2014 Acura RLX Press Kitpage 1of 72

M E D I A I N F O R M A T I O N

For more information:

Maki Inoue (905) 888-4416

Laura Heasman (905) 888-4586

2014 ACURA RLX: OVERVIEW

The 2014 Acura RLX is the most powerful, spacious, and technologically advanced Acura sedan ever. Powered by an all-new 310-horsepower direct-injected V-6 engine, and featuring an array of Acura signature technologies, including Precision All-Wheel Steer™,Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, and the AcuraLink® connected car system, the RLX fulfills Acura’s commitment to creating “the synergy between man and machine” and delivers new levels of technology-enhanced performance, comfort and convenience for Acura’s flagship sedan.

Using smart packaging, advanced aerodynamics, and lightweight body design, along with fuel-saving i-VTEC with Variable Cylinder Management engine technology, the RLX delivers the most spacious five-passenger seating in its class along with a top-class fuel economy rating of 10.5/6.4/8.6 L/100km(city/highway/combined).

With a longer wheelbase and wider greenhouse than competing mid-luxury sedans, the new RLX delivers full-size interior space in a nimbler, mid-size luxury sedan package. The RLX boasts the longest rear-seat legroom (985 mm), and best front (1514 mm) and rear (1449 mm) shoulder room in the mid-luxury class. The RLX advanced body design makes extensive use of high-strength steel and aluminum, further aiding its outstanding fuel economy, straight-line performance, and superior handling agility.

The new RLX reaches higher and farther into the high-end luxury sedan market with an incredible array of advanced safety, driver-assistive, and infotainment technologies, including the standard next-generation AcuraLink™ connected car system, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) andMulti-Angle Rearview Camera; along with available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), and Blind Spot Information (BSI) system.

Utilizing Acura’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™II) body structure, along with seven smart-deploying airbags (including new driver’s knee airbag), the RLX is anticipated to earn top-level safety ratings – a 5-star NCAP Overall Vehicle Score, and IIHS “TOP SAFETY PICK+” rating, including a GOOD rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal collision test.

The RLX also offers intuitive technology that reduces stress and simplifies the driving and ownership experience – with features such as Electronic Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold, a capless refueling system, Smart Entry/Smart Startkeyless access system, easy-to-use and customize dual touch screens, “tensionless” e-pretension front seatbelts, and available rain-sensing windshield wipers, among others.

Acura and Industry Firsts

Befitting its flagship sedan status, the new RLX has a long list of pioneering technologies:

World technology firsts

  • Jewel-Eye™ LED headlights enhance the RLX’s modern and distinctive appearance while providing outstanding light distribution and improved down-the-road illumination.
  • Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS) continuously monitors and calculates the correct amount of independent rear-wheel steering is necessary for help the RLX meet driving conditions with the utmost ease and stability.
  • Scheduled to debut on the 2014 RLX, Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD) is an innovative new drive system that blends hybrid power with Acura’s advanced Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). (More information on the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD will be provided prior to its on-sale date.)
  • Engineered by one of the world’s most premium audio companies, the 14-speaker Krell premium audio system sets a new benchmark in automotive audio performance (RLX with Krell Audio package and RLX with Advance package trims).

N.A.Technology Firsts

  • The next-generationAcuraLink™delivers a bevy of new information, media, convenience, and security services via embedded two-way communications and web-enabled devices, including AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ featuring freeway traffic and all-new surface street traffic.
  • Frontseatbelt e-pretensioners use electronic controls to reduce tension for a more comfortable seatbelt experience during normal driving conditions. This is the first system to incorporate yaw movement in addition to braking.

Acura Technology Firsts

  • Acura’s first direct injected engine in North America contributes to the 3.5-litre V-6 engine’s high performance, low emissions, and 10.5/6.4/8.6L/100km city/highway/combined fuel economy.1
  • Double wishbone, double joint front suspension optimizes suspension geometry to significantly improve agility, driver confidence and ride sophistication.
  • Agile Handling Assist uses active braking to help the driver smoothly and easily trace the desired line through a curve with smaller steering inputs.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow allows the RLX to independently maintain a set following distance in low-speed traffic conditions, including stop and go traffic, and to initiate vehicle braking when necessary.
  • The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) uses a camera to detect lane markings on the road and actively assists the driver in keeping the car in the lane.
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW)uses a camera mounted in the upper portion of the windshield to detect vehicles ahead of the RLX and audibly and visually alerts the driver when it determines that a collision with a detected vehicle is imminent.
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)uses the same windshield-mounted camera to detect lane markings on the road and alerts the driver if the vehicle is wandering from a detected lane.
  • Electric Parking Brake provides one-touch parking brake activation.
  • Automatic Brake Hold maintains the vehicle’s position.Braking is release when the driver steps on the accelerator pedal.
  • The RLX’s retractable door mirrors can be configured to automatically retract when the doors are locked, and then automatically extend when the doors are unlocked.
  • Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelinesuses active guidelines that curve, displaying the amount of steering wheel input on the display to aid in backup maneuvers.
  • Capless fueling eliminates the fuel cap and improves ease of fueling.
  • A driver’s side knee airbag is designed to further protect the driver’s knees in the event of a frontal collision.

MAN-MACHINE SYNERGY

As Acura’s foundation, Man-Machine Synergyis the intelligent pairing of useful technologies and luxury features in an undisputable value relationship. From its sophisticated exterior and interior design, to its balance of performance, low emission and the top-class fuel economy, and advanced and intuitive technology, the RLX is designed to exceed the expectations of the Acura customers.

Man-Machine Synergy is much greater than an array of intelligent features, smartly priced. It also means that these technologies operate with ease and efficiency – and their inclusion makes driving simpler, more effective and more enjoyable for the owner. As such, all the controls for the RLX operate in a highly intuitive way, so the vehicle as a whole becomes an extension of how the driver normally instinctively reacts.

MARKET POSITIONING

TheAcura RLX enters the mid-luxury segmentcompeting against the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M37, Lexus GS350 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The RLX is equipped with features to meet these established competitors, thanks to improvements in virtually every area of its design, performance, technology, luxury features and safety.

At 4982 mm long, the RLX is similar in length to the RL it replaces, but has a 50mm longer wheelbase and is also nearly 50mm wider, affording greater leg and shoulder room. In certain key areas the RLX not only matches, but also surpasses the competition, including the largest greenhouse, longest tandem seating distance, and widest front and rear shoulder room in the competitive set.

RLXMODELRANGE

There are three grades: the well-equipped RLX, the feature-packed RLX with Technology package, and the top-of-the-line RLX with Advance package. Major RLX standard features by grade are as follows:

RLX

  • All-new 3.5-litre Direct Injection SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 engine with
  • Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation system
  • Re-engineered Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
  • Precision All-Wheel Steer™
  • Jewel Eye™LED headlights
  • Headlight Washers
  • 18-inchnoise-reducing alloy wheels
  • Michelin 245/45 R18 M+S all-season tires
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control
  • Expanded view driver’s mirror
  • Multi-angle rearview camera
  • Electric parking brake
  • Smart Entry (front doors and trunk) withPush Button start
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
  • Heated 12-way adjustable (8-way power plus 4-way power lumbar support) front seats
  • Power tilt and telescoping steering column
  • 8-inch colour audio/information screen
  • 7-inch On-Demand Multi-Use Display™with audible and tactile feedback
  • Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®
  • Acura/ELS® audio system (10-speaker)
  • XM Radio®
  • USB port
  • AUX jack
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Power tilt/slide moonroof
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control
  • HomeLink®
  • Auto on/off headlights
  • Leather-wrapped shift knob
  • Power door lock/unlock
  • Power heated side mirrors with reverse interlocking autotilt down
  • One-touch turn signals
  • Capless fueling

RLX with Technology Package

  • Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™
  • AcuraLink®
  • Colour Multi-Information Display (MID)
  • 19-inch noise-reducing alloy wheels
  • Michelin 245/40 R19 M+S all-season tires
  • Premium Milano leather seats
  • Blind Spot Information system (BSI)
  • Acura/ELS Studio® Premium Audio System (14-speaker)
  • Acoustic glass (windshield, front and rear door windows)
  • Rain sensing windshield wipers
  • Power retractable side mirrors
  • Smart Entry (all four doors and trunk) withPush Button start

RLX with Elite Package

  • Krell ultra-premium audio system (14-speaker)
  • Expanded rear door sunshade
  • Power operated rear window sunshade
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
  • Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
  • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
  • Parking sensors (2 front/4 rear)
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Heated rear seats
  • Rear seat foot light
  • Auto-dimming side mirror

POWERTRAIN OVERVIEW

The 2014 RLX is powered by an all-new 3.5-litre Direct Injection SOHC
i-VTEC® V-6 engine that delivers more power and greater fuel economy than the previous RL. This is the first Acura production car to feature "Earth Dreams Technology" which is comprised of a next-generation set of technological advancements to the engine, which greatly enhance both driving performance and fuel efficiency.

Rated at 310 horsepower and 272 lb.-ft. of torque, V-6 powerplant in the RLX develops an additional 10 horsepower and 1 lb.-ft. of torque compared to the 3.7-litre engine equipped in the RL. For exceptional drivability, the RLX’s new 3.5-litre engine produces in excess of 90percent of its peak torque over a very broad range of engine speeds, from 2,000 rpm to 6,600 rpm. The expansive torque spread makes for decisive throttle response and abundant power always at the ready.

