Acura RLX Concept Shows Future Acura Flagship Sedan

Acura debuted its RLX Concept at the New York Motor Show Today that shows the future for the brand's next flagship sedan. It plans to have the car on sale at the beginning of 2013. 

The RLX is powered by a 3.5l, direct-injected V6 with three electric motors - two in the rear and one in the front. All of that leads to a total power of 370hp, and it will come with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is a first for Acura. It claims that fuel economy will be 30mpg both in the city and on the highway. Acura will also offer a purely front-wheel drive version without all of the electric motors with 310hp. This model will keep the active, all-wheel steering system though. 

Styling sticks with the modern Acura style of being handsome but very safe. This car could almost be called boring compared to German competitors, but buyers of understated elegance might find this attractive. The chassis is the same size as the current RL, but with a 2in-longer wheelbase but 2in-shorter overhangs. The track and width are both 2in wider. 

Acura says that the RLX will be the debut for the brand's new LED headlights which it is branding as Jewel Eye. The system uses 10 total LEDs in two stacks in each headlight.

"We have created a true luxury sedan based on our Acura DNA. 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," said American Honda president & CEO, Tetsuo Iwamura.  

Acura has gone back to its roots for the RLX's double wishbone front suspension. Acura says that despite all of the technology, the RLX will weigh less than 4000lbs. Amplitude Reactive Dampers and variable ratio, electronic power steering will also be on the car. 

For the interior, Acura says that the RLX will have two LCD touch screens for infotainment - one 8in and the other 7in. These screens will control the radio, navigation and HVAC controls.