2012 New York: Acura RLX Concept poses as the replacement to the RL

April 4, 2012 Omar Rana 2012 New York Auto Show, Acura RL, Acura RLX, RL, RLX, Sedans

Acura has had many car enthusiasts and journalists alike raising our eyebrows over the past several years or so. And that’s because many of us are wondering whether Honda’s premium brand can keep up with the competition that it has been known to aim towards. So far, the entry level Acura ILX Concept received mixed reviews, while things on Acura’s parental home front, Honda, haven’t exactly been going too well. Now though, Acura unveiled its latest rendition of what could possibly be the next Acura RL replacement today at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.

Right off the bat, the Acura RLX Concept looks to like a Hyundai Genesis sedan, the previous Lexus GS generation, and the BMW 7-Series came together to create this interesting concept.

“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.”

Iwamura added that the RLX will be offered with an updated version of Honda’s 3.5L J-Series V6, but with added direct injection and Honda’s traditional VTEC variable valvetrain system. Channeling that power to the front wheels or through Acura’s new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system is a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The estimated fuel consumption is 30 mpgs for city, highway, and total combined.

Additionally, for those who opt for a front-wheel drive version of the RLX will be somewhat comforted to hear that Acura will be featuring a new four-wheel steering system to help tone down the quirks of the large, front-wheel driven automobile with a hefty V6. This system actively adjusts the tow angle of the rear wheels individually, thanks to independent electrically controlled actuators. The system then collects data from the car’s Vehicle Stability Assist and Variable Gear Ratio steering systems for the best results. Though despite all of this mechanical and electrical jargon, we’re still pretty sure that plain ‘ol physics will just take their toll.

Either way though, it will be interesting to see how Acura executes this new RLX and if its enough to keep the brand in the big games.