Acura: RLX News
#4841
Senior Moderator
Acura is schizophrenic thanks to a mixture of US cars and the singular Japanese car, the RLX.
And hopefully the newly-freed Acura will be allowed to make adult decisions regarding its powertrain options and platforms. It'll take a few years but hopefully proper V6 and V8 RWD vehicles start to show up.
And hopefully the newly-freed Acura will be allowed to make adult decisions regarding its powertrain options and platforms. It'll take a few years but hopefully proper V6 and V8 RWD vehicles start to show up.
If not, they might as well just quit now with the RLX or any successor.
#4842
Senior Moderator
Looks like the Sport Hybrid is dead in the USA
blacktsxwagon posted a screenshot of the Acura Facebook page, and I visited *shudder* Facebook to verify.
https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g.../#post15413085
Dunno whether this is true, or whether Acura social media simply doesn't know anything, but if true, it's really sad.
https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g.../#post15413085
Dunno whether this is true, or whether Acura social media simply doesn't know anything, but if true, it's really sad.
#4843
They still have 58 days until Spring is over.
Acura | Press Releases Article | Acura.com
Acura | Press Releases Article | Acura.com
The 2016 RLX Sport Hybrid, with three-motor hybrid system and electrically powered torque vectoring provided by the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, will go on sale later in the spring.
#4844
Senior Moderator
The Acura rep is stating repeatedly in that thread that it is no longer offered. Sounds like they changed their mind.
#4845
Azine Jabroni
I could see this if Acura showed obvious signs of going in a different direction, but why are they doing this? The SH RLX is the only remotely good RLX
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neuronbob (04-23-2015)
#4846
6G TLX-S
#4847
Senior Moderator
That is the RLX in general. The SH version wasnt going to make the car sell any better but it doesnt mean that it wasnt good. It was just implemented on the wrong car. This should have been an option for the new TLX when it came out, something that was destined to sell better than the flop of a car they put it on.
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kurtatx (04-26-2015)
#4848
The fault is not the Sport Hybrid itself, but is of it being attached to the RLX model line, which is sinking faster than a rock. This is sad news, but it's not hard to see it as a necessary business move to cut losses (sales-wise).
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kurtatx (04-26-2015)
#4849
The RLX should top out at 45-50k in advance trim... The TLX should be somewhere in the mid 30's in advance trim...
Acura blew it again in overshooting the market and undershooting the exterior elegance/aggression... It looks like any other mass market family sedan.. there is nothing emotional or compelling about it...
You sell the extra tech only AFTER you have someone salivating over owning it... You don't sell a drab car to people by talking about advance tech.
Acura blew it again in overshooting the market and undershooting the exterior elegance/aggression... It looks like any other mass market family sedan.. there is nothing emotional or compelling about it...
You sell the extra tech only AFTER you have someone salivating over owning it... You don't sell a drab car to people by talking about advance tech.
#4850
Maybe the approx. 9,100 they've sold so far just blends in too well with all the other cars out there?
#4852
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The sport hybrid system is really interesting. It's too bad I never get to see C&D, MT, or Edmunds doing a proper road test on a RLX Sport Hybrid. I'd just like to see how it does in those tests.
Don't think this is too much of a surprise though. As soon as the styling was revealed, and subsequently the starting price, most people thought it's DOA.
Don't think this is too much of a surprise though. As soon as the styling was revealed, and subsequently the starting price, most people thought it's DOA.
#4853
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Would be nice to have a TLX Advance for mid 30's....but that's pretty much Accord Touring pricing. Even if you treat the TLX Advance as an Accord plus, that car still has quite a few things that the Accord Touring doesn't have....namely a much better stereo system, longer warranty, memory exterior mirrors & HVAC, paddle shifters, front ventilated seats, DVD player, perimeter lighting, plus all those safety nannies etc.
#4854
6G TLX-S
That is the RLX in general. The SH version wasnt going to make the car sell any better but it doesnt mean that it wasnt good. It was just implemented on the wrong car. This should have been an option for the new TLX when it came out, something that was destined to sell better than the flop of a car they put it on.
I too agree that the hybrid AWD RLX is a damn good car, but unfortunately just cost way too much money for an "ACURA sedan".
If Acura had had lowered the AWD RLX price tag by $10-15K, then the flagship sedan would have all sold out, even before rolling out from the factory floor.
