Mak P

RLX should trickle down to the rest of the lineup being it's the most expensive, but since RLX sells the least it's going to get the new interior roll-out last?

George Knighton

My bet is 2020 model year, not 2019 model year.

But that's just a guess. :-)

pgeorg

2019 RLX is on the Honda Service Repair Website now, and I believe its the same as the 2018.

No Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto, and everything shows that the Infotainment System to be exactly the same........

moose66

^ Not good . . . . . if nothing else, it will help me keep money in my bank account. I'll just keep waiting for the "real" update, if it comes!

George Knighton

Oh, and, ummm, technically, it'd be 6G.

1G = 1985-1990 (KA1-KA6)

2G = 1990-1995 (KA7-KA8)

3G = 1995-2004 (KA9)

4G = 2004-2008 (KB1) & 2008-2012 (KB2)

5G = 2013-2020 (KC1-KC2).

George Knighton

The 4.5G (2008-2012 KB2) indicates to me, unfortunately, that Honda are very capable of carrying on an antiquated idea for too long, way past the time it makes sense any longer.

...

hondamore

I think the unexpectedly long life of the 4G RL was due to Honda/Acura needing more time to perfect the new Sport Hybrid system. They finally gave up waiting and rushed to release the PAWS version of the RLX just so they could release something new and that decision would later come back to haunt them. If I recall correctly, the same type of delay occurred with the development of the traditional SHAWD's debut in the '05 RL which is why the 3.5RL was pretty much left to "die on the vine" for a year or two at the end of it's cycle.

Acura had wasted a lot of time and effort pre-2008 on a "top tier" V10 power unit that would once and for all end the "you can't make a true luxury car with only a V6" noise coming from the automotive press. After the big crash of 2008 happened, the Sports Hybrid concept won out over the "top tier" idea as a better long term plan. I agree 100% that that was the correct decision, it just really put them behind in development time thus pushing back their new model cycle. The Sport Hybrid system is very sophisticated and Acura made the right choice in delaying it's introduction until it was ready.

I have no doubt that the next RLX/WLX/Legend will introduce Acura's latest technological masterpiece, but I also have no doubt that Acura will test and retest the new tech until it is truly ready which MAY lead to yet another delay in the model release cycle.

My hope is that, as with SHAWD and Sport Hybrid technology, good things are worth waiting for.

Just my two cents.

George Knighton

[QUOTE=hondamore;16268231...more time to perfect the new Sport Hybrid system.[/QUOTE]

Is it perfect? :-)

I don't think it'll be perfect until the main drive is accomplished with the electric motors, and the ICE is usually engaged only to charge the batteries. :-)

As our KC2 are designed, there can be an annoying delay in the engagement of full power when you need it the most. That is to say, when you don't have time to push the Sport Mode button because you are responding to an immediacy.

hondamore

"Perfect" was a poor choice of words on my part. "Reach Acura's standard of acceptable levels of performance and reliability" may have been better.

I'm sure that Acura/Honda are currently testing and tweaking their latest technological marvel in order to reach their standard of acceptable levels of performance and reliability prior to unveiling it in the new flagship sedan. How long they need to achieve this standard is anybody's guess.

neuronbob

I still liked the KB1 during its time. Yeah, I'm weird that way, but .

George Knighton

The first KB1 was a huge leap forward. They kept it look long, though, stopped improving on the idea.

I don't know if I'll be able to find the video, but Ichishima made a review and speech, and showed the car driving around on track. He was very impressed and thought it was awesome for such a big car.

The KB1 was his personal driving car for quite some time.

TSX69

http://www.autonews.com/article/2018...180729802/1128

RLX: Acura’s freshened luxury flagship arrived in showrooms in November with new front and rear styling that Acura says is inspired by its new design direction and its signature diamond pentagon grille. The large sedan is touted as the most powerful Acura outside of the NSX supercar. Acura says the RLX comes with a more sculpted hood, new wheel designs, redesigned LED taillights, exposed dual exhaust finishers and gloss black rear diffuser. A redesign is expected for the 2020 model year.

TSX69

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a2...-pebble-beach/

Acura to Reveal Its Sportiest Sedan Yet at 2019 Pebble Beach

The 2016 Precision concept will be the basis for a new production-ready Acura sedan concept, C/D has learned.

[img]https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/8b4cddd4-0d5e-4c5e-9176-44c6c91d3e31_1551456775.file?fill=1:1&resize=80:*By Clifford Atiyeh

Mar 7, 2019

[img]https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/acura-precision-concept-design-studio-edit-2-1551982920.jpg?crop=0.983xw:0.755xh;0,0.154xh&resi ze=480:*

Acura

• Acura will reveal a production-ready concept at Pebble Beach this summer that previews a slinky four-door flagship inspired by the Precision concept.
• Next-gen versions of the TLX sedan and MDX crossover are both coming soon.
• A second-generation ZDX crossover "coupe" could be in the pipeline, too.

Three years after tantalizing us with the Precision concept, Acura has yet to apply its sinewy design to its entire sextet of sedans, crossovers, and a supercar. The 2019 RDX crossover is the first full realization of the brand's Precision Crafted Performance design language, and aside from the NSX supercar, right now it's easily the best-looking new Acura. But that's about to change this summer.

Acura will reveal a production-ready concept at Pebble Beach that will strongly echo the Precision concept as a tribute to the best of Acura's past, Car and Driver has learned. Staring into the Precision's deep pool of red paint, we must wonder—as Acura is but a 34-year-old car company mostly constrained to our market—might one of its legendary nameplates return as the Legend reincarnate? It's not a ludicrous idea, although we won't hold our breath over the exact name. Signs, however, do point to a new production Acura sedan in the Precision concept's gorgeous "4-door coupe" form. This time, unlike what it did with the car that debuted at the 2016 Detroit auto show, Acura will be ready to build something like it.

All-New TLX and MDX, but What Else Is Coming?

The next-gen TLX sedan and MDX crossover are on schedule, both likely for a late 2019 or early 2020 debut. During a small preview at the Acura Design Studio on Honda's Torrance, California, campus, we saw several mockups under cover with hook-shaped, extruded taillights poking out as on the Precision concept. Up front, vertical air intakes stretched to the corners, as on the RDX, will make their way onto both of these cars. Acura is still serious about a performance-oriented TLX Type S, which by our eyes will employ a ducktail spoiler like the new Toyota Supra, only whittled down enough to fit the profile of a refined luxury sedan.

[img]https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/acura-precision-concept-design-studio-edit-1-1551982651.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.833xh;0,0.153xh&resiz e=480:*

Clifford AtiyehCar and Driver

We're uncertain where that leaves the RLX, Acura's supposed flagship that sold less than 2000 units last year, but our feelers suggest one of two things: The Pebble car could be an RLX replacement with a new name, or Acura will spread its ashes into the Pacific. What is clear is that sedans aren't dead at Acura.

The crossover craze hasn't escaped Acura designers, and to that end, a next-gen ZDX could make a return to the SUV coupe segment it helped define, albeit a few years too early, when it launched in 2009. Executives are looking at mockups and, as far as we can tell, liking what they see. With BMW and Mercedes-Benz in 4x4 coupe mode—and Infiniti and Lexus largely silent in this arena—the stage could reopen for a new ZDX since Acura discontinued it in 2013.

What's not up for debate is that Acura is becoming relevant again, particularly within its own company. Execs admit frustration over Acura's second-class treatment by Honda, which lately has reserved the newest innovations (like the Accord's 10-speed automatic transmission and infotainment, or the Civic Type R's turbo four) when the luxury division, by all logic, should be leading. But its cars are starting to look really good again. For Acura, Pebble Beach can't come soon enough.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

snooze fest

George Knighton

Rear view of new Legend/RLX?

Is this the new Legend/RLX?

Oh, I dunno. I think we should watch Pebble Beach this summer both for the possible Legend/RLX replacement *and* the ZDX revival idea.

0_o

George Knighton

I am hoping the "Precision Concept" turns into the 2021 replacement for the Legend and RLX.

Holding onto my 2014 until I know for sure.

Otherwise there might be a Lexus in my future. I dunno. Maybe.

The ZDX revival idea is hilarious.

Everybody hated them until they were gone, and any Acura dealer will tell you now that they cannot get though of them and people are always asking for them.

This is always how it is at Acura.

Everybody hated the 4G TL but now that the long term reliability results are so well known, dealers cannot find enough used 4G TL.

Honda and Acura seem to still build cars designed for long life, whereas most companies build for leases that only last a couple of years.

