Acura introduces three new vehicles at Detroit show; two hybrid powertrains
09 January 2012
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| ILX concept. Click to enlarge. |
Acura unveiled three new vehicles at the North American International Auto Show, including a concept version of the ILX hybrid luxury compact sedan (which will offer Acura’s first production hybrid as a model version); the NSX Concept, which presages the direction for Acura’s next-generation supercar; and a prototype of the 2013 RDX crossover sport utility vehicle.
Acura also announced that the next-generation NSX will feature Acura’s new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD technology, is expected to debut in the next three years, and will be developed by an engineering team led by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., and manufactured in Ohio, at a yet-to-be-named facility.
Acura ILX Concept. The Acura ILX Concept is the precursor to a new Acura luxury compact sedan scheduled for launch in Spring 2012. To be positioned as the gateway to the Acura brand, the ILX will feature three different powertrains, including Acura’s first gasoline-electric hybrid.
The lineup of ILX models will include an entry-level model powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine; a high-performance model with a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission; and a 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.
The new ILX will be manufactured exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC, in its Greensburg, Ind. plant.
Acura NSX Concept. The dynamically-styled NSX Concept gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from the Acura brand. Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies for Acura, including application of Acura’s new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) hybrid system.
Utilizing an unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the all-new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, a next-generation VTEC V-6 engine with direct-injection works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor to create supercar acceleration while offering efficiency.
Acura RDX. Shown as a prototype version of the 2013 RDX, the second generation of Acura’s five-passenger crossover SUV will feature a new engine, transmission and all-wheel drive system.
The 2013 RDX, scheduled to launch in Spring 2012, will have as standard equipment a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 273 hp (204 kW)—33 hp more than the outgoing model. For higher performance and improved fuel economy, the RDX makes use of a 6-speed automatic transmission with a new lock-up torque converter. The RDX also gets a new, lighter all-wheel-drive system.
Anticipated EPA fuel economy ratings are 20 mpg in the city (11.8 L/100km) and 28 mpg on the highway (8.4 L/100km).
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