#4855
Senior Moderator
I don't think they could make any money on the RLX hybrid with that kind of discount. In fact, it probably cost more to make than they sold it for. In addition, other cars with a similar system like the i8 and 918 cost several times more, so that Acura charged $66k makes the car a bargain in that sense. Even so, without marketing, dealer support, or enough inventory to choose colors, this car was doomed from the start, and the disastrous PAWS release didn't help matters.
If the car is indeed discontinued, I'm lucky I nabbed one. It drives brilliantly and the Honda engineers did a hell of a job on the eSH-AWD system. If you have the opportunity to drive one, take it. If they can get this tech into a mass produced model (TLX), it will sell.
If the car is indeed discontinued, I'm lucky I nabbed one. It drives brilliantly and the Honda engineers did a hell of a job on the eSH-AWD system. If you have the opportunity to drive one, take it. If they can get this tech into a mass produced model (TLX), it will sell.
#4856
Senior Moderator
I don't think they could make any money on the RLX hybrid with that kind of discount. In fact, it probably cost more to make than they sold it for. In addition, other cars with a similar system like the i8 and 918 cost several times more, so that Acura charged $66k makes the car a bargain in that sense. Even so, without marketing, dealer support, or enough inventory to choose colors, this car was doomed from the start, and the disastrous PAWS release didn't help matters.
If the car is indeed discontinued, I'm lucky I nabbed one. It drives brilliantly and the Honda engineers did a hell of a job on the eSH-AWD system. If you have the opportunity to drive one, take it. If they can get this tech into a mass produced model (TLX), it will sell.
If the car is indeed discontinued, I'm lucky I nabbed one. It drives brilliantly and the Honda engineers did a hell of a job on the eSH-AWD system. If you have the opportunity to drive one, take it. If they can get this tech into a mass produced model (TLX), it will sell.
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neuronbob (04-25-2015)
#4857
6G TLX-S
.....
If the car is indeed discontinued, I'm lucky I nabbed one. It drives brilliantly and the Honda engineers did a hell of a job on the eSH-AWD system. If you have the opportunity to drive one, take it. If they can get this tech into a mass produced model (TLX), it will sell.
The volume-selling MDX and the mass-produced TLX already have the proven SH-AWD option.
Due to its complexity, the system cost of the eSH-AWD will always be several levels above that of the SH-AWD.
From a luxury vehicle buyer's perspective, is the eSH-AWD so much better than the SH-AWD that warrant the extra premium and future maintenance/reliability issues for the eSH-AWD over the SH-AWD ? I highly doubt it.
The majority of luxury AWD vehicle buyers only need the basic AWD capability (meaning better traction and not getting stuck in the snow/ice).
This is exactly the reason why buyers are still going for the plain-O AWD BMW's and MB's in doves. They don't need some fancy AWD systems, they only want an AWD that can get them out of trouble.
A fancy AWD system (such as the hybrid multi-motor electronic AWD system) will only push up the price point of the vehicle, but not making the vehicle more appealing to these buyers.
Lastly, a hypothetical question.
Would the RLX sedan be more successful if the RLX was all AWD ? The mechanical SH-AWD came standard with the RLX, while adhering to the same FWD RLX pricing. The hybrid eSH-AWD RLX could become the test bed to find out how willing the consumers were to go for the eSH-AWD over the proven SH-AWD.
#4858
Senior Moderator
However, think of it this way.
The volume-selling MDX and the mass-produced TLX already have the proven SH-AWD option.
Due to its complexity, the system cost of the eSH-AWD will always be several levels above that of the SH-AWD.
From a luxury vehicle buyer's perspective, is the eSH-AWD so much better than the SH-AWD that warrant the extra premium and future maintenance/reliability issues for the eSH-AWD over the SH-AWD ? I highly doubt it.
The majority of luxury AWD vehicle buyers only need the basic AWD capability (meaning better traction and not getting stuck in the snow/ice).
This is exactly the reason why buyers are still going for the plain-O AWD BMW's and MB's in doves. They don't need some fancy AWD systems, they only want an AWD that can get them out of trouble.
A fancy AWD system (such as the hybrid multi-motor electronic AWD system) will only push up the price point of the vehicle, but not making the vehicle more appealing to these buyers.
Lastly, a hypothetical question.
Would the RLX sedan be more successful if the RLX was all AWD ? The mechanical SH-AWD came standard with the RLX, while adhering to the same FWD RLX pricing. The hybrid eSH-AWD RLX could become the test bed to find out how willing the consumers were to go for the eSH-AWD over the proven SH-AWD.
The volume-selling MDX and the mass-produced TLX already have the proven SH-AWD option.
