The 377-horsepower Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD luxury-performance
sedan will be on public display for the first time this week at the Los
Angeles International Auto Show, showcasing Acura's dynamic new
three-motor hybrid system.
The 2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, which launches next spring,
is the first vehicle to deploy Acura's new three-motor hybrid powertrain
technology. The system combines a highly efficient, direct-injected V-6
engine with an all-new, Acura-designed, 7-speed dual clutch
transmission with built-in electric motor and an electrically powered
variant of Acura's highly regarded torque-vectoring Super Handling
All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).
This advanced new hybrid powertrain delivers exhilarating driving
performance with incredibly responsive power delivery and precise,
sure-footed handling performance like no other vehicle in its class.
Supported by the instantaneous torque delivered by its high-output
electric motors, the RLX Sport Hybrid runs a 0-60 mph time comparable
with competitor's V8-powered machines. This performance, however, is
coupled with a 28/32/30mpg (city/highway/combined) EPA fuel economy
rating, which is in the range of 4-cylinder-powered luxury sedans.
Powertrain and Drivetrain
The RLX Sport Hybrid's 3.5-liter, 310-horsepower, i-VTEC® V-6
engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) includes an idle-stop
feature to help maximize fuel efficiency. The engine is mated to an
all-new, 7-speed dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor.
In automatic mode, the transmission provides highly responsive and
intuitive gear selection, including matching engine revs during
downshifts, in manual mode, the Sequential SportShift paddle shifters
give the driver gear selection control to make virtually seamless ratio
changes.
The electric SH-AWD system on the RLX Sport Hybrid eliminates the
conventional drive shaft and rear differential, replacing them with two
high-output 27-kilowatt electric motors. The rear motors dynamically
distribute both positive (drive) and negative (regenerative braking)
electric-motor torque, depending on driving conditions, and which torque
vectoring assists in cornering. The system is further aided by a
35-kilowatt front electric motor that supplements engine torque to the
front wheels and provides regenerative brake torque to charge the
vehicle's 260-volt lithium-ion battery pack.
Body and Chassis
With a longer wheelbase and wider greenhouse than competing mid-luxury
sedans, the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD delivers full-size interior space
in a nimbler, mid-size luxury sedan package. The RLX boasts the longest
rear-seat legroom (38.8 inches), and best front (59.6 inches) and rear
(57.0 inches) shoulder room in the mid-luxury class. The RLX advanced
body design makes extensive use of high-strength steel and aluminum,
further aiding its outstanding fuel efficiency, straight-line
performance and superior handling agility.
In front, the RLX's double-wishbone, lower double-joint front
suspension with Amplitude Reactive Dampers significantly improves
handling agility, driver confidence and security, and ride
sophistication. In back, the RLX's multi-link rear suspension is
optimized for a flat ride during cornering, confident turning
capability, and a smooth ride in a variety of urban, highway and open
road scenarios.
Technology
Acura technology firsts on the 2014 Sport Hybrid also include the Acura
electronic gear selector and Acura Head-Up Display System. The Acura
electronic gear selector replaces the conventional, center
console-mounted shift lever with an efficiently packaged push-button
array that allows the driver to easily select the desired drive
mode—Park, Drive and Reverse, as well as Sport and Normal driving modes.
The Acura Head-Up Display System provides the driver with at-a-glance
access to key driving information projected on the windshield. Display
modes include Sport Hybrid system operation, turn-by-turn navigation,
speedometer and compass, as well as alerts from various driver-assistive
systems.
The RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD features Acura's signature Jewel Eye™ LED
headlights, which offer outstanding light distribution and excellent
down-the-road illumination performance and light characteristics. The
RLX taillights utilize periphery LED illumination that is both effective
and highly distinctive.
With the expanded range of standard and available technology features
built into the RLX, substantial engineering effort was put into making
each feature intuitive and easy-to-use. The focal point of the new
instrument panel is a large, 8-inch color screen that combines
audio/information and navigation functions and provides access to an
array of customizable features. An additional 7-inch color On Demand
Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD) touchscreen is positioned within easy reach
and controls the audio system and many other features.
Audio and Connectivity
Exceptional audio performance has long been an Acura hallmark, and in
the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, two audio systems are offered. The
Technology package includes the Acura/ELS Studio® Premium Audio System
with an advanced 14-speaker array. In the Advance package, the
14-speaker Krell system — with speakers and amplifiers engineered by
Krell, one of the most respected audio companies in world — sets a new
benchmark in automotive audio performance.
