getakey

Just got this from my Dealer. I did not send an email to them. Might of been a result of me filling my info in the sneak peek email Acura sent out.

Hello Sir,

I just received your internet inquiry in regards to a 2014 RLX..

I will have a few in stock for demo purposes within a few days but they will not be for sale until I believe March.

I am taking orders and starting a new waitlist. If you are interested let me know, otherwise I will shoot you an email when I do have my demo cars in so you can come and take a peek.

Sincerely,

<name deleted>
Internet Sales Manager

CeEl

Had an email exchange with my local Acura dealer today. I have been knowing their Internet Sales Manager for about 10 years. He says he was in Atlanta and got to drive the new RLX and for comparison purposes a BMW 5 series, Mercedes E class and a Lexus GS.

I don't know what Acura told them they would do to them if they broke the information embargo ... all I know is it was impossible to get anything out of him. But I could sense that he was really excited about the RLX. He wasn't too overjoyed with he "new" TL nor the current (previous) RL.

2011TL

I have a voicemail today from my dealer, Pohanka, of northern Virginia. They are expecting two demos in by February 15 for test drives.

Colin

That would be it. My inbox was flooded today with 'hand-raisers". In the process of drafting a note to reply to all of them (and no, I won't use that one...)

Colin

Haha, they didn't exactly threaten us but it was clear that we should respect the embargo. Considering that I post under my real name here, and have drawn attention from corporate in the past, I'll play it straight.

weather

It is nice to see people that respect the discretion policy....As much as it nice to get the inside scoop, it is equally refreshing that there are people that can be trusted and have integrity....So kudos to your friend at the dealership.

Now with respect to your quote about the " ... "new" TL...", I assume you are referring to the 4th Gen (2009-2013 model) and not implying he got a sneak peak at the concept for the upcoming TLX correct?!

Colin

Dealer principals were shown something for the new TLX at the dealer show so I know a mockup/prototype exists.

Rocket_man

Colin... tell them 'split-folding rears and ventilated front seats'

.... please

Colin

Ha ha, you might as well start revving up the "disappointed engine" then....

weather

Colin....Thanks for the response. I am curious, when the people present in the room are shown a mockup (or concept), Does Acura ask for feedback, advices, comments or simply says: "here it is and get prepared for what you will eventually sell".....I am just curious how the process works (if you know and can discuss of course).

CeEl

No, sorry, I did mean the 4th Gen (2009- model). I used to have a 2006 TL and was anxiously waiting for the 2009 model and was very extremely disappointed in it. I still call it the "new" TL. I should have made that clearer.

Rocket_man

Unfortunately it is already warming up

Interesting that split-folding rears are now standard equipment on the 3-series. It used to be an option. And by the way the opening is huge and the seat folds fairly flat for a sedan. It is way more functional than the Accord's. It is being added as standard on the new IS. All the Buicks including the Lacrosse have them (heck you could have a camp out in that trunk!), even the ATS on most trim levels have them. Many other cars have them too. Ford even managed to get them in their Fusion Hybrid. If Acura wants to be conspicuously absent from this feature they can. I'm assuming they will be unfortunately.

As for ventilated seats there are fewer options. The LS has them and will in the new car. Can't get them on the on the 3-series. The TLS in the advanced trim I assume will have them but I understand they are not very effective. Car makers don't seem to have much sympathy for those of us who spend months dealing with 100 degree heat. I have heated seats in my TSX (yes it is cheap and easy) but I rarely ever have a need for them. What I need is ventilated seats.

Not sure about the Q50.

So of the cars on my short list only the new LS has both these features.

BMW 328 trunk.... Come on Acura, you can do it too!

JM2010 SH-AWD

I would like to hear the rationale behind Honda's and Acura's refusal to offer split rear seats. It's far from a deal-breaker for me, but our 91 Integra had them and they were very useful. Our new Accord lacks the ski pass-through too. We will miss that.

KeithL

Did they not at one point say the lack of folding rear seats added to body ridgity to help prevent body flex.

Colin

A long time ago I spoke with our rep about this. He said that it affected crash worthiness. Specifically, the side impact test. While it is obviously possible to meet these tests with a big hole behind the seat, it necessitates additional structure to compensate. Extra structure adds additional weight which is always a negative with the alternative being hot stamped high-strength steel which adds additional cost.

JM2010 SH-AWD

Thanks. That makes sense. Maybe that's why some of these other cars weigh well over 4000 pounds.

weather

No problem....I appreciate the clarification.

nj2pa2nc

Received a email from my acura sales manager. They have a 2014 RLX

jjsC5

Note to mfrs. If you don't offer ventilated seats in your premium brand cars I will not be a buyer. You have no problem catering to the folks up north with heated seats, try driving a car with leather seats and no ventilation for five months of over 90 degrees and 80% humidity in Houston. Been there, done that, not going back.

GoHawks

No ventilated seats?!

Colin

Advance Package

Rocket_man

True the car needs to be engineered with this feature and the Accord platform already has that engineering done. In fact to remove the feature is additional engineering. If might save a few pounds to take it out, all I'm saying is leave it in please!

Fabvsix

Quote: You have no problem catering to the folks up north with heated seats, try driving a car with leather seats and no ventilation for five months of over 90 degrees and 80% humidity in Houston. Been there, done that, not going back.

Then move to California and you don't need any of that..... From Louisiana/Texas......BEEN THERE DONE THAT.....

Rocket_man

I've lived in Houston and I've lived in Hermosa Beach. There were plenty of days, even in LA, in the valley or inland away from the beach when ventilated seats would have been nice. It is just more beneficial here. Much like tinted windows. But I'll never move back to California. As you said, been there done that. Work is here in Houston and while I still have a job (knock wood) this is where I will stay.

nore03

I live in Connecticut and I have received about 3 calls per day from 2 dealers trying to get me to come in. One lady called me and told me that they just received 2 in and I told her I would be more interested in test driving the AWD model when it is available and she said.... "I'm not sure which model it is, I believe it may be an AWD model".... I said ok I will see when I can make it down..

weather

^^ You do know the SH-SH-AWD is not out yet right? The only model available is the FWD with the PAWS at this time.