pttl

Modeled after this no doubt:

Edward'TLS

These distinction LED headlights are one sure way to attract attentions. But in a good way or not, the auto market will soon decide.

F23A4

I'm not going to nickel and dime Acura over the RLX's headlights. If it can run 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds, turn a sub-14 second ET, handle like a champ (for a two-ton sedan) and still return 25-30 mpg then I'm on board.

phile

the headlights were previously discussed. I still think it's not particularly bad, but it could've been a lot better/creative also (a la Audi).

EhkoXC

There really isn't a whole lot to be done creatively with headlights though at this point. Audi started (at least as far as I know) the LED DRL trend, now everything down to the Kia Soul has them. They just aren't special anymore.

Personally I don't mind the lights on the RLX, and at the very least, they are unique in appearance. Like someone else said though, the market will determine if they're good or bad.

ttribe

At first blush, I don't see a huge difference between the RLX Concept LED headlights and the optional ones on the Audi A8. They're both quite different than anything we're really used to, but I'm okay with them.

Moog-Type-S

Who cares about the headlights, when it looks like a big Accord.

phile

Yes there is. Audi continuously updates their LED designs in the headlights of Audi cars.

Edward'TLS

This is absolutely correct. You can almost tell the particular Audi model and it's generation year range, just by looking at the shape of the daytime running LED lights from the front of the Audi vehicles even from miles away.

TSX69

Acura Announces the Debut of Its New FlagShip:
The 2014 RLX

On Wednesday, November 28, Acura will reveal the all-new 2014 RLX sedan to a crowd of assembled journalists at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Since the reveal happens during the show’s press days, the general public will have to rely on media coverage to see the new RLX before the show opens its doors to everyone on November 30.

Acura feels your pain, and it wants to do everything it can to drum up interest for its RL replacement. With that focus in mind, Acura will broadcast the RLX reveal live on the web, beginning at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time, we’d guess) on November 28.

Want to see the reveal for yourself? Just click on this hotlink for the Acura webcast site.

As previously reported, the 2014 RLX should closely resemble Acura’s RLX Concept, which debuted at the 2012 New York Auto Show. Unlike the concept and the current Acura RL, the production RLX is expected to debut with front-wheel-drive (at launch, anyway) instead of Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Front-drive models will get 4-wheel-steering for improved handling, though.

The hybrid SH-AWD version of the RLX should debut sometime next fall, featuring a V-6 engine driving the front wheels paired with two electric motors powering the rear wheels. Acura promises sure-footed traction, V-8 power from a V-6 engine and impressive (but still unknown) fuel economy from this version of its range-topping sedan. The SH-AWD system will also appear in Acura's upcoming NSX supercar.

The RLX will be powered by a new, direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6, rated at some 310 horsepower. Like the RL it replaces, expect the 2014 RLX to come loaded-up with technology, safety and luxury amenities.

As for details on pricing, launch date and specific equipment levels, you’ll have to wait until next Wednesday to find out, at the same time we do.

MeehowsBRZ

Ken1997TL

If I were in the market for a sedan, this would be it for me

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

Same...if I have USD$50-$60k to spare...........lol

Ken1997TL

I think I'll just buy a share in a plane instead. My automotive needs are all set.

Edward'TLS

The plain-old FWD or the full-blown SH-SH-AWD ?

Ken1997TL

Full blown. If I'm paying that much I might as well get all the gadgets and fancy powertrain.

ttribe

Do you mind providing your reasons for this conclusions? What would make you choose this car over the competition?

Despite what some might think, I'm not being sarcastic when I ask this question; I'm genuinely interested in your assessment.

Ken1997TL

I have a preference for Honda's controls and navigation, driver interface (brake pedal feel, steering feel) and usually their cars have good visibility (low dash) and seating style. I tend to dislike German cars that have leather, both based upon odor and feel. It just doesn't jive well with me.

Plus the RL SH-AWD would have technology few others could claim to match. I also tend to like the anonymity and lack of snob appeal.

Basically I like low-key, hi-tech cars with a dose of comfort

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

+1

+1

Still waiting for that to happen for me...hahaha

phile

Same here. despite my criticisms about some of its styling, the overall package is a very good one. It's kinda like what won awards for the Accord - more of a jack of all trades, master of none, rather than one narrowly focused machine.

charliemike

Generally, the Accord was never a polarizing design.

