Acura flagship features first application of Acura Sport Hybrid SH-AWD®, more than 370-horsepower and class-leading fuel economy, with top-class seating comfort and next-generation Acura connectivity
NEW YORK, NY, April 4, 2012 /CNW/ - 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 in Canada in the spring 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 combine to generate more than 370-horsepower, and are paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and lightweight body to deliver exhilarating acceleration with class-leading four-cylinder fuel economy.
"Based on consumer preferences and our Acura DNA, we have created a true luxury sedan," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president, Honda Canada. "This means creating a unique Man Machine Synergy between the vehicle and its driver to achieve advanced performance through engineering efficiency. Today's luxury buyers demand a high level of connectivity, comfort and advanced performance which the sophisticated and elegant Acura RLX will offer to Canadians."
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 'timeless and beautiful' 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 50 mm (2.0") longer wheelbase and 50 mm (2.0") shorter front overhang. Both the track and vehicle width increase by approximately 50 mm (2.0").
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 eight 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 1814 kg (4000 lbs). 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 Toronto International Auto Show on the NSX Concept. The performance hybrid system utilizes 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 the U.S. NHTSA and TOP SAFETY PICK status from IIHS.
Advanced Telematics
In keeping with the 'Man Machine 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 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 integration with Aha Radio®. Using Aha Radio®, RLX drivers can create personalized web-based radio stations and receive audio updates 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 Bilingual 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.
Acura Brand
With a focus on 'man and machine 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 of its redesigned RDX Prototype crossover SUV at the Montreal International Auto Show, all-new Acura ILX Concept sedan, and next-generation Acura NSX Concept supercar, at the Toronto International Auto Show
Following the introduction of the production versions of the more powerful and fuel-efficient 2013 RDX in April, and the all-new 2013 Acura ILX and ILX Hybrid sedans in May, the production RLX will launch in Canada in the spring of 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.
For additional information on the Acura lineup, including photos and video, please visit Acuranews.ca.
Image with caption: "Acura 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 in Canada in the spring of 2013. (CNW Group/Acura Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120404_C3337_PHOTO_EN_11961.jpg
Maki Inoue (416) 271-2479
Laura Heasman (905) 888-4586
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