Acura - Honda’s luxury brand for the North American markets - has chosen the 2012 New York International Auto Show to introduce its new flagship, the Acura RLX Concept, and here is a video as well as a few pictures documenting its presentation. This classy and sophisticated sedan is the first model to be equipped with the Acura Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, and is credited with an output of 370 hp and an average fuel consumption of 7.8 l/100km.

Under the bonnet pulses a brand new 3.5-litre V6 VTEC engine that works in combination with three electric motors and is coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch DCT transmission. Acura says that thanks to the large use of light materials, the RLX Concept sprints like a V8 and has the fuel consumption of a 4-cylinder car. However, the model currently on display in New York is still a concept version of the definitive model, whose range will probably also feature less powerful front-wheel drive variants with an output of about 310 hp. However, it is already known that all versions of the production-RLX (which should become available at some point next year) will come with the Precision All Wheel Steer system, which provides for four turning wheels.

Aesthetically, the lines of the RLX have been developed according to Acura’s own ‘Keen Edge’ design theme, that surely marks a step forward in terms of styling in the comparison with the outgoing RL model. The model obviously boasts a very elegant interior with top-notch materials, high quality finishing and all sorts of electronic devices and connectivity options that are just mandatory on a model of this level. If you want more details on the Acura RLX Concept, the official press release is right after the ‘jump’.

View the full Acura RLX Concept photo gallery

Continue reading: Acura introduces the RLX Concept at the New York Auto Show

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The new NSX is definitely the undisputed star at the Acura’s stall, but there are another two interesting concepts that Honda’s luxury vehicle division has brought to the 2012 NAIAS: a Civic-based sedan called ILX and a mid-sized SUV called RDX.

The ILX showcased in Detroit is still said to be in a concept form, but it is actually quite close to the final production version of the car which is scheduled to enter the market in the Spring. Its engine range will be made of two units, both of which will be borrowed from the American version of the Civic: a 2.0 and a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol engines coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It is likely that a third, hybrid powertrain with a 1.5 engine will also join the fold at a later time.

The Acura RDX concept is a prototype version of the 2013 RDX, the second generation of Acura’s five-passenger crossover SUV. It is equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 delivering 273 hp mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with a new lock-up torque converter. The RDX also gets a new, lighter all-wheel-drive system that provides the required performance and safety with increased efficiency. Other highlights of this model include a smart entry keyless access system, pushbutton start, and a three view rear camera.

View Acura ILX at the 2012 NAIAS pictures
View Acura RDX at the 2012 NAIAS pictures

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Acura is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Honda, and this coming January, during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, they will introduce to the world three brand new concept cars for the very first time. The most significant piece of the lot is by far the eagerly-awaited new version of the NSX, which will eventually enter the market as a fully-fledged Honda model at a later time. The Acura-badged NSX concept should be a further evolution of the prototype used during the shooting of “The Avengers” movie (pictured above, with Robert Downey jr.). Unfortunately, no official technical details have been released about the car, but rumor has it that it is a a four-wheel drive model equipped with V6 hybrid powerplant and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Making their first appearance at the Acura stand in Detroit there will also be a compact luxury sedan called ILX, that is scheduled for launch in spring 2012: it will feature three powertrains (including Acura’s first-ever gas-electric hybrid) and should go on to compete in the same class as BMW 1-Series and Mercedes new A-Class. Completing Acura’s line up at the event will be a redesigned version of its five-passenger SUV model, the RDX.

via | Autoblog.com
pictures | AutoExpress

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In the wake of the announcement that the successful Honda NSX model will return to production and following the anticipation about its hybrid engine, a new car has appeared that seems to foresee its exterior design. This car is an Acura-badged roadster featured in the ‘Avengers’ movie, and has been photographed on the set nearby Central Park, New York, with Robert Downey jr. behind the wheel.

According to AutoExpress, the new NSX will be powered by a brand new V6 and two electric engines, and its architecture should be similar to the Dual Mode 4WD concept displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2001, a prototype that actually had a center mounted 3.5 litres V6 with two electric engines on the front wheels, delivering 400 hp.

The new NSX will probably adopt a VTEC engine with capacity between 3.5 and 3.7 liters and Li-ion batteries that can be recharged like hybrid plug-in cars. The NSX will be a full hybrid car, therefore it will be able to run a few miles powered by electric energy only.

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