Acura: RLX News
#4881
Pro
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...
I read the same, yeah - but is that really the fault of social media platforms...or does the fault really begine in Acura's lineup? I'd like to see the same research done with other automakers.
#4882
Moderator
Ouch...
Source: Straight To The Crusher: The Acura RLX Has To Be The Worst Luxury Car Ever
Straight To The Crusher: The Acura RLX Has To Be The Worst Luxury Car Ever
If your chauffeur pulled up in an Acura, you’d probably be pissed. That’s what Acura’s problem is.
Cracking new automotive segments is about as tough as eliminating racism. The reason why is that both struggles are rooted in defeating an internal feature of the human psyche that has yet to evolve: prejudice. Just like racist family members are usually the ones too old to have the brain plasticity needed to process the concept that we all share nearly all of our DNA, consumers have deeply-held conceptions of which cars are high-quality machines and which are lacking, whether true or not.
Just ask Hyundai and Kia how tough of a time they’re having convincing customers that their cars are no longer just for EBT cardholders despite stuffing their new family haulers with features usually found in cars far above Kia’s price bracket. Prejudice is such a hard thing to overcome that it doesn’t only affect the relatively new guys on the block like the Korean manufacturers; the veterans have the same problem convincing people they’ve changed. Acura has been in the game for over 30 years now, but the brand struggles to keep up with the likes of Lexus and the Germans. Honda makes good cars that actually engage the driver unlike Toyota’s transportation appliances and score highly in reliability.
The fact is, the brand is being held back by remaining in the shadows of other luxury brands thanks to Acura and its RLX. Flagship sedans are like presidents because they're supposed to give the country's best face to the world and be recognizable enough to relate to. For Acura, that face is as plain as an Accord sedan. This would be fine if the car cost $25,000, but with a base price of $51,000, buyers are running for something better. Lexus understood the need to stand out and that’s why its recent styling language has resulted in radically styled front grilles. Despite the aggression, Lexus makes a statement and Acura remains anonymous. A businessman ordering a luxury taxi would be happy to see a Mercedes S-Class pull up to the curb.
But if an Acura RLX pulled up, you can be sure they’d be less than impressed. All the tech toys in the world don’t make up for an interior that looks like a slight upgrade from that of a Honda. Luxury comes in many forms including ability and feel of a car. Ability is easily attained with technology and horsepower. Feel on the other hand requires a refined ride, use of quality materials, and aesthetically pleasing design both inside and out. These areas are where the RLX falls short. Features like front-wheel drive hinder the car's feel because the luxury of control is built out that setup. Rear-wheel drive is a favorite for luxury car owners because it makes the car more balanced, eliminates torque steer, and feels more connected with the road.
Maybe Acura didn’t want to reengineer the car to change how it feels, but this takes away from the RLX's potential. Acura’s sins don’t seem all too terrible until you start to spec one out. Fully loaded, an RLX could be had for around $66,000. The same kind of cash buys a fairly optioned Mercedes E-Class with 20 extra horsepower going to the rear. The E-Class has the looks, performance, toys, and most importantly, the feel of a luxury car. The story continues when looking at offerings from other luxury automakers. What it points to is a lack of trying from Acura. Leather seats on an entry-level car aren't what make a car luxurious, it's the whole picture. For failing to move Acura forward (although defining the brand well), the RLX goes to the crusher.
If your chauffeur pulled up in an Acura, you’d probably be pissed. That’s what Acura’s problem is.
Cracking new automotive segments is about as tough as eliminating racism. The reason why is that both struggles are rooted in defeating an internal feature of the human psyche that has yet to evolve: prejudice. Just like racist family members are usually the ones too old to have the brain plasticity needed to process the concept that we all share nearly all of our DNA, consumers have deeply-held conceptions of which cars are high-quality machines and which are lacking, whether true or not.
Just ask Hyundai and Kia how tough of a time they’re having convincing customers that their cars are no longer just for EBT cardholders despite stuffing their new family haulers with features usually found in cars far above Kia’s price bracket. Prejudice is such a hard thing to overcome that it doesn’t only affect the relatively new guys on the block like the Korean manufacturers; the veterans have the same problem convincing people they’ve changed. Acura has been in the game for over 30 years now, but the brand struggles to keep up with the likes of Lexus and the Germans. Honda makes good cars that actually engage the driver unlike Toyota’s transportation appliances and score highly in reliability.
The fact is, the brand is being held back by remaining in the shadows of other luxury brands thanks to Acura and its RLX. Flagship sedans are like presidents because they're supposed to give the country's best face to the world and be recognizable enough to relate to. For Acura, that face is as plain as an Accord sedan. This would be fine if the car cost $25,000, but with a base price of $51,000, buyers are running for something better. Lexus understood the need to stand out and that’s why its recent styling language has resulted in radically styled front grilles. Despite the aggression, Lexus makes a statement and Acura remains anonymous. A businessman ordering a luxury taxi would be happy to see a Mercedes S-Class pull up to the curb.
But if an Acura RLX pulled up, you can be sure they’d be less than impressed. All the tech toys in the world don’t make up for an interior that looks like a slight upgrade from that of a Honda. Luxury comes in many forms including ability and feel of a car. Ability is easily attained with technology and horsepower. Feel on the other hand requires a refined ride, use of quality materials, and aesthetically pleasing design both inside and out. These areas are where the RLX falls short. Features like front-wheel drive hinder the car's feel because the luxury of control is built out that setup. Rear-wheel drive is a favorite for luxury car owners because it makes the car more balanced, eliminates torque steer, and feels more connected with the road.
Maybe Acura didn’t want to reengineer the car to change how it feels, but this takes away from the RLX's potential. Acura’s sins don’t seem all too terrible until you start to spec one out. Fully loaded, an RLX could be had for around $66,000. The same kind of cash buys a fairly optioned Mercedes E-Class with 20 extra horsepower going to the rear. The E-Class has the looks, performance, toys, and most importantly, the feel of a luxury car. The story continues when looking at offerings from other luxury automakers. What it points to is a lack of trying from Acura. Leather seats on an entry-level car aren't what make a car luxurious, it's the whole picture. For failing to move Acura forward (although defining the brand well), the RLX goes to the crusher.
#4883
Team Owner
While the car itself is a good car but i think we have crushed it here some time ago for the same reasons listed.
#4884
Burning Brakes
The RLX is a middling car at best. Other cars in its segment are better looking and have better powertrain and options. I am not sure why one would buy a RLX apart from trying to be purposefully anti-status quo. It's bland. It is FWD. It has no compelling specs. It's dead in the water.
Acura needs to scrap the RLX and just start over from scratch.
Acura needs to scrap the RLX and just start over from scratch.
#4885
Midnight Marauder
The RLX is a middling car at best. Other cars in its segment are better looking and have better powertrain and options. I am not sure why one would buy a RLX apart from trying to be purposefully anti-status quo. It's bland. It is FWD. It has no compelling specs. It's dead in the water.
Acura needs to scrap the RLX and just start over from scratch.
Acura needs to scrap the RLX and just start over from scratch.
#4886
^ At the higher end of the luxury sedan market, for FWD-based to sell, need more compelling sheetmetal and appropriate pricing.
Even Audi with being German and its longitudinal set-up is greatly outsold by the A6 and A8 competitors from MB and BMW.
The XTS has sold fairly well for Cadillac and expect the new Conti to do about as well for Lincoln.
Based on current selling rates, the XTS will sell 18x more than the RLX.
Even Audi with being German and its longitudinal set-up is greatly outsold by the A6 and A8 competitors from MB and BMW.
The XTS has sold fairly well for Cadillac and expect the new Conti to do about as well for Lincoln.
Based on current selling rates, the XTS will sell 18x more than the RLX.
Last edited by YEH; 04-24-2016 at 02:12 AM.
#4888
Team Owner
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ttribe (04-24-2016)
#4889
Team Owner
Acura doesn't have to sell 4 year service or run flats, because no one is buying the car anyway. Why would Acura want to lose even more?
#4890
look at inventory. and discounts before making claims what is sold at what price. Acura certainly don't spend money on 4 year free service or run flat tires.
One could get an RLX later in 2014 for $10k off MSRP.
Having a near 250 day supply is not good no matter how one slices it and even a near 100 day supply is not good considering the low sales volume.
Oh wait - what ever happened to RLX sales are low due to lack of supply?
Absolutely zero credence behind that claim, just as there was zero credence about the claim that RLX sales would increase once the hybrid version with SH-AWD was launched (I disputed the notion that RLX sales would rise much, if any) when in actuality, sales have declined.
2013 - 5,053 (inlcludes leftover RL sales)
2014 - 3,413 (inlcludes leftover RL sales)
2015 - 2,195
2016 - 331 YTD (on track to sell a measly 1,324)
The RLX has been an unmitigated disaster for Honda; they thought the RL was problematic but at least the RL once sold over 17k units,another time over 10k and 4-5 times over 5k.
And it will only get worse for the RLX with the G90, CT6 and new Continental and S90 hitting the market.
Last edited by YEH; 04-24-2016 at 07:47 PM.
#4891
Senior Moderator
Carnichiwa.com spy shots and video of 2018 RLX
Precision concept grille and maybe better tails, hard to tell.
Story:
https://www.carnichiwa.com/car-news/...on-the-street/
Video:
Hat tip to the TOV.
Story:
https://www.carnichiwa.com/car-news/...on-the-street/
Video:
Hat tip to the TOV.
#4892
Team Owner
We have seen the new MDX and the TLX... + from what we know about Acura = i think we can predict what it looks like Acura is just too predictable.
#4893
Senior Moderator
Just kill this thing off already and come out with something impressive.
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ttribe (03-03-2017)
#4894
Azine Jabroni
Still waiting on anything remotely exciting.
Seriously, just release a version of the Precision concept with a reasonable interior.
Seriously, just release a version of the Precision concept with a reasonable interior.
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fsttyms1 (03-04-2017)
#4895
@ "They look like Honda's...."
See. We're not the only ones who think Acura's look too much like Honda's. Acura needs to differentiate their car designs, and not by slapping on ugly grilles. Potential buyers of Acura's don't want a car that looks like a regular Honda.
See. We're not the only ones who think Acura's look too much like Honda's. Acura needs to differentiate their car designs, and not by slapping on ugly grilles. Potential buyers of Acura's don't want a car that looks like a regular Honda.
Last edited by AZuser; 03-06-2017 at 11:36 AM.
#4896
6G TLX-S
Unless Acura is willing to revolutionize the powertrain & drive-wheel-orientation for the next gen RLX, otherwise it will be just another failure no matter how much change is put onto the outside appearance for the flag-ship sedan.
#4897
Azine Jabroni
This brand needs a new model or something. Anything. Not a re-grilled, stretched Honda Accord.
#4898
I could not have said this better myself. Nobody is going to care that it has a fricken "diamond pentagon grille". The RLX is 70k in Canada, that is NOT pocket change. For 70k I would rather take MANY other cars over it. Including the Genesis G80.
#4899
Senior Moderator
If Honda wants Acura to succeed they need to be a different brand than that of a rebadged Honda. Especially with how close the 2 brands are right now. They need Different powertrain, chassis and for god sake they NEED A BETTER DESIGN.
#4900
Team Owner
I wish they would fire Marek. Or set him on fire. Whichever, really. Fucking terrible designer.
#4902
I'm confused at why he is still not fired? How many times does he have to completely ruin a car design before getting the axe? How is Honda not taking it more seriously? He's the SOLE reason Acura sedan sales are shit, why are they not worried or upset about the potential profit they are losing?
#4903
She's been more miss than hit.
Acura NSX Designer On Muscle Cars, Zaha Hadid, and Shoes ? News ? Car and Driver Car and Driver Blog
Acura NSX Designer Michelle Christensen on the Influence of Nature, and the ’67 Chevelle
When Acura charged Michelle Christensen with designing the exterior of the 2016 Acura NSX—the resurrection of the game-changing supercar and the brand’s halo car—she turned her gaze to nature for inspiration
. . . .
Her first assignments at Acura were fairly pedestrian—the RDX crossover and a refresh of the RL sedan. Her role as lead exterior designer on the NSX has propelled her into a prominent position, leading a team of eight designers. She is the first woman to oversee the design of a supercar.
When Acura charged Michelle Christensen with designing the exterior of the 2016 Acura NSX—the resurrection of the game-changing supercar and the brand’s halo car—she turned her gaze to nature for inspiration
. . . .
Her first assignments at Acura were fairly pedestrian—the RDX crossover and a refresh of the RL sedan. Her role as lead exterior designer on the NSX has propelled her into a prominent position, leading a team of eight designers. She is the first woman to oversee the design of a supercar.
She also gave us the ZDX and RLX
http://www.autonews.com/article/2015...d-the-bold-nsx
The woman behind the bold NSX
The NSX supercar Acura unveiled at the Detroit auto show this week is drawing attention not only for its design, but also for its designer.
Michelle Christensen, exterior design project leader for the NSX, is the first woman to lead a design team working on a supercar. She joined the team for the production car shortly after Acura unveiled its NSX concept at the 2012 Detroit show.
. . .
Christensen's earlier projects were hardly the kinds of vehicles immortalized on boys' bedroom walls. Before joining the supercar team, she worked on the now-discontinued ZDX crossover and a refresh of the RLX, Acura's staid large sedan.
The NSX supercar Acura unveiled at the Detroit auto show this week is drawing attention not only for its design, but also for its designer.
Michelle Christensen, exterior design project leader for the NSX, is the first woman to lead a design team working on a supercar. She joined the team for the production car shortly after Acura unveiled its NSX concept at the 2012 Detroit show.
. . .
Christensen's earlier projects were hardly the kinds of vehicles immortalized on boys' bedroom walls. Before joining the supercar team, she worked on the now-discontinued ZDX crossover and a refresh of the RLX, Acura's staid large sedan.
#4904
Senior Moderator
Yea, we dont need her running the show. We need them to clean house and get new people
#4905
Azine Jabroni
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fsttyms1 (03-17-2017)
#4906
Team Owner
Hey, Hyundai did it. Why can't Acura?
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kurtatx (03-07-2017)
#4907
You'll Never Walk Alone
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They've already tried that. And look at what she's given us: a bunch of bland vehicles.
She's been more miss than hit.
Acura NSX Designer On Muscle Cars, Zaha Hadid, and Shoes ? News ? Car and Driver Car and Driver Blog
She also gave us the ZDX and RLX
http://www.autonews.com/article/2015...d-the-bold-nsx
She's been more miss than hit.
Acura NSX Designer On Muscle Cars, Zaha Hadid, and Shoes ? News ? Car and Driver Car and Driver Blog
She also gave us the ZDX and RLX
http://www.autonews.com/article/2015...d-the-bold-nsx
The RL refresh, well it's a refresh, I'm not sure how much she could've done with it. She's limited by the original design as well as the beak.
The ZDX is limited by its FWD platform and thus its proportions. And again..the beak...
I don't think the RLX has been refreshed yet...that article is probably talking about the RL facelift, not RLX.
The NSX is a design where she was given more freedom to express her design without limited by the FWD accord platform. The beak also worked since it's a lot smaller than on other Acura's. The only limitation is aero and cooling but I thought she's done a great job.
If Honda can hijack a well known designer from another company and ensure his Acura designs do not look like his previous designs, that would be great.
#4909
Burning Brakes
Acura as a brand is dying before our eyes. It's sedan sales are horrendous. The ILX and RLX have moribund sales. The TLX is slipping month to month. It's quality has gone down. In the new Consumer Reports the RDX or MDX are no longer top rated. The Europeans are putting out very good CUV and SUVs. I have my 05 TL that I bought brand new. It's been a great car. I am looking at getting a new car pretty soon. It will not be an Acura. It will likely be an Audi. My wife is also looking to replace her SUV (not an Acura). Initially we were thinking MDX but it's looking more like an Audi Q5.
