LA LIVE: 2014 Acura RLX - Latest Cars News

Identical outside to the RLX concept car shown earlier this year, the production model follows much of the same design language seen in the least expensive Acura, the ILX. Whether that will appeal to buyers seeking a sedan in the $45,000-50,000 range remains to be seen, however. The RLX includes dynamic-looking new "Jewel Eye" all LED headlamps, which give it both a distinctive face and, Acura says, excellent nighttime drivability.

Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard on both the base front-drive and late-introduction all-wheel-drive RLX.

Regardless of driven wheels, both RLX models start with a 310-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The all-wheel-drive model adds a pair of electric motors at the rear of the car to power the rear wheels exclusively, which brings total output up to 370 horsepower while reducing fuel economy to 30 mpg in the city and on the highway.

Just what is Acura's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system? In the NSX concept car that debuted in Detroit, it uses twin electric motors to send power to the front wheels, while the rear wheels use the gas engine. In the RLX, the opposite is the case: The rear wheels will be motivated by the electric motors, while the front wheels will be powered by the gas engine.




The system provides all-wheel-drive traction and also works as a torque vectoring system by instantaneously transfering torque between the electrified wheels for improved traction. Uniquely, the motors can provide positive or negative torque automatically to create what Acura calls an "on-the-rails" feel. The setup eliminates the need for a more complex differential to achieve the same handling-improving effect.

Front-wheel-drive RLXs will feature the automaker's new All Wheel Steer system, which independently adjusts the toe angle of the rear wheels by working with the car's stability control and its variable gear ratio electric power steering. All Wheel Steer is designed to both make the RLX more nimble in urban situations and to make its handling faster, more stable and more direct at highway speeds.

All RLXs send power to their wheels via a six-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Leftlane recently sampled a pair of prototypes clad in last-generation Honda Accord bodywork to test out the RLX's hybrid powertrain and All Wheel Steer system. Read about our experience here.

The inside story



Again stylistically derivative of Acura's other models, the dual cowl-style dashboard is covered in far more premium materials.

Two LCD screens - a seven-incher and a larger eight-inch display - will show off infotainment and navigation functions with single-touch access to regularly-used functions. In addition, a new AcuraLink communication system that connects the car to an operator in the event of an emergency or for concierge services, will also debut on the RLX. In addition, three audio systems are available depending on specification level.

Acura says that the RLX's rear seat is more spacious than any of its rivals, including the BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS and Audi A6.

On the safety front, the RLX will feature Acura's first application of lane keeping assist to reel the car back in if the driver begins to drift, as well as standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning. A driver's knee airbag will also be standard.

The front-wheel-drive RLX should hit dealers early next year, while the all-wheel-drive variant will follow a few months later.
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Source: Leftlanenews