William Maley

By Chris Doane January 22, 2013 Five minutes after the photo session with the 650i came to an end, my phone rang. It’s Mark, the guy who was driving the Bimmer while I snapped photos. “Chris, something is wrong with my car. It feels slow, I must be towing a big trailer.” There was no trailer. Mark had just stepped from a 400hp, twin-turbo BMW into a 2005 Ford Expedition XLT. All 5352 pounds of it. “I’ll never enjoy driving this again. I’m blaming you.” Oh, um…alright, then. Misbehavin’ Apart from permanently ruining a man’s truck, the 650i encourages you to behave in ways your fellow motorists might not fully appreciate. You’ll creep up behind that Rav4, with only the “halo” LED lights on, stalk it like prey, then drop two gears and hammer past it in even the shortest passing lane. But when you have this much thrust on tap, short passing lanes suddenly turn into “Oh, I can make that!” lanes. The main source for that urge to misbehave comes from BMW’s twin-turbo, 4.4L V8 engine, good for 400hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. While those 400 ponies are undoubtedly great, you also get all the available torque very early in the rev range (1750 rpm.) Simply put, the power delivery is immediate, fierce and will pin you against the seat when you mash the pedal on the right. In addition to the speed, hammering the accerator summons a gurgling, satanic symphony of power, emanating from the huge tailpipes. It’s a sound that is as addictive as it is bad for your fuel economy. Living in proximity of a long tunnel should be a prerequiste to own this car as tunnel blasting will become your newest, loudest, most favorite hobby. When it comes to handling, the 650i encourages you to bend the rules once again and take the corner posted 20mph at 45mph. It’s something this BMW is certainly capable of, as it offers large amounts of grip, very flat cornering and…almost no steering feel whatsoever. And that last bit can be a problem. As is the case with many new cars, the 650i has electric power steering. A nasty side effect can be little to no steering feel. It made for a pretty numb steering wheel in the new 5-series, and it’s done exactly the same thing to the 6-series. Wheeling the 6’er through the bends is a hard feeling to describe. “Strange” might be the most accurate word. With no steering feel, it’s difficult to tell when your cornering speed might get too fast, and your grip of the road will cease to be. You almost have to rely on listening to whether the tires are just “singing” through the corner, or screetching and about to let go. With less sensory input to react to, it’s tough to know whether you’ll make it through the corner gracefully, and power out of it, or if you’ll be sucking on the airbag after skidding off the road and into that sugar maple tree. But hey, either way, it’ll be exciting. Technology, anyone? Once you set butt inside the new 6-series, there’s an awful lot of technology waiting for you. Some of it is cool, some of it is mediocore, and some of it doesn’t really work. Any tech talk about a BMW car almost certainly involves the often controversial iDrive interface system. It’s a setup that’s been through several revisions, and the net result of that is…it still sucks. It certainly sucks less than the earlier versions, but iDrive still has tons of endless menus that aren’t real intuitive to navigate. The week before I drove the 650i, a friend of mine said I’d be totally wow’ed by the heads up display offered in this BMW. It projects your speed, along with several other bits of information, on the windshield near your normal line of sight. Since a BMW is not an F-22 Raptor stealth fighter, I was skeptical how useful this really was. After one day of using it, I was totally sold on the HUD. Sure, it will help you keep your eyes more on the road, but really, it’s just the cool factor that makes you want it. On the downside, the HUD can be very hard to see if you’re wearing polarized sunglasses. One of the latest automated technologies making its way into luxury cars are the automatic high beam lights that turn themselves on and off as other cars approach you. Much like the earlier days of rain-sensing wipers that never seemed to get wiper speed right, these auto brights just aren’t there yet. Sometimes they worked, sometimes they would turn themselves off when I was the only one on the road. Heaps of style Once you’re past all the technology, you might notice you’re sitting in one of the nicest, most luxurious interiors out there at the moment. While I’ll let the photos do most of the talking, there is leather, and contrast stitching, everywhere. The dash flowing into the center console is incredibly elegant and the seats adjust 20 different ways to mold to your body. It is a really, really nice place to be. Unless of course you’re in the back seat. Then it’s best not to have legs since there’s nowhere to put them. On the outside, the sleek elegant design continues with an incredibly attractive posterior, strong character lines highlighting the profile, and a front end that’s gone a bit wrong. While this new 6-series is certainly much more attractive than the rounded-off, last-generation model, the front fascia on this latest model feels a bit over-styled. There’s just too much going on, especially when you opt for the M-sport package. Sign here Should you buy one? Yes, buy it for the sound that comes out of the exhaust pipes alone. Nevermind the exquiste interior, good, but numb, handling and rev-happy, twin-turbo V8. It’s certainly no sports car, but it’s grand tourer worthy of your checkbook. The biggest