neuronbob

Quoted from AutoNews two days ago:
"The luxury brand has said it will get down to four core vehicles: two sedans and two crossovers. The RLX full-size sedan is set to be discontinued given its poor sales. Moreover, Acura is refocusing on the NSX as its halo vehicle rather than a big sedan."

https://www.autonews.com/cars-concep...views-next-tlx

gregwils

It's not a surprise given the sales volume the last few years. However, they are going to soldier on for one more model year - Acura's website lists both a 2019 and 2020 RLX. I will be anxious to see the next gen TLX specs to see if it's grown at all to fill the gap or does Honda feel like an Accord-sized vehicle is the larges car they need to sell.

moose66

Sad news. But I like that S. Put a hybrid package on that and set the price somewhere in the 60-80K range, and I am all in.

AP8ESQ

This. Sadly my next ride may have to be the S6 with the RS 2.9 V6 coming next year if Acura does not do something to give us a "grown up" car that packs a punch. I am hoping there is an extended wheelbase (or something) tlx type s that runs some form of turbo V6 and sport hybrid tech if RLX is truly axed but only time will tell. I would be in line with the checkbook if that comes about.

neuronbob

There is an extended wheelbase TLX in the China market, but I doubt Acura would bring it here. The article doesn’t address when the RLX will be discontinued, and we know there’s a 2020 model coming, and advertised on Acura’s website. This will be the seventh year of this model run, so it likely won’t be long.

pcloadletter

There is likely no way to import cars from Japan and make a profit anymore. It's a shame, I would like to see a successor.

bigred123

Very sad indeed. I was looking forward to a refresh and adding tech features such as Apple CarPlay and (ideally) massaging seats. This is an amazing car yet not familiar with many people (myself included until I started researching). Hopefully the TLX is lengthened with this news. The current generation shrunk too much when they eliminated the TSX which forced me into the RLX to stay in the Acura family. My 2008 TL was the perfect size (although it does seem quite small when I get into it now compared to the RLX!).

But, on a brighter note I really like the concept vehicle that made it's debut this week. Now it would look absolutely stunning in an RLX form factor!

mk5

Well, if true, and the new TLX doesn’t use sport hybrid technology, SHAWD owners may have something of a unicorn with a big, fast hybrid with a naturally aspirated engine.

Sounds like the Type S will incorporate turbos whereas most, if not all of the collectible and sought after Hondas/Acuras have NA engines.

I do hope they give the TLX more room. That’s why I traded up to the RLX. I’m 6’4” and no grown adult is sitting behind me in a TLX, but absolutely they can in the RLX with room to spare.

RLX-Sport Hybrid

They put the SH-RLX 4 motor system in this new vehicle, or even better a turbo hybrid system, and I will be there to buy the first one I can get. The new Type S show car looks great! Hopefully the wheel and brake package will be retained but I assume it won't. Stupid.

neuronbob

We’ll soon see. The concept is based on the new TLX. It’ll be on sale by the end of the first quarter of 2020.

kurtatx

I mean, unless Acura had plans to make an out of this world executive saloon, this was kind of inevitable. A $65,000 masterpiece of design might not even have sold, but unfortunately this wasn't that.

gregwils

I was looking at the new TLX spy shots today. The scale of the car doesn't appear to be increased very much based on the driver proportions. Also, I used a very crude method to determine the wheelbase, and I don't see any meaningful change. I will admit that even a two inch stretch in wheelbase can have a significant impact on roominess and my method is very crude using rim size as a scale reference, so I could be wrong. The 1st gen TLX wheelbase is 109.3, I was hoping they would get to 112+, but don't think this one is much larger - expect similar proportions for the car. Audi A4 is 111, BMW 5 series is 117, Genesis G80 is 118.5 for comparison.

I hope I am wrong. The current TLX is a smaller car than I prefer, and I won't have any Acura options without it. I'm not interested in an SUV.

George Knighton

So the four models they say they're concentrating on will be the TLX, ILX, RDX and MDX?

I note that the blue car we're all looking at says Type S on it, but does not say TLX. I wonder if that is significant.

neuronbob

Not really. We know there was an accidental release of images from the RDX's infotainment system update recently, revealing a similarly shaped car and another SUV other than the RDX. These are presumed to be the new TLX and the next MDX. This concept appears to be the TLX variant in that it looks mostly like the sedan on those images, and Acura has not disabused the notion. I have an ear to the ground and will confirm what I can, when I can. I am told by my own sources that the car will be available for sale by the end of the 1st quarter of 2020, so we will know the answer to your question very soon.

