They're rare alright.. you'll probably only see them on the dealer lots.

You can build it and Acura will send it to you. Plus, there's very limited trim options. Only 6 exterior and 3 interior color choices, and CBP seems to be the only trim that has a choice between all 3 interior colors.

Acura sent the RLX-SH to all the media markets, including some long-term tests. Almost everyone said the same thing.. they love it, but it's forgettable. One reviewer hit the nail on the head: A wallflower in a class full of attention grabbers.

 

To further that- what would make it unforgettable then? Do you think styling alone is what it lacks, or is there more to the equation?

 

I'm not sure it matters at this point if many people are not aware it's available. The truth is that the RLX SH in actuality is *not* largely available. I, for one, am aware of its existence. Despite that, it appears I won't be able to purchase one in my preferred color and trim. More people being aware of the RLX (SH at least) would likely just result in more disappointment vis a vis the real world lack of availability.

Ummmm... First the dealer will have to have one that I can drive. One of the two coming already has a deposit on it and the rep was checking if the other is already sold or if it will be available to test drive. It's not clear at this point that my local dealer will even have a 2016 RLX SH for me to get behind the wheel of.

I may be a unique case in terms of participants at this forum, but I for one am not interested in driving an extended distance to engage in a test drive and/or purchase. I have exactly one dealer within an hour of me and I plan on purchasing from a local dealership (irrespective of what make/model I end up in). Personally, I value the relationship with a local dealership enough when buying a new car to make that a requisite part of my purchasing experience. If I can't test drive and/or purchase one from my local dealer then I am likely out (notice a hair of room left for possible re-evaluation here). Acura likely loses a customer in this case as I can't muster the desire/will to work that hard in the pursuit of a 2016 RLX SH.

Again, I may be atypical in this regard but I'm not interested enough in any new vehicle (irrespective of make/model) to sacrifice the exterior color I desire. I will just either wait to see what 2017 model year holds (with waning optimism in terms of availability expectations) or look to another brand if I decide to purchase earlier than that. I get, and respect, that others may feel differently and be willing to compromise this way. That's just not something that I am going to do when buying a new 60K+ vehicle.

Why advertise it if it can't really be bought?
I guess you can argue the chicken or egg angle here. What good is cutting edge technology if Acura isn't producing enough of these to even provide those already familiar with said technology to get their hands on one?

With so few of these RLX SH units produced and available I just can't believe that advertising makes any sense. If they can't even be ordered from the factory by those customers who desire one (like me, presuming I could actually drive one first and it met my expectations) then I am at a loss to come up with any rationale in the context of the suggestion for additional (or any) advertising.

p.s. I again disclaim that all of my comments, while obviously only one guy's opinion/perspective, only relate to the SH-AWD RLX (as I have no interest in any non AWD vehicle and thus the RLX PAWS doesn't enter into the equation for me)...

 

There actually were rlx commercials written by Seinfeld and displayed on comedians in cars getting coffee. The car just did not sell.

 

That campaign didn't help, either. It was just awful, and it is one of the few times that I have seen Seinfeld just fail completely.

Did you see the advertising?

It doesn't help much when the advertising that you're *paying* for is basically making fun of the car, and making fun of the *idea* behind the car.

I'll find an example or two so you can see what I mean about how stupid this was...and we paid a big name star to come up with this crap.


Here is the Road Less Travelled commercial. I think that they should have continued along this vein, and not paid Seinfeld to do anything.

 

So, be honest.

What did you get out of that Seinfeld commercial?

The windows are easy to put down? Jesus, give us a break.

Or, perhaps, we should dress and behave as if we stepped out of a script for Mad Men?

 

Here's another one of those stupid commercials.

It's almost like we're making fun of people who'd even THINK of buying the RLX. What the hell kind of campaign is THAT to pay for?

 

Here's the two of the infamous RLX On Clouds commercials, notorious among Honda executives that they actually paid for this.

It's maddeningly ridiculous.

 

If the RLX was *ever* going to sell, this probably sealed the deal that it would not.

 

I'm glad I never saw that video before today and I want it stricken from my mental record immediately!

 

Zero return on investment, meaning, whatever it is they make on the RLX (and I believe the margins are quite slim due to the cost of R&D, batteries, lack of economies of scale, etc) are but a small blip on the radar screen next to shear numbers made by Accords, CRV's, Civics, etc. Where would you put your advertising dollars if you were Honda and not emotionally invested?

If indeed, Saiyama was set up with limited capacity in mind makes me believe they never thought the RLX was ever going to succeed in the marketplace, and thus they tried to sink the least amount of money into it as possible. Its almost one of those self fulfilling prophecies type things. Where they don't believe in their own success, so they end up failing.

 

Lots of talk here lately about the failure/disappointment of the RLX - yet interestingly enough, it's not coming from the individuals who actually know it best (namely its owners). It's coming from reviewers with limited time behind the wheel or those within the brand with opinions on what Acura should/shouldn't be doing.

Fundamentally, shouldn't a vehicle be judged genuinely by those who actually own it? I get that car manufacturers are in business to make money, so at the root of their success, they are judged purely by results. More sales equals more success.