Mak P

People hated it cause it was so different from the 3rd Gen, but I immediately loved it. When I got my 2012 in 2015 I rarely saw them and I was glad. Within 2 years I see atleast 2 per day, all I could do is shake my head

I wanted the RLX for that reason, I like it and I rarely see it. Still after it's been out what 5 years now

RLX-Sport Hybrid

Well a client of mine recently bought a 2019 Volvo XC90 Inscription T8 eAWD Plug In Hybrid and he let me take it for a spin yesterday. Boy that was marvelous! Terrible exhaust note, and definitely not as "torquey" as the spec sheet would suggest, but I could see myself with that vehicle in a New York second, even at the $84,200 price he paid. The interior, electronic interface, sound system, touch materials, seats with the million adjustments within them, and the 13 miles of all EV driving one can have before the ICE engine kicks in are all supremely attractive. It is 5,000 lbs and feels like it. It rides very smooth and very wide even though it is just about a near perfect match on the overall size to the MDX Sport Hybrid I already own. The Volvo feels bigger than the MDX. It is also the most solid structure I have ever experienced on the road. It really feels as if it was not assembled by multiple parts, but just one big piece of metal. SOLID! The gas tank is smaller than I would have expected but it gets like 50 mpg overall and on the first tank my client experienced 63 mpg since most of his driving was 5-8 miles per trip on local driving doing errands and the sort and in many cases the ICE engine did not fire up at all for any of the round trips. That is nuts!

Now I did not spend enough time to really experience the driving dynamics between it and the MDX SH, but for the short while I drove it, it got me thinking...... Its that compelling. It does not seem to attract too many reviews online from what I have found, but it is a real gem for sure. In the "power mode" it was way more fleet of foot than I would have expected from a 4 cylinder that is both turbo charged and super charged accompanied by 2 electric motors. It says that it has 400hp and 472 ft/lbs tq, and considering the weight I don't doubt that, but relative to the MDX SH it is definately quicker but slower than the RLX SH. My guess is it does 0-60 in 5.2 sec based on the seat of the pants feel between the MDX and RLX Sport Hybrids.

Did I mention the amazing seats? IMHO those the best hands down over any car I have ever experienced regardless of price.

RLX-Sport Hybrid

Acura should look at the Volvo XC90 as a target to emulate in the new models it produces.

George Knighton

Volvo with design has been stellar the past couple of years.

The trouble is that their reliability is awful now compared to others.

NBP04TL4ME

- https://acurazine.com/forums/fifth-g...-beach-977777/

RLX-Sport Hybrid

I did not know that about the reliability. Big stuff or annoying things?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

calling it now; it's going to be like current caddy/GM.
Fancy car.
matter of fact, Awesome cars...SO awesome that no one buys..

GM is GIVING away camaros!!!!
awesome car! along with the ATS, that no one buys.

Acura can have a grand slam on their hands....but noone will buy it.

Mak P

Nobody buys luxury cars from GM, Ford or Chrysler, so I disagree with the comparison

Only reason why the camaro aint selling like the 5th generation is cause they need to create a new build of the car. The difference between 6th gen and 5th gen is so minimal it makes no sense to go buy another especially after modding your 5th gen out so much

George Knighton

According to Consumer Reports, it's both. :-)

The XC90 is in their list of the most unreliable new cars to buy. They say owners will be locked out of the head unit with a spontaneous reboot, which means you won't have access to some essential controls.

This past Fall, they complained about the S90. Navigation systems reported faulty locations, and the transmissions apparently suck.

A lot of people are surprised that Consumer Reports is no longer a fan of the Tesla Model S, and say it is one of the most annoying new cars to buy. Fit and finish problems, door latch and operation problems, just basic stuff an automobile manufacturer should not get wrong.

I have to say, though, that there is another side. People who regard themselves as enthusiasts will complain that Consumer Report just doesn't "get it" when it comes to enthusiasts and what they will buy...and what they'll put up with to have their dream cars and/or very well performing cars.

For example, they continue to criticize the RLX although they've never even tested the KC2 version of the vehicle.

George Knighton

I think our biggest problem is that we are no longer Volvo's market supreme.

Volvo has one manufacturing plant in Sweden.

They have three manufacturing plants in China.

They have one assembly plant in South Carolina.

So we are getting cars from Volvo that are assembled in South Carolina out of Chinese parts.

It's just not working out right if Volvo wants to keep its reputation in the United States.

It's a shame, too, because the designs themselves are awesome.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the sixth gen is an ALL new platform shared with the ATS. THESE two cars are some of the BEST cars that can be driven, right now.
They look Great (at least the ATS does), They have Power, They have handling, It's EVERYTHING an enthusiasts wants from a car..

But it's not selling.
JUST like the RLX. The RLX is an awesome car!! with awesome technology!!!
BUt it's not selling.

Fabvsix

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a2...-pebble-beach/

moose66

^^^Now we are talking. Can't wait to see what this is all about!

DanL07RL

Our daughter is really interested in an XC-60 so I checked CR. Reliability for the last three years is average or better....generally better. RDX didn't fair so well.