Acura at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show

• 2014 Acura MDX Prototype
• There will be a new MDX design for 2014.
• Acura is calling it a "prototype" because it's not 100% finished yet.
•  Although, it's completely redone it looks like a beefed up RDX with the new RLX LED lights. Overall, it doesn't look bad. I still don't like the beak grill, but I'm a broken record hopeful that Acura will hear my cries.
• Expect the usual 3.5 liter V6 (no power figures yet), technology standard, and SH-AWD. The twist though is this generation of MDX will have the first front wheel drive version.

• Next Evolution of NSX Concept
• Acura is continuing to tease us with the Acura NSX Concept.
• The car maker is giving us a glimpse of what the interior could look like.
Acura's goal is deliver a "new sports car experience that combines next-generation supercar dynamic capabilities with advanced environmental performance ... Acura NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V-6 engine mated to Acura's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system."

• Launch Plan and Pricing for 2014 Acura RLX Flagship
• Acura's new RLX Flagship will debut in dealerships on March 15, 2013 with an MSRP is starting at $48,450.
• Features include 310 HP V6 direct-injected SOHC i-VTEC, most spacious passenger cabin in its class, Acura's new Precision All-Wheel Steer and Jewel Eye LED headlights, fuel economy of 20/31/24 mpg.
"Precision All-Wheel Steer is the world's first technology to feature independent and continuous control of the left and right rear-wheel steering (toe) angles. Its benefits include crisper lane changes, more nimble cornering, enhanced dynamic response, tighter radius low-speed turning, and confidence-inspiring control."
• In February, every Acura dealer nationwide will feature 2 2014 Acura RLX sedans ahead of the March 15 sale date so that clients can experience the car in what Acura is calling the "Destination RLX" client experience program.
• "A version of RLX featuring Acura's new Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive® (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD®) technology, producing 370 horsepower with expected EPA fuel-economy ratings of 30 city/30 highway/30 combined, will debut later in 2013."
• The 2014 Acura RLX will be available in five grades – the well-equipped RLX, the RLX with Navigation, the feature-packed RLX with Technology package, the RLX with Krell Audio package, and the top-of-the-line RLX with Advance package.

  TRIM	MSRP*
  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

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

RLX Pictures from China

There are some RLX pictures from China floating around on the TSXClub.com forums.

Thanks Anonymous for the tip.

[Acura Style] Driven By Design

This article is taken from Acura's Fall/Winter 2012 Style magazine, page 49.

Jon Ikeda, chief designer and senior manager of the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, California, is a busy man - in charge of everything from new Acura production models to such advanced visions as the NSX Concept, Acura Style caught up with him at the Design Studio to discuss the RLX Concept on display just a few feet away.

What was the overall design philosophy for the RLX Concept?

A little more serious, a little more formal. We really wanted to establish that it's a flagship. You'll see striking, undulating lines. A good stance. A more spacious interior. And on certain versions, you're going to see hardware directly tied in the NSX supercar. So you know the performance is there.

What exterior and interior features are you most excited about?

In proportion from the outside, it's grown up a little bit. And the interior is downright gorgeous. Even more luxury than we've had before. We also really love the new Jewel Eye headlight technology ... a little thinner, simpler, but very high tech.

What is the most difficult aspect of designing the RLX?

We really wanted to create something that does justice to all the RLX's new technology. But just when you've drawn that nugget of gold, some new regulation will come in that requires us to change the shape by 10 millimeters - 10 millimeters, are you kidding me!? That's a lot! So we're always trying to find that right balance.

It's been a big year for Acura. What's next?

The brand itself is maturing. Don't think for a second that just because we're coming out with all these cars that we're done. We're continuing to push. It's exciting. By the time the RLX comes out, we'll already be well ahead on the next new models. There are things behind this door right now that take Acura on to the next level. But of course, I can't show you!

Acura RLX

Acura flagship features first application of Acura Sport Hybrid SH-AWD®, more than 370-horsepower and 30 mpg combined fuel economy rating, with top-class seating comfort and next-generation Acura connectivity.

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.

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™.

 

For more info, follow this link.

New Acura Flagship to Debut at the New York International Auto Show

Tetsuo Iwamura, president and CEO of American Honda Motor Co., will introduce Acura's new flagship sedan at a press conference held on April 4, 2012 at 1:50 PM (EST) in the Acura booth.  Employing an array of new Acura technologies, including the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, the concept vehicle will deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort. [Source]


According to wardsauto.com, the RL will get its name changed to the RLX and be completely redesigned.