Honda Goes Hybrid With the Acura RLX

By David Dandy
Tokyo based automakers, Honda Motors, want to increase sales for their new Acura, and they are taking the green road to reach their goals. The Acura is Honda’s premium brand, and their new sedan will make use of two electric motors and a V-6 gasoline engine.

The RLX, as its being called, will be the replacement of their RL sedan. The new model will go on sale early 2013, according to company representatives at the New York International Auto Show. The RLX employs a n3.5-liter gasoline engine which, in combination with the electric motors and lithium-ion battery pack, packs a 370 horsepower punch and gets about 48 kilometers to the gallon in combined city and highway driving, Honda said.

How does it stack up against the current RL model? The RLX’s fuel economy is 50% better than the current RL, which averages 20 mpg.

Sales of Acura cars in America peaked at 209,610 vehicles in 2005 but had dropped down to 123,299 last year. Honda wants the brand to sell 180,000 cars and trucks in 2012, a 46% increase in sales.

Source;
http://www.ecoautoninja.com/eco-hybrid-vehicles/honda-goes-hybrid-with-the-acura-rlx-56768/

Acura RLX Concept Makes World Debut in New York

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
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 at the beginning 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, 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.

"We have created a true luxury sedan based on our Acura DNA," said American Honda president & CEO, Tetsuo Iwamura. "This means achieving advanced performance through engineering efficiency to create a unique synergy between the vehicle and its driver. Inside and out, on the open road or city streets, the sophisticated and elegant Acura RLX will offer a level of connectivity, comfort and advanced performance demanded by today's luxury buyers."
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 'Keen Edge' 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 two-inch longer wheelbase and two-inch shorter front overhang. Both the track and vehicle width increase by approximately two inches.

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 ten 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 4,000 pounds. 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 North American International Auto Show on the NSX Concept. The performance hybrid system utilizes a front-mounted electric motor, located within the dual clutch transmission, and 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 NHTSA and TOP SAFETY PICK status from IIHS.

Advanced Telematics
In keeping with the 'human-centered 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 the next-generation 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 along with integration of HD radio™, Pandora® internet radio interface and Aha Radio® interface via Bluetooth® smart phone pairing. Using Aha, RLX drivers can choose from thousands of web-based audio stations, including music, live news, podcasts, audio books, personalized points of interest, and audio newsfeeds 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 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. In addition, the RLX navigation system will feature AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ for both highways and surface streets.

Acura Brand
With a focus on 'human-centered 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 off its redesigned RDX Protoype crossover SUV, all-new Acura ILX Concept sedan, and next-generation Acura NSX Concept supercar, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Following the introduction of the production versions of the more powerful and fuel-efficient 2013 RDX in March, and the all-new 2013 Acura ILX and ILX Hybrid sedans in May, the production RLX will launch in early 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.

Acura is projecting an annual sales volume of 180,000 vehicles for the brand in 2012, which would represent a nearly 50 percent increase over 2011 sales results.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/acura-rlx-concept-makes-world-debut-in-new-york

2013 Acura RLX Concept Video from NY Auto Show

Acura ILX Concept Video Up Close and Personal

All-New Acura ZDX Debuts at New York International Auto Show

04/08/2009 - NEW YORK -
A prototype of the provocative Acura ZDX luxury four-door sports coupemade its world debut at the New York International Auto Show today. The production version of the dramatically styled prototype goes on-sale in the fall of 2009. The segment bending ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility.

"The ZDX is truly a luxury performance coupe - plus," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "The emotional coupe styling coupled with a luxurious and dramatic interior and surprising versatility, allows the ZDX to define its own segment and attract an entirely new customer."
The ZDX is designed to break new ground for Acura in the areas of provocative styling, contemporary luxury and meticulous refinement. With its sensuous curves, sharply raked roofline and bold fender flares, the ZDX blurs the distinction between coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle. Clean, flowing lines start from the headlights and run the length of the car, accentuating the cars presence and grace. In keeping with the coupe-inspired styling, the rear door handles are cleverly concealed in the C-pillar. The all-glass tailgate opens wide to reveal a highly functional cargo space with integrated under-floor storage. The prototype is finished off with stylish dual chrome exhaust outlets and 9-spoke machined wheels fitted with 20-inch Michelin tires.

