Feature-rich Acura RLX boasts numerous signature Acura-exclusive
technologies, delivers incredible value on a luxury scale with starting
price of $48,450
The all-new 2014 Acura RLX flagship sedan will debut at Acura
dealerships on March 15, 2013, with a manufacturer's suggested retail
price (MSRP) starting at $48,450*. Featuring an all-new 310-horspower
direct-injected SOHC
i-VTEC V-6 powerplant, the most spacious
passenger cabin in its class, and the first-ever application of
signature Acura technologies including Precision All-Wheel Steer™ and
Jewel Eye™ LED headlamps, the RLX delivers new levels of
technology-enhanced performance, safety, and luxury-class comfort to
Acura's range-topping sedan.
"With an array of signature Acura technologies, the 2014 Acura RLX
sets a new standard for luxury in the Acura lineup," said Jeff Conrad,
vice president and general manager of Acura Sales. "The feature-rich RLX
epitomizes Acura's 'Man-Machine Synergy' product direction, utilizing
advanced technology and smart vehicle design to deliver incredible
performance, comfort and value on a luxury scale."
Destination RLX
In February, Acura dealers will kick off the "Destination RLX" client
experience program – with every Acura dealer nationwide featuring two
2014 Acura RLX sedans, weeks ahead of the March 15 on-sale date,
providing Acura clients with the opportunity to experience the numerous
new technologies available on the RLX luxury performance sedan.
Flagship Features
The 2014 Acura RLX is powered by an all-new, 310-horsepower, direct-injected SOHC 24-Valve
i-VTEC®
V-6 powerplant, Acura's first-ever direct-injected engine architecture.
Utilizing Variable Cylinder Management™ (with the ability to deactivate
the rear bank of three cylinders) in combination with a lightweight and
aerodynamic body design, the new Acura RLX is anticipated to carry a
class-leading EPA fuel-economy rating of 20/31/24 mpg
1 (city/highway/combined).
With the longest rear-seat legroom (38.8 inches), longest tandem
seating distance (36.4 inches), and widest front and rear shoulder room
in the mid-luxury class, the new RLX delivers full-size interior space
in a nimbler, more efficient midsize luxury sedan exterior package.
Featuring the first-ever application of
Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer™
(P-AWS) the RLX achieves new levels of handling agility, high and
low-speed maneuverability, and confident handling control for a
two-wheel-drive luxury sedan. 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.
As previously announced, 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.
Further, the new RLX confidently competes in the high-end luxury
sedan market with an incredible array of leading-edge technologies,
including the next-generation AcuraLink® cloud-based connected car
system with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ featuring freeway traffic and,
for the first time, surface street traffic information.New standard
safety technologies include Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision
Warning, a driver's knee airbag, and the next-generation of Acura's
Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™ II) body structure; along with
available Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).
The RLX will also offer a bevvy of leading-edge visibility and
driver-assistive technologies, including Lane Keeping Assist System
(LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot
Information (BSI) system, Multi-view Rearview Camera, Expanded View
Driver's Mirror, and front and rear parking sensors.
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 |
Exterior Design and Function
The RLX follows an "aero-fused" exterior design motif with its wide
and athletic stance, sharp upswept bodylines, aerodynamic greenhouse,
and distinctive new Jewel-Eye™ LED headlights offering improved
down-the-road illumination and lighting characteristics. The RLX's sleek
upper body combines with aerodynamic features to deliver best-in-class
levels of aerodynamic efficiency.
Seven spoke 18x8J aluminum-alloy wheels and 245/45 R18 all-weather
tires are standard, while Technology, Krell and Advance grades feature
19x8J wheels and 245/40 R19 tires. The RLX's alloy wheels also feature a
noise-reducing design that lowers tire noise by 7 decibels across the
audible frequency range.
Additional exterior features available on the RLX include an acoustic
glass windshield and door glass, integrated power rear sunshade, front
and rear parking sensors, heated and auto-dimming side mirrors, and
rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Interior Design and Function
The RLX interior features premium, soft touch materials throughout,
with the tasteful application of premium metal and wood-grain accents. A
stitched leather instrument panel, center console and steering wheel,
along with available Milano perforated leather seats, communicate a new
level of craftsmanship and refined luxury appeal in Acura's
top-of-the-line sedan.
Luxury form and function are smartly integrated in the RLX's new
center console, featuring dual screens – an 8-inch Navigation screen and
a 7-inch On-Demand Multi-Use Display™ touch screen – that provide easy
and direct one-touch access to key functions, including audio, climate
control, navigation, and text-to-voice SMS text message functionality.
The sliding, leather-trimmed armrest conceals a dual-hinged center
storage compartment with easy access for both the driver and front
passenger to USB connectivity, 12-volt accessory power outlet and space
to store tablets and other electronic devices.
Additional interior comfort and convenience features include
push-button start, power tilt and telescoping steering, power sunroof,
tri-zone automatic climate control, and
Bluetooth®
3 HandsFreeLink®.
The standard 10-speaker ELS® audio system includes HD radio™, XM
radio, Pandora® interface, USB connectivity, and an auxiliary jack. The
RLX with Technology package is equipped with a 14-speaker Acura/ELS®
Studio premium audio system. The Krell Audio and Advance grades receive
an ultra-premium, 14-speaker, Krell audio system that sets a new
benchmark for high-fidelity sound in a luxury vehicle.
Chassis Technology
Whether on a serpentine mountain pass, congested city street, or
cramped airport parking deck, and in all weather conditions, the RLX
with Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS™) is designed to deliver an
unprecedented level of handling precision and control in a two-wheel
drive luxury sedan.
Working in concert with Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®) with
Traction Control, and Agile Handling Assist dynamic braking system,
P-AWS™ provides enhanced vehicle stability, maneuverability, and
control. The RLX's handling performance is further elevated by its new
double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension system with
Amplitude Reactive Dampers, and new high-output, belt-type electronic
power steering.
All RLX models have 4-wheel disc brakes with high-friction pads and a
4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS), along with new Hydraulic
Brake Boost that improves brake pedal feel. New Electric Parking Brake
with Automatic Brake Hold, and high-efficiency Vehicle Stability Assist™
(VSA®) are additional firsts for Acura.
New Direct-Injected i-VTEC® V-6 with VCM
The 2014 RLX is powered by an all-new, 3.5-liter, direct-injected SOHC
i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™. Rated
at 310 horsepower, the engine delivers exceptional drivability, with
more than 90-percent of its peak 272 lb.-ft. of torque available from
2000 rpm to 6600 rpm. Variable Cylinder Management with 3-cylinder and
6-cylinder operation works in concert with the VTEC valvetrain to
deliver superb cruising efficiency. The engine is mounted to a
lightweight and rigid aluminum front subframe using a
vibration-canceling Active Control engine Mount (ACM) system.
The new engine is mated to a reengineered Sequential SportShift
6-speed automatic transmission with revised gearing, an intuitive
selector and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. A driver-selectable
Sport mode provides more aggressive shift points and more pronounced
engine braking during deceleration, along with manual operation.
Article and image courtesy of Acura News.
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