The concept picture on this page is nothing but. It looks like the currently typical overwrought Japanese design.

It will be interesting to see what the production car looks like because I am not at all excited about what is essentially a +1.5 Accord.

But maybe I'm asking too much of Acura. Because really what they've always been is a step above Honda and not a Lexus.

phile

we've kinda already seen the production car based on leaked patent prototype pics.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-rlx.html

It's almost the same, but I like the prototype's front end much better than those pics.

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

Wow I actually fell asleep looking at those pictures.

I'm in the market for a sedan and for $50k that just doesn't do it.
Waiting on the 2014 Genesis sedan with the 3.3 Turbo GDi engine.

Crazy Bimmer

Heres my issue and correct me if im wrong, why do they debut new tech in their lineup starting with the Accord?!

Does any of the cars in Acura lineup have forward collision warning or lane departure warning?

Not that this is ground breaking technology but shouldnt they be equipped on the higher end models before trickling down to the Honda brand!

F23A4

The MDX Advance has CMBS but, I don't think there's any rule (written or unwritten) requiring that new technology start at the upper tier marque and work its way down.

charliemike

Traditionally, Mercedes had started tech in the S-Class and then it found its way to the C-Class.

VTEC Racer

Acura has had CMBS since 2004. Even with the Accord getting forward collision warning eight years after Acura, it still isn't as advanced as the Acura system. The Acura system will tighten your seat belts and hit the brakes for you if you don't respond to the initial warnings. The Accord's only gives you a warning and nothing else. Acura has had LDWS for a while now also.

Crazy Bimmer

Did not know that. Perhaps Honda marketing is a bit better.

Rocketsfan

I think what irks people like me is that there are Acuras that don't offer these even as options still, but there are Hondas now, like the Accord, that do. The ZDX offers FCW, I think, but they sell like 4 of those a year. The new ILX and RDX don't offer FCW or LDW, to my knowledge, but the new Accord does.

Edward'TLS

Well, $50K won't get you any RLX.

You'll have to dish out $5K more for the entry-level FWD trim (estimated $55K). The trim that's really worth buying is the SH-SH-AWD one, but for another $17K more (estimated $62K).

MTEAZY

If you need lane departure warning/ blind spot detection/10 cameras to park, you probably shouldn't be driving

VTEC Racer

When did Acura release pricing?

knavinusa

No one needs any of these features, but people notice when the competition offers stuff like HUD speedometers and night vision cameras and the RL has no cutting-edge tech.

Edward'TLS

Estimated pricing from Autoweek.

charliemike

$62k puts them up against much better cars like the Audi A6 ... Who is going to buy an RL over the 535i, A6, E-Class??

ostrich

I actually think that this pricing is pretty competitive against A6 and E-Class etc., considering that you will get a lot of the hi-tech features in the RLX. In any case, we only have a few more days to wait! Then it will be revealed in LA.

Here's the Autoweek article with the estimated pricing:

http://www.autoweek.com/article/2012...eles/121119977

VTEC Racer

That explains it. They are probably also the only ones to have given an estimate.

If the current RL has an MSRP of $49,000, unless Acura is using diamond powder in the paint, I can't see the FWD model starting from anywhere near $55k.

If we go by the difference in price between a FWD and SH-AWD 1st gen RDX, the exclusion of SH-AWD alone in the base RL should cut at least $3,000 from the MSRP. Even if Acura decided to include everything as standard on the car, with the savings from no SH-AWD, the price still shouldn't exceed $50k. All the technology (plus more) that we know of that is expected to go in the RLX can be had in the MDX for $4k. The only thing it doesn't include are the LED headlights, which I can't see being that much of a cost factor considering how it has barely affected the price of the top-end Accord.

The one and only thing that I can see making this car cost anywhere near $55k base is the Yen. If this car is built in Japan, and Acura is expecting to make money on the car, then it's going to suffer the same fate as all past RL's. The FWD Audi A6 starts from $42,000. That's the kind of base price Acura needs for this car to be even a moderate success.

Edward'TLS

I also hope that the top-range SH-SH-AWD trim would stay at the current RL level, which is the low $50's.

However, there is only one reason if Acura really decides to jack up the pricing on the RLX. Acura is trying another attempt to move it's flagship RL/RLX model line more upmarket.

Ken1997TL

Yep.. the yen to dollar ratio is what will determine it.

Ken1997TL

Courtesy of TSX69's post on Temple of VTEC: