Supercar News: Ferrari at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show - GTC4Lusso, California T Handling Speciale & More

GTC4Lusso unveiling

At the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari unveiled the new GTC4Lusso (this is a reworked Ferrari FF with a new name and lots of improvements), displayed the California T with the new Handling Speciale Package which sharpens the handling of the Cali and a California T Tailor Made which shows off what you can do with a Cali if you do not want the normal but already very nice stuff in it as well as the F12, 488GTB and other cars too.

Just thought I'd share with you guys out there some photos of the latest Ferrari over at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Fresh from the mailroom. Oh, and the official Press Release is down below too....if you like reading about them instead of just drooling.

California T Handling Speciale

 California T Tailor Made

GTC4Lusso

PRESS RELEASE

The Ferrari GTC4Lusso debuts: a unique mix of benchmark sports car performance, all-weather versatility and sublime elegance

Also on the stand the California T featuring the new Handling Speciale package

Geneva, 1 March 2016 - The Ferrari GTC4Lusso which premieres at the Geneva Motor Show is a new four-seater model that integrates rear-wheel steering with four-wheel drive for the first time, hailing another major advance for the versatile sporty Grand Tourer concept.  

A white GTC4Lusso

As Ferrari’s latest interpretation of the four-seater, a configuration that holds a very special place in Maranello tradition, the GTC4Lusso makes exhilarating Prancing Horse sports car performance and elegance available to four rather than just two occupants. 

Thanks to a 6,262cc V12 that punches out a maximum of 690 cv at a 8,000 rpm and peak torque of 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm, with 80% available at just 1,750 rpm, the GTC4Lusso delivers an astonishing top speed of 335 km/h and sprints from 0 to 100 km in 3.4 seconds. Both its 13.5:1 compression ratio and its 2.6 kg/cv weight-to-power-ratio set new records for the category.

Seamless integration of its complex vehicle dynamics control systems means the powerful GTC4Lusso performs brilliantly in all driving situations, but really comes into its own on challenging low-grip surfaces, delivering a consistent sense of stability and comfort.

Based on the latest, fourth generation of the Side Slip Control, the new Ferrari-patented 4RM-S system integrates and controls the 4RM Evo four-wheel drive’s PTU (Power Transfer Unit), the rear-wheel steering, E-Diff and SCM-E active damping.

Penned by Ferrari Design, the GTC4Lusso is a further refinement of the shooting brake coupé, reinterpreting the concept with an extremely streamlined, tapered shape that underscores its perfect balance of elegance and sportiness whilst still incorporating large comfortable rear seats and a roomy boot behind them. At the front, the new Dual Cockpit architecture enhances the shared driving experience for both driver and passenger. In fact, four plush wraparound seats and the cabin’s meticulously crafted quality materials create the same ambience as a luxurious living space for all occupants. One of the selection criteria for the materials adopted was weight reduction to heighten the sense of sporty luxury typical of a thoroughbred Ferrari.  The navigation and infotainment platform, featuring a 10.25” HD screen with capacitive touch technology, is new, too.

The Ferrari stand at Geneva showcases two examples of the GTC4Lusso: the first is finished in a Bianco Italia livery with a Blu Sterling interior, a Low-e panoramic roof to keep the cabin temperature constant even on the sunniest of days, and diamond-finish forged wheels, while the second has classic Grigio Ferro Met bodywork with a Cognac semi-aniline leather cabin. Both cars feature the new 8.8” touchscreen passenger display as well as Apple CarPlay and an upgraded audio system.  

Ferrari is also using the Geneva event to present the new Handling Speciale (HS) package for the California T. This V8 model with retractable hard top and 2+ seating configuration delivers such a perfect combination of performance and versatility that it has become the benchmark for its segment. The optional technical content on the Handling Speciale is designed for owners that appreciate the California T’s versatility and GT prowess but will also relish the extra sporty edge delivered by a series of a new set-up and specific calibrations.

Aside from stiffer springs to increase body control with lower roll, dive and pitch, the gear-shift logic for the Manettino’s Sport setting has been modified which translates into faster, sportier gear selection. A new strategy for the SCM3 magnetorheological dampers improves dynamic behaviour by boosting both the system’s response speed and control. Revised F1-Trac logics helps ensure even better acceleration, too.

