Though technically a concept vehicle, the Acura RLX Concept is essentially the luxury brand's new flagship model, slated to replace the current Acura RL for the 2013 model year.
Wider and featuring a longer wheelbase than the RL, the RLX Concept is approximately the same size as the current Acura RL on the outside. New Jewel Eye LED headlights debut on the RLX Concept, featuring a unique stacked array of 8 individual LED lights, and the RLX Concept is equipped with 20-inch forged aluminum wheels wearing 255/35R20 performance tires.
Acura says the new 2013 RLX will be about the same size as the outgoing RL on the outside, but that the interior will offer large-car accommodations. The driver faces LCD instrumentation and an LCD center touch screen, and the new RLX features next-generation Acura Link telematics and Bluetooth hands-free communication with music streaming capability and voice-to-text SMS text messaging capability. A 14-speaker premium sound system is standard, and includes HD Radio, Pandora Internet radio, and Aha Radio.Optional FeaturesAcura plans to offer an optional navigation system for the 2013 RLX, including voice-recognition technology, real-time traffic reports, and Bing search capability. An Acura ELS Surround Sound audio system will also be available, as well as a Collision Mitigation Braking System and a Lane Keep Assist system.
A direct-injected, 3.5-liter V-6 engine making 310 horsepower and driving the front wheels is installed in the Acura RLX Concept. Acura's new Precision All Wheel Steer system is included on this model, and uses electrically controlled actuators to provide independent control over the toe angle of the left and right rear wheels to help make the RLX "deliver an extraordinary level of cornering contro
l and steering precision," according to Acura.
Acura's new Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), first introduced on the Acura NSX Concept, is available as an upgrade, and combines the standard V-6 engine with front and rear electric motors to develop a combined 370 horsepower while effectively creating an AWD system. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is also a part of this package.
Acura is predicting that the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD model will get 30 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. As this preview was published, Acura did not supply fuel-economy predictions for the standard version of the 2013 RLX.
Standard safety features of the RLX Concept include a new Acura Link telematics system with Airbag Deployment Notification, and the RLX will include both Forward Collision Warning and lane-departure warning systems. A Collision Mitigation Braking System and a new Lane Keep Assist system are optional.
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