The Acura Rlx was designed to offer a sophisticated driving experience, blending performance and luxury in a full-size sedan. Understanding its specifications is key to appreciating what this vehicle brings to the road. Let’s delve into the detailed specs of the Acura RLX, covering everything from its engine and dimensions to its advanced features.
Engine and Performance Dynamics
At the heart of the Acura RLX lies a potent engine designed for both power and efficiency.
Engine Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Direct Injection V-6 |
| Displacement (liters) | 3.5 |
| Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net) | 310 @ 6500 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) (SAE net) | 272 @ 4500 |
| Valvetrain | 24-Valve, SOHC i-VTEC® |
| Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) | • |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Throttle Control | Drive-by-Wire System |
The 3.5-liter Direct Injection V-6 engine delivers a robust 310 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque, ensuring responsive acceleration and ample power for various driving conditions. Acura’s renowned i-VTEC® valvetrain technology further enhances engine performance and efficiency. The inclusion of Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) is a notable feature, allowing the engine to operate on fewer cylinders when less power is needed, thus improving fuel economy without compromising performance when required.
Alt Text: A detailed view of the Acura RLX engine bay, showcasing its powerful V-6 engine with i-VTEC technology, emphasizing the car’s performance capabilities.
Drivetrain and Transmission
The Acura RLX is engineered with a focus on smooth power delivery and refined handling.
Drivetrain and Transmission Details
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters | • |
| 1st Gear Ratio | 3.38 |
| 2nd Gear Ratio | 2.11 |
| 3rd Gear Ratio | 1.49 |
| 4th Gear Ratio | 1.06 |
| 5th Gear Ratio | 0.76 |
| 6th Gear Ratio | 0.56 |
| Reverse Gear Ratio | 2.26 |
| Final Drive Ratio | 4.25 |
The front-wheel-drive Acura RLX is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, offering a balance of efficiency and responsiveness. Sequential SportShift paddle shifters provide drivers with a more engaging driving experience, allowing manual gear changes when desired. The gear ratios are carefully selected to optimize acceleration and cruising efficiency, contributing to the overall driving dynamics of the Acura RLX.
Suspension and Chassis
The chassis and suspension system of the Acura RLX are designed to provide a comfortable yet controlled ride.
Suspension and Chassis Highlights
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Front Suspension | Double-Wishbone with Split Lower Control Arm |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link |
| Stabilizer Bar (front/rear) (mm) | 33.0 / 25.0 |
| Amplitude Reactive Dampers | • |
| Steering Type | Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion (EPS) |
| Agile Handling Assist Brake Vectoring System | • |
| Front Brakes (in) | 12.3 Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes (in) | 12.2 Solid Disc |
| Standard Wheels | 18 x 8.0 Aluminum Alloy Noise-Reducing |
| Available Wheels (Technology & Advance Packages) | 19 x 8.0 Aluminum Alloy Noise-Reducing |
| Standard Tires | P245/45 R18 High-Performance All-Season |
| Available Tires (Technology & Advance Packages) | 245/40 R19 High-Performance All-Season |
| Steering Ratio | 13.9 |
| Turning Diameter, Curb to Curb (ft) | 40.5 |
The Acura RLX utilizes a double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension to deliver a refined balance between handling and ride comfort. Amplitude Reactive Dampers further enhance ride quality by adjusting damping force based on road conditions. The Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPS) system contributes to precise and responsive steering feel, while the Agile Handling Assist brake vectoring system aids in cornering agility. Noise-reducing alloy wheels and high-performance all-season tires complete the chassis setup, ensuring a comfortable and confident driving experience in the Acura RLX.
Alt Text: Close-up of the Acura RLX wheel and suspension, highlighting the double-wishbone front suspension and noise-reducing alloy wheels, showcasing the vehicle’s engineering for ride comfort and handling.
Exterior and Interior Dimensions
The Acura RLX offers generous dimensions, contributing to its spacious interior and substantial road presence.
Dimensions and Capacities
| Feature | Specification (in) |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 112.2 |
| Length | 196.1 |
| Height | 57.7 |
| Width | 74.4 |
| Track (front/rear) | 64.3 / 64.2 |
| Ground Clearance (unladen) | 4.5 |
| Feature | Specification (in, front/rear) |
|---|---|
| Headroom | 37.6 / 36.9 |
| Legroom | 42.3 / 38.8 |
| Shoulder Room | 59.6 / 57.0 |
| Hiproom | 55.9 / 54.5 |
| Feature | Specification (cu ft) |
|---|---|
| EPA Passenger Volume | 102.1 |
| EPA Cargo Volume (w/o Krell / with Krell) | 14.9 / 14.7 |
The exterior dimensions of the Acura RLX provide a comfortable and roomy cabin. The interior dimensions translate to ample headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room for both front and rear passengers. The cargo volume is practical for a sedan in its class, accommodating luggage and other items adequately.