reason not to buy one? The way this 650i xDrive was spec’ed, you could be in an M6 coupe for only five grand more. And if you’re spending 100 grand on a 6-series, well, what’s another five? 2012 BMW 650i xDrive Coupe - $86,000 -Cold Weather Package - $750 -Driver Assistance Package - $3,330 -M-Sport Package - $4,440 -20” wheels with performance tires - $1300 -Premium Sound Package - $1800 -Instrument Panel with Leather - $1500 -Ceramic Controls - $650 -BMW Apps - $250 -Destination - $875 TOTAL Price – $100,825 Album: 2012 BMW 650i xDrive Coupe 8 images 0 comments View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 21, 2013 If you're wondering why your Viper is taking longer than expected, we have an answer for you. SRT CEO Ralph Gilles tells the Detroit Free Press that Vipers will begin arriving mid-February, about a month and half later than originally promised. "I apologized to our dealer base. We are just holding ourselves to a higher standard," Gilles said. Gilles explained that Chrysler wants to make sure every Viper that rolls of the line is perfect before being shipped out to dealers. "To say it bluntly, the old Chrysler would have shipped them out already. It's really a hand-made car, so it takes a little finesse to get everything perfect." Source:Detroit Free Press William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 21, 2013 Last month, Fisker founder and Chairman Henrik Fisker said the company was looking for "potential strategic partners". The search has led the company to China. According to Reuters, Fisker is in talks with certain Chinese automakers. Fisker's focus on China is due to the Chinese government's backing of local manufacturers in their efforts to acquire "green car" technology from abroad, as the government is trying to ramp up demand for electric cars and plug-in hybrids before the end of the decade. Sources tell Reuters that Fisker has talked with China Grand Automotive Services Co, a large dealership group that has an agreement to distribute Fisker cars in China. Fisker has also talked with the Wanxiang Group, a Chinese supplier that had the winning bid for A123 Systems. Sources say Fisker has also established contacts with a few other Chinese automakers and are expected to talk with them within the next few weeks. "Fisker is in advanced talks with a number of potential strategic partners. We expect some exciting developments in the next few months," said Fisker spokesman Roger Ormisher in a email. Source: Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 20, 2013 The saga of Alfa Romeo arriving in the U.S. could be coming to end. Chrysler Group LLC and Fiat SpA CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters on Friday that the Alfa Romeo 4C, a lightweight sports car will be arriving in late 2013. "We're finalizing the car now, so it should be here by the end of the year, It's ready in the sense of all the work with architecture and types of models," Marchionne said after an InForum breakfast Friday in Detroit. This contradicts a statement made by Marchionne earlier this week when he said the 4C would be delayed. "The car is not where it needs to be," he said. Dealers were surprised by the announcement. "I am really happy. I've been waiting a long time," said Carl Galeana, owner of Galeana Automotive Group and a Fiat dealer in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Source: Detroit Free Press William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Yes.. Sometime in 2014

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 19, 2013 The current Chevrolet Malibu has seen mixed reviews and slow sales since it went on sale last year. GM CEO Dan Akerson said in a interview back in December that a mid-cycle refresh would be coming in late 2013. "We are going to do a midcycle enhancement, not dramatic, by this time next year," Akerson said. Akerson said that part of the midcycle refresh would include a revised front fascia. Now we have learned that the Malibu refresh will also address another complaint many people have, back seat room. Automotive News reports that the Malibu refresh will improve on the back seat room from the current model. No one is quite sure how GM will pull this off yet. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) Related Story: Chevrolet Readying A Malibu Refresh For 2013 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 18, 2013 When the next Chrysler 200 is introduced in 2014, its design will signal a change for the brand. “The current Chryslers on the road today certainly don’t reflect where we’re headed. What I can safely say is we are deviating from where we are today, completely. It’s a very different feeling (and) look," said Chrysler chief designer, Ralph Gilles. Gilles didn't go into detail about the direction the styling will go for the 200 and ultimately the Chrysler brand. “Saad (Chehab, Chrysler brand president and CEO) and Sergio (Marchionne, Chrysler CEO) both were very instrumental in finding the new mission of the car – new branding. I think it’s going to be a beautiful and relevant vehicle,” Gilles said. Other things the next 200 will have is a new nine-speed automatic and use Fiat's CUSW platform that currently underpins the Dodge Dart. Source: WardsAuto William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Maybe I spoke a bit too soon. I know Toyota issued a recall on the 95-2000 and 2001-2004 Tacoma because of the frames - http://editorial.autos.msn.com/blogs/autosblogpost.aspx?post=87e1d0d5-d392-48c9-969b-ca0ea4bbd554 I don't fully know if the 2005-current model have the same problem or not.. Trying to find out.

