Edmunds.com Announces 2015 Best Retained Value Awards

• Toyota and Acura Win Brand Awards
• 15 Car Companies Win Model Awards

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Toyota and Acura took home the top prizes in the fifth annual Edmunds.com Best Retained Value® Awards, which recognize the brands and 2015 models that have the highest projected residual values after five years based on their average “cash” True Market Value^® (TMV^®) price during their first five months in the market, or for vehicles introduced in November or December of 2014, through March 2015. Toyota won in the non-luxury division with a projected 52.4 percent residual value after five years, and Acura won the luxury crown with a projected five-year residual value of 46.9 percent.

In addition to these brand-level awards, Edmunds.com issued model-level awards in 24 separate segments. Toyota had four winners, the most of any brand. A full list of all 24 model winners can be found in Appendix 1 below and on Edmunds.com Best Retained Value® Awards page at http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/best-retained-value-cars.html.

“Smart car shoppers who are likely to sell their car within five years should always stop and consider projected residual values before making a new car purchase,” said Edmunds.com Consumer Advice Editor Carroll Lachnit. “Whether you are leasing or buying, the retained value of a car can make a big difference in your wallet.”

Each brand with both more than 100,000 unit sales in 2014, and models offered within at least four vehicle-type categories, was eligible for this year’s brand-level Best Retained Value® Awards. Each model year 2015 vehicle that both was launched by the end of 2014, and had unit sales in February 2015 that were at least 25 percent of the average unit sales for the models in its segment was eligible for this year’s model-level Best Retained Value® Awards. Edmunds determined each model’s category for the 2015 awards based on its body type segment; for certain categories, the size of the model within its body type segment; and for certain categories, the model’s price and/or its competitive segment.

More details on Edmunds.com’s Best Retained Value® Awards can be found at http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/best-retained-value-cars.html.

APPENDIX I

2015 Edmunds.com Best Retained Value® Awards 

Model-Level Winners

Segment	Make	Model	Average Retained Value after Five Years
Compact Car	Subaru	WRX	53.2%
Compact Crossover Suv	Honda	CR-V	55.2%
Midsize Truck	Toyota	Tacoma	64.5%
Entry Luxury Car	Acura	ILX	48.2%
Entry Luxury SUV	Acura	RDX	47.8%
Entry Sports Car	Dodge	Challenger	56.5%
Large Car	Toyota	Avalon	44.8%
Large Crossover SUV	GMC	Acadia	44.3%
Heavy Duty Truck	Ford	F-350 Super Duty	58.5%
Large Traditional SUV	GMC	Yukon	47.7%
Large Truck	Toyota	Tundra	57.2%
Midrange Luxury Car	Lexus	GS 350	46.3%
Midrange Luxury SUV	Lexus	GX 460	49.9%
Midrange Sports Car	Chevrolet	Corvette	52.2%
Midsize Car	Subaru	Legacy	48.5%
Midsize Crossover SUV	Toyota	Highlander	54.4%
Midsize Traditional SUV	Jeep	Wrangler	62.4%
Minivan	Honda	Odyssey	49.9%
Premium Luxury Car	Porsche	Panamera	44.7%
Premium Luxury SUV	Mercedes-Benz	G-Class	52.6%
Premium Sports Car	Nissan	GT-R	50.6%
Subcompact Car	Honda	Fit	54.5%
Small Commercial Van	Ford	Transit Connect	47.0%
Large Commercial Van	Ram	Promaster Cargo Van	44.1%

Acura NSX Concept to Debut in Gran Turismo®6

Best selling PlayStation® driving simulator to feature virtual Acura NSX Concept

Boosting the buzz about the return of its halo car, the NSX, Acura will get a virtual boost with hits car getting a starring role in the new release of Gran Turismo®6 (GT6) on PlayStation®3 system.

“Whether in the virtual world of Gran Turismo today, or on real-world roads and racing circuits less than two years from now, the Acura NSX will be an incredibly innovative and thrilling ride that delivers something entirely new to the world of super sports cars,” said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of Auto Operations at American Honda Motor, Co., Inc. “The wait is over for NSX fans eager to get behind the wheel of the next Acura supercar, and they can rest assured the actual production car will be even more amazing than the in-game concept version.”

The actual NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected and twin-turbocharged V-6 engine mated to Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system.

Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® is an all-new, three-motor high-performance hybrid system that combines torque vectoring all-wheel drive with advanced hybrid efficiency through the use of three electric motors – one motor integrated with the V-6 engine and its all-new dual-clutch transmission (DCT) driving the rear wheels, and two high-output electric motors driving the front wheels.

The all-new NSX is expected to go on sale in 2015.

Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Debut at LA Auto Show

Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD set to debut at Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 20, 2013.

RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is the most powerful and technologically advanced Acura sedan ever made, producing 377 horsepower; delivering V-8 power and 4-cylinder fuel economy

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 1, 2013 – The Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, the flagship of the Acura luxury-performance sedan lineup, will be on display at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 20, 2013.

Acura’s first luxury sedan to use hybrid powertrain technology and electric-powered all-wheel-drive, the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD delivers V8-like performance with 4-cylinder fuel economy, along with the outstanding handling and all-weather performance capabilities of Acura’s torque-vectoring Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.

The RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is the most powerful and technologically advanced Acura sedan ever made, and combines a 3.5-liter SOHC direct-injected i-VTEC V-6 engine with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and three high-output electric motors to produce a combined 377 horsepower and an EPA-rated 30 miles per gallon combined city-highway fuel economy.1

The RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD will join the 310-horsepower RLX with Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) in the Acura model line in 2014. The RLX P-AWS model made its world debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in 2012 and went on sale earlier this year.

Acura debuts campaign for new MDX: Made for Mankind

The 2014 Acura MDX Made For Mankind campaign.

BY GERRY MILES

Apparently needing to underscore the importance of its vehicle being used for daily use, Acura has rolled out a three-part media campaign called “The Extremely New MDX – Made for Mankind” to highlight the all-new 2014 MDX SUV.

The series will show how the luxo suv connects to the driver, the road and wherever they might be going – ahem, in style – in the national ad rollout

There are three distinct video concepts as part of the campaign.

1. “Human Race” is the anthem spot evoking Acura’s dedication to creating vehicles performing in harmony with the driver.
2. “Re-Invention” depicts how the MDX has been re-thought and improved to the point that the only remaining component of the previous generation model is a small metal bracket.
3. “Choose,” focuses on the MDX’s all-new Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) with three driving modes: Sport, Normal and Comfort to suit the tastes of the driver.

“The all-new 2014 MDX is the benchmark for luxury SUVs. We’ve advanced the current MDX’s already great dynamic performance, while improving fuel efficiency and luxury comfort and styling,” said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of automobile operations at Acura. “The new MDX campaign captures Acura’s unique perspective on luxury defined by the quality of the driving experience, where the vehicle performs at the will of the driver.”

Acura partnered with its new creative agency-of-record Mullen (Boston and LA) and with MediaVest, the new media agency-of-record for the brand, in the development of the new campaign. This is the first campaign from Mullen and MediaVest since the agencies were hired in March of this year.

“The most emotionally resonant big ideas are born from an absolute truth about a brand, and Acura’s own designers and engineers will tell you, everything they consider and eventually create starts with the human beings behind the wheel,” said Gary Robinson, manager, national advertising and brand at Acura. “Luxury as the result of synergy between man and machine. That harmony was our guide – and all of our work will seek to tell that story in ways that consistently elevate the brand’s prestige.”

The 2014 MDX went on sale at Acura dealerships nationwide on June 20, 2013. Built on a completely new platform, the seven-passenger 2014 Acura MDX offers outstanding ride comfort, a more versatile and luxurious cabin, increased fuel efficiency, advanced connectivity and exceptional dynamic performance. The MDX is also being offered for the first time in a more affordable and even more fuel-efficient two-wheel-drive configuration.

The “Human Race” TV spot can be seen by clicking here.

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the all-new MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and RLXluxury flagship sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sedan and Sport Wagon, the ILX compact luxury sedan, and the RDX luxury crossover SUV.

