2007 RL = $46,450; 2007 TL Type S = $38,795
#16
What Acura needs to do is to make a higher class vehicle (7/S/LS)ish type and have the RL go up against the GS/M/5/E/A6 with a lower price point. But then again if they make a true flagship lets just say... Q45?
#17
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (3)
FWD<AWD<RWD.
Acura at least needs to make AWD available across the line, to alleviate the negative reviews and comments about FWD. Supposively, they are trying to reposition the brand with a new solgan "Acura. Ahead." or something like that from what I remember. They're going to try to settle into what sells Acuras, not what necessarily competes with other cars, though I'm sure they will in come capacity. Identify themselves as a brand with a different way of doing things. AWD across the line and at LEAST a V8 option in the RL, which I really don't think is so unreasonable, would at least bump them up a peg or two from where they are now. The TL and new MDX are really the only two competitive, premium vehicles that they have now. The RL is left in the dust by the GS, M, A6, 5 Series, and E Class. The RDX and TSX compete with lower end cars from Honda's own stable, and even others from Mazda and Toyota.
Acura at least needs to make AWD available across the line, to alleviate the negative reviews and comments about FWD. Supposively, they are trying to reposition the brand with a new solgan "Acura. Ahead." or something like that from what I remember. They're going to try to settle into what sells Acuras, not what necessarily competes with other cars, though I'm sure they will in come capacity. Identify themselves as a brand with a different way of doing things. AWD across the line and at LEAST a V8 option in the RL, which I really don't think is so unreasonable, would at least bump them up a peg or two from where they are now. The TL and new MDX are really the only two competitive, premium vehicles that they have now. The RL is left in the dust by the GS, M, A6, 5 Series, and E Class. The RDX and TSX compete with lower end cars from Honda's own stable, and even others from Mazda and Toyota.
#18
Rookie
iTrader: (15)
SH-AWD will be seen in more acura vehicles. The TL doesn't have SH-AWD right now because it's still based on its older platform. You can't just do a whole change right in the middle of its lifespan. That's like asking Lexus to put a V8 in the RX all of the sudden.
It'll take time, just like how Nissan revamp their lineup. Doesn't take a day to do all that
It'll take time, just like how Nissan revamp their lineup. Doesn't take a day to do all that
#19
Lead Lap
Join Date: May 2004
Location: San Antonio, Texas
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I disagree on the looks. I think its one of the most agressive looking cars in its class.
Well I predicted it from the start but I was called by some a Honda basher
1. Lack of prestige
2. Bland looks
3. No V-8 option
4. Lack of effective marketing
5. Super competative and refreshed market
Again, not a bad car at all but for $50k people will be happy in a 184hp 525 instead to have the badge (as an example) and could care less about SH-AWD and A-spec, etc...
1. Lack of prestige
2. Bland looks
3. No V-8 option
4. Lack of effective marketing
5. Super competative and refreshed market
Again, not a bad car at all but for $50k people will be happy in a 184hp 525 instead to have the badge (as an example) and could care less about SH-AWD and A-spec, etc...
#21
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I would think if you think the Rl is aggresive, then the CR-V is very aggresive, the Kia Rio is jaw dropping and the Toyota Yaris is menacing.....
#22
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How can you NOT think the RL is aggressive? It has a very in-your-face look, especially from the front. The TL and new MDX are also cars that have what I consider an aggressive look, i.e. they appeal to testosterone.
And to disagree with MPLexus301, I think Acura has a very strong lineup right now. The TSX, TL, and RL are all built like tanks, perform like race cars, and are priced to obliterate the competition. The MDX and RDX continue to sell like hotcakes for their combination of styling, features, build quality, and performance.
And to disagree with MPLexus301, I think Acura has a very strong lineup right now. The TSX, TL, and RL are all built like tanks, perform like race cars, and are priced to obliterate the competition. The MDX and RDX continue to sell like hotcakes for their combination of styling, features, build quality, and performance.
#23
Rookie
iTrader: (15)
The front end does have that "agressive" look to it. The headlight and grill makes the RL look aggressive from upfront. Acura certainly has all the fine details worked into the car. The only thing missing is the body shape. Certainly it does not look big like a Lexus LS430 or a BMW 7-series, but then again, the RL wasn't meant to compete with those cars, but rather the M35 and GS300, both in which are NOT flagship lines.