"From the very first sketch of the ZDX, I wanted to create an emotional vehicle that challenged conventional thinking of what a sports coupe should be," said Michelle Christensen, ZDX exterior designer. "My goal was to create a strikingly beautiful exterior, and use that attraction to help draw you into the rich interior."

Inside, the ZDX exudes modern luxury while focusing on pampering the front passengers. The cabin is enveloped in leather, which gives the interior a luxurious and inviting feel. The hand-stitched leather dash and instrument panel sweep down to form a dual cockpit layout, creating a personal and intimate experience for the front seat occupants. The premium leather seats are highly bolstered to support the passengers during sporty driving and at the same time provide comfort during a long getaway. A black monochromatic center stack leads to the textured metallic center console, which complements the black and pearl white leather trim. The thick leather wrapped steering wheel provides ample grip and is framed by racing-inspired paddle shifters for the ultimate in driver control. The cabin is enclosed by a panoramic glass roof which runs the entire length of the vehicle, providing occupants with a breathtaking view of the world around them.

The production ZDX will bring a new level of prestige and sophistication when it arrives at Acura dealerships in the fall, offering the latest advancements in performance, technology and safety. The ZDX will deliver sports sedan performance on the road with its powerful V-6 engine mated to an all-new, smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. The potent powertrain will be coupled with Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, giving the ZDX outstanding handling and cornering capabilities in all-weather conditions.

In typical Acura fashion, the ZDX will be available with the latest in customer enhancing technologies and advanced safety features including an all-new blind spot information system, which will help drivers change lanes more confidently. A new multi-view rear camera makes parking even easier with the added enhancement of both a wide angle and top down view. Acura signature technologies like Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™, Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system and Bluetooth® connectivity will also be available on the all-new model.

The ZDX represents the next step for Acura in its advancement to becoming one of the top luxury brands and makes a clear statement toward the future of the brand.

ZDX Prototype Dimensions:
Length: 192.4 inches
Width: 78.5 inches
Height: 61.8 inches
Wheelbase: 108.2 inches
Wheel/tire: 9-spoke custom alloy wheels with Michelin Latitude HP 275/40ZR 20 tires
Powertrain: All-aluminum VTEC® V-6, all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)
Seating capacity: 5-passenger
For media information and high-resolution photos of Acura vehicles, please visit http://www.acuranews.com/. For consumer information, please visit http://www.acura.com/.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1097/releases/4981

Acura ZDX Caught in Full View

The espionage "artists" at AutoSpies weaseled their way onto the New York Auto Show floor before the official press days kick off and snapped a singular shot of the Acura ZDX crossover ahead of its official unveiling tomorrow morning. Acura's X6-fighter looks slightly less menacing than the teasers suggested, and the silver hue does an admirable job of integrating Acura's new corporate grille into the jacked-up hatch's shape. All the official details – including production dates and drivetrains – will be revealed tomorrow at 11 AM EST, but expect the basic shape to carry over when the ZDX goes on sale this fall.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/acura-zdx-concept-caught-uncloaked-ahead-of-new-york-debut/

NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: Will Acura Announce A Hybrid Version Of The ZDX?
Although we've already spoiled Acura's ZDX surprise with the first real photos of the vehicle, one day before the official introduction, sources tell us another surprise could be coming.

Rumors keep circulating that they will announce a hybrid version at the show.

Should they?

Is it important?