Alt Text: Image showcasing the spacious interior of the Acura RLX, emphasizing the legroom and overall passenger volume, highlighting the sedan’s comfort and roominess.
Fuel Economy, Capacities, and Weights
Efficiency and practicality are also reflected in the Acura RLX’s fuel economy, capacities, and weight specifications.
Fuel, Weight, and Capacity Details
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| EPA Fuel Economy Ratings (City/Highway/Combined) | 20/31/24 |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium Unleaded 91 Octane |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (U.S. gal) | 18.5 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3933 |
| Weight Distribution (% front/rear) | 61 / 39 |
The Acura RLX achieves respectable EPA fuel economy ratings for its class, balancing performance with efficiency. It is recommended to use premium unleaded fuel to optimize engine performance. The fuel tank capacity ensures a good driving range, while the curb weight and weight distribution figures are typical for a sedan of this size, influencing handling and performance characteristics.
Key Features: Safety, Convenience, and Technology
The Acura RLX is equipped with a comprehensive suite of features designed for safety, driver convenience, and in-car technology.
Safety & Driver Assistive Technology
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) System
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Head-Up Warning
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Blind spot information (BSI) System
- Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
- Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure
- Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)
- Front Side Airbags and Side Curtain Airbags
- Driver’s Knee Airbag
- Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control and Motion Adaptive Steering
- 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist
- LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Theft-Deterrent System with Electronic Immobilizer
Driver Convenience Features
- Hill Start Assist
- Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (Advance Package)
- Parking Sensors (front and rear) (Advance Package)
- Auto-On/Off Headlight Operation
- Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers (Technology and Advance Packages)
- Heated Side Mirrors with Reverse Gear Tilt-Down
- Auto Dimming Side Mirrors (Advance Package)
Audio & Connectivity Features
- Acura Navigation System with 3D View (Available on certain packages)
- AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ and Traffic Rerouting™ (Available on certain packages)
- Next-Generation AcuraLink® (Available on certain packages)
- SMS, MMS Text Message and Email Capability
- On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD™)
- Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® Wireless Telephone Interface and Streaming Audio
- Available Premium Audio Systems: Krell® Premium Audio System or Acura/ELS Studio® Premium Audio System
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, HD Radio®, Pandora® Compatibility
- USB Audio Interface with iPod® Integration
Interior and Exterior Features
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Humidity Control and Air Filtration
- GPS-Linked Climate Control (Available on certain packages)
- Keyless Access System with Acura Personalized Settings and Pushbutton Ignition
- Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down
- Sport Seats with Leatherette or Perforated Milano Premium Leather-Trimmed Interior (depending on package)
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats (Advance Package) and Heated Rear Seats (Outboard Positions) (Advance Package)
- Power Moonroof
- Jewel Eye™ LED Headlights and LED-Illuminated Taillights and Door Handles
- Acoustic Windshield and Front/Rear Side Glass (Technology and Advance Packages)
Alt Text: A view of the Acura RLX interior showcasing its premium features such as leather seats, On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD), and spacious cabin, highlighting the car’s luxury and technology.
Exterior and Interior Colors
The Acura RLX offered a range of sophisticated exterior and interior color options, allowing for personalization to suit individual preferences.
Color Options
| EXTERIOR COLORS | INTERIOR – LEATHERETTE-TRIMMED | INTERIOR – MILANO LEATHER-TRIMMED |
|---|---|---|
| Bellanova White Pearl | Ebony | Ebony, Seacoast |
| Silver Moon Metallic | Ebony | Ebony, Graystone |
| Forged Silver Metallic | Ebony | Ebony, Graystone |
| Graphite Luster Metallic | Ebony | Ebony, Graystone |
| Crystal Black Pearl | Ebony | Ebony, Graystone, Seacoast |
| Pomegranate Pearl | – | Seacoast |
| Gilded Pewter Metallic | – | Seacoast |
The Acura RLX provided a palette of elegant exterior colors, paired with refined interior leatherette and Milano leather trim options. The availability of interior colors often depended on the exterior color and trim level chosen, allowing for a degree of customization to create a personalized Acura RLX.
Conclusion: The Comprehensive Acura RLX Specifications
The Acura RLX specifications reveal a vehicle designed with attention to detail in performance, comfort, safety, and technology. From its robust V6 engine and refined chassis to its spacious interior and comprehensive feature set, the RLX aimed to provide a premium sedan experience. Whether considering its engine output, dimensional aspects, or advanced technological inclusions, these specifications offer a thorough understanding of the Acura RLX and its place in the luxury sedan market.