The HS package also includes a new exhaust which delivers a fuller, richer sound very much in tune with the car’s character. It introduces several aesthetic features such as the new front grille in matte Grigio Ferro Met and the rear diffuser in the same colour with matte black fences and matte black tailpipes. The car showcasing the package has a two-tone livery comprising Rosso Corsa Met bodywork and Nero Stellato roof.  Its black interior features a slew of carbon-fibre details.

Also present is a California T Tailor Made inspired by the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB. This is a particularly sporty but refined 8-cylinder featuring a Grigio Scuro livery and a dark red racing stripe with a Heritage Bordeaux leather interior. It also boasts detailing such as a black grille and black diffuser with red fences and chrome tailpipes.

The 488 GTB on show has Argento Nürburgring bodywork and a Nero Stellato roof while the  F12berlinetta is clothed in a Rosso Berlinetta livery with a Cuoio leather interior and carbon-fibre interior and exterior accents. 

The GT cars are flanked by the Formula 1 single-seater, the SF15-T, in homage to Ferrari’s inextricable links to the track on the eve of the start of the new F1 season. 

SSC Ultimate Aero TT

SSC Ultimate Aero is a powerful engine sports car produced by Shelby Supercars. SSC Ultimate Aero TT valuable is the world's fastest production car, moving at a top speed of 257 mph.

The new version, known as the 2009 SSC Ultimate Aero has been modified where some changes have been added to the exterior, interior, and an increase in horsepower by about 15%. The most important change is the single piece of aluminum engine block that enhances the ability of oiling and structure of the machine, so that the SSC Ultimate Aero produces an output of about 1,287 horsepower.

At a cost of $ 654,000 and with a newly designed engine, the Ultimate Aero can reach a maximum speed of 270 mph, which is a world record speed. It can reach from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds. The front face of the car has been redesigned with improved aerodynamics and carbon fiber that draws air an additional 20% to radiators for better cooling.

AeroBrakeTM system has been introduced in this car which is a rear spoiler system that can be controlled by the switch. Speed ​​spoiler can be adjusted depending on the pressure applied to the brake pedal.

Interior mostly designed from carbon fiber that binds the door, the steering column, the speedometer and tachometer.

In 2009, SSC updated the Ultimate Aero TT, with the new version having an increase in power of 15% over the older model. SSC predicts a top speed of over 270 mph (430 km/h) is possible. In order to prevent the engine from overheating, airflow to the engine has been increased 20% with new carbon fiber louvers. The nose has been redesigned to make the car more aerodynamic, and the interior has been redesigned. The new Aero also has a new AeroBrake system, which is a spoiler that rises up to 8 in (203.2 mm) when the brake is pressed. This updated model reached a top speed of 257.41 mph (414.26 km/h) in a test, according to SSC.

Technical specification (2009 Ultimate Aero TT)

Engine - Twin-turbocharged 387.2 cu in (6,345 cc) SSC V8
Horsepower - 1,287 bhp (960 kW; 1,305 PS) @ 6075 rpm
Torque - 1,112 lb·ft (1,508 N·m; 154 kg·m) @ 6150 rpm
Redline - 7200 rpmMax Speed - 257.41 mph (414.26 km/h)
Dry Weight - 2,750 lb (1,247 kg)
Length - 176.2 in (4,475.5 mm)

Acura MDX, 2014

 

 

 

 

Acura unveiled the all-new 2014 MDX luxury SUV at the 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Built on a completely new platform, the seven-passenger MDX offers improved ride comfort, a more versatile and luxurious cabin, increased fuel efficiency and enhanced dynamic performance. The MDX will also be offered for the first time in a more affordable and even more fuel-efficient two-wheel-drive configuration.

Powertrain
The 2014 Acura MDX is powered by an all-new direct-injected 24-valve 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™), producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque. The MDX's engine architecture is shared with two racecars that recently finished First and Second in the LMP2 class at the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Employing a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode and Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters, the new Acura MDX will be offered in both Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) and two-wheel-drive drivetrain variants, both featuring Acura's new Agile Handling Assist technology.

Matched to the highly efficient Earth Dreams Technology engine and the SH-AWD drivetrain, the 2014 MDX has an EPA fuel economy rating of 18/27/21 mpg (city/highway/combined), while the new front-wheel-drive model is EPA rated at 20/28/23 mpg (city/highway/combined).

While achieving even higher fuel economy ratings, the MDX remains a true driver's SUV with enhanced dynamic performance, including quicker acceleration, more responsive braking and even more precise steering feel. Tuned and tested on the grueling Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany, the lighter and more dynamic new 2014 MDX with SH-AWD bests the previous model's lap time by eight seconds.

To satisfy the preferences of multiple drivers in any family, the 2014 MDX features an all-new Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) with three modes: Sport, Normal and Comfort. IDS adjusts steering effort, throttle response, SH-AWD and active sound to suit the tastes of the driver. The Acura MDX's new Amplitude Reactive Dampers, MacPherson strut front suspension and new multi-link rear suspension enable its more nimble and responsive handling and improved ride quality. 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 245/60-18 tires come standard on the MDX. Technology and Advance grades are equipped with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 245/55-19 tires.

Body and Styling
The 2014 MDX body applies more than 55 percent advanced lightweight materials - including high strength steel, aluminum and magnesium - resulting in a vehicle that is both more rigid and lightweight, with total vehicle weight reduced 275 pounds from the previous model. Measuring 193.6 inches in overall length, 77.2 inches in overall width (excluding door mirrors), 67.6 inches in overall height, and riding on a 111-inch wheelbase (up 2.75 inches from the previous model), the new MDX boasts an "Executive Aero Sculpture" exterior design that lends it a sleek, tailored and sophisticated appearance. The aerodynamic body design - refined by engineers in a new wind tunnel at the company's Ohio R&D center - helps the MDX achieve a more than 17 percent improvement in aerodynamic efficiency, making it one of the most aerodynamic and fuel-efficient luxury SUVs on the road.

The 2014 Acura MDX also takes a big step up in luxury comfort and quiet. The MDX's dynamically tuned platform, more airtight body and triple path isolated dampers, along with the use of new sound-deadening materials, such as acoustic glass and expanding body sealers, and Active Noise Control technology, make this the quietest and most composed MDX yet.

The Interior
Equally adept at carrying clients and kids, the new MDX boasts a luxurious and versatile interior. The revised body dimensions and new, more compact multi-link rear suspension, combined with innovative new technologies on the second-row seats, significantly improve third-row access and all-around passenger comfort. Third-row ingress and egress is significantly improved by a two-inch lower step-in height and three-inch wider entryway, and by the introduction of a new One-Touch Walk-In feature. With a single press of the illuminated One-Touch Walk-In button, the second-row seats automatically fold and slide to their forward-most position. The second-row seats now feature a four-position recline and a new Extended Slide capability that provides six inches of total fore-aft seat adjustment for optimal balance between second- and third-row legroom. Rear cargo capacity is also improved and includes a new underfloor storage area.

Up front, there is a 10-way power adjustable and heated driver's seat and an 8-way power and heated passenger seat. The Acura MDX also addresses a major shortcoming of many luxury SUVs - available front-seat storage space - with a spacious new center console that can accommodate a purse, laptop case, or a pair of iPads®. The MDX's luxury quotient is further boosted by its upgraded interior appointments, including premium leather-trimmed interior, silver plated accents, LED overhead and cabin accent lighting, along with new optional luxury features, such as Smart Entry, second-row sunshades, remote engine start, and auto-linked air conditioning and climate-controlled seats.

The Acura Signature Technology
In addition, the 2014 Acura MDX harnesses a range of Acura signature technologies, including Acura Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, more powerful Acura/ELS Studio premium audio system, and the next-generation AcuraLink™ connectivity system with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™, featuring freeway traffic and surface street conditions (free for the first three years). In addition to the traffic services, the AcuraLink™ cloud-based connected car system offers an assortment of media, convenience, information and security features via an embedded cellular system and compatible web-enabled smartphones.

Both the AcuraLink™ and Acura/ELS Studio system take advantage of a 7-inch color On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD) touchscreen with haptic feedback and an 8-inch Color Information Display. The addition of the ODMD, along with other interior changes, allowed engineers to reduce the number of hard buttons in the center stack from 41 to just nine. The available Entertainment package adds a DVD Rear Entertainment system with a 9-inch full VGA screen for the rear seats, while the Advance package replaces the 9-inch monitor with an ultra-wide, 16.2-inch full VGA screen with HDMI compatibility for devices such as a game console.

The 2014 MDX offers a host of innovative driver assistive and visibility technologies, including a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information (BSI), and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).

Safety
The third-generation Acura MDX is expected to achieve top-level safety ratings, including a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including the highest possible rating of GOOD in the Institute's new small-offset frontal collision test.

The new MDX is equipped with a broad array of advanced safety technologies, including the next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure, 4-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, and airbags (front, front side, driver's knee and side curtain with rollover sensor), as well as the available Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems.

