2014 RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD coming
#41
Grandpa
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It was more than the engine, the TL looks as big or bigger than the RL and had almost all the same or more features. Infiniti puts 3.7 in multiple cars, does not impact sales. Lexus has 3.5 in IS and GS and offers hybrids in ES and GS. Acura nees to do better model delineation and targets.
This is not correct. There were differences that favored the RL, but they were subtle and even the enthusiasts here often miss them. The RL has a carbon fiber reinforced driveshaft vs. steel and a planetary gear setup allowing for up to ~5% overspeed vs a fixed ~1.7%.
Also in the drivetrain: RL used aluminum for steering knuckles, upper control arms, lower control arms up front. In the rear the control arms and subframe are aluminum but these components were all steel in the TL (maybe the TL had aluminum knuckles...).
The RL also used 4-piston aluminum calipers for the front brakes vs. 2-pistons for the TL and had vented rear rotors vs. solid.
Also in the drivetrain: RL used aluminum for steering knuckles, upper control arms, lower control arms up front. In the rear the control arms and subframe are aluminum but these components were all steel in the TL (maybe the TL had aluminum knuckles...).
The RL also used 4-piston aluminum calipers for the front brakes vs. 2-pistons for the TL and had vented rear rotors vs. solid.
#42
#43
6G TLX-S
Originally Posted by Edward'TLS
It was and still is engine+drivetrain issue. The 4G AWD TL had the exact same propulsion hardware (3.7L-V6 + SH-AWD) as the top-of-the-line 2G flagship RL.
This is not correct. There were differences that favored the RL, but they were subtle and even the enthusiasts here often miss them. The RL has a carbon fiber reinforced driveshaft vs. steel and a planetary gear setup allowing for up to ~5% overspeed vs a fixed ~1.7%.
Also in the drivetrain: RL used aluminum for steering knuckles, upper control arms, lower control arms up front. In the rear the control arms and subframe are aluminum but these components were all steel in the TL (maybe the TL had aluminum knuckles...).
The RL also used 4-piston aluminum calipers for the front brakes vs. 2-pistons for the TL and had vented rear rotors vs. solid.
.....
Also in the drivetrain: RL used aluminum for steering knuckles, upper control arms, lower control arms up front. In the rear the control arms and subframe are aluminum but these components were all steel in the TL (maybe the TL had aluminum knuckles...).
The RL also used 4-piston aluminum calipers for the front brakes vs. 2-pistons for the TL and had vented rear rotors vs. solid.
.....
For most buyers, it was the "3.7L-V6 + SH-AWD" that formed the heart and soul for these 2 premium sedans.
The 2G RL had premium amenities/gadgets such as genuine wood interior trims, adaptive headlights, backup camera, adaptive cruise control, CMBS, folding side mirrors, etc., that the 4G TL couldn't get at any price.
Any other subtle or minor differences, were deemed insignificant to justify that $5-9K premium for the 2G RL over the 4G AWD TL.
#44
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#45
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At that time, there was a very clear difference in the NAV screens, with the TL having better graphics and a visibly quicker response time.
In his CNET review of the RL, Brian Cooley remarked about the RL's Navigation being a little outdated for the year of production. I believe that Brian reviewed the 2011 model year RL w/Tech.
#46
I sat in a 2010 model year RL when I was talking about my 2010 TL.
At that time, there was a very clear difference in the NAV screens, with the TL having better graphics and a visibly quicker response time.
In his CNET review of the RL, Brian Cooley remarked about the RL's Navigation being a little outdated for the year of production. I believe that Brian reviewed the 2011 model year RL w/Tech.
At that time, there was a very clear difference in the NAV screens, with the TL having better graphics and a visibly quicker response time.
In his CNET review of the RL, Brian Cooley remarked about the RL's Navigation being a little outdated for the year of production. I believe that Brian reviewed the 2011 model year RL w/Tech.
#47
With the RLX SH-AWD around the corner I thought it would be fun to start comparing some specs.
RLX SH-AWD
BASE -??
377 HP
28/32/30
0-60 ???
Lexus GS450h
BASE - $59,600
w Luxury Package = $70,080
338 HP
29/34/31
0-60 5.6
Not available in CA - What's up with that?
Lexus LS600hL
BASE - $120,970
438 hp
19/23/20
0-60 5.5
LS600hL seems to be in another league (if you're that rich, who cares about gas mileage) , but do you think the RLX will start going head-to-head w GS450h? What surprised me is the GS450h actually has pretty competitive mileage if you're into comparing that sort of thing.
RLX SH-AWD
BASE -??
377 HP
28/32/30
0-60 ???
Lexus GS450h
BASE - $59,600
w Luxury Package = $70,080
338 HP
29/34/31
0-60 5.6
Not available in CA - What's up with that?
Lexus LS600hL
BASE - $120,970
438 hp
19/23/20
0-60 5.5
LS600hL seems to be in another league (if you're that rich, who cares about gas mileage) , but do you think the RLX will start going head-to-head w GS450h? What surprised me is the GS450h actually has pretty competitive mileage if you're into comparing that sort of thing.
#48
Three Wheelin'
^^^^What the above comparisons won't show is the ingenious way that Acura has incorporated the hybrid's electric motors to improve handling and traction and as a result safety and performance. That is, all hybrids are not the same just as all simple AWD systems can't be equated to the more complex torque vectoring systems (like SHAWD).
Also, I don't believe the GS450h is available in AWD??? If not, then comparisons of it's EPA ratings to the AWD RLX are informative but somewhat tainted.
Also, I don't believe the GS450h is available in AWD??? If not, then comparisons of it's EPA ratings to the AWD RLX are informative but somewhat tainted.
#49
Senior Moderator
I posted some pics of the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD on my recent blog entry.
http://drivetofive.wordpress.com/201...h-2theredline/
http://drivetofive.wordpress.com/201...h-2theredline/
![](http://drivetofive.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/rlx_right_rear.jpg)
#50
Not sure if it has been posted before but here it is:
(let the drooling begin - lol!!!)
(let the drooling begin - lol!!!)
#51
Senior Moderator
^^^^
Repost but still good info
Repost but still good info
#52
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Also...let me congrat you on the fact that the ILX is now yours.....Enjoy and keep on contributing to this forum. We need people like you here....
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