In a separate report, Acura is claimed to be exploring the use of ZF’s latest nine-speed automatic transmission technology. Automobile, citing an inside source, said Acura may adopt the nine-speed automatic as early as 2014 as an alternative to its existing automatic, CVT and dual-clutch units.

Fortunately, we won't have to wait too long now for the reveal of the 2013 Acura RL as press days for the 2012 New York Auto Show commence on April 4.

Particularly in the full-size sedan arena the show will be an interesting one – Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon (likely) and now the replacement for the Acura RL. Wards Auto has confirmed that the new sedan will be getting a name change, dubbed RLX. RLX? What is it with Acura these days sticking X on everything? We thought X was supposed to mean crossover, or at least all-wheel drive. Regardless, RLX it is. As far as full-size sedans go, the current RL is just about as uncompetitive as they come.

With the RLX replacing the RL, the TL will be the last car in the Acura lineup with a two-letter name. We’ve been told that Acura will offer just three sedans in the future—the new ILX and RLX will be two of those, meaning that either the TL or the TSX is likely to bite the dust. Given its two-letter name, the TL might be the more likely candidate, but Acura is currently in the process of trademarking TLX. We’ll just have to wait and see.

The clean lines of the sedan show that Acura isn’t taking any chances with its flagship sedan. The stately sedan is sleek and sophisticated for its intended audience. The exterior design has come under some scrutiny, with some saying the concept is too plain, while some say the concept resembles other sedans already on the road. I really cannot see anybody being completely turned-off by the design, yet it’s beautiful enough to attract a larger clientele to Acura. The pendulum grille lives on, but designers have made it a subtle, attractive signature piece. Up-front, Acura installed its latest Jewel-Eye headlights, which are made up of LEDs to help guide the driver into turns and give a more precise glow to the road. Acura also fitted its concept with unfortunate 20-inch rims, which will likely hopefully disappear when it reaches production.

On Wednesday, November 28, Acura will reveal the all-new 2014 RLX sedan to a crowd of assembled journalists at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Since the reveal happens during the show’s press days, the general public will have to rely on media coverage to see the new RLX before the show opens its doors to everyone on November 30.

Acura feels your pain, and it wants to do everything it can to drum up interest for its RL replacement. With that focus in mind, Acura will broadcast the RLX reveal live on the web, beginning at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time, we’d guess) on November 28.