2014 Honda Accord PHEV
Japanese Car Brand: HONDA
The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan will provide the athleticism and craftsmanship of the all-new Accord platform, charged with a remarkable dose of hybrid efficiency and electric torque. Set to go on sale in early 2013, the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sedan will offer premium technology, exceptional cabin space, the ability to run in an all-electric mode for 10 to 15 miles and a calculated1 total driving range over 500 miles.
The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan features one of four efficient new powertrains for the all-new Accord. The Accord Plug-in Hybrid will also serve as the basis for a conventional hybrid version of the Accord Sedan, which will join the Honda Accord lineup in the summer of 2013.
The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid is powered by Honda's first two-motor hybrid system, and uses a new Earth DreamsTM 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower, teamed with a powerful 124-kilowatt (kW) electric motor. Electric driving is supported by a 6.7 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, and total system output is 196 horsepower.
To maximize driving efficiency, the uniquely designed two-motor hybrid system allows the Accord PHEV powertrain to move seamlessly between all-electric EV Drive, gasoline-electric Hybrid Drive; and direct Engine Drive. Fuel efficiency for the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid is expected to exceed 100 MPG-e, and it's also expected to receive an Enhanced AT-PZEV rating from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Beyond its function as a full-electric vehicle, owners of the 2014 Honda Accord PHEV will be able to choose two additional driving modes to manage battery capacity and tailor the capabilities of the plug-in Accord to their own commute. In its default upon start-up, the Accord PHEV acts as a pure electric vehicle and will continue on in full-electric mode until battery capacity necessitates the automatic switch to gas/electric hybrid operation. At higher speeds or under high demand for acceleration, the gasoline engine can kick in to provide additional power.
In "HV" mode, the plug-in Accord acts as a conventional hybrid, blending motor power between gasoline and electric to maximize fuel efficiency while maintaining the battery charge level. In "HV Charge" mode, the Accord PHEV blends gasoline and electric power while also augmenting the battery charge level.
The 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan will feature an electric servo braking system similar to the setup on the Honda Fit EV, which allows for exceptionally natural brake pedal feel, while extending the range over which the regenerative braking can take place. In addition to its efficient powertrain, the Accord PHEV features remarkably swift charging times. The plug-in Accord can be fully charged from a low-charge indication point in less than three hours using a standard 120-volt household electrical outlet, and in less than one hour using a 240-volt "Level-2" charger. The free HondaLink™ EV smartphone application will allow owners to easily monitor the charging state of the Accord PHEV.
Based on the Touring trim level of standard Accord Sedan, the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan will feature three exterior color choices, including two standard Accord shades (White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl) plus a model-exclusive Burnished Silver Metallic exterior color choice. The Accord PHEV will also feature a weight-saving aluminum hood, 17-inch forged alloy wheels, a unique front bumper along with enhanced underbody aerodynamic treatments.
A host of visibility technologies are standard on the 2014 Honda Accord PHEV, including a rearview camera, an expanded-view driver's mirror, Honda's new LaneWatch™ blind-spot
With a longer wheelbase and wider greenhouse than competing mid-luxury sedans, the new RLX delivers full-size interior space in a nimbler, mid-size luxury sedan package. The Acura RLX boasts the longest rear-seat legroom (38.8 inches), and best front (59.6 inches) and rear (57.0 inches) shoulder room in the mid-luxury class. The RLX advanced body design makes extensive use of high-strength steel and aluminum, further aiding its outstanding fuel efficiency, straight-line performance, and superior handling agility.
The new Acura RLX reaches higher and farther into the high-end luxury sedan market with an incredible array of advanced safety, driver-assistive, and information and media technologies, including the standard next-generation AcuraLink™ connected car system, and Multi-Angle Rearview Camera; along with available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Blind Spot Information (BSI) system. Safety systems available on the RLX include technologies such as Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
Utilizing Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure, along with seven airbags (including new driver's knee airbag), the Acura RLX is anticipated to earn top-level safety ratings - a 5-star NCAP Overall Vehicle Score, and IIHS "TOP SAFETY PICK+" rating, including a GOOD rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal collision test.
POWERTRAIN
The 2014 RLX is powered by an all-new 3.5-liter Direct Injection SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 engine matched to a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. This is the first Acura production car to feature "Earth Dreams Technology," which is comprised of a next-generation set of technological advancements to the engine, which greatly enhance both driving performance and fuel efficiency.
Rated at 310 horsepower and 272 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net), the V-6 powerplant in the Acura RLX develops an additional 10 horsepower and 1 lb.-ft. of torque compared to the 3.7-liter engine equipped in the RL. For exceptional drivability, the RLX's new 3.5-liter engine produces in excess of 90 percent of its peak torque over a very broad range of engine speeds, from 2,000 rpm to 6,600 rpm.
In spite of the peak horsepower increase, the new engine has impressive EPA- fuel economy ratings for a luxury sedan, with ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The 3.5-liter engine meets the stringent ULEV-2 California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions rating.
BODY
The 2014 RLX is larger than the previous RL model in several key exterior dimensions, including width, wheelbase, and front and rear track. The wheelbase, at 112.2 inches, is two inches longer than the previous RL model, providing more rear passenger room and improving the ride quality in the process. At 74.4 inches wide, the Acura RLX is also a substantial 1.7 inches wider than the previous RL model.
Static and dynamic rigidity and rear lateral stiffness are significantly improved. To increase stiffness and rigidity in key areas without increasing weight, 55 percent of the RLX body in white is made from high-strength steel. Hot-stamped high-strength steel is used in key areas for enhanced safety collision performance, with the added benefit of anticipated high scores in narrow offset, side impact, and roof strength tests. Extensive use of aluminum body components in key areas saves 76.1 pounds compared to traditional all-steel construction.