How to

• Connect with Acura:

• Consumer Information: http://www.acura.com
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Acura
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Acura_Insider
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/acura
• Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/acuranews
• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/acura
• Google+: https://plus.google.com/+acura

Jeep’s Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Acura Capture Edmunds.com’s 2013 Best Retained Value Awards

BY GERRY MILES

There’s few people, or companies, that don’t like receiving awards. Especially if the award notes your product has staying power, is desired and retains its value long after the sale.

The folks at Jeep and Acura are probably tired from smiling all week after Edmunds.com cited the brands for having the best retained value, in a  projected residual value estimation after five years of ownership after being sold new. Edmunds.com qualifies the new price as being based upon its own True Market Value (TMV).

Jeep won in the non-luxury division, while Acura won in luxury division. That Jeep is placed in a non-luxury grouping is curious, given the addition of specific model and the up-level packages that can be ordered to run the stickers right up into what many would consider a luxury price and ride…but, I digress. Jeep’s Wrangler and Grand Cherokee were noted for their value while Acura’s

“Jeep’s small lineup is led by two popular models – Wrangler and Grand Cherokee – that deliver big residual value for their owners. The Wrangler is especially vital to the brand because its retained value sits at an elite level matched by few other vehicles in any segment,” says Edmunds.com Director of Auto Remarketing Joe Spina. “Meanwhile, this is the second year in a row that Acura has won, and the brand clearly has done a great job distinguishing its value in a hypercompetitive luxury market.”

In addition to these brand-level awards, Edmunds.com issued model-level awards in 22 separate categories. Ford and Toyota tied for the most model winners with four apiece. A full list of all 22 model winners can be found in Appendix 1 below and on Edmunds.com’s Best Retained Value® Awards page at http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/best-retained-value-cars.html.

All vehicle makes with more than 100,000 unit sales in the U.S. in 2012 were eligible for this year’s brand-level Best Retained Value® Awards. All model-year 2013 vehicles that were launched by the end of 2012 and had unit sales in March 2013 that were at least 20 percent of the average unit sales for the models in its segment were eligible for this year’s model-level Best Retained Value® Awards. Edmunds determined each model’s competitive segment based on its body type and the sales-weighted average MSRP of all available styles (excluding destination charges) of that model’s body type.

More details on Edmunds.com’s Best Retained Value® Awards can be found at http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/best-retained-value-cars.html.

APPENDIX I

2013 Edmunds.com Best Retained Value® Awards
Model-Level Winners

Category	Make	Model	Retained Value^
Compact Truck	Toyota	Tacoma	60.2%
Convertible Under $35,000	Ford	Mustang	48.3%
Convertible $35K-$45K	Chevrolet	Camaro	46.6%
Convertible Over $45K	Ford	Shelby GT500	48.4%
Coupe Under $25,000	Honda	Civic	49.9%
Coupe $25K-$35K	Dodge	Challenger	54.5%
Coupe $35K-$45K	BMW	3 Series	45.2%
Coupe Over $45,000	Chevrolet	Corvette	49.6%
Hybrid	Toyota	Prius	47.4%
Large Light Duty Truck	Chevrolet	Silverado 1500	54.5%
Large Heavy Duty Truck	GMC	Sierra 3500HD	52.7%
Sedan Under $20,000	Ford	Focus	54.4%
Sedan $20K-$30K	Honda	Civic	50.9%
Sedan $30K-$40K	Dodge	Charger	47.8%
Sedan Over $40K	Porsche	Panamera	43.6%
SUV Under $25,000	Nissan	Rogue	48.2%
SUV $25K-$35K	Jeep	Wrangler	56.5%
SUV $35K-$45K	Toyota	4Runner	51.1%
SUV Over $45,000	Lexus	LX 570	50.5%
Vans	Honda	Odyssey	44.3%
Wagon Under $35,000	Toyota	Venza	48.9%
Wagon Over $35,000	Ford	Flex	43.4%

^ – Retained Value is the projected private party resale value after five years in the market and assuming 15,000 miles driven per year, expressed as a percentage of the True Market Value^® (TMV^®) price when sold new.

