All-New Acura RL To Be Unveiled in New York
February 2nd, 2012 by Armaan Almeida
Acura will debut its new flagship RL luxury car at the 2012 New York Auto Show this April, with the brand’s largest sedan finally ready to step out of the shadow of the smaller (and frankly better) TL. Honda is swinging for the fences with this one, with what promises to be knockout styling, a futuristic powertrain and standard all-wheel drive.
The new SH-AWD system, similar to the powertrain found on the new NSX Concept, is forward-thinking: a new V6 engine and electric motor power the front wheels in a more-advanced parallel hybrid system (think Hybrid Synergy Drive), while electric motors placed at each rear wheel allow for electronically controlled AWD power without the need for complicated mechanical drivetrain components.
During hard cornering the system can actually send negative torque to slow the inside rear wheel, using the energy captured to send more positive torque to the outside wheel. Designed for performance and efficiency, Honda says the system will offer V8 power with four-cylinder fuel economy.
MPGs are great, but in Acura’s new flagship we’re more interested in how the car looks, drives and handles, where a new 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual should help keep things interesting. Check back for pricing and release date info as the 2013 RL’s April introduction approaches.