The 2014 Acura RLX features the world's first Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, which offer outstanding light distribution and excellent down-the-road illumination performance and light characteristics. The RLX taillights utilize periphery LED illumination that is both effective and highly distinctive.
CHASSIS
The standard Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) system on the RLX continuously monitors and calculates the correct amount of independent rear-wheel steering (toe angle) necessary for driving conditions. As the industry's first left/right independent rear-wheel toe angle control system, P-AWS uses an all-electric system that enhances driving dynamics.
In front, the Acura RLX's new double-wishbone, lower double-joint front suspension with Amplitude Reactive Dampers significantly improves handling agility, driver confidence and security, and ride sophistication. In back, the RLX's multi-link rear suspension is optimized for a flat ride during cornering, confident turning capability, and a smooth ride in a variety of urban, highway and open road scenarios.
Available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to set a desired speed and a distance interval behind a vehicle detected ahead, allowing the use of cruise control in light traffic. This system is combined with a new Low-Speed Follow capability, which extends the automatic following capability when traffic slows below the set speed. If the vehicle detected ahead is in range of the system and comes to a stop, the RLX will also come to a stop. When the vehicle ahead moves forward, the vehicle icon on the multi-information display will start to blink. With a press of a steering wheel-mounted button or a press of the accelerator pedal, the Acura RLX will resume the prior set speed.
The RLX's high-efficiency Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) enhances vehicle stability when cornering. If vehicle understeer or oversteer is detected, the system selectively reduces power and/or brakes individual wheels to help correct the condition and stabilize the vehicle.
Finally, the available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) scans the road ahead to actively assist the driver in driving in the middle of a detected lane.
The RLX and RLX with Navigation grades feature 7-spoke 18x8J noise-reducing alloy wheels while the Technology, Krell Audio and Advance grades feature larger 19x8J noise-reducing alloy wheels. The special noise-reducing design lowers tire noise by 7-decibels across the audible frequency range.
INTERIOR
The 2014 RLX interior is an all-new design that combines welcoming five-passenger comfort with by far the most luxury and technology ever offered in an Acura. High-end premium elements like a carefully stitched leather instrument panel cover, soft-touch materials, premium finishes and rich wood-grain accents combine with an intuitive new control layout to create a distinctive environment in tune with this luxury performance sedan's clearly defined sporting character.
Passenger space has increased in key dimensions compared to the 2012 RL, with more shoulder room front and rear. Rear seat legroom has been increased a substantial 2.5-inches. Heated 12-way adjustable (8-way power plus 4-way power lumbar support) front seats are standard, offering all-day comfort along with abundant lateral support for aggressive driving.
Standard tri-zone climate control ensures passenger comfort throughout the cabin. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are standard in the Advance grade. Rich, luxurious stain-resistant Milano leather seating is standard in the RLX with Technology package and higher grades; the base grade has synthetic leather-trimmed seating.
With the expanded range of standard and available technology features built into the Acura RLX, substantial engineering effort was put into making each feature intuitive and easy-to-use. The focal point of the new instrument panel is a large, 8-inch color audio/information screen that provides a range of useful information and access to an array of customizable features. When equipped with a navigation system, the screen positioned in this same location combines audio/information and navigation functions.
A 7-inch color On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD) touchscreen is positioned within easy reach controls the audio system and many other features. A secondary large, 8-inch color audio/information screen provides a range of useful information and access to an array of customizable features.
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 Pandora® interface for streaming audio and the Aha™ by Harman cloud-based interface to provide users with thousands of customizable cloud-based news, information and media feeds. The 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.
The new generation of the system makes its debut in navigation-equipped trims of the 2014 Acura RLX, and will be available with three-tiers of service: the Standard Package, which is complimentary for three years, and the Connect and Premium Packages, which are subscriber-based services providing new levels of connectivity for the luxury customer.
Exceptional audio performance has long been an Acura hallmark, and in the RLX, three audio systems are offered, starting with an impressive Acura/ELS® 10-speaker sound system. In the RLX Technology grade, the Acura/ELS Studio® Premium Audio System is standard, with an advanced 14-speaker array. In the Krell Audio and Advance grades, the 14-speaker Krell system — with speakers and amplifiers engineered over the last four years by one of the most respected audio companies in world — sets a new benchmark in automotive audio performance.
New Interior Technology
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Multi-view rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
8-inch color audio/information screen
7-inch On-Demand Multi-Use Display™ with audio and tactile feedback
Coded Valet Mode
Acura/ELS® Premium 10-speaker sound system
Available Acura/ELS® Studio® Premium 14-speaker audio system
Available Krell 14-speaker ultra-premium audio system
Available color MID (between tachometer and speedometer)
Available surface-street traffic rerouting
Available Lane Keeping Assist System
Available Blind Spot Information (BSI) system
Available Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
Available next-generation AcuraLink® (Standard, Connect and Premium packages)
Pandora® interface
Aha™ interface
SMS text messaging function
E-mail function
SAFETY AND SECURITY
The new 2014 Acura RLX is equipped with a long list of standard and available safety technologies. The RLX is anticipated to earn a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a "TOP SAFETY PICK+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a GOOD rating in the Institute's new small overlap frontal collision test.
Active safety technologies include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Passive safety features include a next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure, dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front side airbags, side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors, driver's knee airbag, front seat head restraints, and front seatbelt e-pretensioners.
The RLX is equipped with Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II(ACE™ II) body structure, which uses interconnected front frame members designed to absorb and redirect crash energy around the passenger cabin in a frontal collision.