George Knighton

Well. I'm afraid that was a waste of time. Luckily, I called Pohanka again when I was just a few minutes away from home.

Although the Web site says they have a CBP RLX Hybrid Advance, although I have a voice message and an email about it, it apparently does not exist in reality. Strange voice tremors on the phone...I don't know what's up. Maybe they sold it, maybe it's there and they don't want me to see it, maybe they never had it and it's a loss leader, or maybe they don't want *me* to buy it.

Hell, I don't know. But at least I didn't waste three or four hours on it. :-)

George Knighton

Oh, I'm sure that's what it is. :-)

But it was pretty bad when they were showing us the prototypes, and they already had some hard fought road tester miles on them.

Fabvsix

With this limited HYPE production RLX I would call a Sales manager and not waste time with a commission sales person....WOT (Waste Of Time)....

neuronbob

I'm still waiting for my dealer to call me back about at least availability of 2015s and perhaps a test drive. Man, they must hate me because I haven't bought an Acura in six years.

hondamore

The lack of response from your dealer may very well mean that they simply don't know when (or even if) the 2015's will be arriving. Most Acura salesmen probably get more information from Acurazine than they do from Corporate Head office.

Pens Fan

The 2015 RLX brochure on the Acura website does not list the SH-AWD
model. Is that telling us something???

neuronbob

Fair point. I'll probably have to walk in to see the Sport Hybrid and ask for a test drive. This weekend....

Malibu Flyer

My the sales manager at my dealer told me when I test drove the hybrid he had no idea when the 2015 hybrids would be out or even if they would get more of the 2014's. they are expecting a supply of 2015 PAWS and some TLX's in the next few weeks but he had no specifics on exact numbers or colors.

hondamore

The sales managers response, while informative, shouldn't be overanalyzed since Acura will stay tight-lipped about the 2015 SH-RLX's until all of the 2014's are sold out. Even the dealers probably won't hear about timing of the 2015's for a few more months (just my guess).

TampaRLX-SH

Since 2007 RLs were built out then distributed and sold in a sales model I cannot explain.

The RLX seems to be following the same distribution. The 2014 PAWS RLXs were built out, distributed and sold. After the 2014 PAWS were built out (sometime January - Feb of 2014) the production was switched to build out the 200 or so 2014 SH RLXs. Obviously there was a delay getting them to dealerships (will the truth ever be known?)

I would expect the 2015 PAWS models will be built out before year end and then the 2015 SH models will be built. By then they will have a better idea at what rate the 2014 SH sell (despite the bungles roll out) and determine how many should be built as 2015 SH models.

Assuming they build 2015 SH and finish in early 2015 calendar year, that leaves time for updates to be made for the 2016 MY. All rumor as we have tortured ourselves since the announcement of the RLX.

What really disturbs me is not knowing how you can test one of these and if it will be an order only method to purchase? It does not appear that there will be any on lot inventory beyond 2 or 3 units? If you want a color / trim config, you may have to order and the Dealer will need to search for a pre built car and have it directed to them. Who knows.

I cannot imagine how frustrating this can be for dealers. Just as in the past, Acura's own salespeople will likely steer customers to a TLX or even MDX to get a sale rather than the hoop jumping to get an RLX config as requested. And as in the past, the worst advocate for the car may be their own salespeople.


But that's my opinion from what I see and hear. What Acura actually does will likely befuddle us all.

Pens Fan

Since the 2015 SH-AWD model is not listed in the on line brochure-I wonder if they have decided to skip the 2015 model altogether and come out with the 2016 model in the Spring.

woropallo

Agree with the steering of customers, when I asked about the SH AWD last month I was told by the dealer they had no ideal when or if it would come out. So they first tried to pushed me toward an SH AWD TLX that they had on site. I had an RL in the past so I really wanted a bigger car. The Sales Manager had a RLX so I looked at his car, took it for a drive and told them I would buy one but wanted a least an advance trim and black on black color. They did their search and found one. It was the only one going to be available in Florida. It was delivered to a port in Florida then had to be shipped to my dealer.I brought ithe RLX Advance that day on sept 2nd and took pocession of it on Sept 17th.

TampaRLX-SH

I like the sound of that, and I think the RLX could use some revisions to respond to it's lackluster market acceptance.

The problem is Acura will not likely tell us the plan so those of us interested may not consider waiting.

But I do see things moving faster, the Civic update, the success of the Accord and now a nice CRV MMC demonstrates that they are getting the feedback applied. And FWIW I see the CRV Touring now gets ACC, LDW, and Honda's nice blind spot camera. With plebian models getting technology just launched in the RLX a year ago, the $30K price difference has to be better defined.

Pens Fan

Yes I agree that Honda is reacting faster to improve their products and up their game-all of the models you indicate are much better with the updates and it is harder to justify paying significantly more for some Acura models after they have added many features to the Honda line.