#25
Aggrssive
Personally, I do not think it is all that aggressive looking except for the wicked bionic headlights.
To be a fair, there have a been a few reviews that used the term. I was looking for a funny one I read a while ago where the writer said if s/he saw one coming from behind s/he would get out of the way but was unsuccessful but here are a few I found along the way:
AutoMall USA
About.com
Elephant Scribbles
Babez.ed
To be a fair, there have a been a few reviews that used the term. I was looking for a funny one I read a while ago where the writer said if s/he saw one coming from behind s/he would get out of the way but was unsuccessful but here are a few I found along the way:
AutoMall USA
In front, a dramatically sloping hood leads down to an aggressive front fascia with angular headlight treatments, Acura's signature five-sided grille, and distinctive lower air intake openings.
The RL takes an aggressive stance with a high beltline and muscular rear haunches, while still retaining an elegance and air of luxury.
The wide flanks and muscular fender flares are part of Acura's new, more aggressive styling language. So are the big 17" wheels.
The RL exterior's aggressive style foreshadows the power beneath the hood.
#26
Rookie
iTrader: (15)
Personally, I think the headlights are what makes cars aggressive or not, or at least they are highly accountable for the aggressiveness. You have a car with body lines that look busy, like the Mercedes C-class. But because of its headlights, it doesn't look aggressive. Now we take the Lexus IS250/350. All the panels are as plain as water, yet the headlights makes it look aggressive.
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
Personally, I do not think it is all that aggressive looking except for the wicked bionic headlights.
To be a fair, there have a been a few reviews that used the term. I was looking for a funny one I read a while ago where the writer said if s/he saw one coming from behind s/he would get out of the way but was unsuccessful but here are a few I found along the way:
AutoMall USA
About.com
Elephant Scribbles
Babez.ed
To be a fair, there have a been a few reviews that used the term. I was looking for a funny one I read a while ago where the writer said if s/he saw one coming from behind s/he would get out of the way but was unsuccessful but here are a few I found along the way:
AutoMall USA
About.com
Elephant Scribbles
Babez.ed
This my friend is how you support an arguement
Motor Trend
Where the previous RL was an underperforming wallflower with faux Lexus LS 400 overtones, the new flagship aims to reassert Acura's technological leadership. Unfortunately, the new RL's exterior looks undistinguished compared with the rear-drive competition and lacks the brilliance of lesser Acura sedans like the Alfa Romeo-esque TL and TSX. The RL's short dash-to-axle perspective and large front overhang scream front-drive Accord-on-steroids.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/..._acura_rl.html
Car and Driver
FRED M.H. GREGORY
When I previewed the RL for the October 2004 issue of C/D, I said it was the first Acura that could be mentioned in the same breath with such luxury-class aristocrats as the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-class. Since then, I've driven the RL back-to-back with its German rivals during our 10Best testing, and my opinion is unchanged. At the very least, the RL is as refined, comfortable, and competent as anything else in its class. And its elegantly engineered all-wheel-drive system may well be better than anything else around. My only quibble is subjective: The RL's styling is merely inoffensive. When Acura does an update, it should consult an Italian.
http://www.caranddriver.com/roadtest...-rl-page3.html
Speaking of subjective, we are kinda debating something silly
And my lawd this is beating a dead horse....its like saying GM is in dire straits or Ford is in trouble....
Last edited by LexFather; 09-24-06 at 05:50 PM.
#29
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
I really do like the current RL and am mystified at it's poor sales numbers. If in the market, I would be hard pressed deciding between the GS350 vs this car. Low level 5 Series would never enter my mind. The RL is a great car throughout. But as others have stated, move the nameplate up and bring aboard those V8's.
#30
SH-AWD will be seen in more acura vehicles. The TL doesn't have SH-AWD right now because it's still based on its older platform. You can't just do a whole change right in the middle of its lifespan. That's like asking Lexus to put a V8 in the RX all of the sudden.
It'll take time, just like how Nissan revamp their lineup. Doesn't take a day to do all that
It'll take time, just like how Nissan revamp their lineup. Doesn't take a day to do all that