What
Are The Acura Sport Hybrids?
The Acura Sport Hybrid
system is based on the Acura flagship sports car, the NSX. As with most
hybrids, the electric motor is supported by a gas engine that runs on a battery
pack that’s charged during normal operation of the gas engine and while regenerative
braking.
But Acura’s sport-hybrid system takes things to a whole new
level. The Acura system combines a powerful V6 engine with a direct-drive
electric motor that’s sandwiched between the engine and transmission. It also
includes two additional motors that provide more assistance for the rear wheels.
The three electric motors allow for torque assist during acceleration and
tremendously boosts the horsepower and output of the overall system.
The sport-hybrid system is available in three Acura models: the
NSX, the RLX sedan and the
MDX sport utility vehicle. The Acura NSX features a twin-turbocharged V6 engine,
when combined with the electric motors total a powerful 576 horsepower. This high-performance
sports car will take you from 0-60 in only 2.7 seconds and can reach a top
speed of 191 miles per hour.
For those of us who are not
race car drivers, Acura also offers the RLX sedan, featuring a non-turbo 3.5-liter
V6 engine with 310 horsepower. The all-aluminum six-cylinder engine has an 11.5:1
compression ratio and variable valve timing. When combined with the 47-horsepower
primary electric motor and the other two motors providing 36 horsepower, the
RLX pumps out 377 horsepower at the wheels making it Acura’s most potent sedan
ever offered. The RLX also provides a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic
transmission, offering seamless shifting and performance. With all the luxury of
a classy sedan, the high-performance RLX still delivers a reasonable 28 miles
per gallon in combined driving.
“That much
horsepower makes the RLX Sport Hybrid satisfyingly quick despite its mass of
4373 pounds. In most situations, the transmission starts in second gear in an
effort to maximize efficiency and refinement, but the torque of the electric
motors combined with the V-6’s 273 lb-ft keep this from being a problem.
There’s plenty of thrust in all situations, and the V-6 is never slow to kick
in and add punch when you need it.” – Car and Driver
If an SUV is more your style, the sophisticated Acura MDX
offers a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 257 horsepower, a 47-horsepower electric
motor, two 36 horsepower motors at the rear wheels and features the same seven
speed twin-clutch automatic transmission as the RLX. The MDX provides a total
of 321 horsepower, 289 lb.-ft of torque and a combined fuel efficiency of 26
miles per gallon.
Superior Handling and All Wheel Drive
In addition, to impressive power, the Sport-Hybrid vehicles
also feature Acura’s Super Handling All
Wheel Drive system. In this unique all-wheel drive system, two smaller
motors are rear-mounted -- one on each wheel -- that provide additional drive assist
during acceleration. But cornering is where this system really shines,
providing torque-vectoring for outstanding handling. In a curve, torque
vectoring applies positive force to the outside wheel, and negative force to
the interior wheel, providing additional thrust and control -- and tenacious
grip on the road.
The entire system is further enhanced by the selection of
four driving modes: Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+. Comfort mode delivers
the quiet, normal operation of a luxury vehicle, with soft shifts and
imperceptible transitions between all electric and gas assist modes. Normal
mode slightly stiffens the suspension for improved handling, increases throttle
response, and provides a balance between comfort and handling.
The Sport modes are when the fun starts! Sport mode alone
provides an additional level of suspension stiffness and accelerator response,
offering entertaining options for your right foot and steering hands. The best
option for the most fun is Sport+ mode. In Sport+ mode, the electric motors
remain on for massive acceleration power. This mode also adjusts the
transmission shift points and engine throttle response for maximum performance
and adjusts the active suspension and capitalizes on the torque vectoring for
quick maneuvering during steering changes.
Acura describes its Sport-Hybrid systems as “A trifecta of quicker acceleration,
improved handling and greater fuel efficiency, unleashing revolutionary power
with a tenacious grip.”
If you are searching for a luxury hybrid vehicle with
performance, this is the system to consider.
Neil Huffman Acura At Oxmoor has a large
selection of Acura vehicles ready for you to test drive! Visit our website today to see our new and used
vehicles, call us at 888-435-5280 for more information or schedule a
test drive online. We look forward to getting you into your new Acura.
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