2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid to make 377 hp

The 2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week. It will feature a new three-motor hybrid system and Acura's torque-vectoring Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive, along with 377 combined hp.

The RLX continues with Acura's 3.5-liter V6 making 310 hp with variable cylinder management. Power is fed through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to all four wheels. Fuel mileage is rated at 30 mpg combined.

For the hybrid-electric SH-AWD system, Acura replaced the driveshaft and rear differential with two high-output 27-kW electric motors that deliver power to the rear wheels when needed. A third, 35-kW motor supplements power to the front wheels and helps with regenerative braking. Power is stored in a 260-volt lithium-ion battery pack.

The front suspension is a double wishbone system with Acura's Amplitude Reactive Dampers. In the back, the multilink suspension is optimized for flat cornering and a smooth ride, according to the company.

Instead of a gear shift lever, the RLX uses a push button setup that includes sport and normal drive modes. A heads-up display gives drivers key information and displays the different hybrid system operations. An 8-inch color screen is the focus of the new instrument panel, which joins an additional 7-inch screen with multiple uses.

Two audio packages are offered: one by Acura and one by the Krell brand, both featuring 14 speakers. The RLX also uses the AcuraLink cloud-based system, which takes care of music, navigation, traffic and other functions.

The 2014 RLX launches next spring.

By Jake Lingeman