2012 Acura RL

An all-new Acura flagship is coming, and we could be seeing the concept as early as next week. According to multiple sources, the new model is still on track for its uneviling at the 2012 New York International Auto Show in early April.

Back in December we heard the yet-to-be-named RL successor(RLX?) was in development, and that it would be the first production Acura model to utilize the Earth Dreams hybrid SH-AWD system. The “Sport Hybrid SH-AWD” will be very similar to the one found in the future NSX, with a hybrid 3.5L V6 engine assisted by two independent 20kW+ motors. Of course with the NSX being mid-engined, the new flagship will have a reversed layout with the gas-electric V6 up front.

Combined with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, the new system is said to have  “acceleration equivalent to V8 engines, as well as fuel efficiency equal or superior to in-line 4-cylinder engines.” The new sedan is also expected to grow larger on the inside, but overall dimensions should remain similar to the existing model.

Reports have suggested the next-generation Acura RL could go on sale by end of the year as a 2013 model.

Stay tuned for official announcements from Acura within the next week.

UPDATE: Acura’s official Twitter account @Acura_Insider confirms New York debut, details on live webcast coming soon.