The RLX is equipped with the next-generation AcuraLink® cloud-based
connected car system, delivering a comprehensive array of media,
convenience, and security services via embedded two-way communications
and web-enabled devices. AcuraLink® leverages Pandora® interface for
streaming audio and the Aha™ by Harman cloud-based interface to provide
users with thousands of customizable cloud-based news, information and
media feeds. The next-generation AcuraLink® also delivers an array of
available, subscription-based, security and convenience features, such
as AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ featuring freeway traffic and, for the
first time, surface street traffic information.
Safety and Driver-Assistive Technologies
The new RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD offers an extensive array of advanced
safety, visibility and driver-assistive technologies that put the RLX on
the leading edge of collision avoidance and assisted driving
capability. Standard and features include a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera,
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning
(FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), along with Lane Keeping Assist
System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Blind
Spot Information (BSI) system.
Utilizing Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™
(ACE™) body structure, along with seven airbags (including a driver's
knee airbag), the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is anticipated to earn
top-level safety ratings, including a 5-star NCAP Overall Vehicle Score
and an IIHS "TOP SAFETY PICK+" rating, plus a GOOD rating in the IIHS
small overlap front collision test.
With General Manager Sharbel Lattouf and son Kent Churchill looking on,
Dean Carone, Acura Assistant Zone Manager, presents a plaque celebrating
20-years of Acura service to Mac Churchill of Mac Churchill Acura.
“It’s hard to believe how much we’ve grown,” Mac said.
“From
the smallest Acura dealer in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, we’re now
the top-volume Acura Dealer in North Texas, the top-volume Certified
Preowned Acura Dealer in the Southwest and one of the top ten in the
United States.” “It’
s very humbling,” he added.
From a tiny
annex at the Lincoln Mercury dealership on Trail Lake to the sprawling
new 10 acre complex at 3125 NE Loop 820 in Northeast Fort Worth, Mac
Churchill has always believed that exemplary customer service was the
key to success in the automobile business. A pillar of the community,
his mantra, “When Your Name Is On The Building, Your Reputation Is On The Line,” is the driving force behind Mac’s continued support of many local charities and his active participation in community affairs.
“This isn’t just a Mac Churchill Acura celebration—it’s a community celebration,” added Kent Churchill. “We want to thank all of our clients and the community-at-large for helping us become the premier Acura dealership in North Texas.”
Mac
Churchill Acura is fulfilling its role in the community by providing
incredible cars and impeccable service to the citizens of Tarrant County
and the surrounding area with a full-line of technologically advanced
Acura vehicles including the ILX, TSX, TL, RDX, MDX, ZDX and the all-new
Acura flagship, the 2014 Acura RLX.
With over a thousand new and
preowned vehicles on the lot, a new Used Car Supercenter, competitive
financing and a team of sales and service professionals waiting to serve
you, it’s no wonder Mac Churchill Acura has experienced such explosive
growth over the last twenty years.
“We’re proud of our Award-winning Sales and Service Departments,” Sharbel Lattouf, General Manager, stated matter-of-factly. “They’re the best in the business,” he added.
Not
content to rest on their laurels of the past twenty-years, family-owned
and operated Mac Churchill Acura, nine-time recipient of the
prestigious Dealership of Distinction award from Acura, is
well-positioned to continue their phenomenal growth. “We are honored to
have been able to serve your transportation needs for the last twenty
years and look forward to serving them for the next twenty years,” Mac
beamed.
Call Mac Churchill Acura at 817-232-2872 or visit us at
3125 NE Loop 820 in Northeast Fort Worth. You can also shop from the
convenience of your home or office by visiting us online at MacChurchill.com or check out our complete online Acura OEM Parts Catalog at AcuraOEMPartsDepot.com.
Be sure to check out our Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.
Acura today unveiled three customized sedans at the 2013 Specialty
Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, including the
Acura RLX VIP Sedan, created by Evasive Motorsports, the RLX Urban
Luxury Sedan and Street Performance ILX, both created by MAD Industries.
"How better to amp up the inherent luxury, excitement and prestige of
the Acura Brand than to partner with the enthusiast crowd and create
these custom RLX and ILX sedans," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice
president of Auto Operations. "SEMA is where we go to add that little
bit of spice that brings out the true performance character in our Acura
lineup."
Acura engaged MAD Industries and Evasive Motorsports, both located in
Southern California, to use Acura sedans as the platform to create even
more exciting and dynamic custom vehicles.
