The next-generation of Acura’s flagship sedan is going to debut in the spring at the 2012 New York Auto Show. The 2013 successor to the RL will go on sale by the end of next year, but according to Inside Line, Acura has not decided if its flagship sedan will continue to use the RL name or if a new name will be used. The new flagship sedan will be larger than the current RL. Acura officials claim that it is going to have the interior space of a BMW 7 Series, but will drive more like the smaller 5 Series. The 2013 Acura sedan will get more distinctive styling and is going to be offered with the choice of a V6 engine or a V6 hybrid system with all-wheel-drive. The hybrid system, which is also going to be offered on the next NSX features a 3.5L V6, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 20kW electric motor on each of the rear wheels. According to Honda the hybrid system has the power of a V8, but the fuel-efficiency of a four-cylinder.
With the upcoming introduction of the new ILX compact sedan, the fate of the TSX and TL sedans is still a question. Acura has announced plans to only have three sedans in its lineup that are further differentiated than the current lineup. The TSX and TL sedans will most likely be replaced by one midsize sedan.