Acura sponsors ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’ with Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld with the NSX Concept in Acura’s First Super Bowl Commercial.

BY GERRY MILES

OK, we know that Seinfeld’s show was actually about nothing, but life in the world as it happened to a bunch of hapless friends in the Big Apple. We watched, we laughed, we had our own Festivus festivals and more.

Saab convertible sales got a boost as did many other things. So having Seinfeld do nothing actually does something to a brand, or brands in a show with someone who’s about marketing, brand recognition and publicity.

Thus, Acura, just signed as the sole sponsor of “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee,” the popular award-winning web series created by and starring Jerry Seinfeld, returning this summer to Crackle and http://www.ComediansInCarsGettingCoffee.com.  Acura will sponsor 24 new episodes to be released in 2013 and 2014.

Seinfeld, who previously worked with Acura and starred in the luxury automaker’s much-heralded 2012 Super Bowl commercial, will incorporate several unique product integrations, including the much-anticipated, all-new Acura MDX.

Instead of a show about nothing, it’s about driving, the fun of driving, having coffee and the subsequent costs of said java beans and what they’re driving by en route to a java joint. It’s great fun and entertainment, especially if you were one of the denizens who loved Seinfeld’s old show on network TV.

“We at ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’ are so glad a company we already admire has stepped forward to support us,” said Jerry Seinfeld. “Not everyone understood what we were doing. But like Moe Green who invented Las Vegas, Acura is a company of vision and guts. We could not be more thrilled to have them as our sponsor. Because of them, we advance!”

Sponsorship of the series was a natural fit for Acura, as the brand is inspired by those who are not afraid to defy convention. “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” achieves just that, boldly breaking away from traditional expectations, and Seinfeld is pushing the standards of entertainment. While the mediums are different, the end goals are the same – to be inspired by the taste-makers who are propelling the future forward.

“We love Jerry’s unconventional, fan-first approach of creating great content and trusting that the right people will find it,” said Mike Accavitti, Acura Senior Vice President of Auto Operations. “It is totally consistent with Acura’s organic approach of putting the customer first and building the vehicle around them.”

In terms of execution, Acura and Seinfeld are aligned on a unique approach, building content around the consumer – not the other way around. As the only sponsor the upcoming 24 episodes, Acura will integrate short, contextually relevant ads at the beginning and end of each episode.

Said Eric Berger, Executive Vice President of Digital Networks for Sony Pictures Television and General Manager of Crackle. “It’s a great fit to have Acura on board and through our exclusive partnership, we will be working closely to engage millions of fans around the fun, simple pleasures of driving.”

The breakout hit returns this summer, featuring Seinfeld’s conversations with comedy greats like David Letterman, Sarah Silverman, Chris Rock and Don Rickles.

Connect with Acura:

Consumer Information: http://www.acura.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Acura

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Acura_Insider

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/acura

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/acuranews

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/acura

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+acura

Acura’s 2014 RDX SUV to start at $34,250

The 2014 Acura RDX

BY GERRY MILES

Acura released the starting price of its new 2014 RDX SUV at $34,250 and accompanying packages today for its premium crossover vehicle. The starting MSRP does NOT include a delivery charge of $895 and any other registration fees and document charges, of course.

The redesigned RDX features a 273 hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system (available as a $1,400 option). The RDX exterior incorporates an aerodynamically efficient body with Amplitude Reactive Dampers and a motion adaptive electronic power steering system.

The Technology Package brings high-tech appointments such as AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™, a GPS-linked solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system, Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Sound System, a power-actuated rear tailgate, projector beam headlights with Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs and front fog lights.

A new Kona Coffee exterior paint replaces the 2013 Amber Brownstone paint choice for 2014.
The 2014 RDX is produced (using U.S. and globally sourced parts) exclusively by the company’s East Liberty, Ohio plant home to one of four Honda plants ranked among the top five-rated assembly lines in North America in the J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS).

