Introduction*
The 2014 Acura RLX is the most powerful, spacious, and technologically advanced Acura sedan ever. Powered by an all-new 310-horsepower direct-injected V-6 engine, and featuring an array of Acura signature technologies, including Precision All-Wheel Steer™, Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, and the next generation of the AcuraLink® connected car system, the RLX fulfills Acura’s commitment to creating “the synergy between man and machine” and delivers new levels of technology-enhanced performance, comfort and convenience in Acura’s flagship sedan.
Using smart packaging, advanced aerodynamics, and lightweight body design, along with fuel-saving i-VTEC with Variable Cylinder Management engine technology, the RLX delivers the most spacious five-passenger seating in its class along with a top-class EPA fuel economy rating of 20/31/24 mpg (city/highway/combined).
With a longer wheelbase and wider greenhouse than competing mid-luxury sedans, the new RLX delivers full-size interior space in a nimbler, mid-size luxury sedan package. The RLX boasts the longest rear-seat legroom (38.8 inches), and best front (59.6 inches) and rear (57.0 inches) shoulder room in the mid-luxury class. The RLX advanced body design makes extensive use of high-strength steel and aluminum, further aiding its outstanding fuel efficiency, straight-line performance, and superior handling agility.
The new RLX reaches higher and farther into the high-end luxury sedan market with an incredible array of advanced safety, driver-assistive, and information and media technologies, including the standard next-generation AcuraLink™ connected car system, and Multi-Angle Rearview Camera; along with available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Blind Spot Information (BSI) system. Safety systems available on the RLX include technologies such as Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
Utilizing Acura’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure, along with seven airbags (including new driver’s knee airbag), the RLX is anticipated to earn top-level safety ratings – a 5-star NCAP Overall Vehicle Score, and IIHS “TOP SAFETY PICK+” rating, including a GOOD rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal collision test.
The RLX also offers intuitive technology that reduces stress and simplifies the driving and ownership experience – with features such as Electronic Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold, a capless refueling system, Smart Entry/Smart Start keyless access system, easy-to-use and customize dual touch screens, “tensionless” e-pretension front seatbelts, and available rain-sensing windshield wipers, among others.
Acura and Industry Firsts
Befitting its flagship sedan status, the new RLX has a long list of pioneering technologies:
World technology firsts
Jewel-Eye™ LED headlights enhance the RLX’s modern and distinctive appearance while providing outstanding light distribution and improved down-the-road illumination.
Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS) continuously monitors and calculates the correct amount of independent rear-wheel steering (toe angle) necessary to help the RLX meet driving conditions with the utmost ease and stability.
Scheduled to debut on the 2014 RLX, Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD) is an innovative new drive system that blends hybrid power with Acura’s advanced Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). (More information on the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD will be provided prior to its on-sale date.)
Engineered by one of the world’s most premium audio companies, the available 14-speaker Krell premium audio system sets a new benchmark in automotive audio performance (RLX with Krell Audio package and RLX with Advance package trims).
U.S. Technology Firsts
The available next-generation AcuraLink™ delivers a bevy of new information, media, convenience, and security services via embedded two-way communications and web-enabled devices, including AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ featuring freeway traffic and all-new surface street traffic.
The available Front seatbelt e-pretensioners use electronic controls to reduce tension for a more comfortable seatbelt experience during normal driving conditions. This is the first seatbelt tensioning system to incorporate yaw movement as well as braking.
Acura Technology Firsts
Acura’s first direct injected engine contributes to the 3.5-liter V-6 engine’s high performance, low emissions, and 20/31/24 mpg EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy rating.1
Double wishbone, double joint front suspension optimizes suspension geometry to significantly improve agility, driver confidence and ride sophistication.
Agile Handling Assist uses active braking to help the driver smoothly and easily trace the desired line through a curve with smaller steering inputs.
The available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow allows the RLX to independently maintain a set following distance in low-speed traffic conditions, including stop and go traffic, and to initiate vehicle braking when necessary.
The available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) uses a camera to detect lane markings on the road and actively assist the driver in keeping the car in a detected lane.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) uses a camera mounted in the upper portion of the windshield to detect vehicles ahead of the RLX and audibly and visually alert the driver when it determines that a collision with a detected vehicle is imminent.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) uses the same windshield-mounted camera as the FCW system to detect lane markings on the road and alert the driver if the vehicle is wandering from a detected lane.
Electric Parking Brake provides one-touch parking brake activation.
Automatic Brake Hold maintains the vehicle’s position for up to ten (10) minutes without the driver having to maintain pressure on the brake pedal. Braking is released when the driver steps on the accelerator pedal.
The RLX’s available retractable door mirrors can be configured to automatically retract when the doors are locked, and then automatically extend when the doors are unlocked.
Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines uses active guidelines that curve, displaying the amount of steering wheel input on the display to aid in backup maneuvers.
Capless fueling eliminates the fuel cap and improves ease of fueling.
A driver’s side knee airbag is designed to help keep the driver in a proper seating position in the event of a moderate to severe frontal collision.
*For full details, download the “2014 Acura RLX Press Kit” by clicking on the link above.