Keep checking back often as we will be adding photos often to the 2009 New York Auto Show Photo Gallery of the next few days

Source;
http://www.autospies.com/news/NEW-YORK-AUTO-SHOW-Will-Acura-Announce-A-Hybrid-Version-Of-The-ZDX-42799/

X6-like Acura ZDX “coupe” set for NYIAS debut

Acura has given a name to its new 4-door “coupe” SUV which will rival the BMW X6 Sport Activity Coupe. A prototype version of the new Acura ZDX will be unveiled at the 2009 NYIAS on the 8th of April 2009, just over a week from now. Under the hood will be a 300 horsepower 3.7 liter V6 engine with 373Nm of torque which should be pit against the X6 xDrive35i, but no rival for the xDrive50i version in sight for now. Power for the ZDX will go to all four wheels via Honda’s SH-AWD system. So there’s no new Acura/Honda NSX, but instead they give us something like this.

Source;http://paultan.org/archives/2009/04/01/x6-like-acura-zdx-coupe-set-for-nyias-debut/

Acura/Honda ZDX?

Burlapp's found another good pic, this time of what looks like the ACURA ZDX with a Honda badge. Some people are going to think that this is going to be the new Accord Wagon, but I'm going to say that the lines are pretty much identical to the photo's below of the upcoming Acura Concept (ZDX). For those that don't know, Acura is pretty much North American only, and if the car comes out in Japan or UK, it will be badged a Honda, so the 'H' does make sense.

Source;
http://www.burlappcars.com/2009/03/new-honda-non-carnon-suv-thingy.html

The above photo is from Acura which is a 'teaser' of what the concept is going to look like.
Above is a photo taken in good ol' Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It was seen presumably being tested for cold weather climate effectiveness.

Acura teases crossover concept ahead of New York Auto Show

Just as we started thinking the 2009 New York Auto show may turn out to be boring, Acura has dropped teasers of a new concept it plans on showing in New York next month.
As you can see, the concept will be a crossover. The Acura Crossover Concept is expected to enter production in 2010.

We’ll bring you more details from the 2009 New York Auto Show on April 8.

Source;
http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/03/16/acura-teases-crossover-concept-ahead-of-new-york-auto-show/

Honda/Acura's Next SUV/Crossover gets a Motor Trend Rendering and loosely termed MSX

Here's what we know so far about the upcoming Acura 'MSX':

-Expected to be released in the Fall of 2009 as a 2010 model

-Expected to be positioned between the RDX and MDX

-The Acura product is described as a sort of "MDX/NSX" crossover

-Expected to go head to head against the Infinity FX and BMW X6

-The price range for this product is said to be $50k-60k (US)

-Is going to use either the Accord platform or the RDX/CRV platform

-Is being created with markets like Russia and the Middle East in mind in addition to North America

-Honda is launching Acura in Russia in the near future and Russians are not fleeing SUVs and crossovers the way Americans have been in recent months

-Should be about the same size as a Lexus RX

-Should have a coupelike greenhouse with a sharply sloping D-pillar and tailgate

Here's from Motortrend;
"Powertrain options should include the TL's 3.7L V-6 and trick SH-AWD system, with a smaller engine (such as the Accord's 3.5L V-6) possibly available on more entry-level models. The 3.7L engine makes 305 hp in the TL, which is on par with the 300 hp in the X6 xDrive35i and 303 hp in the FX35. Honda's current lack of a V-8, however, puts the 390 hp FX50 and 400 hp X6 xDrive50i well out of reach -- although that may change. Honda recently divulged it has a V-8 under development that's expected to be ready in time for the launch of the next-generation RL early next decade, which should coincide with the arrival of its latest crossover."

Motortrend article link;
http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2008/112_0811_honda_acura_crossover_update/index.html

Here's an older link found on Vtec.net on the subject;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=719441

Art Designer Leon Paz Comes up with a Modern Acura Concept

Acura's new design language, as seen on the 2009 TL, is fronted by a shield-like appendage that has received mixed reviews. The Acura 2+1 -- the numbers describe the seating arrangement -- by design student Leon Paz is what would happen if you took the shield theme to one natural conclusion. By maintaining the edge throughout the concept's "modern baroque styling," Paz has come up we something we kinda dig.