Now excitedly anticipating drivetrain specs. I'm hoping Hondacura, for once, doesn't go conservative.

demosan

I agree with your comments about the TLX/concept car being a bit small for a replacement for the RLX folks looking for a larger sedan. Moreover, if 2020 is the last year for RLX I can't see how they will sell any significant RLX's on a 7 year old chassis and technology package and getting RLX folks to migrate to Honda accords won't work for me...…….. Certainly seems like a sad ending for a major portion of the current RLX owners here in the USA!! Demosan

neuronbob

^^^^
The problem is, the market has already spoken and most Honda people needing a large luxury sedan have already moved to the Germans or to Hyundai, downmarket to the Accord, or have joined the majority to become SUV (MDX) owners. Acura is a wildly successful luxury SUV maker right now. It’s a sad state of affairs, but Acura appears to have decided to no longer compete in the largish luxury sedan space. Seems smarter to make fewer cars excellent now, then maybe to take a stab at a larger car later.

Yumcha

It is unfortunate. Given their past and heritage, they could -- with some effort -- slowly get back into the market. There is nothing stopping them from at least taking on Lexus IMO. Start with the Toyota arm first...then worry about the Germans, IMO.

If they can systematically start introducing options to go against the Lexus fleet, why not. The NSX is already Acura's halo...so, now give us a nice grand tourer coupe and sedan. Get a V8 -- it's not they can't since the Mugen Legend Max proved many years back Honda is capable if they want to. Anyways, just my 2 cents.

Midnight Mystery

I thought they were going back to the LEGEND name plate? Maybe in a few years, start from the ground up and debut it then?

neuronbob

I'm hearing that they want to concentrate on the future rather than the past. The problem with that IMO is that guys my age remember the Legend positively and would likely respond to a Legend well.

Midnight Mystery

I use the past to create the future, but each to their own.

They, at some point, should have a flagship sedan again, IMO. No specific time frame in mind, however.

Yumcha

But, if they want to try to stay relevant, it should be soonish. They are more than capable of creating a high-end saloon and grand tourer.

MuGen7Modulo

I'll wait to see the official announcement from Honda/Acura. And I don't believe Legend will be removed from JDM line-up.
Maybe just not offered as Acura product in US anymore.

Midnight Mystery

Thinking ahead, I see. Something to get you out of that S5 when it starts to give you expensive repairs, eh?

I get your point.

Yumcha

Naw. But, it sure would put Acura back in the conversation when it comes time to replace my FX.

Midnight Mystery

gregwils

Lexus, Genesis and multiple European choices offer good alternatives to the voids left by the RLX. Different cars - yes, but still suitable replacements. As much as we hate to see them drop a full-size sedan, I think we all understand the economics of their decision. They have to realize their will be a cost to the reduced lineup, but the ROI on a RLX replacement doesn't warrant the investment.

hues10

Which is why I ended up going for a used Lexus GS 450H sedan. Even though they discontinued it after 2018, I didn't need a larger sedan, and liked getting a RWD vehicle since I live in Florida. No torques steer, and turning radius seems super tight. Was interested in the RLX, but Acura never seemed to upgrade it much. Still have a 2011 Acura RDX, but man, that thing seems dated. Hey, they both start and run and are paid for.

Malibu Flyer

Sorry to hear the news but it did seem likely. This car was cutting edge in 2014 when I bought mine but by 2020 standards it isn't any longer.

Has anyone heard any talk of Acura making an all electric car? That is truly the wave of the future, whatever the size. I am sure as many of you already know several major auto companies, have indicated they are not going to make any hybrids, only all electric models.

A true halo car would be a new all electric NSX.

RLX-Sport Hybrid

My dealer today said they are considering a turbo hybrid option but with a 3.0L from the MDX Sport Hybrid as the base engine. The guy I spoke to said he heard ramblings in meetings of a 400+hp and tq target. This is for the top end Type S Acura just presented. I have no idea how true this is. I am only sharing what was said to me in casual conversation. I hope that is true.

neuronbob

If Acura is planning an all electric car, they are being tight-lipped about it. My opinion is that is HoMoCo makes an electric car, it will be a Honda, first.

As for the TLX Type-S, I’m hearing about 400/400 power/tq but numbers have not been finalized. If so, THAT will really be my next car. I am so hoping the hype is real this time, Acura has burned us enthusiasts so many times the last 10 years.

RLX-Sport Hybrid

I'm not pulling the trigger yet as the Blackbird is a paid in full car in our house, and the trade value I hear would be in the $15-16k range which is obnoxious so I would just keep it regardless, but I am seriously considering purchasing a Volvo XC90T8 Plug-in Hybrid as a daily driver. However, if Acura loads the new Type S with the 400+ hp/tq power train package, I would consider trading the Blackbird in to buy that in addition to the Volvo. I just love the power delivery of the Acura hybrid so much. In comparison the XC90T8 power delivery is equally unique and the sound system is unbelievable, not to mention the Scandinavian design is amazing. It is expensive at $82k loaded up after discounts but there is a nice Federal tax credit which is helpful in lowering the overall cost a little. These are first world comments. I would consider these purchases for next year or maybe the year after.