#4910
Azine Jabroni
Acura as a brand is dying before our eyes. It's sedan sales are horrendous. The ILX and RLX have moribund sales. The TLX is slipping month to month. It's quality has gone down. In the new Consumer Reports the RDX or MDX are no longer top rated. The Europeans are putting out very good CUV and SUVs. I have my 05 TL that I bought brand new. It's been a great car. I am looking at getting a new car pretty soon. It will not be an Acura. It will likely be an Audi. My wife is also looking to replace her SUV (not an Acura). Initially we were thinking MDX but it's looking more like an Audi Q5.
We've had this discussion in a number of places to the point I can't keep track, but the best thing for Acura might be to become the Honda line of small trucks and sports cars (NSX, ZSX, etc)
#4911
You'll Never Walk Alone
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Acura as a brand is dying before our eyes. It's sedan sales are horrendous. The ILX and RLX have moribund sales. The TLX is slipping month to month. It's quality has gone down. In the new Consumer Reports the RDX or MDX are no longer top rated. The Europeans are putting out very good CUV and SUVs. I have my 05 TL that I bought brand new. It's been a great car. I am looking at getting a new car pretty soon. It will not be an Acura. It will likely be an Audi. My wife is also looking to replace her SUV (not an Acura). Initially we were thinking MDX but it's looking more like an Audi Q5.
Nah, Acura isn't dying. Its SUV sales are far too strong to consider the brand as dying. The main issue has always been its sedans.
Honestly Consumer Reports aren't too irrelevant other than its reliability ratings....if you are into cars, you would focus more on publications such as Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Road and Track, etc.
RDX and MDX are getting old, particularly the RDX which came out in 2012. The same can be said for the ILX and RLX. Even the TLX is due for a facelift. On the other hand, Audi is looking good not only because they are making good cars, but they have also released several new core models such as the A4, A5, Q5, and Q7.
#4912
Hmm I thought the RDX is a pretty decent looking CUV when it first came out.
The RL refresh, well it's a refresh, I'm not sure how much she could've done with it. She's limited by the original design as well as the beak.
The ZDX is limited by its FWD platform and thus its proportions. And again..the beak...
I don't think the RLX has been refreshed yet...that article is probably talking about the RL facelift, not RLX.
The NSX is a design where she was given more freedom to express her design without limited by the FWD accord platform. The beak also worked since it's a lot smaller than on other Acura's. The only limitation is aero and cooling but I thought she's done a great job.
If Honda can hijack a well known designer from another company and ensure his Acura designs do not look like his previous designs, that would be great.
The RL refresh, well it's a refresh, I'm not sure how much she could've done with it. She's limited by the original design as well as the beak.
The ZDX is limited by its FWD platform and thus its proportions. And again..the beak...
I don't think the RLX has been refreshed yet...that article is probably talking about the RL facelift, not RLX.
The NSX is a design where she was given more freedom to express her design without limited by the FWD accord platform. The beak also worked since it's a lot smaller than on other Acura's. The only limitation is aero and cooling but I thought she's done a great job.
If Honda can hijack a well known designer from another company and ensure his Acura designs do not look like his previous designs, that would be great.
#4913
You'll Never Walk Alone
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Yes, the ZDX has AWD as standard, but it's built on the MDX platform which is predominately FWD platform for transversely mounted engine.It sort of limits the proportion of the vehicle.
#4914
Team Owner
I thought all SHAWD with the exception of NSX are all FWD based. Under normal driving condition, the rear has little to no power until when it is needed.
#4916
Team Owner
You can't really blame bad design on FWD only.... It would have been an ugly car regardless which wheel drives the car.
#4917
Lola
#4918
You'll Never Walk Alone
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^ That.
The ZDX and TL are ill-proportioned. Not saying that with proper proportions, they will look stunningly good. But the proportions make things much worse....remember all that front overhang? That's one issue coming from bad proportions.
The ZDX and TL are ill-proportioned. Not saying that with proper proportions, they will look stunningly good. But the proportions make things much worse....remember all that front overhang? That's one issue coming from bad proportions.
#4919
Team Owner
and triangular rear bumper/trunk .... i mean who does that??