NEW YORK, April 4, 2012 – Acura today held the world debut of the Acura RLXConcept at the New York International Auto Show, providing luxury buyers with a firstlook 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, includingthe Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, in combination with sophisticated styling and smartpackaging to deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort.Utilizing highly efficient packaging, the RLX Concept delivers the interior space of alarge luxury sedan with the footprint and agility of a midsize luxury sedan. The RLXConcept's all-new 3.5L direct-injected VTEC® V-6 engine and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD®system combine to generate more than 370-horsepower, and are paired with a 7-speeddual clutch transmission (DCT) and lightweight body to deliver V-8 acceleration withfour-cylinder fuel economy-with an estimated EPA (city/highway/combined) rating of30/30/30 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 throughthe 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 andaerodynamic shape, carefully tailored proportions, and sophisticated and distinctivedetailing. Its athletic stance is accented by 20-inch forged aluminum wheels and 255/35R20 high-performance tires. Dimensionally, the RLX Concept is approximately the samelength as the current RL, but with a two-inch longer wheelbase and two-inch shorterfront 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. TheAcura signature Jewel Eye™ headlamps use a dual-stacked array with a total of eightseparate high-intensity LED lamps, with ultra-reflective optical lenses and high-glosstrim, to provide powerful down-the-road illumination while simultaneously giving the RLXa 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 andaluminum, the RLX Concept achieves an ultra-rigid and light body design, with the frontwheel drive version to weigh in at well under 4,000 pounds. An all-new double wishbonefront suspension, multi-link rear suspension, Amplitude Reactive Dampers andelectronic power steering with a variable gear ratio team to provide the foundation forthe RLX's precise and intuitive handling control - termed by Acura as "Inomama" or "atthe will of the driver."Front-wheel-drive versions of RLX will utilize Acura's all-new Precision All WheelSteer™ system. This system provides for independent control of the steering (toe) angle
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