Next-Generation Acura RL to Reassert Flagship Position Within Acura Lineup; stays V-6
#76
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by joe80
v8 or no v8, RL failed because it's ugly and overpriced. you can't sell something for near 50k when it looks like a 35k car.
![Uhh...](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/1387914497.gif)
I have always had a high opinion of this car, and, except for the parrot-beak grille on the American-market RL, have never panned it.
#77
![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)
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.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)
Back to the discussion, they desperately need to distinguish it from its two siblings - TSX and TL.
#78
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)
honestly it's the best acura i've ever driven(ive driven almost every acuras except NSX), but driving is one thing, look is another. it's too bad because i love how it drives.
ride - superb for v6
interior - awesome
exterior design - utter failure
road presence - non existent
beak - offends 95% of people. (but i find myself getting used to acura's new grille design. something is wrong with me)
price - it looks like a 35k car from outside. it could be an accord.
I hate hating RL.. I've owned 01 CLS, 03 MDX, and 3 other hondas. kinda sad..
![Crying](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/Peace.gif)
#81
F is for Fraud
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Québec
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The fact that Acura, unlike the other luxury brands, does not offer RWD or AWD as standard, and does not offer a V8 or turbocharged or supercharged V6, has made me stray away from the brand more than once. Acura has always made me feel like they're Hondas with leather and sunroof standard, especially the CSX, which is essentially a Civic with leather, a sunroof, and paddle-shifters.
I wouldn't mind spending $1-2000 more on an Acura if RWD or AWD was standard. I think it's just pathetic that a luxury brand still makes FWD vehicles but sells it at the same price as its RWD competitors.
I wouldn't mind spending $1-2000 more on an Acura if RWD or AWD was standard. I think it's just pathetic that a luxury brand still makes FWD vehicles but sells it at the same price as its RWD competitors.
#82
Lexus Fanatic
#83
F is for Fraud
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Québec
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#85
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
With that said, why not just make the entire Acura lineup SH-AWD (like what Subaru is doing with their Symmetrical AWD technology)? Sure it's gonna be more expensive but hey, at least it has standard AWD
![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Still, I'm bothered with what's going on with their automobile engines and powertrain division. I say that cause for instance, Advanced VTEC (which was supposed to be the successor to the outdated K-series) is still not here.
So it's puzzling to note why not much is going on in that aspect....
![Confused](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif)
#87
F is for Fraud
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Québec
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts