2018 Acura RLX MMC (2018 spy pics pg 15, reveal pg 18)
#761
Grandpa
Join Date: Dec 2003
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#763
The freshened look is very nice, but not enough to get me to trade in my 2.5 year old SH. When the full re-do next gen comes out I will be there waiting for it to arrive. My assumption with the reprogramming of the hybrid system if that is what was done, is to be closer to that of the MDX-Sport Hybrid driving experience which is definitely smoother and less quirky. I don't like that at all if that is what they did. I like that the MDX is smooth as silk in every way, but I want to RLX-SH to be the different experience as it is now. I posted on my other thread the list of requests everyone was talking about as it is exactly what I sent to the corporate contact yesterday. We get the Precision Concept Car, and all of the goodies, I will gladly trade in the Blackbird for the SR72! Clearance from the tower for take off on runway 1A! Tally Ho!
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neuronbob (08-11-2017)
#764
Instructor
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RLX-Sport Hybrid (08-12-2017)
#765
Instructor
One of the graphs they showed us last night was the accelariton G's (vertical axis) over time (horizontal axis) of the NSX hybrid drivetrain vs 'traditional' competitors (Ferrari/Lambo) and a Tesla P90D, the NSX is a half second quicker in the lower/early part of the graph, and the envelope beats all comers in steepness and duration. Even the Tesla, which out-accelarates some of the 'exotics' early on, can't sustain the pace of acceleration. So they hybrid drivetrain delivers the benefits of electric motor instant torque in the early phase plus the ongoing output of the ICE elements as they ramp up into their sweet spot.
So the total system output of 377 might still be the same, but I bet the graph for the 2018 SH is steeper, smoother than the prior edition. I also bet the Super Handling vectoring logic has also been improved for smoother operation and higher performance.
Anyway, I walked away from last nights events with a major uptick in respect for Honda/Acura engineering, and it was already high, as I've been buying their products since my first Honda motorcycle in 1977. If they stick to the new-found mantra that includes 'performance' as a watchword, then we'll be happy campers with new offerings in the near future.
Oh, one more thing, when I asked the lead engineer about the Super Handling on front axle vs rear, he mumbled a bit and gave some reasons why it works well on the front in the NSX (and it does, it's awesome coming out of turn 6 at AMP), but then said on the rear axle, it can also steer and rotate the car quite nicely. Then when I asked about SH on all four corners, his eyes twinkled and a big grin came on his face, and he said, 'oh yes, four electric motors makes for the best implementation of super handling vectoring'. My takeaway: they have an NSX mule with four electric motors in it
Pic of the NSX they had on display last night:
NSX at AMP
#766
Did they discuss how torque vectoring changes with speed. I have the MDX Sport Hybrid.
I had posted in another thread, that I see the outer wheel getting positive torque and inner wheel getting braking during cornering at speeds <60mph. However, above 60 I almost always see inner wheel getting positive torque and usually nothing on outside wheel (although did see braking on outside a few times).
This was on freeway mountain pass. Even if I was more aggressive in the turn above 60, I still saw power to inside wheel and not outside
I had posted in another thread, that I see the outer wheel getting positive torque and inner wheel getting braking during cornering at speeds <60mph. However, above 60 I almost always see inner wheel getting positive torque and usually nothing on outside wheel (although did see braking on outside a few times).
This was on freeway mountain pass. Even if I was more aggressive in the turn above 60, I still saw power to inside wheel and not outside
#767
Did they discuss how torque vectoring changes with speed. I have the MDX Sport Hybrid.
I had posted in another thread, that I see the outer wheel getting positive torque and inner wheel getting braking during cornering at speeds <60mph. However, above 60 I almost always see inner wheel getting positive torque and usually nothing on outside wheel (although did see braking on outside a few times).
This was on freeway mountain pass. Even if I was more aggressive in the turn above 60, I still saw power to inside wheel and not outside
I had posted in another thread, that I see the outer wheel getting positive torque and inner wheel getting braking during cornering at speeds <60mph. However, above 60 I almost always see inner wheel getting positive torque and usually nothing on outside wheel (although did see braking on outside a few times).
This was on freeway mountain pass. Even if I was more aggressive in the turn above 60, I still saw power to inside wheel and not outside
Last edited by RLX-Sport Hybrid; 08-11-2017 at 01:00 PM.
#768
Instructor
@getakey, yes they did mention that some of the properties change at various speeds, but that the system is primarily driven by yaw inputs. I'd guess that your lateral G's at 60 on that mountain road are not quite as high as when grabbing a corner at 45Mph. Also, they look at yaw in a full 3D sphere, not just a 2D circle. So if cresting and turning (which one does on turn 12 at AMP) it integrates the vertical g's into the decision about how much torque to generate on the TMU and which wheel. In practice, at least on the NSX, works beautifully for that. My AWD WRX will chirp the inside left front going over that crest under power, the NSX, even though putting down more power was smooth as silk.
