Acura unveils three new models at Detroit auto show

Acura ILX luxury compact sedan; a prototype of the 2013 RDX crossover sport utility vehicle; and the NSX Concept. 

Acura unveiled three new vehicles at the North American International Auto Show, including a concept version of the all-new gateway to the Acura brand, the ILX luxury compact sedan; a prototype of the 2013 RDX crossover sport utility vehicle; and the NSX Concept, which shows the direction for Acura's next-generation supercar.

Debuting three new models in Detroit comes on the eve of Acura's 25th anniversary in Canada as a premium luxury-performance automobile brand.

The Acura ILX Concept is the precursor to an all-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-ever gas-electric hybrid.

The lineup of ILX models will include an entry-level model powered by a 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder engine; a high-performance model with a 2.4-litre inline 4-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission; and a 1.5-litre gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, Acura's first-ever hybrid offering.

The Acura RDX
 is a prototype version of the 2013 RDX, the second generation of Acura's five-passenger crossover SUV, and will up the ante with a new approach to achieving both advanced performance and fuel efficiency via a new engine, transmission and all-wheel drive system.

The 2013 RDX, scheduled to launch this spring, will have as standard equipment a 3.5-litre V-6 engine that produces 273 horsepower—33 more than the outgoing model. For even higher performance and efficiency, 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 that provides the required performance and safety with increased efficiency.  Front-wheel-drive models of the 2013 RDX will deliver top-of-class fuel economy.

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 innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.

Utilizing a 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. Acura anticipates the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems.