Just read the latest rumour on the new Acura RL. 300 hp V6 with AWD aimed at GS and 5 Series. Life could get interesting.

http://www.acuraworld.com/forums/sho...threadid=40462

 

Turbo V6? I've never seen a normally aspirated 300 HP V6 stock, although there are some 260-287 HP Nissan / Infiniti V6'es. GM has an 275 HP in-line 6 for trucks and a V6 of roughly the same power for the Cadillac SRX.

 

The NSX has been at 290 hp for several years now and will be 300 hp for the 200 model year. Believe me, 300 hp for a N/A V6 is and has been a reality for along time. If the G35 V6 can hit 287 the way it is, then nissan could tune it for an extra 13 with soem ecu reprogramming OR a little head work.

 

Couple of ideas there. For one thing, Acura is getting 270HP out of a 3.2L V6, so 300+HP out of a 3.5L V6 is quite believable using the same techniques. Also, though it wasn't in that release, a pretty prevelant rumor is that some of the power comes from an electric motor for a hybrid engine configuration. So you can easily imagine that the gas engine provides most of the HP in the mid-to-high 200HP range, then the electric motor pushes it to 300HP total output. This additive power is similar to the upcoming RX400h from Lexus.

 

Yes, you guys are correct that V6 300 HP dyno-certified would not be difficult to actually do...and, like the NSX, some are quite close. I just have never actually seen a full 300 HP V6 as an actual production spec.
Now, having said that, I suspect that the NSX and some of the Nissan V6'es are actually 300 or more but rated less on paper for insurance reasons. That is a practice that goes back to the domestic 1960's musclecars.

 

300hp out of Six? You've seen it before via the previous generation M5 which I believe was in the States from '91-'93. Original specs were at 315bhp and then it went to 340bhp. I'm a little fuzzy with exact numbers but I'm sure someone can chime in.

Current M3 get's it done right now with 330 bhp - correct?

Eric

 

Current M3 uses an inline 6, not a V6. Not sure what the previous-gen M5 used, but I suspect it was an I6 as well. Don't think BMW uses any V6s. From what I understand, it's easier to massage power from an I6 than from a V6.

 

Well any new RL is better than the previous model. It seems to fit between the GS 330 AWD and GS 430 with the features. Again, Acura goes into a niche, which I think for them, is a great idea.

From my understanding it will not be AWD. It will be FWD and when there is wheel slippage, the AWD kicks in.

 

You are correct. Also I-6 make for better weight distribution in a RWD car.


Yes the M5 2 gens ago was a 315hp I-6, no FI involved.

 

there are no solid facts yet..so i guess we all just have to wait and see

 

"Smartkey" for door, ignition, and trunk

Sportshift with steering wheel mounted "paddle" controls

Adaptive headlights (move with the steering)

Adaptive cruise control

Power rear seats


oh yeeeah!

 

I read that the upcoming RL will be based off the Honda Midsize Global platform (i.e. Accord) and it will have AWD VTM-4 system similar to the MDX.
300HP 3.5L V-6

AWD (VTM4)

Aluminum body parts, including hood, roof, trunklid

Sized larger than 5-series/E-class, but smaller than 7-series/S-class. Perhaps to be positioned against Lexus GS or Infiniti M45.

"Smartkey" for door, ignition, and trunk

Sportshift with steering wheel mounted "paddle" controls

Adaptive headlights (move with the steering)

Adaptive cruise control

Power rear seats

"Stunning" interior

 

It's a good to see that they're finally addressing the criticism of offering only FWD in their flagship, but until they offer a V8 engine, they won't ever be considered in the same league as the other big boys.

No matter how they tune their V6, it just won't provide the same torque and quietness as a V8.

 

Porsche produces 300hp out of a flat six. . . but they seriously do need to get a V8 in the line up. Without a competitive flagship, they just can't compete with the likes of Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, etc. To that fact, Lexus needs to release a bigger V8, V10 or V12, and I believe it is in the process of doing so. But if Acura is happy competing with VW, than they should stay put and not put out the extra costs. Hoever, I think they are aiming for a completely different segment than Lexus and will never truly compete.

 

will be very interesting to see the new RL. it will be an awesome car for its price just like anyother Acura. one thing tho, i hope this one will be rattle free Acura