Acura to Reveal Its Tech-Packed RLX Flagship Model at LA Auto Show in November

PEABODY, Mass., Oct. 9, 2012 — Acura is well known for its advanced tech features, making it that much more important that the luxury automaker raise the bar with the innovations in its new flagship sedan. Slated to replace the Acura RL, which has been on the market since 1996, the 2014 Acura RLX will be packed from the drivetrain to the dashboard with smart technologies when it debuts at the LA Auto Show on Nov. 28.

Designed to compete with the Hyundai Genesis, Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, the new Acura RLX will feature a new Precision All Wheel Steer system in front-wheel-drive models that automatically tweaks the rear-wheel toe angles for tighter cornering and steering. Inside the cabin, passengers will benefit from the next-generation AcuraLink infotainment system, which includes new convenience features like remote locking and concierge service. Outside, the Acura-exclusive Jewel Eye LED headlamps use ultra-reflective optical lenses and high-gloss trim so that drivers can see further ahead in style.

"The Acura RLX takes leaps forward in all categories, whether you're looking at performance, comfort, convenience or safety," said Joel Avery, general manager of Acura of Peabody, a Massachusetts Acura dealership. "It will be a serious competitor to German luxury sedans that don't offer the same kind of inviting, intuitive driving experience, even though they cost a whole lot more."

Acura continued its forward-thinking focus on technology to protect the RLX's passengers as well, offering a Collision Mitigation Braking System, which can warn drivers of potential collisions using a radar transmitter that measures the distance and speed of the vehicle ahead. The 2014 Acura RLX will also debut the automaker's new Lane Keep Assist System, and Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning will be standard features.

When it goes on sale in the first half of 2013, the Acura RLX will come with a 310-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 that is not only more powerful than the larger-displacement V6 in the current Acura RL, but more fuel efficient as well. Later on, an Acura RLX Sport Hybrid model will arrive at dealers with the automaker's Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system. Final details have not been released on the RLX's gas-electric drivetrain, but the car's concept debuted with the same 3.5-liter V6 and a pair of electric motors that combined to push power to all four wheels.

While Acura's new RLX should give its lineup a boost next year, its overall U.S. sales continue to gain momentum, rising 44 percent in September compared to the same month last year. With its fifth-straight monthly sales record, the redesigned-for-2013 Acura RDX compact crossover SUV sold nearly 3,000 units last month for a 120-percent increase year-over-year. The Acura MDX midsize utility remained the brand's bestseller however, with 4,692 models finding new homes for a 60-percent boost over September 2011. Meanwhile, sales of the TL sedan jumped 29 percent, moving 3,236 units in September.

"Acura has made a number of upgrades to its lineup in the past couple years to improve style, power and fuel efficiency, and buyers are responding very positively," added Avery. "The RLX will receive the best of those changes, as well as several unique touches, to become Acura's most appealing flagship sedan yet."

About Acura of Peabody:
Thanks to a complete commitment to the Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC) philosophy from the sales, parts and service teams, this dealership has the best customer satisfaction and retention rates of any Acura dealership in the Northeast. They offer an extensive inventory of new and used Acura models, backed by a service center with the highest customer loyalty in the Northeast. Visit their website at www.acuraofpeabody.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/acuraofpeabody, visit their Acura showroom and service center at 233 Andover Street in Peabody, Massachusetts, or call them at 888-825-7965.