TRIM	MSRP*	EPA**
RDX	$34,520	20/28/23
RDX with Technology Package	$38,220	20/28/23
RDX with AWD	$35,920	19/27/22
RDX with AWD and Technology Package	$39,620	19/27/22

2014 Acura MDX to Restake Luxury Benchmark at New York Auto Show

Third-Gen MDX looks to redefine 7-passenger LuxoSUV segment

BY GERRY MILES

The 2014 Third Generation Acura MDX SUV will take Manhattan March 27 just after noon (12:10 pm) at the New York Auto Show showing off three-row SUV luxury refinement and the ability to accommodate seven passengers in style on a totally new platform.

Power will be derived from a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) offered in both SH-AWD and 2-wheel-drive drivetrains. The 2WD setting being a first for the model.

The 2014 MDX features a longer wheelbase that raises ride quality, increases second-row legroom, and improves third-row seat access. In addition, the 2014 Acura MDX harnesses a collection of Acura signature technologies, including the next-generation of the AcuraLink® Connectivity System and Jewel Eye™ LED headlamps.

The 2014 MDX will offer some innovative driver assistive and visibility technologies such as the Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and the available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, and Blind Spot Information (BSI). The third-generation MDX is also equipped with a broad array of advanced safety technologies, including the next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure and the available Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems. Further, the 2014 MDX is expected to achieve top-level safety ratings, including a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the IIHS.

Shortly after, the recorded press conference will be available for view on  www.youtube.com/acura.

Will Acura’s new RLX become … Legend-ary?

BY GERRY MILES Everyone knows how tough it is to follow a legend. Ask Jay Leno about Johnny Carson, Carl Yastrzemski about following Ted Williams in left field for the Boston Red Sox, or anyone at Acura about the models that have had to follow their best flagship car – the Legend. Since then there have been hits and misses, but the Legend stands out as the marque’s standard bearer. With a new 310 hp engine, more standard features that includes industry and Acura firsts and more, Acura hopes to quell the echoes and reminders that Legend was its best. The model is offered in five different ways, begins at $48,450 and up to $60K with  a raft of features that should make it quite desirable and certainly worth a look-see. The official Acura presser with details follows below.