Ahem - Rumorpile: BMW’s Diesel Plans On A Powerpoint Slide The diesels are coming

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 17, 2013 Automobile magazine had a chance to talk with Nissan's executive vice president, Andy Palmer at the Detroit Auto Show. Palmer gave some details about what is coming down the pipe within the next few years. Starting with the Nissan Resonance concept, Palmer says the concept is "close" to what the next-generation Murano will look like. “It’s a true expression of what we believe the next, third-generation Murano should look like. We need to wow and awe again,” Palmer said. One Murano model that won't be returning for the next generation is the CrossCabriolet. “It was an experiment. It was an expression of our ability to express ourselves, it was a designer’s expression of what you can do. Successful or not, I think it’s very memorable, so it didn’t do us any harm,” said Palmer. The Resonance concept also has certain design elements like the deep-V front grille and “floating” roof treatment, will be used on other Nissans to improve the family resemblance. “If you look at the industry, you have the corporate grille, right?” he says. “But you don’t see a lot of expression on side views… [A common look] should go right the way through the exterior and the interior." Palmer says the Resonance concept's hybrid powertrain (2.5L inline-four, two clutches, a continuously variable transmission, and an electric motor) will be used in the Altima, Pathfinder, and next-gen Murano. Palmer didn't give an date as to when the vehicles will debut, only saying they would arrive within the next couple of years. Palmer also said the company will out more hybrid vehicles. “We’ll launch 15 Nissan hybrids by 2016.” Don't expect Nissan to go hybrid crazy. Palmer says Nissan is “agnostic” about hybrids, but is “fanatical” about full-electrics like the Leaf. Source: Automobile Magazine William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

No. The Tacoma frames I think dealt with the last-generation model. Don't know if that was extended into the current model.

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 17, 2013 Former General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz has been know to speak his mind. At the Detroit Auto Show this week, Lutz told Autocar that he thinks that the technology in the Chevrolet Volt should have been put into a larger vehicle first. “Frankly, unless that customer is philosophically, religiously or economically affiliated to buying an electric vehicle, then they can’t be convinced. The first two types of buyer will buy whatever’s built, but the latter is a harder case. The obvious answer is to electrify as big a vehicle as you can, because that’s where the fuel and running cost savings make the most sense," Lutz said. Lutz goes onto say, “If I had my time again at GM then I would have started with the Cadillac Escalade for the range-extender technology, and brought the Volt in later. The more gas-guzzling the vehicle, the more economic sense of electrifying it. Car companies need to get their minds on that: electrifying an Opel Corsa that uses virtually no fuel anyway and then lumping a huge premium on it to cover the battery costs is nonsensical. Why bother? It uses virtually no fuel anyway." Lutz is part of a new company called VIA Motors which takes GM full-size trucks, SUVs, and Vans, and converts them into plug-in hybrid vehicles. Its first vehicle is due out sometime in 2013. Source: Autocar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 17, 2013 The 2014 Cadillac ELR is the first model of a new global product offensive by the brand that could see the lineup expand up to ten models by 2016. According the Reuters, Cadillac hopes to grow global sales. The models potentially include a flagship sedan, a small crossover, and a small car. Currently, almost 75% of Cadillac sales come from the U.S. In 2012, Cadillac dropped from forth to fifth place due to sales sliding. "We're saying it over and over and over that we want Cadillac to be a truly global luxury brand. We have the core of a very good product set now and we're working hard at examining the options to make it even better. You can expect a more robust lineup," said Bob Ferguson, vice president of global Cadillac. Sources tell Reuters that after the ELR, Cadillac is working on a flagship sedan named the LTS to compete with the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The LTS will use the new Omega RWD architecture. Also in the cards is the expansion of Cadillac's crossover lineup by adding a smaller model to compete with the BMW X1 and a larger seven-seat model. There is also a ATS coupe and a smaller Alpha sub-compact car. Analysts have doubts about this plan, citing that certain markets like Europe could take up fifteen years to gain a size-able share. "I'm not convinced Cadillac can pull it off," said Jim Hall, managing director of consulting firm 2953 Analytics. "They may still be suffering from 'Lincoln disease' - the lack of long-term commitment by the parent company." GM will also focus on building Cadillac's presence in China, where it will start building the full-size XTS sedan in about two