mcv30

seems like a lot of people on this site like the new RL

http://www.v6performance.net/forums/showthread.php?t=34670

Xenthar

So do people on the G35 forums and bimmer forums.

-J-P-L-

It does seem like we're being overly negative about it. I think it looks very nice but like I said in my earlier post, it could be better for a flagship. It's definately much better than the current model. I would even say it looks better than the newly acclaimed TL. Honda/Acura is a company that likes to play it safe with their designs and this is another example. Hey, nice safe styling is better that bad styling (e.g. new BMW's).

mcv30

it's cool that they've updated and especially some people say their being awd option and stuff like that for the acura rl i guess... but in my opinion it's starting to look more sporty and the tl looks more luxury... i dont know it's just confusing cause like the line of the lexus of the ls for more of the luxury line and the acura line the rl just seem different? nevermind what i said

meZoom!

It was a'ight. But i was late for work so couldn't bother to slow down to look at it really well. There's too many weird vehicles coming in and out of Honda headquarters anyway.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

HAHHAHAA, by comparison i am pretty sure want to hear about those "weird vehicles" haha

LexFather

I just read that Honda will break the Japanese Gentleman's Agreement by advertising and not limiting the Legend (our RL) to 280hp. 300hp will be advertised.
This is so damn dumb as Honda is the LAST of the big 3 to have a 300hp car by 15 years. The SUpra/GT-R easily made 300hp +, not to mention the V300, etc etc.

Which means, Lexus and Infiniti will trounce them like, today, if they advertised the correct ratings.

Oh and the RL makes a whopping 260lbs of torque.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Well, in Honda's defence the JDM NSX-R has always been thought to have more than 300HP even though it is rated at 280ps (Or 290hp). Simply put, the HP to weight calculations simply don't add up to the NSX-R actual performance if you go by its 290hp. It is more like 310-315. Even the regular NSX-T we get is probaly closer to 300HP or it really has a very effiecient drivetrain. It typically puts down 255 to the wheels which makes it a 12% loss which is very good or a 300HP car if you use the general rule of thumb of 15% loss. Anyway, I think the break of the gentlemans agreement on paper is not only for the RL but for future upcoming models.

LexFather

Yes, the NSX-R also makes over 300hp. I am not sure of all the cars over 280hp but listed as such.
I wonder at what RPM range it will make 300hp? No one wants a 50k screamer at 7000rpm. That is why people choose V-8s and low end torque. That is why a Lincoln Town Car with 210hp but a V-8 is smooth as butter.
I can understand a screaming sports car, ala S2000, NSX, 911, Ferrari etc.

meZoom!

Well, there was this older white guy riding in this three wheel thing (a motorized tricycle, basically) a lil while back. It was decked out with an exhaust too

ebruce2

iTrader: (1)

as long as Acura was smart enough to do away with FWD, they should be in good shape with the RL IMO.

LexusLuver

JDM supras have smaller turbos and I believe more restrictive heads than USDM supras.

I also believe the 02 NSX-R engine is identical to the one's theyve been using since 97.
just diffrent gearing and less wt.
the engine is blueprinted to F1 standards though.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

It is according to Honda. But things just don't add up, unless the NSX-R combination just works that much better. I too have the NSX-R transmission (The short gear ratio and NSX-R Ring and Pinion and my car is nowhere near as fast as the NA1 NSX-R. Even those who have the NA2 (97+) NSX-R gears and weight reduction to about 2800lbs are a few tenths off a stock NSX-R. Now I realize the suspension and other things will dramatically help on the track, but it should not come into that much play on the 0-60 and 1/4. I think the balancing and blueprinting of the engine did find a few hidden HP. Like I mentioned below, many feel the current NSX is actually making closer to 300HP vs 290, so the NSX-R with its balanced and blueprinted engine could have found 10-15HP at the crank. As for the 02+ NSX's it is odd but it does seem a bit faster than the 97-01. Most discredit it because it has all the same trans and engine, but maybe the lower of the coefficient drag did help a bit. Every may has the 97+ NSX-T at a 13.0 second flat car but too many 02+ owners have been doing 12.8s fairly easy in stock form. A few guys with the NSX-R Ring and Pinion change and significant weight reduction are getting 12.4s with no power adder. Eitherway, we will never really know since dyno machines vary too much when we are only talking about 10-15 crank HP. Also, not matter what numbers the NSX does in reality it will always be underpowered to most because it says 290 on paper.

LexFather

If you don't think this car from the side looks exactly like an Accord, get your eyes checked

Interior is nice!


Revolutionary All-New Acura RL Luxury Performance Sedan Combines Sleek Styling, High Performance AWD

Date: September 01, 2004 00:32
Submitted by: Tuan
Source: Honda Press Release
Credibility Rating: N/A

More 2005 Acura RL press release from Acura are available in the News Section http://www.vtec.net/news/

WASHINGTON D.C. – With a 300 horsepower VTEC V-6 engine, a revolutionary all-wheel-drive system, dynamic styling and breakthrough technology, including the first north American application of satellite-based real-time traffic information, the all-new Acura RL is designed to redefine the luxury performance sedan category.

“The RL will definitely set a new benchmark in its category,” said Tom Elliott, executive vice president, auto operations. “The new all-wheel drive system gives it the handling prowess of a sports car, but inside it is extremely refined. That combination of performance and luxury will be hard to beat.”

The 2005 RL showcases an assortment of Acura firsts including a ground-breaking all-wheel drive system that gives it the most precise handling in its class. The Super-Handling

All-Wheel-Drive System (SH-AWD) is the first and only all-wheel-drive platform that distributes the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear wheels but also between the left and right rear wheels. During straight line cruising and moderate cornering, up to 70 percent of torque is at the front wheels. During full throttle acceleration or spirited driving, up to 70 percent of available torque goes to the rear wheels for increased acceleration and enhanced cornering. In addition to varying the torque front to rear, SH-AWD varies the amount of torque to the left and right rear wheels. When cornering, this ground-breaking technology overdrives the outer rear wheel, sending up to 100 percent of rear torque to that wheel to dramatically enhance the RL’s cornering, steering feel, handling and stability. The result is class-leading cornering performance and cornering stability as well as enhanced traction on dry or wet surfaces.

The RL’s 3.5-liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum VTEC engine is the most powerful engine ever in an Acura, generating 300 hp at 6200 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm (up from 225 hp and 231 lb-ft for the ’04 RL). A variable flow exhaust system helps to generate additional horsepower. It is equipped with two close-coupled primary catalytic converters for quicker light off and a secondary underfloor catalytic converter, which help to lower emissions levels by 75 percent from LEV to LEV2-ULEV standards. Despite the extra power, the RL achieves fuel economy of 18/25 mpg (city/highway).

The RL features a 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission that enables gears to be shifted using a shift lever on the center console or with the paddle-shifters located on the steering wheel. This compact gear box features wide gear ratios optimized for precise shifting, dynamic performance and superior fuel economy.
To complement the high performance powertrain, Acura gave the RL a highly rigid unit body that is lightweight due in large part to aluminum construction of the sub frame, suspension, hood, trunk lid, and front fenders. The trunk lid and fenders are made using an innovative new blow molding process, which increases rigidity and allows shaping that would not be possible with other molding methods.

As part of Acura’s commitment to providing Safety for Everyone, the RL is the first Acura model to utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, designed to enhance passenger safety. The new ACE structure helps to disperse collision forces over a larger frontal area. The system helps provide even better protection for vehicle occupants while at the same time reducing aggressivity toward other vehicles in a frontal collision.

The RL’s lightweight chassis and 4-wheel independent suspension components are tuned to complement the SH-AWD system and deliver a linear cornering feel, optimum cornering traction and a smooth ride. The 17x8-inch alloy wheels are fitted with P245/50R17 98 V-rated Michelin all-season high performance tires that fill the wheel wells and add to the RL’s aggressive stance. Large 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-piston front calipers, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist provide optimum stopping power.

