I remember reading about Honda R&D working with multiple electric motors in Hybrid configuration for not only efficiency, but for performance.

Then I found these articles on the Honda Dualnote (aka Acura DN-X). It seems amazingly prophetic for 2002. I see a lot of potential here for the next generation RL and Acura's latest claims of a efficient performing luxury persona.

The first link is a bit tough to read in Google books. But some things jumped off the page at me:

300HP 3.5 I-TECH V6
100HP 3 motor IMA
400 Total HP
42 mpg
Active Torque Transfer System (aka SHAWD)
Voice Activated controls
Touch Sensitive Door Locking
Aluminum Body Structure

Sounds to me like the basis for the next RL was determined 9 years ago. And hopefully the R&D continued to make production feasible?

http://books.google.com/books?id=3H8...age&q=&f=false

http://www.concept/vehicle/z5753/Honda-Dualnote.aspx

http://www.supercars.net/cars/769.html

http://www.electrifyingtimes.com/honda_dualnote.html

http://www.fantasycars.com/derek/car...dualnote_1.jpg


I all does seem to fit with the current conditions and zig zag direction Acura seems to be taking.


Discuss.

 

Yeah the DN-X was a really neat concept

I imagine that was what they were shooting for with the 2nd gen RL, but the hybrid technology wasn't mature enough. So only some of the goodies were released such as SH-AWD, CMBS, LKAS (in some regions)

4WS + SH-AWD would have been even better though

 

I'd buy that RL. 400 total hp + SH-AWD + 42 mpg=automatic FTW as long as the exterior styling is not FUBAR (gets down on knees AGAIN to beg Acura not to screw up this time) and the price is not astronomical.

 

isn't that a similar concept that Lexus LS600h have (hybrid, good engine, all wheel drive)? with hybrid engine, they also need good battery.... and that have always been the weakest link in the chain.... i guess if they can produce large Li-Polymer battery really cheap, it might help with the entire hybrid setup

 

More details from Autoweek 2002....

Before you go digging into dog-eared piles of old AutoWeek copies from six months ago, here’s a quick refresher on the DN-X: The concept Acura boasts a 300-hp 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 powering the rear wheels, coupled to a 100-hp integrated starter-generator electric motor driving all four wheels, creating a 400-hp all-wheel-drive sports sedan. In other words, V8 power in a V6 with an estimated 42 mpg.

In the DN-X, engineers run those horses through a six-speed transmission capable of operating in manual or automatic mode. The concept also incorporates drive- by-wire technology for steering and four-wheel disc braking. Suspension is fully independent, with double wishbones front and rear, and 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels and tires. Finally, engineers developed what Honda describes as a lightweight yet rigid sports car body for the concept that Acura claims is wind tunnel-tuned to have a 25 percent lower drag coefficient than an NSX.

Like its established predecessors, the Insight and Civic Hybrid, the performance Acura hybrid will draw extra low-end torque from the electric motor to help reduce fuel consumption while maintaining acceleration. Also, like Insight and Civic Hybrid, batteries to power the electric motor are recharged during braking, when the electric motor converts to generator mode. As a result, the car won’t require external electric charging.

While Honda and Acura officials are tight-lipped about specifics, they do confirm Acura’s hybrid runner will incorporate as much of the DN-X’s DNA as possible, including strong horsepower numbers, all-wheel drive and sports sedan styling. How much the production car will mirror the concept is uncertain. But given Honda’s track record of building production vehicles that closely follow the concept’s pattern, a DN-X, without some of the high-tech gadgetry (camera systems, lane-keeping adaptive cruise control, night vision), isn’t too much a stretch to expect. And apparently we can expect it soon.