I guess here is where the lines get blurred somewhat for me. My previous vehicle was a 2014 Nissan Altima 3.5SL, which I only owned for 7 months before I sold because I hated it. It was a huge step down from my 4G TL. If you go on the Nissan forums, you'll be hard pressed to find people who are happy with them. That said, one could argue it's a success for Nissan as it sells well.

Perhaps this is where Honda is different - I don't think they really care about what the industry in general does or thinks. They have their meal tickets in the Civic, Accord, Odyssey, MDX - which allows them some flexibility to challenge norms.

Regardless, I just don't understand what all the negativity around specifically the RLX is about. Every person I know who has seen my car or gone for a ride in it, has loved it. If I could make an analogy, I would say my RLX is like a hot librarian with her hair up and a pair of sexy glasses on - it's elegant and poised without being superficial or pretentious. It's beautiful on the inside and a freak when you want to push it a bit. No regrets on my purchase here... but suddenly I have an urge to go sign out a novel.

 

I've never seen those Jerry Seinfeld ads before. They are terrible. Even the pretty lady co-host didn't save them.

 

Sigh... George... this is another one of those real world things you RLX guys are missing yet again. Honda is simply trolling anyone who owns or is considering owning an RLX.

You know it's bad when the manufacturer itself is laughing at you.

 

We have been focused on the market reaction and marketing plan in the US.

My question is how the RLX/Legend has done in their home market.

It would be very interesting to know what their Japanese sales are [probably public info somewhere] and what amount/type of marketing/advertising they have done. Those facts might give us more insight into the basis for their North American strategy -- other than they just blew it. I'm just trying to figure out if they have some well reasoned plan that none of us understand or whether they have just been inept in North America.

 

Other than the Sport Hybrid, what does the RLX offer that the TLX doesn't?

 

it's bigger

 

It only went on sale a few months ago in Japan. It's only offered in the Sport Hybrid flavor. It's also under the Honda badge.

 

and has nearly 30 speakers..

 

ah.. Acura's site must be on the fritz.. it's adding both options as a total of 28 speakers. It has 14.

I see some minor differences, rear seat enablement / comfort. Power lumbar adjustment. Otherwise nothing remarkable, just bigger / more boaty + $.

 

I just got a call from my salesman asking if I would be willing to talk to a perspective RLX-Sport Hybrid buyer as I know about the car better than anyone at the dealership. I asked him if they are now getting any allocations of the SH, and he said not yet. He then went on to say that I would get the first one as my #2 before anyone else would. Having said that I'm happy to help him sell the car. More to report later.

 

VS. TLX off the top of my head:

• Made in Japan
• Longer wheelbase for more space (~112 vs. ~109)
• Krell Audio on Advance trim
• LOTS of aluminum (front engine subframe, suspension components, F&R bumper beams, door skins, front fenders)
• Double wishbone front suspension
• 310 hp (or 377) vs. 290 hp
• Power folding side mirrors
• Power rear sunshade
• Bigger brakes

An interesting mix of hidden stuff and bolt on stuff.
This is our biggest problem with the car. We only got two and they sold almost immediately. With nothing to replace it, there is little incentive for (most) sales guys to learn about it NOR is there an opportunity if they wanted to. However, some of the items I listed above apply to all RLXs vs. the TLX should this type of question arise. I have in the past, utilized an NSX client to talk to a prospective customer, it's always good to have an additional viewpoint.

 

I have problems with that statement... it's their job to know everything about the car!!

I hope you're either getting a discount off your next car or commission for selling cars for them

 

Or free Service, accessories, or something

 

Talk to a perspective buyer.. they must really trust you. Maybe you should haggle to get that chrome trim piece replaced out of it.

 

A modest power bump, probably some slight tolerance changes on camshafts. The Acura site says the RLX has smaller front rotors, but that's probably wrong (along with their 28 speaker spec). Krell Audio is nice, but the TLX Advance ELS Audio is also pretty nice.

Other than being assembled out of Japan, which is a legit plus for some consumers, the only reason a consumer would buy an RLX over a TLX is space. The RLX is really an edge case for consumers. They can market it all they want, but when it comes down to it.. that's the only difference.. plus ~$15-20k. It's a tough sell.

 

Funny you should say that. They are getting my replacement plastic reflector piece for my bumper that I am waiting on (on the house and an oil change too).

 

I would briefly point out that there is no Sport Hybrid in the TLX and that the RLX, because of it "limited" production has a more exclusive aurora about it.

 

What's really funny is how foretelling these commercials almost are.

I mean seriously...who wouldnt make fun of me after what I pay on the lease, the ridiculous residuals, and the quality control issues Ive had...or the fact that some of you paid less for a Hybrid than I payed for a PAWS!

Hahahahahahaha.....ha.

 

what about the sucka's that bought the PAWS?

 

Quite the contrary. While most of the praises of late have come from the SH owners, most of us early adopters of the 2014 model have had PLENTY of complaints and dissastisfaction to share, along with our praises (in the areas where it is due).

 

LOL! Exactly.

