Next-Generation Acura RL to Reassert Flagship Position Within Acura Lineup; stays V-6
#61
Guest
Posts: n/a
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I am trying to decide am I going to actually argue about two cars that r both complete failures for over a dozen years each. To b honest I'm attempting to care at this point. Once again your arguement lacks basic logic again as you missed my point again; one was a truer flagship and the other is a lower level vehicle that is forced to be a flagship.
Why are we even talking about the Q45???? This is about the RL.
Why are we even talking about the Q45???? This is about the RL.
#64
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Honda, GM, Ford, and Chrysler can't engineer a tranny to save their lives - more so with Honda/GM/Chrysler - Ford and GM have been improving over the last decade. Shoot, it took GM and Ford several years to work the issues out of the 4L60E/4L80E/4T6xE and the AX4N/4R70W trannies. Chrysler and Honda trannies, OTOH drop like flies.
#65
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Oh sorry I forgot to note that. Here it is then.
KB1
![](http://www.autoevolution.com/images/gallery/medium/HONDALegendSedan-medium-3136_2.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1d/05-08_Acura_RL.jpg/800px-05-08_Acura_RL.jpg)
KB2
![](http://themotorreport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/hon_09legend_f.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/2009_Acura_RL--DC.jpg/800px-2009_Acura_RL--DC.jpg)
When comparing the KB1 between the KB2 (based on both Honda Acura versions), you can tell that the KB1 has a better design yet uses the archaic J35A3 engine with standard VTEC while the KB2 has went down on the design part but has better features and a new + better engine which is the J37A2 unit with i-VTEC.
You can thus see the trade-off. Hopefully, with the next-gen version, there would be no trade-offs (hopefully).
@regarding night vision
I found the pic
![](http://www.newswheel.com/files/Honda/Legend/honda_legend_2007_4.jpg)
Unfortunately, it's only for JDM-spec models for the KB1 and KB2.
Hopefully, they could make it standard feature or at least an option (that will be available for all territories).
@DRLs
Some markets like Canada and Scandinavia require DRLs (though just lights). Perhaps in the next model (and with upcoming EU mandate), LED DRL lights *might* be part of the new model I think.
Hehe, let's continue on with the discussion![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
KB1
![](http://www.autoevolution.com/images/gallery/medium/HONDALegendSedan-medium-3136_2.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1d/05-08_Acura_RL.jpg/800px-05-08_Acura_RL.jpg)
KB2
![](http://themotorreport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/hon_09legend_f.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/2009_Acura_RL--DC.jpg/800px-2009_Acura_RL--DC.jpg)
When comparing the KB1 between the KB2 (based on both Honda Acura versions), you can tell that the KB1 has a better design yet uses the archaic J35A3 engine with standard VTEC while the KB2 has went down on the design part but has better features and a new + better engine which is the J37A2 unit with i-VTEC.
You can thus see the trade-off. Hopefully, with the next-gen version, there would be no trade-offs (hopefully).
@regarding night vision
I found the pic
![](http://www.newswheel.com/files/Honda/Legend/honda_legend_2007_4.jpg)
Unfortunately, it's only for JDM-spec models for the KB1 and KB2.
Hopefully, they could make it standard feature or at least an option (that will be available for all territories).
@DRLs
Some markets like Canada and Scandinavia require DRLs (though just lights). Perhaps in the next model (and with upcoming EU mandate), LED DRL lights *might* be part of the new model I think.
Hehe, let's continue on with the discussion
![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Last edited by Blackraven; 10-27-09 at 06:11 AM.
#66
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
One could argue, with some credibility, that the Q45 was indeed a failure in the American market....unlike its rebadged Nissan Cima cousin elsewhere. That is less the case with the RL. True, its sales numbers have not been impressive nationwide, but, locally, here, I've seen quite a few of them lately. Acura also, despite the low sales, does not seem to be losing money on them.....if that were the case, it would (probably) already have been dropped. And, like the Cima/Q45 relationship, the RL seems to be sold elsewhere as the Honda Legand.
#67
Lexus Test Driver
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: il
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
RL is a great car. I drove it many times, and i really like how it drives. interior is awesome, and I would have to say probably best honda interior ever. sadly, it's love/hate design on outside and most people hate them.
#68
Lexus Test Driver
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
On one hand, Acura is saying they will not make a V8 engine because they want to design cars that gets good mileage. On the other handle, their V6 engine gets worst gas mileage than some of the other manufcaturer's V8 engine. It seems to me Acura have no more tricks up their sleeve. What ever their new design is for the RL, I am sure others have already done it with better results. Acura, for the most part, is a US market company. It still amaze me that they do not produce what the US market demands and remain totally out of touch as far as market trends is concerned.
#69
Lexus Fanatic
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: A better place
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Interesting point. Assuming Honda does finally adopt and use some more modern technology on the next-gen RL, it will still be technology other automakers have already done for years.
Hypothetically, if they use Direct Injection, or turbocharging, it will all be technology the competition is already using.
Sure it's possible Honda might have something else up it's sleeve, but at this point I doubt it.
There is one more question that is bothering me; where did all of Honda's profit go? Before the economic crisis hit, Honda had a sizable chunk of cash and profit. Honda has used the crisis as an excuse for cancelling and shutting down many projects, like their F1 program, the V10 Acura supercar, a European design studio, and the list goes on.
So the question is, WHERE did all of Honda's cash and profit go? Honda had plenty of surplus cash reserves specifically for a situation such as an economic crisis. So why is Honda cutting spending on everything, while some of the competition is still spending heavily?
Hypothetically, if they use Direct Injection, or turbocharging, it will all be technology the competition is already using.
Sure it's possible Honda might have something else up it's sleeve, but at this point I doubt it.
There is one more question that is bothering me; where did all of Honda's profit go? Before the economic crisis hit, Honda had a sizable chunk of cash and profit. Honda has used the crisis as an excuse for cancelling and shutting down many projects, like their F1 program, the V10 Acura supercar, a European design studio, and the list goes on.
So the question is, WHERE did all of Honda's cash and profit go? Honda had plenty of surplus cash reserves specifically for a situation such as an economic crisis. So why is Honda cutting spending on everything, while some of the competition is still spending heavily?
#70
Guest
Posts: n/a
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
TRD I am no Honda expert but I am thinking maybe their other holdings, motorcycles, lawn mowers, robots, airplanes etc....maybe in the Clarity?
I am going to compile a list of the "useless press releases" of the last few years so we can look and reflect on how they have talked so much and done nothing.
Remember when they said they were going after Maybach and RR!!!! lol
http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-we...y-maybach.html
I am going to compile a list of the "useless press releases" of the last few years so we can look and reflect on how they have talked so much and done nothing.
Remember when they said they were going after Maybach and RR!!!! lol
http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-we...y-maybach.html
#71
Lexus Test Driver
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
There is one more question that is bothering me; where did all of Honda's profit go? Before the economic crisis hit, Honda had a sizable chunk of cash and profit. Honda has used the crisis as an excuse for cancelling and shutting down many projects, like their F1 program, the V10 Acura supercar, a European design studio, and the list goes on.
#72
Lexus Fanatic
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: A better place
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
TRD I am no Honda expert but I am thinking maybe their other holdings, motorcycles, lawn mowers, robots, airplanes etc....maybe in the Clarity?
I am going to compile a list of the "useless press releases" of the last few years so we can look and reflect on how they have talked so much and done nothing.
Remember when they said they were going after Maybach and RR!!!! lol
http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-we...y-maybach.html
I am going to compile a list of the "useless press releases" of the last few years so we can look and reflect on how they have talked so much and done nothing.
Remember when they said they were going after Maybach and RR!!!! lol
http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-we...y-maybach.html
If they are, that is poor decision-making on Honda's part IMHO.
I completely forgot about that old press release mentioning Maybach and Bentley.
#73
Lexus Test Driver
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Look. All Acura has to do to make the RL better is simple.
1) Make the car slightly larger or longer.
2) Just put in the friggen V8. Gas prices & environmental aside.
(All their competiors have em) Even Hyundai. Why is this so hard to figure out!!!![Egads!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/pat.gif)
3) They really need to set it apart from the TL & supposed flagship RL.
(It's like were talking about the Lexus GS & LS. It's like saying hey our GS350 is our flagship...really??? Acura's RL is no (Lexus LS !!)
I think that Acura considers their MDX as their Flagship vehicle.
1) Make the car slightly larger or longer.
2) Just put in the friggen V8. Gas prices & environmental aside.
(All their competiors have em) Even Hyundai. Why is this so hard to figure out!!!
![Egads!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/pat.gif)
3) They really need to set it apart from the TL & supposed flagship RL.
(It's like were talking about the Lexus GS & LS. It's like saying hey our GS350 is our flagship...really??? Acura's RL is no (Lexus LS !!)
I think that Acura considers their MDX as their Flagship vehicle.
![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#74
Guest
Posts: n/a
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Look. All Acura has to do to make the RL better is simple.
1) Make the car slightly larger or longer.
2) Just put in the friggen V8. Gas prices & environmental aside.
(All their competiors have em) Even Hyundai. Why is this so hard to figure out!!!![Egads!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/pat.gif)
3) They really need to set it apart from the TL & supposed flagship RL.
(It's like were talking about the Lexus GS & LS. It's like saying hey our GS350 is our flagship...really??? Acura's RL is no (Lexus LS !!)
I think that Acura considers their MDX as their Flagship vehicle.![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
1) Make the car slightly larger or longer.
2) Just put in the friggen V8. Gas prices & environmental aside.
(All their competiors have em) Even Hyundai. Why is this so hard to figure out!!!
![Egads!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/pat.gif)
3) They really need to set it apart from the TL & supposed flagship RL.
(It's like were talking about the Lexus GS & LS. It's like saying hey our GS350 is our flagship...really??? Acura's RL is no (Lexus LS !!)
I think that Acura considers their MDX as their Flagship vehicle.
![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#75
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
There is one more question that is bothering me; where did all of Honda's profit go? Before the economic crisis hit, Honda had a sizable chunk of cash and profit. Honda has used the crisis as an excuse for cancelling and shutting down many projects, like their F1 program, the V10 Acura supercar, a European design studio, and the list goes on.
So the question is, WHERE did all of Honda's cash and profit go? Honda had plenty of surplus cash reserves specifically for a situation such as an economic crisis. So why is Honda cutting spending on everything, while some of the competition is still spending heavily?
The only thing I can think of is they are so spread out with making engines and other things that it took a pretty big chunk from their automotive manufacturing especially when the crisis hit. Building a jet engine and a jet had to have been insanely expensive and took a ton of R and D plus they have a motorcycle line, outboard marine motors, ATVs, lawnmowers, lawn equiptment, jet skis, generators, etc. I am sure the hydrogen Clarity took a ton of money to develop also. I don't think any automobile manufacture is as spread out with other products as Honda and that could be the reason or they are not in as bad of shape as they let on.
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...73368839153285
It seems they are in a little better shape then they seem to lead on they are.
Last edited by UDel; 10-28-09 at 11:45 AM.