The 2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid marks the entry of the Japanese luxury automotive manufacturer into the hybrid market. Their upcoming series will compete with most of their flagship models in the performance and luxury segment.
Acura has been all about comfort and innovation. In the RLX, they will be using a three-motor hybrid system, focused on building a car that is fuel efficient while providing enough horsepower.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hybrid Sedan | Base Price: $48,450 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gals (70 L) | Miles Per Gallon: 20 city / 31 hwy |
| Length: 196.1 in. (498.1 cm) | Wheel Base: 112.2 in. (285 cm) |
| Height: 57.7 in. (146.6 cm) | Width: 74.4 in. (189 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3933 lbs (1784 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 14.9 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: V6 SOHC Hybrid | Displacement: 3.5 Liter |
| Horsepower: 310 HP | Max RPM: NA |
| Torque: 273 lb-ft @4700 rpm | Transmission: 7-Speed Dual Clutch |
* 2014 RLX specs
Engine
Acura uses a 3.5 liter V8 engine that provides a maximum of 310 horsepower. To reduce fuel consumption the engineers have added a “Twin Motor Unit,” two electric motors that deliver more than enough torque directly to the rear wheels.
The gearbox houses a 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch) transmission.
Performance
Using their proprietary all-wheel drive system, the handling of the sedan has significantly improved, especially when the two electric motors are running.
Its curved exterior design helps the car gain more downforce making it stable and gain superior road grip.
Exterior
The exterior of the sedan shows the same design signatures people have come to expect from Acura. These include: a discrete chromed frontal grille, narrow and wide headlights, and curved edges.
The rear features extended lights that reach to the side and extend to one third of the rear. The lower end of the bumper has been pushed out, giving it a more executive look.
Interior
The RLX Sport Hybrid features a full-size interior. The seats are covered in grey leather to complement the whole motif of the inside. The dashboard uses a darker shade of grey.
The steering wheel hosts an array of controls to make driver access simple; while extra-large air vents have been placed on either side of the dash & steering wheel.
Speaking of the dashboard, Acura has added a generous LCD display and additional controls. Wood textured elements have been used to accentuate the RLX’s styling along the doors and console area.
The 2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid will be one of the most expensive hybrids on the market. Making the entry into the eco-friendly automotive niche, the model comes packed with all the features of a luxury sedan.