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#769
RLX - what recall? The fuel line?
#770
@getakey, yes they did mention that some of the properties change at various speeds, but that the system is primarily driven by yaw inputs. I'd guess that your lateral G's at 60 on that mountain road are not quite as high as when grabbing a corner at 45Mph. Also, they look at yaw in a full 3D sphere, not just a 2D circle. So if cresting and turning (which one does on turn 12 at AMP) it integrates the vertical g's into the decision about how much torque to generate on the TMU and which wheel. In practice, at least on the NSX, works beautifully for that. My AWD WRX will chirp the inside left front going over that crest under power, the NSX, even though putting down more power was smooth as silk.
#774
I was looking for that info also. They gave it to the TLX for the refresh, so I thought they would also do it for the RLX.
#775
Senior Moderator
The high-res images reveal the old infotainment system. That's quite disappointing. The new infotainment in the TLX is really good.
#776
Azine Jabroni
#777
Instructor
#778
#779
The 10 speed is for the PAWS only. All of the articles are stating the hybrid drive train is derived from the NSX when it is the other way around, oh well.
#780
Regarding the recall - I looked at the pics and mine are routed correctly.
Some of the articles are written like this is the first year of the hybrid in the RLX - I posted one
Some of the articles are written like this is the first year of the hybrid in the RLX - I posted one
#781
By the way I found the inspiration for the new wheels:
#782
Thanks for sharing the link. It looks nice to me but it's nothing that makes me want to rush out and trade in my current SH. It just looks like a bloated TLX to me - nothing to really make it stand out. I don't see that as putting RLX in the sales 'win' column.
I do however like the rear improvements a lot - tailights, diffuser and visible exhaust. Also the lower door chrome accents are nice.
Not a fan of the lighter steering wheel though - it would be a pain to keep clean long term and reminds me of the Toyota Sienna. Will be interesting to see what everyone thinks and more importantly, what the market thinks...
I do however like the rear improvements a lot - tailights, diffuser and visible exhaust. Also the lower door chrome accents are nice.
Not a fan of the lighter steering wheel though - it would be a pain to keep clean long term and reminds me of the Toyota Sienna. Will be interesting to see what everyone thinks and more importantly, what the market thinks...
#783
Intermediate
I was looking forward to trading in my 14 RLX for an 18/19 in 2020 when my loan is over. I'm not digging the look of it, seems the styling is blending into the TLX. The hood lines do not look right to me as well, something that I didn't find attractive in the Infiniti sedan line-up. No CarPlay too? OLD infotainment system? Are we still in 2014?
I guess I will have to see it in person still, but I'm not very impressed. First car was an 87 Legend, then a 97 RL, then 04 TL, then my 14 RLX. I may have to wait for the next gen, but 2023 seems too far. I may jump the Acura ship, along with my wife when we run the 14 MDX to the ground.
I guess I will have to see it in person still, but I'm not very impressed. First car was an 87 Legend, then a 97 RL, then 04 TL, then my 14 RLX. I may have to wait for the next gen, but 2023 seems too far. I may jump the Acura ship, along with my wife when we run the 14 MDX to the ground.
Last edited by Recipe7; 08-13-2017 at 03:49 PM.
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pgeorg (08-13-2017)
#784
I was looking forward to trading in my 14 RLX for an 18/19 in 2020 when my loan is over. I'm not digging the look of it, seems the styling is blending into the TLX. The hood lines do not look right to me as well, something that I didn't find attractive in the Infiniti sedan line-up. No CarPlay too? OLD infotainment system? Are we still in 2014?
I guess I will have to see it in person still, but I'm not very impressed. First car was an 87 Legend, then a 97 RL, then 04 TL, then my 14 RLX. I may have to wait for the next gen, but 2023 seems too far. I may jump the Acura ship, along with my wife when we run the 14 MDX to the ground.
I guess I will have to see it in person still, but I'm not very impressed. First car was an 87 Legend, then a 97 RL, then 04 TL, then my 14 RLX. I may have to wait for the next gen, but 2023 seems too far. I may jump the Acura ship, along with my wife when we run the 14 MDX to the ground.
#785
Regarding the RLX refresh, the car certainly looks better than it did before, but I am really puzzled why Acura would not just focus its time and dollars on a brand new model. The current gen RLX debuted in 2013, and if this is a mid-point refresh, that means the next gen RLX won't be out until 2021 or 2022. Also, the RLX is still priced way too high, and in reality should be competing with the 5-series and the entry model should start in the mid to upper 40s.
#786
Azine Jabroni
Regarding the RLX refresh, the car certainly looks better than it did before, but I am really puzzled why Acura would not just focus its time and dollars on a brand new model. The current gen RLX debuted in 2013, and if this is a mid-point refresh, that means the next gen RLX won't be out until 2021 or 2022. Also, the RLX is still priced way too high, and in reality should be competing with the 5-series and the entry model should start in the mid to upper 40s.
#787
Burning Brakes
It does not look upscale enough to command $50-60K for a mid-sized luxury sedan. It looks too much like an Accord. Honestly the TLX looks more upscale though in a smaller form.
#788
I agree with you. The RLX really is a competitor for the Lexus GS and the 5-series, and the primary thing that sets it apart is the Sports Hybrid engine. Honda and Acura have been successful over the years by offering great value that undercuts its competition, and if it offered the sports hybrid for $50K and the base RLX a bit less than that, I think you would see sales improve dramatically. Keep the RLX as this 5-series competitor and then release the Precision Concept as the true flagship sedan that can compete with the Lexus LS and 7-series.
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demosan (08-16-2017)
#789
I agree with you. The RLX really is a competitor for the Lexus GS and the 5-series, and the primary thing that sets it apart is the Sports Hybrid engine. Honda and Acura have been successful over the years by offering great value that undercuts its competition, and if it offered the sports hybrid for $50K and the base RLX a bit less than that, I think you would see sales improve dramatically. Keep the RLX as this 5-series competitor and then release the Precision Concept as the true flagship sedan that can compete with the Lexus LS and 7-series.
#790
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#791
Safety Car
Thread Starter
2018 mdx
2018 Acura MDX Brings Updated Tech and Sporty Colors; A Perennial Best-Seller Gets Even Stronger - Acura News
So the 2018 Acura MDX gains Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, just like the TLX. Curious as to why they will not offer it on the RLX ... ?
It also gains 2 new shades of red (Basque & San Marino). Altho I do think that it is nice that they are expanding the color palette, it would be nice if they were colors not already available on a Honda Accord. The 2018 RLX does @ least get a new black.
So the 2018 Acura MDX gains Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, just like the TLX. Curious as to why they will not offer it on the RLX ... ?
It also gains 2 new shades of red (Basque & San Marino). Altho I do think that it is nice that they are expanding the color palette, it would be nice if they were colors not already available on a Honda Accord. The 2018 RLX does @ least get a new black.
#792
Senior Moderator
Reading this, I'm quite sure the 2018 RLX will get CarPlay/Andoid Auto. Acura's implementation is quite satisfying IMO.
#793
#794
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#795
Senior Moderator
#796
2018 Acura MDX Brings Updated Tech and Sporty Colors; A Perennial Best-Seller Gets Even Stronger - Acura News
So the 2018 Acura MDX gains Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, just like the TLX. Curious as to why they will not offer it on the RLX ... ?
It also gains 2 new shades of red (Basque & San Marino). Altho I do think that it is nice that they are expanding the color palette, it would be nice if they were colors not already available on a Honda Accord. The 2018 RLX does @ least get a new black.
So the 2018 Acura MDX gains Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, just like the TLX. Curious as to why they will not offer it on the RLX ... ?
It also gains 2 new shades of red (Basque & San Marino). Altho I do think that it is nice that they are expanding the color palette, it would be nice if they were colors not already available on a Honda Accord. The 2018 RLX does @ least get a new black.
#798
Three Wheelin'
It is the beancounters that realize that the new infotainment unit which offers Apple Car Play etc might be a slightly different size or shape which means that all of those tightly packed components in the dash need to be re-engineered at significant cost AND the production line needs to be changed. Doing this for 200,000+ units of the MDX is easily absorbed and becomes trivial, but when you are talking about selling MAYBE a thousand 2018/19 RLX's, the per unit cost becomes significant. Sure your supplier can engineer a unit that is the same size, shape etc as your previous units, but convincing them to do so for a 1000 unit production run is more difficult or a lot more EXPENSIVE. The beancounters often conclude that it is better to spend that money on the engineering of the completely redesigned model that is coming down the pipeline and just accept that the RLX's sales volume doesn't warrant changes. They will argue that the damage to the RLX's reputation happened long ago and adding Apple Air Play isn't enough to overcome that. They'll instead work extra hard to rebuild the flagship sedan's reputation with the next generation (this time hopefully without having a global economic collapse and a devastating tsunami sabotaging the process).
I'm not saying that the beancounters are correct, just hypothesizing that the financial departments view is that changes need to make sense to them. Of course the marketing side will argue that leaving the latest technology out of your flagship sedan, REALLY hurts their attempts to sell Acura as a "top tier" luxury brand. Alas, the debate rages on ...oh to be a fly on that wall.
Just my two cents.
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neuronbob (09-21-2017)
#799
Senior Moderator
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