weeks. Analysts do agree that with the expansion of the lineup, it will help strengthen the brand. "Even if Cadillac's not commanding the same price as the Germans or selling as many cars, people for the first time in decades are saying these are good cars," said John Casesa, senior managing director with Guggenheim Securities. Source: Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 16, 2013 Back in November, we reported that Opel was considering doing a high-performance OPC version of the new Adam. The Adam OPC was rumored to use a 1.4L turbocharged-four producing 180 HP and have a six-speed manual, and some other tweaks. This past week, Auto Express learned from a source that the rumored Adam OPC/VXR would use the 1.6L turbocharged-four from the Corsa VXR Nurburgring edition producing 202 horsepower. A production model is expected possibly in 2014. Auto Express is also reporting that Opel and Vauxhall are considering doing a Adam cabriolet. Unlike the Fiat 500C which uses a folding fabric top, the Adam cabriolet would use a pop-out removable roof panel. The panel would be designed to to slot into the same place as the current panoramic glass roof, thus keeping the costs down and retaining the structural rigidity. Source: Auto Express Related Story: Opel Says Goodbye To Adam EV Plans, Says Hello To OPC Plans? William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 16, 2013 Acura has announced pricing for their upcoming flagship, the RLX. The base RLX will start $49,345* (includes $895 destination charge) and will come equipped with 3.5L V6 rated at 310 horsepower. All of that power goes to a six-speed automatic down to the front wheels. All front-wheel drive RLXs will also come equipped with Acura's Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) which adjusts the angle of the rear wheels improve handling and agility. Other standard features will include Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning; Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, and Blind Spot Information (BSI) system. Acura will offer five different model grades for the RLX. Those grades include, RLX - $49,345 RLX with Navigation - $51,845 RLX with Technology Package - $55,345 RLX with Krell Audio Package - $57,845 RLX with Advance Package - $61,345 *All prices inlcude a $895 destination charge The RLX will go on sale in Mid-March. But Acura will be doing a "Destination RLX" program at dealers starting in February to provide potential customers "with the opportunity to experience the numerous new technologies." One model not listed here is the new RLX Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. Acura says that model will come out sometime later this year. Source: Acura William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Acura Announces Launch Plan and Pricing for 2014 RLX Flagship Sedan Feature-rich Acura RLX boasts numerous signature Acura-exclusive technologies, delivers incredible value on a luxury scale with starting price of $48,450 DETROIT, Mich., The all-new 2014 Acura RLX flagship sedan will debut at Acura dealerships on March 15, 2013, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $48,450*. Featuring an all-new 310-horspower direct-injected SOHC i-VTEC V-6 powerplant, the most spacious passenger cabin in its class, and the first-ever application of signature Acura technologies including Precision All-Wheel Steer™ and Jewel Eye™ LED headlamps, the RLX delivers new levels of technology-enhanced performance, safety, and luxury-class comfort to Acura's range-topping sedan. "With an array of signature Acura technologies, the 2014 Acura RLX sets a new standard for luxury in the Acura lineup," said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura Sales. "The feature-rich RLX epitomizes Acura's 'Man-Machine Synergy' product direction, utilizing advanced technology and smart vehicle design to deliver incredible performance, comfort and value on a luxury scale." Destination RLX In February, Acura dealers will kick off the "Destination RLX" client experience program – with every Acura dealer nationwide featuring two 2014 Acura RLX sedans, weeks ahead of the March 15 on-sale date, providing Acura clients with the opportunity to experience the numerous new technologies available on the RLX luxury performance sedan. Flagship Features The 2014 Acura RLX is powered by an all-new, 310-horsepower, direct-injected SOHC 24-Valve i-VTEC® V-6 powerplant, Acura's first-ever direct-injected engine architecture. Utilizing Variable Cylinder Management™ (with the ability to deactivate the rear bank of three cylinders) in combination with a lightweight and aerodynamic body design, the new Acura RLX is anticipated to carry a class-leading EPA fuel-economy rating of 20/31/24 mpg1 (city/highway/combined). With the longest rear-seat legroom (38.8 inches), longest tandem seating distance (36.4 inches), and widest front and rear shoulder room in the mid-luxury class, the new RLX delivers full-size interior space in a nimbler, more efficient midsize luxury sedan exterior package. Featuring the first-ever application of Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS) the RLX achieves new levels of handling agility, high and low-speed maneuverability, and confident handling control for a two-wheel-drive luxury sedan. Precision All-Wheel Steer is the world's first technology to feature independent and continuous control of the left and right rear-wheel steering (toe) angles. Its benefits include crisper lane changes, more nimble cornering, enhanced dynamic response, tighter radius low-speed turning, and confidence-inspiring control. 