Detroit motor show 2012: Acura RDX and ILX

Acura has pulled the wraps off three concepts at the Detroit motor show, the RDX Prototype, ILX Concept and NSX Concept.

The Acura RDX Prototype, is a virtually production-ready look at the new 2013 RDX crossover, due for launch in the spring.

It will be powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 273bhp, 33bhp more than the outgoing model, and will receive a new, lighter all-wheel drive system. The result is a target of 33.6mpg on the highway – the best economy of any petrol-powered luxury SUV in its class.

The RDX Prototype has more elegant styling than the current model, and Acura says the car is more aerodynamically efficient. The wheelbase is longer and the track wider and a revised electric power steering system designed to offer a smoother and more entertaining drive.

The Acura ILX is a precursor to a production version of the luxury compact saloon, which will also launch in the spring. It has been conceived as conquest vehicle to attract new buyers to the brand.

Engine choices will comprise of 2.0 and 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, and a 1.5-litre hybrid, which is the first from the company.

Acura’s head of design, Jon Ikeda, used the ILX and RDX concepts at Detroit to show the firm’s new, more mature styling direction. “We wanted beautiful, not boy racer, styling,” he said. "We want to re-establish Acura's credentials as a maker of beautiful cars".

Takanobu Ito, Honda's President and CEO confirmed Acura will expand into some growth markets, such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Ukraine from the end of 2013. Ito said there are no plans to expand the brand into Europe.