The RLX is powered by a 3.5-liter, 310-horsepower V-6 engine that features Direct Gas Injection, Variable Cylinder Management and the Acura i-VTEC system. Intelligent Variable Timing and lift Control (i-VTEC) increases horsepower by advancing valve timing relative to engine rpm. High-rpm airflow is enhanced by opening intake valves longer and deeper at approximately 4500 rpm
Variable Cylinder Management significantly improves highway fuel efficiency by automatically changing the V-6 engine to run on six or three cylinders, depending on driving conditions. The cylinder activation is seamless and not felt by driver or passengers. Direct Gas Injection injects fuel directly into each cylinder with a multi-hole injector for a more precise and effective air fuel mixture. It also uses significantly less fuel when the engine is being started.
Fuel that is injected directly into the cylinder also has a cooling effect, which allows the power-increasing effects of a higher compression ratio without engine knocking. The Drive-by-Wire throttle system varies throttle sensitivity to provide the appropriate throttle response and feel to different driving conditions. The net result is an engine that produces 310 horsepower at 6500 rpm, 272 lbs.-ft. of torque (both SAE net) at 4500 rpm (both SAE net) while having an EPA Fuel Economy Ratings38 of 20 / 31 / 24 mpg (city/highway/combined).