Barbecue Tech Tips

Good news! Gives me more buying power to pick up one cheap 😁

George Knighton

I have some questions about this 400 HP car.

It is not just that I wonder about forced induction with a J Motor.

I also wonder about the rear drive which, it seems to me, would require substantial bolstering.

George Knighton

Are we sure this car is not a Sport Hybrid?

RLX-Sport Hybrid

https://www.motorauthority.com/news/...pe-s-spy-shots

This article refers to a twin turbo 3.5L V6 with snarky looking exhaust outlets. Any validity to that?

AP8ESQ

One can only pray it is. TT v6 with sport hybrid tech at the price of the current RLX and I would be counting the days to release. It makes sense if RLX is to be discontinued to have the type s slot in pricewise above the standard tlx with hybrid tech to justify the 10k price difference (at least to me).

AcuraGuy2016

I am disappointed by this. I really wanted to buy a Sport Hybrid RLX. I have a Sport Hybrid MDX as my family vehicle and absolutely love it!

All they had to do was upgrade the Infotainment system to at least what the current TLX and MDX had. Why they didn't do that with the RLX MMC was idiotic! I absolutely would have purchased one. I'm guessing that one action alone would have increased sales.

I DO NOT like the current direction of Acura. The 2019 Acura RDX drives better, but I HATE the infotainment interface. It is next to impossible for a passenger to use. A touchscreen is much more intuitive. I hate it. Also, while the new RDX looks nice, the road/wind noise is terrible, nothing luxury. I love how quiet my MDX is. I'll bet the RLX is even better. The Krell system is the best I have ever heard.

The RLX biggest competitor is the Lexus LS. The 2017 Lexus LS460 had worse tech and worse fuel economy than the current RLX, and the new LS, while great on paper, was made at least 6 inches too long to fit inside most modern garages, so it is out. German are fun but terrible reliability and resale, so yes I am extremely disappointed this RLX is being discontinued without ever putting in at least the 2017 TLX/2018 MDX infotainment systems. This was a serious oversight to give your most expensive luxury sedan an obsolete 2013 Accord Infotainment. Heck the 2016 Honda Accord Infotainment is far superior to anything any Acura has ever had, including the unintuitive 2019 RDX that has taken far more than a year to still not integrate Android Auto.

George Knighton

That surprises me.

Personally, I have always found the quality of materials, and fit and finish on the LS to be better than any Honda or Acura product, although (personally) I am a little less impressed by the current generation LS than I was with the previous one. Not speaking of technology, miles per gallon, or anything other than quality, comfort and performance.

I remember once saying to someone that I believed to get better than the Lexus LS, you'd probably have to jump over to the 250,000 $ world and think about Bentley.

But that brings up the 2nd reason I'm surprised that the RLX competes with the LS; namely, price.

It is very easy to go over 120,000 $ when you want a new LS, whereas the RLX Sport Hybrid Advance is going to go out the door for about 48,000 $, because of the character of the car and the people it attracts, and how that makes the car generally unpopular.

I'm not sure the RLX Sport Hybrid has real competition right now. It is a unique value for a uniquely reliable, quality car. And that unique nature is why they don't have many buyers.

I swear, I think they designed this car for a few aging former racers and track instructors who still geek out at unique systems.

George Knighton

That reminds me.

I need to get a razor blade and scrape off that Instructor sticker.

hondamore

Here's my two cents on the reports of the demise of the RLX:

I think Honda/Acura is a bit behind in the designing and testing of their new flagship sedan which will be introducing new technology (likely EV related as Malibu Flyer suggested) to the Acura brand just as the RLX did with the Sport Hybrid tech and just as the RL before that did with SHAWD. They quietly continue to make the existing RLX for the 2020 model year hoping to sell a few more to diehard Acura fans likely at a large discount from MSRP(which is a GREAT car for the money but that is a discussion for another day). In the meantime, they introduce the new Type-S which just happens to be a great place for potential RLX/Legend buyers to park their money for a couple of years until the new RLX/Legend is ready. Acura announces that they are focusing on four models (which is true because those are the only models they plan to sell significant numbers of in the next couple of years). All the rest is speculation with the masses on the internet making assumptions and the automotive press trying to "make news" to draw traffic to their sites.

As another wise poster said, wait for an official statement from Acura before jumping to conclusions. EV tech seems to be the future and a low-volume flagship sedan seems to be the perfect place to introduce such technology before it filters down into the MDX and other volume sellers.

Again, just my two cents.