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Acura Sport Hybrids | Hybrids That Perform


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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