Honda to End Production of Acura RL-Based Legend and Accord-Based Inspire in Japan

Honda will cease local production of the Japanese market versions of the current Acura RL and Honda Accord sedans, which are sold in the Land of the Rising Sun as the Honda Legend and Inspire respectively, at the company’s plant in Saitama Prefecture at the end of June, Japan's Kyodo news reported. Read more »

2013 Acura RLX Concept Sedan Sports New V6 Hybrid System with 370HP and 30mpg Combined

At the 2012 New York Auto Show, Acura revealed the new RLX, which may carry a concept moniker, but we all know that it's a thinly disguised version of the production model slated for launch in North America at the beginning of 2013.

The RLX will replace the RL as Acura's flagship model in a segment that the company has constantly failed to deliver.

The Japanese brand's full-size sedan has approximately the same length as the current RL, but comes with a two-inch longer wheelbase and two-inch shorter front overhang, while both the track and vehicle width increase by around two inches.

The styling builds on Acura's so-called 'Keen Edge' design motif, as seen on the smaller ILX. The concept's stance is accentuated by a set of 20-inch forged aluminum wheels shod in 255/35 R20 high-performance tires, which is probably one of the few elements on the concept that won't make it into production.

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Acura Officially Confirms Debut of New Flagship Sedan in New York, Says it will be a Concept

Just yesterday, we learned that Acura's Vice President Jeff Conrad told reporters during a media event that the current RL's (shown in the above photo) replacement will be called the RLX, as the company moves from a two-letter to a three-letter naming system for its entire range.

Now, Acura has come out with an official statement announcing the world premiere of the RL's successor (which it doesn't name) at the New York International Auto Show.

"Employing an array of new Acura technologies, including the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, the concept vehicle will deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort," said Acura.

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Acura's New Flagship Sedan will be Called RLX, will Debut in New York Next Week

We already knew that Acura is planning to debut a brand-new replacement for its RL flagship sedan (pictured above) at the 2012 New York Auto Show in early April, but while the company has yet to make it official, Wards Auto learned that it will be named RLX.

The news came from Acura's vice president Jeff Conrad, during a media event for the ILX compact sedan and the redesigned RDX crossover.

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New Acura ILX will Likely Replace the TSX, gets 2.0L, 2.4L and Hybrid Powerplants

Honda is planning a major overhaul for its Acura brand, which hasn't been performing well lately. Total U.S. sales for Acura in November were 9,909 units, down 11.2 percent, while year-to-date sales totaled 110,170 vehicles, a 7.1 percent drop from the same period last year.

At a recent media briefing in Las Vegas, Acura told reporters that with the exception of the next generation of the NSX, which will be shown in concept form at the Detroit auto show, the company will focus on offering "mid-level premium vehicles that favor fuel economy over performance".

The company's plans include the introduction of a new RL, a mid-life facelift for the RDX crossover and the brand-new ILX compact sedan that is scheduled to reach dealerships next spring.

On its article about the 2013 RL, C&D reported that Honda wants to reduce its sedan lineup to three models, which means that one of the TL or TSX may eventually receive the axe.

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Acura to Introduce New RL Sedan at the 2012 New York Auto Show

[2012 Acura RL pictured above]

Next month's Detroit Motor Show will see Acura presenting a concept model for a replacement of the much-missed NSX sports car, as well as the new ILX compact sedan and the facelifted 2013 RDX crossover, but that's not all Honda's premium brand has in store for us in 2012.

Car&Driver is reporting that Acura will debut a brand new replacement for its flagship RL sedan at the New York Auto Show in April of 2012, and which will go on sale in the fall.

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