(January 17, 2013) DETROIT, Mich. — The all-new 2014 Acura RLX flagship sedan will debut at Acura dealerships on March 15 starting at $48,450 featuring an all-new 310-horsepower direct-injected SOHC i-VTEC V-6 powerplant.

Acura says the new flagship sedan has 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.

"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."

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.

The new 310-horsepower, direct-injected SOHC 24-Valve i-VTEC V-6 powerplant is 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 mpg (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).