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 EPA fuel-economy ratings of 30 city/30 highway/30 combined, will debut later in 2013. Further, the new RLX confidently competes in the high-end luxury sedan market with an incredible array of leading-edge technologies, including the next-generation AcuraLink® cloud-based connected car system with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ featuring freeway traffic and, for the first time, surface street traffic information.New standard safety technologies include Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning, a driver's knee airbag, and the next-generation of Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™ II) body structure; along with available Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). The RLX will also offer a bevvy of leading-edge visibility and driver-assistive technologies, including Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information (BSI) system, Multi-view Rearview Camera, Expanded View Driver's Mirror, and front and rear parking sensors. The 2014 Acura RLX will be available in five grades – the well-equipped RLX, the RLX with Navigation, the feature-packed RLX with Technology package, the RLX with Krell Audio package, and the top-of-the-line RLX with Advance package. 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 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 and lighting characteristics. The RLX's sleek upper body combines with aerodynamic features to deliver best-in-class levels of aerodynamic efficiency. 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 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 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, climate control, navigation, and text-to-voice SMS text message functionality. The sliding, leather-trimmed armrest conceals a dual-hinged center storage compartment with easy access for both the driver and front passenger to USB connectivity, 12-volt accessory power outlet and space to store tablets and other electronic devices. Additional interior comfort and convenience features include push-button start, power tilt and telescoping steering, power sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Bluetooth®3 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 ultra-premium, 14-speaker, Krell audio 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 RLX with Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS™) is designed to deliver an unprecedented level of handling precision and control in a two-wheel drive luxury sedan. 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 i-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, the engine delivers exceptional drivability, with more than 90-percent of its peak 272 lb.-ft. of torque available 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. AcuraLink® Connectivity System 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 the Aha™ by Harman cloud-based interface to provide users with thousands of customizable cloud-based news, information and media feeds. 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; airbag deployment notification; stolen vehicle tracking; remote locking and unlocking; security alarm notification; and 24-hour personalized concierge services. Advanced Safety, Visibility, and Driver Assistive Technology The RLX offers a bevy of leading-edge safety technologies, including standard Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), seven smart-deploying airbags including a driver's knee airbag, and 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 Score2. The RLX is also expected to join the Acura TL sedan in earning an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating, including a GOOD rating in the stringent new IIHS small overlap frontal crash test. The RLX also offers a comprehensive list of advanced visibility and driver-assistive technologies, including the standard Expanded View Driver's Mirror and Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, along with available Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS) system, Collision Mitigation Brake (CMBS) system, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information (BSI), and front and rear parking sensors. Additional details on key advances and technologies for the all-new 2014 RLX: Class leading interior space based on the 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 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 all-new "hybrid" front and rear door panels (steel inner structure mated to aluminum outer skin). 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 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 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 dynamic 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. View full article