I strongly suspect that they will address the RLX issues and come out with the 2016 model by mid-year. That is a good thing and hopefully they produce the SH-Hybrid in sufficient quantities so we have a choice should we decide to jump in.

neuronbob

....and justified.

stagefoursurvivor

n-bob, T-TL, George,

I won't disagree with the various perceptions, speculation or crystal ball analyses BUT...
When you step back and look at the overall picture presented by Acura, it doesn't exactly instill confidence in the company or it's product.
Their product history is laudable however, we live in a "what have you done for me lately" world.
I can personally attest to the quality and innovation of the newer Honda line, this hasn't translated over to Acura.
The RLXh should be heralded as a whole new offering in the luxury class akin to the Tesla.
Not a secret handshake, go in the back door and maybe you'll get a glimpse of one shrouded in secrecy.
Perhaps HONDAs' luxury line heyday is over and they're slowly waving the white flag, is the TLX and MDX the last hurrah?

George Knighton

Pohanka's Web site still shows a nonexistent CBP RLX SH-AWD.

I don't understand what it is they're trying to do.

New RLX Hybrid for Sale - Pohanka Acura

George Knighton

2560 x 1440 <--Took a screen shot but the vBulletin admincp is configured in a way that things do not automatically upload and resize to the site's specifications.

If somebody needs for me to show you where those settings are, and demonstrate that it is easy and takes no processor time at the server, I'd be happy to do that.

:-)

2011TL

George,

My opinion only - but Pohanka appears to have lost interest in the RLX. Can you blame them? For months there were none in the showroom or the front lot. The entire PAWS inventory was "hidden" in a back lot.

A sales rep said a few months ago - oh well, if the hybrid never shows up we have a new TLX coming soon!

TampaRLX-SH

That is a surprising number of 2014 RLXs, particularly Advance models since they essentially 'sold out' in most areas of the country. I don't understand the hoarding?

2011TL

^^^
I don't think it is hoarding, just lack of demand. Pohanka is the largest Acura dealer in the USA. Until a few months ago they typically had an RLX inventory in the 30-40 range.

getakey

just checked - my Dealer actually has 1 in stock
might swing by there today

woropallo

I stopped by my dealer today, Ferman Acura, in Tampa and they told me the RLX SH AWD they have in their inventory web site has not yet arrive at the dealer even though it and is already sold. They also told me they don't know when they will get another one and that Acura was only going to build and distribute 200.

George Knighton

They still have quite a few more RLX than their neighboring competitors, who seem to have fewer than ½ dozen 2015 models.

neuronbob

Well, I'm out of the market now. Wife now says she wants a new car, and I must keep her happy. I'll be experiencing the sport hybrid through you guys for a couple of years.

TampaRLX-SH

well add up the score:

Wife has 2007 Pilot

DaddyWarBucks has had: RL + S2000, CTSV, CTSVWagon

And since a new Pilot is on the horizon, what are her choices?

Take your pic, a dream garage with toys or the couch.

hondamore

Happy wife = Happy life

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Tell me about it...

I am looking forward to paying a visit to my Acura dealer that has an RLX hybrid available to drive.

neuronbob

OK, wife changed her mind about a new car without my prompting. She decided on something else instead so I made her happy. Back in the market.

My preferred dealer called me back today. I can confirm that these cars are indeed not meant just for test drives, but for sale. The car they are getting is black/ebony Tech, but they are even willing to do a dealer trade for what I want (silver moon/ebony or graphite luster/ebony Advance, which do exist in the cars.com database) if I commit. I am really tempted about and close to putting down a deposit. I am told that there is dealer holdback and money value on leases are "really great". I won't know what that means until I can talk real numbers.

They confirm that orders can soon also be made for 2016s (i.e. not 2015s), which will be delivered sometime next year. I indicated that if I couldn't come to a suitable deal now, that I'd be happy to make a deposit for a 2016 of my preferred configuration.

Yes, kids, if the stars align, your humble moderator may be getting rid of his beater Pilot fairly soon, as a cap reduction, and getting into a tax deduction for his business.

We'll see and stay tuned.

TampaRLX-SH

^^^ I guess that phone call I made to your wifey worked.

Which of my suggestions did she request?

....Diamonds?
.... Hawaiian Holiday?
.... A personalized closet for shoes and bags?



Oh, and...... you are welcome.

TampaRLX-SH

I am somehow relieved to read this. Although still a rumor to be confirmed, it tells me there will be changes made for the 2016MY by skipping the 2015 SH. That may include new features or packaging but I hope it addresses some of the shortcomings I see with the current RLX. Perhaps the suspension issues I noted, improvements in the head unit logic and I would love to see some better color choices (inside and out).

But I still want more butt time in the damn thing before I can decide to deposit and order.

I had planned to get the SH RLX as a birthday gift to myself this past June. Now I will look at targeting June 2015.

gbriank

They have to give you credit for trying! What is the deal with Acura?

George Knighton

Jeff Palmer thinks there is an early MMC showing up in 2015 as a 2016 MY, to include the 9 AT in the FWD RLX's.

holografique

yes! give it IDS and I'm in like Flynn. (and fix the suspension!).

At this point the only thing that I really wanted the SH-AWD version was for the HUD. But honestly the upcoming Navdy HUD (Navdy) looks to be far superior and will allow me to stay in a P-AWS version, which is just fine for me.

neuronbob

Did he say that recently on TOV? Jeff does seem to have a little inside info. I can't see them doing much body work on an early MMC for the RLX, so I assume the only difference would be in features.

So do I wait for the 2016 or do I become an early adopter?
#firstworldproblems

Malibu Flyer

Early adopters have more fun, but if you want to wait until 2020 the new Acuras will be really cool...why not wait till then??

I say go for it. enjoy life while you can!!