Acura RLX Sport Hybrid Arrives to U.S. Showrooms
Nothing has Ever Sounded so Good on Paper but Looked so ‘Meh’ in Photos. Meet the 377 HP 2017 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid
What sounds like a spicy all-wheel-drive sedan on paper actually looks like a frumpy and bloated Acura in photos. But still, we wouldn’t quite write this one off until driving one. After all, Acura’s SH-AWD has often worked magic with uninspiring-looking machines.
The 2017 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid has officially made its way to American showroom floors. It promises to combine V8-like performance and 4-cylinder-like fuel efficiency along with a precise “on rails” handling feel. This comes courtesy of its electrically powered torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. Not only that, it also includes several key drivetrain features derived from the NSX supercar.
The RLX Sport Hybrid is the most powerful and technologically advanced Acura sedan in history, applying a groundbreaking three-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system — exclusive Acura technology. The direct-injected V6 engine with 7-speed dual-clutch transmission features a built-in motor-generator powering the front wheels. There are two rear electric motors for the rear wheels. Thus, the vehicle is generating a combined system rating of 377 horsepower. Now, if that doesn’t sound hot (in a very nerdy way), we don’t know what does.
The 2017 RLX Sport Hybrid also packs a strong bang-for-the buck when it comes to premium standard technologies. This includes Acura’s distinctive Jewel Eye LED headlights, 19-inch bright-finished wheels and AcuraWatch. The suite of safety and driver assistive technologies is now standard equipment on all trims. The AcuraWatch includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Blind Spot Information
- Cross Traffic Monitor
Hopefully, we will soon get the chance to hop behind the wheel of the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid , so stay tuned to Honda Tech for more upcoming coverage!
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Photos via: [Acura]