The 2014 Acura MDX is scheduled to go on sale at U.S. Acura dealers nationwide in the summer of 2013 and will be available in four grades - the well-equipped MDX, the robust Acura MDX with Technology package, the rear-passenger-friendly MDX with Technology and Entertainment packages, and the top-of-the-line MDX with Advance and Entertainment packages. The 2014 MDX was designed and developed in the U.S. and will be built at the Lincoln, Alabama plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Acura ILX Endurance Racer, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

Developed and prepared by Team Honda Research-West, a competition version of the new 2013 Acura ILX will be unveiled the 2012 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, prior to making its competition debut at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race.

A pair of E1 class Acura ILX sedans, prepared to NASA U.S. Touring Car specs, will be entered for the traditional 25-hour endurance race that annually concludes the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) season at the challenging three-mile Thunderhill road course north of Sacramento, California.

Team Honda Research-West (THR-W) is primarily made up of Torrance, California-based associates from Honda R&D Americas, Inc., who work after-hours to showcase Honda and Acura products on the track. The team received a pair of new Acura ILX "body in white" bare chassis earlier this year from Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC, the exclusive global production source for the model. Additionally, a pair of "donor" cars from American Honda Motor Co., Inc. was used to provide suspension, powertrain, interior and electronic components.

Once the chassis and donor cars were delivered to the THR-W workshop, an extensive build program commenced that included the use of as many OEM components as possible, to retain serviceability and test outright durability of Acura's newest sedan. In preparing the cars for the grueling Thunderhill event, THR-W members focused their efforts less on performance modifications and more on reducing vehicle weight, to achieve the performance targets set by the team.

Safety equipment required by NASA included a full roll cage (designed by THR-W and built by Solo Motorsports); Bride Gardis III race seat; OMP competition steering wheel; Schroth safety harness; Brockway Engineering D Gauge digital OBD2 gauge; and Braille lightweight battery. Changes to the exterior included a Baja Designs LED lighting system for long winter night-running, a THR-W-designed front splitter and an APR GTC-200 rear spoiler.

Red Line oil lubricates the K24Z7 engine and 6-speed transmission. Cold air enters the engine through an AEM intake, while DEI heat rejection products help keep the heat under control from exhaust gases flowing through the custom-built AEM/120 Racing exhaust. H&R suspension and Enkei RPF1 wheels fitted with BF Goodrich R1 race tires complete the Acura ILX competition package.

Honda Performance Development (HPD), responsible for Honda racing programs ranging from entry-level categories to the IZOD IndyCar Series and World Endurance Championship, also contributed several racing-specific components to the ILX project. These included an HPD-lightened flywheel and racing clutch package, limited-slip differential, motor mounts, anti-roll bars and rear upper suspension control arms. All of these parts are available to racers through the HPD Honda Racing Line program.

The THR-W build team for the ILX includes a number of engineers and researchers from Honda R&D Americas (HRA). The team is headed by Project Leader Calvin Liu, a Design Engineer in the Surface Development Department. John Whiteman, Manager of the Advanced Product Planning Department, is responsible for race strategy and sponsorship. David Kirsch, Senior Engineer in the Information Technical Research Department, serves as Crew Chief and is responsible for the electrical system. Roy Richards, a coordinator in the Energy and Environmental Research Group, is responsible for budget and procurement of components for the team.

Once the initial build was complete, a testing program that included a pair of shakedown runs at Buttonwillow Raceway in southern California, followed by a more extensive run at Willow Springs International Raceway, was implemented to complete final preparations for Thunderhill.

The driving team for Thunderhill is headed by Matt Staal, Senior Planner, Advanced Product Planning, for HRA. Other members of the driver lineup include Project Leader Calvin Liu; Derek Ferretti, a Senior Modeler in the Styling Division at HRA; Sage Marie, Senior Manager of Public Relations at American Honda; Lee Niffenegger, a former SCCA National Champion and Senior Engineer in Business Development at HPD; Lawrence Hwang, Senior Stylist at HRA; Scott Nichol from Honda of Canada Manufacturing; Chad Gilsinger, a former SCCA National Champion and Senior Engineer at HRA in Ohio: and Brian Shanfeld, a former NASA National Champion, also from HRA in Ohio.

Acura RLX, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acura took the wraps off its all-new 2014 RLX luxury-performance sedan - the most powerful, spacious, and technologically advanced Acura sedan, ever. In keeping with the Man-Machine Synergy direction of the Acura brand, the RLX utilizes an all-new direct-injection engine, lightweight body structure, and the first-ever application of Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer™ to deliver a new and dynamic driving experience unlike that of any other luxury performance sedans. The next-generation AcuraLink® cloud-based connected car system makes its debut on the new Acura RLX, offering a broad range of convenience, entertainment and security features.