Due to its complexity, the system cost of the eSH-AWD will always be several levels above that of the SH-AWD.
From a luxury vehicle buyer's perspective, is the eSH-AWD so much better than the SH-AWD that warrant the extra premium and future maintenance/reliability issues for the eSH-AWD over the SH-AWD ? I highly doubt it.
The majority of luxury AWD vehicle buyers only need the basic AWD capability (meaning better traction and not getting stuck in the snow/ice).
This is exactly the reason why buyers are still going for the plain-O AWD BMW's and MB's in doves. They don't need some fancy AWD systems, they only want an AWD that can get them out of trouble.
A fancy AWD system (such as the hybrid multi-motor electronic AWD system) will only push up the price point of the vehicle, but not making the vehicle more appealing to these buyers.
Lastly, a hypothetical question.
Would the RLX sedan be more successful if the RLX was all AWD ? The mechanical SH-AWD came standard with the RLX, while adhering to the same FWD RLX pricing. The hybrid eSH-AWD RLX could become the test bed to find out how willing the consumers were to go for the eSH-AWD over the proven SH-AWD.
If Acura wants to be value luxury they should be offering the eSH-AWD at the normal SH-AWD price (maybe a very small price increase) and the SH-AWD at base pricing. This is the type of system they should be offering across the lineup at current top level pricing to help distinguish themselves from the rest. They could start to recapture design costs of the system if it was offered on all their vehicles instead of just the one that isnt selling to begin with.
#4859
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However, think of it this way.
The volume-selling MDX and the mass-produced TLX already have the proven SH-AWD option.
Due to its complexity, the system cost of the eSH-AWD will always be several levels above that of the SH-AWD.
From a luxury vehicle buyer's perspective, is the eSH-AWD so much better than the SH-AWD that warrant the extra premium and future maintenance/reliability issues for the eSH-AWD over the SH-AWD ? I highly doubt it.
The majority of luxury AWD vehicle buyers only need the basic AWD capability (meaning better traction and not getting stuck in the snow/ice).
This is exactly the reason why buyers are still going for the plain-O AWD BMW's and MB's in doves. They don't need some fancy AWD systems, they only want an AWD that can get them out of trouble.
A fancy AWD system (such as the hybrid multi-motor electronic AWD system) will only push up the price point of the vehicle, but not making the vehicle more appealing to these buyers.
Lastly, a hypothetical question.
Would the RLX sedan be more successful if the RLX was all AWD ? The mechanical SH-AWD came standard with the RLX, while adhering to the same FWD RLX pricing. The hybrid eSH-AWD RLX could become the test bed to find out how willing the consumers were to go for the eSH-AWD over the proven SH-AWD.
The volume-selling MDX and the mass-produced TLX already have the proven SH-AWD option.
Due to its complexity, the system cost of the eSH-AWD will always be several levels above that of the SH-AWD.
From a luxury vehicle buyer's perspective, is the eSH-AWD so much better than the SH-AWD that warrant the extra premium and future maintenance/reliability issues for the eSH-AWD over the SH-AWD ? I highly doubt it.
The majority of luxury AWD vehicle buyers only need the basic AWD capability (meaning better traction and not getting stuck in the snow/ice).
This is exactly the reason why buyers are still going for the plain-O AWD BMW's and MB's in doves. They don't need some fancy AWD systems, they only want an AWD that can get them out of trouble.
A fancy AWD system (such as the hybrid multi-motor electronic AWD system) will only push up the price point of the vehicle, but not making the vehicle more appealing to these buyers.
Lastly, a hypothetical question.
Would the RLX sedan be more successful if the RLX was all AWD ? The mechanical SH-AWD came standard with the RLX, while adhering to the same FWD RLX pricing. The hybrid eSH-AWD RLX could become the test bed to find out how willing the consumers were to go for the eSH-AWD over the proven SH-AWD.
We know even the mechanical SH-AWD system is superior to many AWD systems, but people don't really know or understand about it. I feel that a whole lot more effort is needed to promote SH-AWD and its performance capability.
As for eSH-AWD, it's such a capable system but it's a shame that people don't even know what it is or why it's better. It's Honda's job to make this system look appealing to people. Obviously this won't happen overnight. It will take years of effort.
#4860
#4861
Team Owner
How is PAWS different from let's say other All Wheel steering cars? like um... Prelude, G35s, and i think even 5 series have that as an option (Integral Active Steering), yet no one really made a big deal about it...