In spite of the peak horsepower increase, the new engine deliversimpressive fuel economy ratings for a two-wheel-drive luxury sedan, with ratings of 10.5 L/100km in the city and 6.4 L/100km on the highway. The 3.5-litre engine meets the stringent ULEV-2 California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions rating. No competitive vehicle offers a comparable combination of peak horsepower output and fuel economy.

Engine

  • 3.5-litre, SOHC, V-6 engine produces 310 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 272 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm (with more than 90-percent of peak torque available from 2,000 to 6,000 rpm)
  • i-VTEC® (intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) for intake valves with VCM (Variable Cylinder Management)
  • Computer-controlled Direct Injection (DI) with multi-hole fuel injectors
  • 11.5:1 compression ratio
  • High-strength steel crankshaft
  • X-shaped magnesium intake manifold
  • Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system
  • Direct ignition system
  • Detonation/knock control system
  • Variable flow exhaust system
  • Maintenance Minder™ system optimizes service intervals
  • 160,000 +/- kilometres tune-up interval

Emissions/Fuel Economy

  • High-flow, close-coupled next-generation precious metal catalytic converters plus under floor catalytic converter
  • High capacity 32-bit RISC processor emissions control unit
  • ULEV-2 Emissions compliant
  • 10.5/6.4/8.6 (city/highway/combined) L/100km fuel economy

Noise Vibration(NV)

  • 60-degree cylinder V-angle in the engine for smooth operation
  • Automatically tensioned, maintenance-free serpentine belt accessory drive
  • Active Control engine Mount (ACM)
  • Active sound control

Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters

  • Straight-gate style console-mounted shifter with Sport mode button
  • Sequential SportShift automatic transmission allows semi-manual operation
  • Steering wheel mounted racing-inspired paddle shifters
  • Sport mode with remapped, more aggressive automatic shift points and more pronounced engine braking during deceleration
  • Cooperative control between Drive-by-Wire throttle system and transmission makes for quicker, smoother shifts
  • Advanced shift-hold control limits up shifts during spirited driving
  • Grade Logic Control System reduces gear “hunting” on steep hills

BODY OVERVIEW

The RLX employs an advanced body design to aid dynamic performance, NVH, fuel economy and crash safety. The RLX cabin is wide but also extremely aerodynamic, allowing both a roomy interior and a quiet ride as air slips smoothly over the cabin’s flush-mounted available acoustic glass and other drag- and turbulence-reducing design details. Beneath the vehicle is a sophisticated series of aerodynamic aids that further smooth airflow.

The 2014 RLX is larger than the previous RL model in several key exterior dimensions, including width, wheelbase, and front and rear track. The wheelbase, at 2850 mm, is 50 mm longer than the previous RL model, providing more rear passenger room and improving the ride quality in the process. At 1890 mm wide, the RLX is also a substantial 43 mm wider than the previous RL model. Among its competitive set, the new RLX is longer and wider than the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Static and dynamic rigidity and rear lateral stiffness are significantly improved. To increase stiffness and rigidity in key areas without increasing weight, 55percent of the RLX body in white is made from high-strength steel. Hot-stamped high-strength steel is used in key areas for enhanced safety collision performance, particularly in narrow offset, side impact, and roof strength tests.

Extensive use of aluminum body components in key areas saves 35kg compared to traditional all-steel construction. The biggest weight savings for any single component comes from the use of an aluminum hood, which saves 9kg compared to a steel hood. The RLX doors utilize a patented new hybrid construction utilizing aluminum outer panels for lightweight and steel inner panels for stiffness and crash safety. Altogether, they provide a combination of high stiffness and with a weight reduction of 11kg compared to all-steel doors.

Engineers paid particular attention to reducing interior noise levels, a complicated process that extends to literally every aspect of the vehicle’s design and engineering. To achieve a premium level of interior quietness, the RLX receives an unprecedented amount of acoustic material in key areas. Available laminated sound-insulating glass (in Technology grades and higher) for all four doors and windshield provides the RLX with premium-level interior quietness.

The 2014 RLX features the world’s first Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, which offer outstanding light distribution and excellent down-the-road illumination performance and light characteristics. The RLX taillights utilize periphery LED illumination that is both effective and highly distinctive.

CHASSIS OVERVIEW

Featuring new technologies such asPrecision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) and Agile Handling Assist, the 2014 RLX chassis delivers the most accurate and confident handling of any Acura sedan in history. The range of technologies allows the RLX to be quick and responsive in city driving, confident and controlled on the highway, a willing dance partner on winding roads, and precise and stable in emergency situations.

The standard Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) system on the RLX continuously monitors and calculates the correct amount of independent rear-wheel steering necessary fordriving conditions. As the industry’s first left/right independent rear-wheel steering control system, P-AWS uses an all-electric rear-steering system that enables crisper lane changes, more nimble turning in sharp curves, enhanced dynamic response in emergency situations, and more confident operation in snowy driving conditions.