Acura Replacing RL at Expense of TL or TSX

Acura's RL, as recently reviewed, has been languishing atop the heap as Acura's attempt at a flagship sedan. However, with the new Acura NSX promised to take over that heady title for the Japanese brand, the RL will finally be free to undergo a little experimentation in evolution. 

Set to debut at the New York auto show in April of next year, the next generation RL promises BMW 7-series-esque interior measurements while boasting the slimmer waistline and overall smaller proportions of a 5-series. How, precisely, that is going to happen is a prospect that has many critics interested, and in about equal measure, nervous. Having already admitted to taking in unorthodox stance on the range-topping sedan's drivetrain (think V6 hybrid powering the front wheels, with a pair of electric motors powering the rear), it will be interesting to see how Acura's already enigmatic styling department clothes this big on the inside, small on the outside package. 

But even more interesting is how this new model will affect the existing lineup. With Acura already committing to building a Civic-based entry-level offering for the USA (we've known just such a car for years as the CSX, but that vehicle has remained a Canada-only model) called the ILX, the news of a bolstered lineup stretching from  NSX, to RL, to entry level ILX has led to rumours that there may not be any room at the inn for both the TSX or TL. Subsequently, the smart money is on one of those vehicles going the way of the dodo bird... but which one is anyone's guess. While the TSX's Accord base makes it very profitable, the wildly popular TL has proven itself time and time again as the vehicle that's defined Acura since the NSX and Integra Type R's departure. In any case, expect further news come April!