The 2014 Acura RLX is powered by an all-new 310-horsepower direct-injected SOHC 24-Valve i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management, and is expected to earn best-in-class estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 20/31/24 mpg (city/highway/combined). The new Acura RLX delivers full-size interior space in a nimbler, mid-size luxury sedan package and boasts the best rear-seat legroom (38.8 inches), longest tandem seating distance (36.4 inches), and best front and rear shoulder room in the mid-luxury class.

Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS) is the world's first technology to feature independent and continuous control of the left and right rear-wheel steering (toe) angles to achieve new levels of handling agility, high- and low-speed maneuverability, and confident handling control for a two-wheel-drive luxury sedan.

As previously announced, a version of RLX featuring Acura's new Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive® (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD®) technology, producing 370 horsepower with expected fuel economy ratings of 30 city/30 highway/30 combined, will debut later in 2013.

The new Acura RLX will confidently compete in the high-end luxury sedan market with an incredible array of leading-edge technologies - including the next-generation AcuraLink™ connectivity system with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ featuring freeway traffic and all-new surface street conditions, the Lane Keeping Assist System and Forward Collision Warning safety systems, and new driver-assistive technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Agile Handling Assist dynamic braking technology and Jewel Eye™ LED headlights.

The 2014 Acura RLX is slated to go on-sale at U.S. Acura dealers nationwide in the spring of 2013 and will be available in five grades - the well-equipped RLX, the RLX with Navigation, the feature-packed RLX with Technology package, the Acura RLX with Krell Audio package, and the top-of-the-line RLX with Advance package. Pricing details will be announced closer to launch.

Exterior Design and Function
The RLX follows an "aero-fused" exterior design motif with its wide and athletic stance, sharp upswept bodylines, aerodynamic greenhouse, and distinctive new Jewel-Eye™ LED headlights offering improved down-the-road illumination. The RLX's sleek upper body and numerous other aerodynamic features result in aerodynamic efficiency to best-in-class levels.

Seven spoke 18x8J aluminum-alloy wheels and 245/45 R18 all-weather tires are standard, while Technology, Krell and Advance grades feature 19x8J wheels and 245/40 R19 tires. The Acura RLX's alloy wheels also feature a noise-reducing design that lowers tire noise by 7 decibels across the audible frequency range.

Additional exterior features available on the RLX include an acoustic glass windshield and door glass, integrated power rear sunshade, front and rear parking sensors, heated and auto-dimming side mirrors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Interior Design and Function
The Acura RLX interior features premium, soft touch materials throughout, with the tasteful application of premium metal and wood-grain accents. A stitched leather instrument panel, center console and steering wheel, along with available Milano perforated leather seats, communicate a new level of craftsmanship and refined luxury appeal in Acura's top-of-the-line sedan.

Luxury form and function are smartly integrated in the RLX's new center console, featuring dual screens - an 8-inch Navigation screen and a 7-inch On-Demand Multi-Use Display™ touch screen - that provide easy and direct one-touch access to key functions, including audio, air conditioning, navigation and text-to-voice SMS text message function. The sliding, leather-trimmed armrest conceals a storage compartment with USB connectivity, 12-volt accessory power outlet and space to store a tablet device.

Additional interior comfort and convenience features include push-button start, power tilt and telescoping steering, power sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®.

The standard 10-speaker ELS® audio system includes HD radio™, XM radio, Pandora® interface, USB connectivity, and an auxiliary jack. The RLX with Technology package is equipped with a 14-speaker Acura/ELS® Studio premium audio system. The Krell Audio and Advance grades receive an all-new Krell ultra-premium system that sets a new benchmark for high-fidelity sound in a luxury vehicle.

Chassis Technology
Whether on a serpentine mountain pass, congested city street, or cramped airport parking deck, and in all weather conditions, the Acura RLX with Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS™), is designed to deliver an unprecedented level of handling precision and control.

Working in concert with Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®) with Traction Control and Agile Handling Assist dynamic braking system, P-AWS™ provides enhanced vehicle stability, maneuverability, and control. The RLX's handling performance is further elevated by its new double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension system with Amplitude Reactive Dampers, and new high-output, belt-type electronic power steering.