#4862
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
I haven't seen a RLX in person yet, I think.
#4863
Team Owner
You sure? maybe you thought they were TLX or Accord but they were really RLX.
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neuronbob (04-29-2015)
#4865
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I'm not sure if other systems can do the bolded part? Perhaps other systems turn both rear wheels the same amount all the time? I don't know..just a guess.
#4866
Team Owner
Who knows.
But i do know that it is not something that most of the people really care about anyways since every major manufacturers has their own version of PAWS, whether they are identical or similar, but they pretty much do the same thing.
Acura probably ran out of ideas to advertise the RLX with, and they came up with the PAWS, so maybe consumers will forget that it is FWD? :don't know
Really should have introduced Sport Hybrid first.
But i do know that it is not something that most of the people really care about anyways since every major manufacturers has their own version of PAWS, whether they are identical or similar, but they pretty much do the same thing.
Acura probably ran out of ideas to advertise the RLX with, and they came up with the PAWS, so maybe consumers will forget that it is FWD? :don't know
Really should have introduced Sport Hybrid first.
#4868
6G TLX-S
Who knows.
But i do know that it is not something that most of the people really care about anyways since every major manufacturers has their own version of PAWS, whether they are identical or similar, but they pretty much do the same thing.
Acura probably ran out of ideas to advertise the RLX with, and they came up with the PAWS, so maybe consumers will forget that it is FWD? :don't know
Really should have introduced Sport Hybrid first.
But i do know that it is not something that most of the people really care about anyways since every major manufacturers has their own version of PAWS, whether they are identical or similar, but they pretty much do the same thing.
Acura probably ran out of ideas to advertise the RLX with, and they came up with the PAWS, so maybe consumers will forget that it is FWD? :don't know
Really should have introduced Sport Hybrid first.
Most auto buyers, except car enthusiasts, simply treat them as a front-wheel-drive sedan, and a hybrid all-wheel-drive sedan.
#4869
Midnight Marauder
Shouldn't the title of this thread be changed now that the hybrid is gone?
#4870
Senior Moderator
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jwong77 (04-30-2015)
#4871
blacktsxwagon posted a screenshot of the Acura Facebook page, and I visited *shudder* Facebook to verify.
https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g.../#post15413085
Dunno whether this is true, or whether Acura social media simply doesn't know anything, but if true, it's really sad.
https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g.../#post15413085
Dunno whether this is true, or whether Acura social media simply doesn't know anything, but if true, it's really sad.
#4872
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Who knows.
But i do know that it is not something that most of the people really care about anyways since every major manufacturers has their own version of PAWS, whether they are identical or similar, but they pretty much do the same thing.
Acura probably ran out of ideas to advertise the RLX with, and they came up with the PAWS, so maybe consumers will forget that it is FWD? :don't know
Really should have introduced Sport Hybrid first.
But i do know that it is not something that most of the people really care about anyways since every major manufacturers has their own version of PAWS, whether they are identical or similar, but they pretty much do the same thing.
Acura probably ran out of ideas to advertise the RLX with, and they came up with the PAWS, so maybe consumers will forget that it is FWD? :don't know
Really should have introduced Sport Hybrid first.
#4873
Team Owner
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#4874
Pro
Acura RLX Earns Top 5-Star Overall Safety Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Honda.com
Then again...maybe not so dead?
Then again...maybe not so dead?
The 2016 RLX flagship luxury sedan has also received significant chassis tuning refinements to enhance ride quality and has upgraded to 19-inch wheels that are standard across all trims. Despite all of the additions to the 2016 model year, the manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) of the 2016 RLX remain unchanged from the previous model year.
The 2016 RLX Sport Hybrid, which features a three-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system with electrically powered torque vectoring, will go on sale in early June.
The 2016 RLX Sport Hybrid, which features a three-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system with electrically powered torque vectoring, will go on sale in early June.
#4875
Senior Moderator
Looks like the intern running social media for Acura was talking out of his butt after all.
#4877
6G TLX-S
One dynamic thread title :
"released" -> "dead" -> "released"
"released" -> "dead" -> "released"
#4878
Senior Moderator
#4879
Didn't big boss Mike Accavitti recently said that social media isn't selling cars? Maybe he is right that the promise of social media helping dealers is all hoopla hoopla. These guys have seen the real data backed up by hard core research and concluded that social media is only selling... social media, cute cats and dog videos, transgender monkeys on oprah...
Last edited by Tonyware; 05-01-2015 at 01:40 PM.
#4880
Senior Moderator