Ahead of the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show that opens to the public on Nov. 22, Driving Fans has ferreted out a few details regarding the upcoming the Acura Sport Hybrid RLX SH-AWD that’s due out in early 2014. According to our sources, the companion to the recently launched gasoline-only RLX will use a 3.5-liter V6 that combines with three electric motors to produce a total of 377 horsepower (compared to 310 for the base RLX). Two of the three motors will propel each of the rear wheels, while the third is connected directly to the drive train. The SH-AWD will also feature a new seven-speed automated manual transmission in place of the regular RLX’s six-speed automatic. Acura claims that in combined city/highway driving the hybrid will achieve 30 mpg, compared with 24 mpg for the non-hybrid RLX.
These upgrades to the RLX should help raise the profile of Acura’s flagship sedan, which has labored for years in the shadow of many of its competitors. The current redesign gives the RLX a more noticeable style, as well as bringing some much-needed focus to the car’s handling and production, as Acura seeks to fortify its position as a manufacturer of sporty, high-technology vehicles that are both luxurious and efficient.