All RLX models have 4-wheel disc brakes with high-friction pads and a 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS), along with new Hydraulic Brake Boost that improves brake pedal feel. New Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold, and high-efficiency Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) are additional firsts for Acura.

New Direct Injected VTEC V-6 with VCM
The 2014 RLX is powered by an all-new 3.5-liter direct-injected SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management. Rated at 310 horsepower and 272 lb.-ft. of torque, the engine delivers exceptional drivability, with more than 90-percent of its peak torque produced from 2000 rpm to 6600 rpm. Variable Cylinder Management™ with 3-cylinder and 6-cylinder operation works in concert with the VTEC valvetrain to deliver superb cruising efficiency. The engine is mounted to a lightweight and rigid aluminum front subframe using a vibration-canceling Active Control engine Mount (ACM) system.

The new engine is mated to a reengineered Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission with revised gearing, an intuitive selector and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. A driver-selectable Sport mode provides more aggressive shift points and more pronounced engine braking during deceleration, along with manual operation.

Acura Link Connectivity System
The Acura RLX is equipped with the next-generation of the AcuraLink® connectivity system, delivering a bevy of new information, media, convenience, and security services via embedded two-way communications and web-enabled devices. AcuraLink® leverages the Aha™ by Harman cloud-based interface to provide users with thousands of customizable media and connectivity choices. Next-generation AcuraLink® also delivers an array of available security and convenience features, such as AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ featuring freeway traffic and all-new surface street traffic, airbag deployment notification, stolen vehicle tracking, remote locking and unlocking, security alarm notification and 24-hour personalized concierge services for restaurant reservations and more.

Advanced Safety, Visibility, and Driver Assistive Technology
The Acura RLX offers a comprehensive list of leading-edge technologies, including Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist system, Forward Collision Warning and Collision Mitigation Brake system safety technologies, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow driver assist system, and Blind Spot Information and Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines enhanced visibility systems.

Featuring Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure, the RLX is anticipated to earn top-level safety ratings, including a 5-star NCAP Overall Vehicle Score, and IIHS 'Top Safety Pick' rating as well as a GOOD rating in the new IIHS small overlap frontal crash test.

Additional details on key advances and technologies for the all-new 2014 RLX:

•     Class leading interior space based on the Acura RLX's longer wheelbase and efficient packaging. At 196.1 inches, the RLX is similar in length to the outgoing RL, but it has a two-inch longer wheelbase and is nearly two inches wider, placing the new RLX well above the norm in the mid-luxury class. The flagship RLX sedan has up to three inches more rear legroom than competing models, including the BMW 535i, Lexus GS350 and Audi A6.
•     Extensive use of lightweight materials includes the application of high-strength steel to 55 percent of the body, and the intensive use of aluminum—for the front fenders, hood, steering hangar beam, front and rear bumper beams, front subframe, and front and rear door outer panels (mated to steel inner panels). The RLX weighs in at 3,933 pounds. Static bending and torsional body rigidity are up 52 percent and 46 percent, respectively.
•     Jewel-Eye LED headlights (an Acura first) LED lamps enhance the Acura RLX's modern and distinctive appearance while providing outstanding light distribution and improved down-the-road illumination.
•     Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ offers a wide range of search options including local search functionality and AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ for both highways and surface streets.
•     Agile Handling Assist (an Acura first) uses active braking to help the driver smoothly and easily trace the desired line through a curve with smaller steering inputs.
•     Electric Parking Brake (an Acura first) provides one-touch parking brake activation.
•     Automatic Brake Hold (an Acura first) maintains the vehicle's position when the driving or parking brake are released until the throttle is depressed.
•     Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (an Acura first), allows the RLX to independently maintain a set following distance in low-speed traffic situations, including stop and go traffic, and to initiate vehicle braking when necessary.
•     Forward Collision Warning (FCW) uses a camera mounted in the upper portion of the windshield to detect vehicles ahead of the Acura RLX and audibly and visually alert the driver when it determines a frontal collision with a detected vehicle is possible.
•     Lane Departure Warning (LDW) uses the same windshield-mounted camera to detect lane markings on the road and alerts the driver if the vehicle is wandering from a detected lane.
•     Front seatbelt e-pretensioners use electronic control to reduce belt tension under normal driving conditions, while also enabling automatic belt tensioning in hard cornering maneuvers or in the event of a collision.
•     Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines uses guidelines that reflect steering wheel inputs on the display to aid in backup maneuvers.
•     Capless fueling (an Acura first) eliminates the fuel cap and improves ease of fueling.