitude Reactive Dampers, a new double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. It will also weigh in "well under 4,000 pounds," which should help in the handling department.

The production Acura RLX should be available in early 2013. Scroll down to read Acura's official press release and click on the image above to view the RLX concept in high resolution while you wait for our live shots from the show floor.

Continue reading Acura RLX Concept looks to kickstart Honda's premium brand from the top [w/video]

Acura RLX Concept looks to kickstart Honda's premium brand from the top [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura flagship headed to NY dubbed RLX, will incorporate e-AWD

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Acura, Luxury

Acura has big plans for the New York Auto Show next week, notably with the reveal of the replacement for the aging RL. The new vehicle, which will likely be called the RLX, will still make use of a V6, all-wheel drive powertrain, but will rely on electric motors to spin the rear wheels.

Car and Driver reports the system will actually be lighter than the components found on the current RL while still offering torque-vectoring capability. Acura has already gone through the pains of registering the RLX name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, and the move seems to be part of a larger effort to expunge two-letter names from the company's stable.

With the RL on the way out the door, the TL is the last of the old guard still hanging around, and word has it that model may be on the short list for execution as well. As Car and Driver points out, Acura is also in the process of registering the TLX name.

We have to wonder if the name swapping will do the company any good. From our vantage, it seems like Acura is simply swapping one meaningless moniker for another. Expect to see more details emerge as we get closer to the 2012 New York Auto Show next week, but in the meantime, feel free to peruse the brief press release after the break.

Continue reading Acura flagship headed to NY dubbed RLX, will incorporate e-AWD

Acura flagship headed to NY dubbed RLX, will incorporate e-AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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