Just call me "sucka".

 

If memory serves, those Seinfeld commercials were not real commercials that you would see while watching TV. They only aired online along side his show so they were meant to be goofy parodies. Perhaps that $ could have been better spent but Acura/Honda never seemed that committed to the RLX in the 1st place so I am surprised they even used it here.

 

I can see Acura making fun of me given my lease payment on the hybrid. OTOH, I expect depreciation to be terrible on this car despite its exclusivity, so it will not bother me at turn in time. The bigger question is whether Acura will have anything for me to move to other than the MDX when the lease ends. I'm personally hoping for an early FMC for the RLX but don't think it will happen.

At the same time, I'm quite satisfied with my hybrid other than the mileage. I'm rather disappointed with it, honestly, and I've mentioned this in the surveys I've filled out. At this point, the tech in the car is for the handling and speed. I'd never recommend this car as a fuel sipping commuter car, but I would recommend it as a highly entertaining, FAST daily driver with reasonable, but not stellar (in my case), fuel economy.

The amenities inside can't be beat, though! I just returned yesterday from a cross-country trip for which we drove the new Mommymobile. It has lane keeping notification but not assistance. It tells you when there is a car ahead of you but no ACC or CMBS to assist you. No head's up and a dash display from the 1990's!!!! The single nav and entertainment screen is below your eye view, so you must look away from the road AND stretch your arm. In short, I wish I'd had the hybrid with me, or that I'd been able to talk the spouse into an MDX (she simply didn't like it and since she's driving, she is the one who has to like it). It would have made this particular road trip easier on me. I truly appreciate the dual screen design in the RLX...top screen in easy view, touch screen in easy reach of the fingers, and by now I've memorized where the controls are on the screen so I don't have to look as much.

 

My mind is already wandering, although I love the car.

There's supposedly three sports cars in the future mix, together with either the importation of the UK CTR or the insertion of that drivetrain into the new Civic North American team's car in 2017.

We know the NSX Sport Hybrid is coming at the end of this year.

But.... Rumors persist that there's a "Baby NSX" with the Sport Hybrid system to be sold with maybe 450 HP instead of 550 HP, smaller and labelled a Honda. That might be interesting.

After the reaction to the JDM S600, we're also talking about a similar idea for North America. It'd have to get a bigger motor and meet the North American team's rollover/roof strength standards so I'm sure it's some kind of re-enforced Targa type of roof.

There's time to cancel the two smaller sports cars, but the NSX Sport Hybrid is obviously coming.

And either the UK CTR or the 306 HP motor in the North American Civic...those are both still very interesting ideas.

:-)

Another thing: After today's big win for Porsche, I found myself looking around to see if the Cayman GTS-4 had arrived anywhere.


Still no clear idea why some people do much better than others, except I think that those of us at the higher end are commuting on roads that give us something like ⅓ EV usage for the mileage.

It's a temporary sensation, unfortunately.

The 5G Legend came out just before a massive change and leap ahead with technology, and from here on out we're going to see rapidly changing technologies with the possibility of generational leaps every model year.

We talked about how the HUD was so wonderful and crisp, and perfectly customizable. But the new 7 Series BMW just totally destroys the Legend's HUD. The new BMW display is about 25% bigger than ours, and you can get a lot more information on it without distracting from the view ahead, and it is very, very crisp and eminently viewable even when you are wearing sunglasses.

And we already talked about the laser headlights coming out, when we were waxing poetic about the Jewel Eye LED it seems, just days ago!

By the time they get around to the 6G Legend in 2020, the 5G will seem hopelessly outdated.

Now, mind you....

We're comparing a 66,500 MSRP 5G Legend against a 120,000 MSRP BMW, so we can still argue that point for another year or two.

 

I've seen these too but they don't make sense to me. I guess it depends on what price point they're targeting. How much to you sell a 450 HP sports car for? $60K ...70K?... It's certainly not going to sell for $35-45K which is probably the 'sweet spot' for a Honda branded S2000 replacement. However, you might be able to sell an Acura branded 450HP sports car in the $60-70K range, we've done it before.

I've said it many times but I think there is an opportunity for Honda to do what Toyota did with 3 generations of MR-2. Take the whole FWD engine and transmission from a FWD car, and place it behind the driver. Take the strut or wishbone rear suspension and add a steering rack and put it in the front. If you really want to get fancy, add a dose of Sport Hybrid to a K24 or new Civic Type-R drivetrain but keep the base price well under $40K.

 

^^Amen to that idea!

 

Reservation for one please....

 

It'll never happen. The enthusiast-loving Honda of old is long dead, though there are stirrings indicating it might return.

 

In regards to the mileage.. are you seeing worst mileage than the epa claim? I kinda wonder if the S2K and V have anything to do with that. If you expect a certain performance out of the RLX based on what you get out of the V, I wouldn't doubt the RLX is a poorer performer than you would expect. IOW you might be driving it harder than most people who aren't accustomed to driving another vehicle that actually does thrill. One of my favorite TG clips emphasizes this.. skip to 4:00 mark.


Trade enclave for 2nd Vagon.. problem solved.