Acura’s first flagship, the aptly named Legend of the late 1980s, was highly regarded among auto critics, and sold briskly enough to successfully launch Japan’s first luxury-car division. But as competitors multiplied and Acura began to soften its performance edge, then piled on more luxury trappings, the Legend began to lose its chutzpah. A brand-wide switch to two-letter model names a few years later helped turn the memorable Legend into the forgettable RL. Acura has been trying to get its flagship mojo and legions of buyers back ever since.
With the 2014 model, Acura moves to shore up its cred with a dynamic driving experience it calls Man-Machine Synergy. In the newly named RLX, that means more power, a lighter-weight body, and a new all-wheel-steer system that makes its debut in a new front-wheel-drive version. The RLX’s power-to-weight ratio is improved by the use of a smaller, but more powerful, direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 310 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque. The boost in power is compounded by a weight reduction of nearly 170 pounds, thanks to liberal use of high-strength steel and aluminum. Dubbed Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer—which we recently sampled, as well as Acura’s Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive—the system continuously adjusts the rear-wheel toe angles to make turn-in crisper and promote stability in big sweepers and under hard braking.
Another shortcoming of the previous RL—tight rear legroom—also is addressed in the new model. Although overall length stays the same, Acura moved the wheels closer to the corners, increasing wheelbase by two inches and finding a limo-like 38.8 inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers. Helping achieve parity with the luxury-segment leaders are flourishes of craftsmanship, such as stitched-leather on the instrument panel, console, and steering wheel. The next generation of the cloud-based AcuraLink connected-car system, plus new infotainment content, including dual center-stack touch screens—an eight-inch one for navigation and a seven-inch screen for audio, climate-control, text-to-voice messaging, and other content—are onboard to address the notion that Acura is late to the technology party. For high-fidelity enjoyment, there are no less than three different premium audio systems available, as well.
As is the luxury-sedan norm, the RLX is arrayed with a comprehensive suite of safety tech: forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot alert, and collision-mitigating brakes are but a few of the standard systems.
Acura estimates the front-wheel-drive RLX will achieve best-in-class EPA fuel-economy ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 31 highway, which would be a big improvement over the 17/24 rating of the outgoing RL. The new 3.5-liter direct-injection V-6 is teamed with a re-geared six-speed automatic with a driver-selectable sport mode and paddle shifters for manual shift control.
Although some might think the RLX shares some visual cues with the Honda Accord, Acura’s “aero-fused” exterior design manages to give it a look that is consistent with other members of the Acura showroom—and one that won’t be confused with premium German sedans. Particularly interesting are the striking new LED headlamps flanking the beak-like grille—either avant-garde or insect-like, depending on your point of view.
The front-drive version of Acura’s new RLX will go on sale in the spring of 2013. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date. Later in the year, phase two of the RLX introduction commences with a range topper featuring 370 hp and Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. Will it be enough to make the new RLX a new-age Legend
With the 2014 model, Acura moves to shore up its cred with a dynamic driving experience it calls Man-Machine Synergy. In the newly named RLX, that means more power, a lighter-weight body, and a new all-wheel-steer system that makes its debut in a new front-wheel-drive version. The RLX’s power-to-weight ratio is improved by the use of a smaller, but more powerful, direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 310 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque. The boost in power is compounded by a weight reduction of nearly 170 pounds, thanks to liberal use of high-strength steel and aluminum. Dubbed Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer—which we recently sampled, as well as Acura’s Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive—the system continuously adjusts the rear-wheel toe angles to make turn-in crisper and promote stability in big sweepers and under hard braking.
Another shortcoming of the previous RL—tight rear legroom—also is addressed in the new model. Although overall length stays the same, Acura moved the wheels closer to the corners, increasing wheelbase by two inches and finding a limo-like 38.8 inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers. Helping achieve parity with the luxury-segment leaders are flourishes of craftsmanship, such as stitched-leather on the instrument panel, console, and steering wheel. The next generation of the cloud-based AcuraLink connected-car system, plus new infotainment content, including dual center-stack touch screens—an eight-inch one for navigation and a seven-inch screen for audio, climate-control, text-to-voice messaging, and other content—are onboard to address the notion that Acura is late to the technology party. For high-fidelity enjoyment, there are no less than three different premium audio systems available, as well.
As is the luxury-sedan norm, the RLX is arrayed with a comprehensive suite of safety tech: forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot alert, and collision-mitigating brakes are but a few of the standard systems.
Acura estimates the front-wheel-drive RLX will achieve best-in-class EPA fuel-economy ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 31 highway, which would be a big improvement over the 17/24 rating of the outgoing RL. The new 3.5-liter direct-injection V-6 is teamed with a re-geared six-speed automatic with a driver-selectable sport mode and paddle shifters for manual shift control.
Although some might think the RLX shares some visual cues with the Honda Accord, Acura’s “aero-fused” exterior design manages to give it a look that is consistent with other members of the Acura showroom—and one that won’t be confused with premium German sedans. Particularly interesting are the striking new LED headlamps flanking the beak-like grille—either avant-garde or insect-like, depending on your point of view.
The front-drive version of Acura’s new RLX will go on sale in the spring of 2013. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date. Later in the year, phase two of the RLX introduction commences with a range topper featuring 370 hp and Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. Will it be enough to make the new RLX a new-age Legend
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