2014 Acura RLX VIP Sedan Evasive Motorsports created an Acura RLX VIP Sedan that is
equally comfortable for daily commuting, or as a stylish upgrade for an
evening on the town. The design includes a custom carbon fiber front
bumper lip and vents, a modified rear bumper and fabricated exhaust
system with titanium tips. Chargespeed side skirts combined with a deck
lid spoiler and splash guards from Acura Genuine Accessories round out
the body modifications. Nano-Fusion Film is used to protect paint on
the front end. The wheels are 21-inch Advan F15 models wrapped in
245/35ZR-21 Continental ExtremeContact DW tires, both contributing to
the VIP look. Prototype Tein Street Flex coilovers allow lowering of the
RLX body. Four-pot Project Mu calipers and brake pads, and Evasive-spec
brake rotors sit behind the front wheels. In the cabin, custom neck
pillows wrapped in Jordan Brand-inspired elephant print add luxury and
style.
Powertrain Modifications
Custom Evasive Motorsports exhaust
Quad titanium exhaust tips
Chassis/Suspension Modifications
21 x 9-inch (+35mm offset) AVS Model F15 wheels
245/35ZR-21 Continental ExtremeContact DW tires
Prototype Tein Street Flex Coilovers
Project Mu 4-piston big brake kit
Project Mu NS400 brake pads
Custom Evasive-spec brake rotors
Exterior Modifications
Custom carbon fiber front chin spoiler
Custom carbon fiber front bumper vents
Chargespeed carbon fiber side skirts
Acura Genuine Accessories deck lid spoiler
Acura Genuine Accessories splash guard set
Muteki SR48 Lugs
S&A Design vinyl stickers
Nano-Fusion paint protection film
Interior Modifications
Custom Jordan Brand-inspired elephant print neck pillows
2014 Acura RLX Urban Luxury Sedan The 2014 Acura RLX Urban Luxury Sedan, by MAD Industries, is
designed to appeal to the driver looking for a performance luxury sedan
for every day needs. For the exterior, an Acura Genuine Accessory
decklid spoiler and 3M 1080 Scotchprint wrap film, in brushed black
metallic with gloss black accents, create a bold but refined look. 3M
Color Stable window film completes the appearance creating a modern
urban style. Silver 22-inch Niche wheels wrapped in Nitto Invo tires add
an aggressive element to the stance. Complementing the wheels, MPG
custom satin black caliper covers finish off the exterior
details. Inside, a contemporary feel is created by 3M brushed black
metallic film door and trim accents.
Chassis/Suspension Modifications
22 x 9-inch Niche Apex-M125 silver & machined wheels
265/30ZR-22 Nitto Invo luxury sport performance tires
MPG Custom satin black caliper covers
Exterior Modifications
Acura Genuine Accessories deck lid spoiler.
Interior Modifications
3M 1080 Scotchprint wrap film series in brushed metallic - 1080-BR212
Acura Street Performance ILX The Acura Street Performance ILX, by MAD Industries, is
designed to appeal to the enthusiast looking for a fun car that feels at
home on city streets or a curvy mountain pass. Wrapped in matte copper
metallic and accented by matte charcoal metallic 3M Scotchprint 1080
film, the ILX stands out from the crowd. Acura Genuine Accessories aero
kit is tastefully matched to a set of 19-inch TSW Max wheels wrapped in
Nitto NT05 Max high performance tires. Tein Super Street coilovers give
the ILX an aggressive stance while improving dampening during spirited
driving. Under the hood, a supercharger kit from CT Engineering and an
ECU tune with Hondata's FlashPro helps the ILX's 2.4-liter Inline-4 pump
out 250 wheel horsepower. The prototype SP Elite exhaust from Greddy
adds a throaty exhaust note.
Powertrain Modifications
CT Engineering supercharger kit
CT Engineering intake
Hondata FlashPro
Greddy SP Elite prototype exhaust
K&N high performance air filter
AMSOIL Dominator motor oil
Chassis/Suspension Modifications
19 x 8.5 TSW Max matte black wheels
245/35R-19 Nitto NT05 Max tires
Tein Super Street coilovers
Stoptech Big Brake kit
MPG custom satin black caliper covers
Exterior Modifications
3M 1080 Scotchprint wrap film: copper metallic 1080-M229 and charcoal metallic 1080-M211 installed by Paradise Moterwerks
PIAA 9006 low beam and 9005 high beam Extreme White headlight bulbs. H11 fog lamps and Terra LED dome light bulbs.
Acura Genuine Accessories front underbody spoiler
Acura Genuine Accessories side underbody spoiler
Acura Genuine Accessories rear underbody spoiler
Acura Genuine Accessories deck lid spoiler
Acura Genuine Accessories body side molding
Interior Modifications
CT Engineering short-shift kit
Acura Genuine Accessories illuminated door sill
Acura Genuine Accessories trunk tray
Come test drive a production model today at Mac Churchill Acura, and don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.
