New Acura RL Details Revealed
#1
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Acura has confirmed that the next-generation RL flagship luxury sedan will make its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in April. The car will continue to use a V6 engine, but will gain a hybrid component and use direct-injection as well as an innovative new all-wheel drive system referred to as Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.
Using a V6 hybrid engine up front to power the front wheels, the system will also make use of two electric motors in the rear, individually powering each wheel. The new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system takes the RL's current all-wheel setup and transforms it into an electronic system, removing the mechanical components and replacing them with an electronic version. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission the result will be an engine that delivers V8 power with the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder we are told by Acura Canada senior product planner Emile Korkor.
We were treated to a few renderings of the RL at Honda Canada headquarters and while we can't share any images with you we can say it certainly has some similarity to the current car, but with a more rear-drive designed and large rear fenders - similar to styling cues shown in the new ILX. As for the size of the vehicle, Acura says it will be essentially share dimensions with the current RL, but will gain substantially on the interior. "Think of it as the interior of a 7 Series with the outside space of a 5 Series" said Korkor, stating that the RL will add roominess but not remove the soul of Acura. In addition Acura feels that the size of the RL, not to mention the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, will help deliver mid-size agility.
Using a V6 hybrid engine up front to power the front wheels, the system will also make use of two electric motors in the rear, individually powering each wheel. The new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system takes the RL's current all-wheel setup and transforms it into an electronic system, removing the mechanical components and replacing them with an electronic version. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission the result will be an engine that delivers V8 power with the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder we are told by Acura Canada senior product planner Emile Korkor.
We were treated to a few renderings of the RL at Honda Canada headquarters and while we can't share any images with you we can say it certainly has some similarity to the current car, but with a more rear-drive designed and large rear fenders - similar to styling cues shown in the new ILX. As for the size of the vehicle, Acura says it will be essentially share dimensions with the current RL, but will gain substantially on the interior. "Think of it as the interior of a 7 Series with the outside space of a 5 Series" said Korkor, stating that the RL will add roominess but not remove the soul of Acura. In addition Acura feels that the size of the RL, not to mention the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, will help deliver mid-size agility.
#3
Lexus Test Driver
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Eh... nothing I read about the body or styling led me to think it will leap away from it's current duds. But I guess we'll wait and see. I think the car NEEDS to be bigger on the outside... to visually differentiate itself from the TL and line up better with it's competitors. The first thing people look at with a car is the exterior, where either it gells in their head and they look further into it, or it clashes and they move on. Very important.
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"Using a V6 hybrid engine up front to power the front wheels, the system will also make use of two electric motors in the rear, individually powering each wheel. ... Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission ...
Sounds like the mirror image of the new NSX drivetrain...could be interesting. And the 7-spd dual clutch would suddenly leap frog Lexus' tranny offerings. I'm sure the car will look less expensive than it is, a la the current gen RL, however.
Sounds like the mirror image of the new NSX drivetrain...could be interesting. And the 7-spd dual clutch would suddenly leap frog Lexus' tranny offerings. I'm sure the car will look less expensive than it is, a la the current gen RL, however.
#13
Lexus Test Driver
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I'll tell you why I'm critical. Acura was once on top for a long time, but lost their grip. I've had a few of their cars in my family, so there's a personal sense of let-down. With years of promises and not delivering, I get the feeling I've been had. I guess you have to be a big time car person to feel had by a car company, but it's happened for me at least.
#14
Lexus Fanatic
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The entry into the premium luxury sedan market requires a V8 ( at least optional ). If Acura is producing it with a V6 or hybrid V6 its really a GS450h competitor rather than competition for the LS, 7 series, s class, and Jag XJ