The information in this post was taken from a debriefing with reporters following Acura's announcement of the models to be presented at the NYIAS show next year.
Acura's New Flagship (potentially named Legend, may be phasing out RL) - Late 2012
Acura is saying that it will redefine smart luxury with its new flagship model saying that it will offer best in class legroom but will be smaller on the outside. Think BMW 7-Series cabin space but with the agility of a BMW 5-Series is what Acura's Product Planning VP says. Images were projected during the meeting and it appears that it does bear a strong resemblance to the current RL but the styling is wrapped around a much more luxurious package. A conservative and clean design will be offered that is subtle but not very exciting either. The wheelbase is slightly longer but there are some moderate overhangs with a Hoffmeister kink on the C-pillar. Exhaust finishers will be integrated in the lower rear bumper and there will be LED elements in the front headlights. The new Legend/RL will feature the electric SH-AWD promising V8 performance with better than 4-cylinder fuel economy. Model to be featured at the NYIAS Show next year.
Acura's RDX - Mid-2012
Honda has decided to put in a V6 for the next iteration of the RDX with more horsepower and much better fuel consumption that should address the awful turbo fuel consumption of the current model. A new and more light-weight AWD system will be replacing the SH-AWD system in the compact SUV. It turns out from the photos given that the RDX now bears a stronger resemblance to the MDX and has a similar C-pillar section. The majority of the hatchback now shares a subtle and a flat look compared to the current version with some MDX elements scattered through the car.
Acura's NSX Concept - TBA
The concept that Acura will be unveiling next year at the Detroit Auto Show is almost the same car that was spied on the Avengers set last month but is further developed and in the hard-top form. This will carry the same NSX tradition of a mid-engine, RWD layout and has styling cues similar to the Audi R8. There are 5 squircle projecters in each front headlight with a flying buttress C-pillar that can channel air more smoothly around the cockpit of the car. Acura also announced that a new engine with a new layout will be planned for this vehicle as they claimed that their Electric SH-AWD and 3.5 DI V6 was not powerful enough. It should be noted that the combination of the V6 with the 7-speed dual clutch can have a peak of 400hp. Perhaps the new NSX will generate near 500hp but Acura did not provide any other details.
Acura's ILX (sub-TSX) - Late 2012
Acura also previewed its new small entry level luxury compact that will show up at the Detroit Show next year. The key design element with this vehicle is the pronounced crease that starts in the doors and curves up over the rear wheelwells and the inclusion of the Hoffmeister kink in the rear C-pillar. It has a relatively long nose, stubby rear deck and a high beltline. More photos to come when the car is released. The ILX will be offered with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 1.5L IMA Hybrid engine will also be featured in the model. Acura's ILX may be in showrooms by next summer.
Goodbye TSX?
With the introduction of the ILX and the placement of the RL, Acura has several overlapping models in its entry level luxury car category. The ILX, TSX and TL will all be overlapping each other in some sort. Acura has clearly stated that it will go with a 3-sedan, 2-SUV strategy so between the TSX and TL, one of them will be forced to clear the way. Perhaps it will be the TSX? Or the TL? Either way, the situation stands in several perspectives, the ILX may replace the TSX, the TSX may replace the TL or a new model may replace BOTH the TSX and the TL. We'll keep you updated.