The RL’s sleek exterior styling reflects the abundant power under the hood. And, while it is almost three inches shorter than the current RL, it is over an inch wider and offers more passenger volume than the RL it replaces. In front, a dramatically sloping hood leads down to an aggressive front fascia with angular headlight treatments, a signature Acura five-sided grill and distinctive lower air intake openings. A sleek cockpit, a forward sloping beltline and a short deck lid accent the RL’s pronounced wedge shape, making it look fast from any angle.

The RL is the first Acura equipped with the Active Front Lighting System (AFS) for increased illumination and visibility. The low beams swivel up to 20 degrees in either direction in response to vehicle speed and input from the steering wheel. During straight-line driving the headlights perform like conventional systems by illuminating the road directly in front of the vehicle. When entering a curve, the inboard light swivels according to input from steering and vehicle speed sensors to illuminate a larger area of road surface throughout the corner, thus minimizing blind spots.

Inside, the new RL is as luxurious as it is sporty. The interior features rich leather, genuine wood trim, an assortment of leading-edge technology and, for the first time in a North American vehicle*, standard real-time traffic information integrated into a new in-car satellite navigation system featuring AcuraLink. Utilizing the XM NavTraffic service beamed from XM’s satellites, the large 8-inch navigation screen can display a variety of up-to-the-minute traffic information where available including flow (traffic speed), accidents, and construction on freeways in 20 major metro areas including Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. Flow and accident information are updated continuously, allowing drivers to take the least congested route to their destination.
In addition to enabling the real-time traffic feature, the AcuraLink Satellite Communication System allows for communication between Acura and the vehicle, providing customers with the latest diagnostic information specific to their vehicle as well as vehicle-related messages. Because it works with the car’s HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface, drivers can respond to messages or one-touch-dial Acura dealers and Acura Roadside Assistance (TLC) using their Bluetooth phone.

The RL also features a standard 10-speaker Acura/BOSE® DVD-Audio system that uses Bose Cabin Surround™ circuitry to deliver surround sound to all seating positions. This innovative new system utilizes eight distinct channels (compared to two on a typical premium sound system) to deliver sound resolution 500 times greater than CD. In addition, Centerpoint signal processing circuitry processes stereo recordings to five independent channels, to deliver simulated surround sound from conventional CDs. Road, wind and other intrusive noise is neutralized through the application of AudioPilot noise compensation technology, which monitors cabin noise and adjusts the sound balance accordingly.

Another standard feature is the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition. This easy to use system features a menu of 560 voice commands, an 8-inch display, a comprehensive destination guide with over 7 million points of interest, 3-D graphics for freeway interchanges, on and off-ramps and turn-by-turn voice guidance. The system has expanded memory and a faster processor to provide quicker start up and route search times, more points of interest and access to the Zagat Restaurant Guide. In addition, all U.S. cities and street names (1.7 million) may be accessed through the voice recognition command. The system can be accessed through the steering wheel-mounted voice recognition buttons or by using the Interface Dial located on the instrument panel.

The RL also features a Bluetooth-based wireless phone interface as standard equipment. The HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface, which debuted on the 2004 TL, enables a Bluetooth wireless interface with mobile phones, allowing calls to be made and received utilizing the RL’s steering wheel-mounted HandsFreeLink button, which connects their phone to the system.

The RL is the first Acura equipped with the Keyless Access System, which allows owners to lock and unlock doors, open the trunk, and start the car without using a key. The RL’s key fob is equipped with a transmitter that communicates wirelessly with sensors in the car. When the fob comes within approximately two and a half feet of the car, the system links and the doors can be opened simply by touching the door handle. The engine can be turned on and off by turning a switch on the steering column.

In addition to the ACE body structure, the RL incorporates an assortment of the latest safety systems and devices including a full complement of front, side and side curtain airbags, as well as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).

Acura offers a full line of premium performance vehicles through a nationwide network of more than 260 dealers. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the exotic NSX supercar, the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the race-bred RSX sports coupe, and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.

LexFather

WORLD PREMIERE!!! (it will be on autospies soon, lol)