Acura RLX Gets Fresh Looks, New 10-Speed Automatic for 2018
Acura has slapped its slow-selling RLX sedan with some fresh new looks and a new 10-speed transmission for the 2018 model year.
The 2018 RLX has adopted Acura’s new diamond pentagon grille, but that’s not the only modification made to the exterior. There’s also a more sculpted hood, new available wheel designs, different LED taillights and a gloss black rear diffuser with some new exhaust tips.
Changes have also occurred beneath the bodywork. Acura says the RLX Sport Hybrid’s all-wheel drive system has been further optimized using lessons it learned from the development of the NSX. The 3.5-liter Earth Dreams V6 and trio of electric motors remain unchanged, however, and are producing the same 377 horsepower as before.
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All-wheel drive versions of the non-hybrid, 310 horsepower RLX have done away with the twin-clutch 7-speed automatic and a new 10-speed has taken its place. Acura says the new transmission is more refined than the outgoing unit and results in improved acceleration and better passing performance.
The interior has also been graced with some upgraded materials and more soft touch points, along with redesigned front seats. New contrast seat piping and stitching and a new available Espresso interior color round out the interior changes.
Finally, two new premium paint offerings have been added to the color palette: Brilliant Red Metallic and Majestic Black Pearl.
The 2018 RLX will make its official debut during Monterey Car Week later this month. Pricing details have yet to be announced.
Discuss this story on our RLX forum.
Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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*sigh* no manual transmission? Forget it.. =(
In the article you have this part of a statement "All-wheel drive versions of the non-hybrid". I believe you meant "All-wheel steer".