Acura’s official press release

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 15, 2013 – Acura announced today the all-new 2014 RLX is the most powerful, spacious, and technologically advanced sedan introduced by the luxury brand. Powered by an all-new 310-horsepower direct-injected V-6 engine, and featuring an array of Acura signature technologies, including Precision All-Wheel Steer™, Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, and the next generation of the AcuraLink® connected car system, the RLX delivers new levels of technology-enhanced performance, comfort and convenience in Acura’s flagship sedan.Using smart packaging, advanced aerodynamics, and lightweight body design, along with fuel-saving i-VTEC with Variable Cylinder Management engine technology, the RLX delivers the most spacious five-passenger seating in its class along with a top-class EPA fuel economy rating of 20/31/24 mpg (city/highway/combined)1.With a longer wheelbase and wider greenhouse than competing mid-luxury sedans, the new RLX delivers full-size interior space in a nimbler, mid-size luxury sedan package.  The RLX boasts the longest rear-seat legroom (38.8 inches), and best front (59.6 inches) and rear (57.0 inches) shoulder room in the mid-luxury class. The RLX advanced body design makes extensive use of high-strength steel and aluminum, further aiding its outstanding fuel efficiency, straight-line performance, and superior handling agility.The new RLX reaches higher and farther into the high-end luxury sedan market with an incredible array of advanced safety, driver-assistive, and information and media technologies, including the standard next-generation AcuraLink™ connected car system, and Multi-Angle Rearview Camera; along with available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Blind Spot Information (BSI) system. Safety systems available on the RLX include technologies such as Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Utilizing Acura’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure, along with seven airbags (including new driver’s knee airbag), the RLX is anticipated to earn top-level safety ratings – a 5-star NCAP Overall Vehicle Score, and IIHS “TOP SAFETY PICK+” rating, including a GOOD rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal collision test. TRIM  MSRP* RLX $48,450 RLX with Navigation $50,950 RLX with Technology Package $54,450 RLX with Krell Audio Package $56,950 RLX with Advance Package $60,450 World technology firsts Jewel-Eye™ LED headlights enhance the RLX’s modern and distinctive appearance while providing outstanding light distribution and improved down-the-road illumination. Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS) continuously monitors and calculates the correct amount of independent rear-wheel steering (toe angle) necessary to help the RLX meet driving conditions with the utmost ease and stability. Scheduled to debut on the 2014 RLX, Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD) is an innovative new drive system that blends hybrid power with Acura’s advanced Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). (More information on the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD will be provided prior to its on-sale date.) Engineered by one of the world’s most premium audio companies, the available 14-speaker Krell premium audio system sets a new benchmark in automotive audio performance (RLX with Krell Audio package and RLX with Advance package trims). U.S. Technology Firsts The available next-generation AcuraLink™ delivers a bevy of new information, media, convenience, and security services via embedded two-way communications and web-enabled devices, including AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ featuring freeway traffic and all-new surface street traffic. The available Front seatbelt e-pretensioners use electronic controls to reduce tension for a more comfortable seatbelt experience during normal driving conditions. This is the first seatbelt tensioning system to incorporate yaw movement as well as braking. Acura Technology Firsts Acura’s first direct injected engine contributes to the 3.5-liter V-6 engine’s high performance, low emissions, and 20/31/24 mpg EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy rating.1 Double wishbone, double joint front suspension optimizes suspension geometry to significantly improve agility, driver confidence and ride sophistication. Agile Handling Assist uses active braking to help the driver smoothly and easily trace the desired line through a curve with smaller steering inputs. The available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow allows the RLX to independently maintain a set following distance in low-speed traffic conditions, including stop and go traffic, and to initiate vehicle braking when necessary. The available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) uses a camera to detect lane markings on the road and actively assist the driver in keeping the car in a detected lane. Forward Collision Warning (FCW) uses a camera mounted in the upper portion of the windshield to detect vehicles ahead of the RLX and audibly and visually alert the driver when it determines that a collision with a detected vehicle is imminent. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) uses the same windshield-mounted camera as the FCW system to detect lane markings on the road and alert the driver if the vehicle is wandering from a detected lane. Electric Parking Brake provides one-touch parking brake activation.  Automatic Brake Hold maintains the vehicle’s position for up to ten (10) minutes without the driver having to maintain pressure on the brake pedal. Braking is released when the driver steps on the accelerator pedal. The RLX’s available retractable door mirrors can be configured to automatically retract when the doors are locked, and then automatically extend when the doors are unlocked. Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines uses active guidelines that curve, displaying the amount of steering wheel input on the display to aid in backup maneuvers. Capless fueling eliminates the fuel cap and improves ease of fueling. A driver’s side knee airbag is designed to help keep the driver in a proper seating position in the event of a moderate to severe frontal collision. RLX MODEL RANGE   – five grades: well-equipped RLX RLX with Navigation feature-packed RLX with Technology package RLX with Krell Audio package top-of-the-line RLX with Advance package. Major RLX standard features by grade are as follows: RLX All-new 3.5-liter Direct Injection SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation system Re-engineered Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters Precision All-Wheel Steer™ Jewel Eye™ LED headlights 18-inch noise-reducing alloy wheels Michelin 245/45 R18 M+S all-season tires Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control Expanded view driver’s mirror Multi-angle rearview camera Electric parking brake Smart Entry (front doors and trunk) with Push Button start Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob Heated 12-way adjustable (8-way power plus 4-way power lumbar support) front seats Power tilt and telescoping steering column 8-inch color audio/information screen 7-inch On-Demand Multi-Use Display™ with audible and tactile feedback Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® Acura/ELS® audio system (10-speaker) XM Radio® HD radio USB port AUX jack Auto-dimming rearview mirror Power tilt/slide moonroof Tri-zone automatic climate control HomeLink® Auto on/off headlights Leather-wrapped shift knob Power door lock/unlock Power heated side mirrors with reverse interlocking autotilt down One-touch turn signals Capless fueling RLX with Navigation Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ Next-generation AcuraLink® Color Multi-Information Display (MID) RLX with Technology 19-inch noise-reducing alloy wheels Michelin 245/40 R19 M+S all-season tires Premium Milano leather seats Blind Spot Information system (BSI) Acura/ELS Studio® Premium Audio System (14-speaker) Acoustic glass (windshield, front and rear door windows) Rain sensing windshield wipers Power retractable side mirrors Smart Entry (all four doors and trunk) with Push Button start RLX with Krell Audio Krell ultra-premium audio system (14-speaker) Expanded rear door sunshade Power operated rear window sunshade RLX with Advance Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) Parking sensors (2 front/4 rear) Ventilated front seats Heated rear seats Rear seat foot light Auto-dimming side mirror POWERTRAIN The 2014 RLX is powered by an all-new, 310 hp, 3.5-liter Direct Injection SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 engine matched to a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. This is the first Acura production car to feature “Earth Dreams Technology,” which is comprised of a next-generation set of technological advancements to the engine, which greatly enhance both driving performance and fuel efficiency. Rated at 310 horsepower and 272 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net), the V-6 powerplant in the RLX develops an additional 10 horsepower and 1 lb.-ft. of torque compared to the 3.7-liter engine equipped in the RL. For exceptional drivability, the RLX’s new 3.5-liter engine produces in excess of 90 percent of its peak torque over a very broad range of engine speeds, from 2,000 rpm to 6,600 rpm. The new engine has impressive EPA- fuel economy ratings for a luxury sedan, with ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The 3.5-liter engine meets the stringent ULEV-2 California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions rating. BODY The 2014 RLX is larger than the previous RL model in several key exterior dimensions, including width, wheelbase, and front and rear track.  The wheelbase, at 112.2 inches, is two inches longer than the previous RL model, providing more rear passenger room and improving the ride quality in the process. At 74.4 inches wide, the RLX is also a substantial 1.7 inches wider than the previous RL model. Static and dynamic rigidity and rear lateral stiffness are significantly improved. To increase stiffness and rigidity in key areas without increasing weight, 55 percent of the RLX body in white is made from high-strength steel. Hot-stamped high-strength steel is used in key areas for enhanced safety collision performance, with the added benefit of anticipated high scores in narrow offset, side impact, and roof strength tests. Extensive use of aluminum body components in key areas saves 76.1 pounds compared to traditional all-steel construction. The 2014 RLX features the world’s first Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, which offer outstanding light distribution and excellent down-the-road illumination performance and light characteristics. The RLX taillights utilize periphery LED illumination that is both effective and highly distinctive. CHASSIS The standard Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) system on the RLX continuously monitors and calculates the correct amount of independent rear-wheel steering (toe angle) necessary for driving conditions. As the industry’s first left/right independent rear-wheel toe angle control system, P-AWS uses an all-electric system that enhances driving dynamics. In front, the RLX’s new double-wishbone, lower double-joint front suspension with Amplitude Reactive Dampers significantly improves handling agility, driver confidence and security, and ride sophistication. In back, the RLX’s multi-link rear suspension is optimized for a flat ride during cornering, confident turning capability, and a smooth ride in a variety of urban, highway and open road scenarios. Available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to set a desired speed and a distance interval behind a vehicle detected ahead, allowing the use of cruise control in light traffic. This system is combined with a new Low-Speed Follow capability, which extends the automatic following capability when traffic slows below the set speed. If the vehicle detected ahead is in range of the system and comes to a stop, the RLX will also come to a stop. When the vehicle ahead moves forward, the vehicle icon on the multi-information display will start to blink. With a press of a steering wheel-mounted button or a press of the accelerator pedal, the RLX will resume the prior set speed. The RLX’s high-efficiency Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) enhances vehicle stability when cornering. If vehicle understeer or oversteer is detected, the system selectively reduces power and/or brakes individual wheels to help correct the condition and stabilize the vehicle. Finally, the available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) scans the road ahead to actively assist the driver in driving in the middle of a detected lane. The RLX and RLX with Navigation grades feature 7-spoke 18x8J noise-reducing alloy wheels while the Technology, Krell Audio and Advance grades feature larger 19x8J noise-reducing alloy wheels. The special noise-reducing design lowers tire noise by 7-decibels across the audible frequency range. INTERIOR OVERVIEW The 2014 RLX interior is an all-new design that combines welcoming five–passenger comfort with by far the most luxury and technology ever offered in an Acura. High-end premium elements like a carefully stitched leather instrument panel cover, soft-touch materials, premium finishes and rich wood-grain accents combine with an intuitive new control layout to create a distinctive environment in tune with this luxury performance sedan’s clearly defined sporting character. Passenger space has increased in key dimensions compared to the 2012 RL, with more shoulder room front and rear. Rear seat legroom has been increased a substantial 2.5-inches. Heated 12-way adjustable (8-way power plus 4-way power lumbar support) front seats are standard, offering all-day comfort along with abundant lateral support for aggressive driving. Standard tri-zone climate control ensures passenger comfort throughout the cabin. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are standard in the Advance grade. Rich, luxurious stain-resistant Milano leather seating is standard in the RLX with Technology package and higher grades; the base grade has synthetic leather-trimmed seating. With the expanded range of standard and available technology features built into the RLX, substantial engineering effort was put into making each feature intuitive and easy-to-use. The focal point of the new instrument panel is a large, 8-inch color audio/information screen that provides a range of useful information and access to an array of customizable features. When equipped with a navigation system, the screen positioned in this same location combines audio/information and navigation functions. A 7-inch color On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD) touchscreen is positioned within easy reach controls the audio system and many other features. A secondary large, 8-inch color audio/information screen provides a range of useful information and access to an array of customizable features. The RLX is equipped with the next-generation AcuraLink® cloud-based connected car system, delivering a comprehensive array of media, convenience, and security services via embedded two-way communications and web-enabled devices. AcuraLink® leverages Pandora® interface for streaming audio and the Aha™ by Harman cloud-based interface to provide users with thousands of customizable cloud-based news, information and media feeds. The next-generation AcuraLink® also delivers an array of available, subscription-based, security and convenience features, such as AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ featuring freeway traffic and, for the first time, surface street traffic information. The new generation of the system makes its debut in navigation-equipped trims of the 2014 Acura RLX, and will be available with three-tiers of service: the Standard Package, which is complimentary for three years, and the Connect and Premium Packages, which are subscriber-based services providing new levels of connectivity for the luxury customer. Exceptional audio performance has long been an Acura hallmark, and in the RLX, three audio systems are offered, starting with an impressive Acura/ELS® 10-speaker sound system. In the RLX Technology grade, the Acura/ELS Studio® Premium Audio System is standard, with an advanced 14-speaker array. In the Krell Audio and Advance grades, the 14-speaker Krell system — with speakers and amplifiers engineered over the last four years by one of the most respected audio companies in world — sets a new benchmark in automotive audio performance. New Interior Technology Tri-zone automatic climate control Multi-view rearview camera with dynamic guidelines 8-inch color audio/information screen 7-inch On-Demand Multi-Use Display™ with audio and tactile feedback Coded Valet Mode Acura/ELS® Premium 10-speaker sound system Available Acura/ELS® Studio® Premium 14-speaker audio system Available Krell 14-speaker ultra-premium audio system Available color MID (between tachometer and speedometer) Available surface-street traffic rerouting Available Lane Keeping Assist System Available Blind Spot Information (BSI) system Available Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow Available next-generation AcuraLink® (Standard, Connect and Premium packages) Pandora® interface Aha™ interface SMS text messaging3 function E-mail function SAFETY AND SECURITY The new 2014 Acura RLX is equipped with a long list of standard and available safety technologies. The RLX is anticipated to earn a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a “TOP SAFETY PICK+” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a GOOD rating in the Institute’s new small overlap frontal collision test. Active safety technologies include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Passive safety features include a next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure, dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front side airbags, side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors, driver’s knee airbag, front seat head restraints, and front seatbelt e-pretensioners. The RLX is equipped with Acura’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II(ACE™ II) body structure, which uses interconnected front frame members designed to absorb and redirect crash energy around the passenger cabin in a frontal collision.