The body is fashioned from a plastic that is harder than fiberglass, and Paz has done a great job in creating lines that evoke skin stretched over a frame. The upper surface is one continuous window that shows off the twin-turbo V6 and the Acura logo for the cylinder covers. There is no hood -- at your yearly service, the dealer would lift the glass and perform any engine maintenance.

The 2+1 would be an aspirational step for those who want an NSX but can't afford one yet. Based on what we've seen of the NSX so far, we'd probably rather have the 2+1. However, our most pressing question about the car isn't about the design -- we really want to know what is the meaning of "OW AHH" scrolled in LED's across the rear? Check out the gallery of high-res images below, and maybe you can tell us...

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/20/acura-2-1-design-study-takes-superman-shield-to-next-level/

New Shots of Next Gen NSX's Driver's Side Dash

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/07/2010-honda-acura-nsx-spied-again-on.html

Even More Acura NSX Renderings

A Temple of VTEC reader, 'ciwai', worked hard to try and take the camo off of the car, here's what they've come up with.

Link;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=773441

Acura NSX Rendering Rear Shot

Found this on Auto Express, compliments the previous post.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/224049/hondas_next_nsx.html

Another NSX Rendering

Stumbled across this pic, one of a few floating around.

Here are the others that I have accumalated in another post;
http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2008/06/next-hondaacura-nsx-looking-to-reclaim.html

Next Honda/Acura NSX Looking to Reclaim it's Title as Japan's SUPERCAR

This is the NSX caught on the track with camo just recently
This is an older rendering on what the NSX might look like.
This is a pic out of a Japanese car MagX. (I think this is the most accurate pic.)
This is an older NSX, absolutley beautiful.

The next NSX is expected for the 2011 model year, but the prototype has already hit the track at Nürburgring, Germany, and it has one aim, to be faster than the Nissan GT-R and the upcoming Lexus LF-A.

It's a tall order, and one that Honda hopes it can achieve through the use of a 5.5-liter V10 expected to make 550 horses, with a torque peak expected to top 420 pound-feet. The engine is essentially a slightly larger version of the V8 that Honda will use for the next-generation, rear-wheel-drive RL sedan, and it will use cylinder deactivation under light loads for maximum efficiency. Additional gains will come from the use of an eight-speed, paddle-shifted automatic.

Getting the power to the ground will be a modified version of Honda's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system. Packaging could be tight, however, as this NSX will place its V10 up front. A combination of steel and aluminum will be used for the chassis that will form the basis of this 2+2 sports car.

Source; http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=127306

Next Gen Honda/Acura NSX Spied

Honda was hardly going to leave Nissan and Toyota to steal all the thunder in the supercar market as they look to provide some serious competition with its new NSX. Previously we had only seen prototypes of the new model sporting the body of the S2000, but now for the first time the model has come out showing its new body styling albeit with the annoying black and white camoflage.

Unlike the previous mid-engined NSX this prototype is running a front-mid engine, with its powerplant placed well behind the front wheels to ensure excellent weight distribution. This should also allow the new NSX to offer 2+2 cabin accommodation, broadening its appeal against the Nissan GT-R and Lexus LF-A - particularly in the USA.

What that engine is remains very much a mystery. There’s talk of a high-revving naturally aspirated V10, which would fit in very comfortably with Honda’s Type R philosophy. Honda’s not as obsessed as many by big horsepower outputs, but even so an output of 450 hp seems likely. Should such an engine be fitted to the sort of lightweight body as the previous NSX, the performance would be exceptional. Four-wheel-drive, with rearward bias, is also rumoured, the handling expected to be controlled by a version of Honda’s electronic Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.

The Honda NSX is not expected until 2009 and on top of its Japanese rivals it must also compete with the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430 and the Lamborghini Gallardo.

Source; http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080617.009/new-honda-nsx-prototype-comes-out-to-play