Acura RL

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Acura RL
2007 Acura RL
Manufacturer Honda
Production 1996–present
Assembly Saitama, Japan
Predecessor Acura Legend
Class Mid-size luxury car[1]
Body style(s) 4-door sedan

The Acura RL is the flagship car of Honda's North American luxury brand Acura. The current generation RL is a rebadged version of the fourth-generation Honda Legend and replaced the Acura Legend in 1996. All Acura RLs are built in Saitama, Japan. The very first Acura RL rolled off the assembly line on January 4, 1996.

Contents

[edit] 1996-1998

First generation
Acura 3.5RL
Also called Acura 3.5RL
Production 1996–1998
Layout FF layout
Engine(s) 3.5 L V6
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 114.6 in (2911 mm)
Length 195.1 in (4956 mm)
Width 71.3 in (1811 mm)
Height 54.5 in (1384 mm)

In 1996, the replacement for the Acura Legend was introduced. Known internally as "KA9", officially, RL originally stood for "Refined Luxury." [1] The 1996 Acura 3.5RL was introduced to lackluster reviews. The automotive world had been expecting a true competitor to the Lexus LS to emerge. The RL fell short and was continuing to drop in sales until it was finally redesigned for the 2005 model year. The main problems holding back the car seemed to be the lack of an option of a V8 powerplant and rear-wheel drive. So in 1996, laying to rest predictions of a VTEC V8 powerplant, the 3.5RL was powered by a 3.5 L V6 engine, derived from the previous Legend's 3.2 L unit. The engine provided 210 hp (later 225 hp).[2]

Despite all the compromises, the RL was still a competent vehicle. Few could find fault in it and it provided a serene, almost silent highway ride. The transmission, a 4-speed automatic, was smooth and silky. Reliability and fit-and-finish were excellent.

[edit] 1999-2004

Generation 1.5
1999-2004 Acura 3.5RL
Production 1999–2004
Layout FF layout
Engine(s) 3.5 L V6
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 114.6 in (2911 mm)
Length 1999-2001: 196.6 in (4994 mm)
2002-04: 196.7 in (4996 mm)
Width 1999-2001: 71.4 in (1814 mm)
2002-04: 71.7 in (1821 mm)
Height 1999-2001: 56.5 in (1435 mm)
2002-04: 54.5 in (1384 mm)

In 1999, the RL received a front and rear facelift that included the addition of newer, more stylish xenon HID headlamps and integrated foglights along with new bumpers and hood. The difference, while seemingly subtle, gave the car a new more assertive stance. Suspension and chassis were stiffened and the alloys featured a new look. For safety, driver and front passenger side airbags were added. The Acura RL was back in the fold and sales increased.

In 2000, a larger navigation system screen was added. Along with that larger screen was the conversion to easy-to-replace DVD map databases. In 2002, another subtle change was given to the RL with painted lower trim and mudflaps along with redesigned alloys and a newer, sportier suspension setup. Perhaps more importantly was the engine which now was upgraded to produce 225 hp (168 kW) and 231 lb·ft (313 N·m) of torque along with more insulation in the engine compartment as well as the fact that OnStar was added in 2002 as well as XM Satellite Radio in 2003. The 2003 and 2004 RL's received clear turn signals in the rear lights, another new wheel design as well as various interior upgrades including new color schemes. For 2004, the navigation system came as standard as well as a more modern looking, redesigned center consol and chrome door lock pulls. Absent a major redesign in 8 years, however, the RL's sales slipped to their lowest levels in the 2004 model year. Acura and dealers both provided generous incentives on the final models.

The 2004 RL's engine was the last in the Honda and Acura lineup not to use VTEC, Honda's variable valve timing system. The 2004 RL was also the last Acura to use the numeric designator for its engine displacement.

[edit] 2005-2010

Second Generation
2005-2008 Acura RL
Production 2005-2010
Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine(s) 2005-08: 3.5L 290 hp (220 kW) V6
2009-10: 3.7L 300 hp (220 kW) V6
Transmission(s) 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase 110.2 in (2799 mm)
Length 2005-08: 193.6 in (4917 mm)
2009-10: 195.8 in (4973 mm)
Width 2005-10: 72.7 in (1847 mm)
Height 57.1 in (1450 mm)

A revised car, known internally as "KB1", was launched in late 2004 for the 2005 model year, and is much reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Still without the much-rumored V8 engine, it features a sophisticated all-wheel drive system Acura calls "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive". It integrates active differentials with the all-wheel drive system and traction control to improve handling, similar to the "ATTS" system featured on the 1997 Honda Prelude SH. This all-wheel drive system was lauded by Popular Science as one of the best automotive innovations of 2004, and earned the 2005 "Tech car of the year" from cnet.com[3].

The 225 hp (168 kW) 90° C-series V6 engine was replaced with a new 60° J-series 3.5 L engine delivering 300 hp (224 kW; later revised to 290 hp (220 kW) due to new SAE testing procedures). To give the car a more sporty feel, the car features a five-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel in the current, racing-car derived fashion. Other features found on the 2005 RL include DVD-Audio, XM Nav-Traffic (real-time traffic monitoring utilizing XM Satellite radio), as well as extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber. Pricing is up to US$49,100 without destination.

The third-generation RL appeared on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2005.

For 2006, the Acura RL was also sold with the optional 'Technology Package' including features such as adaptive cruise control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, and Michelin PAX run-flat tires. The previously standard color-matched mud guards were deleted in 2006.

In addition to the base trim level, the 2007 Acura RL was available with the Technology Package or the Technology and CMBS/PAX Packages.

2006 Honda Legend
2006 Honda Legend
2007 RL 2007 RL with Technology Package
(in addition to the base package)		 2007 RL with Technology and CMBS/PAX Packages
(in addition to the Technology Package)
290 horsepower (220 kW) Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC VTEC V-6 aluminum-alloy engine Rearview camera Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) AcuraLink satellite communication system with real-time traffic Michelin PAX Run-Flat Technology
Acura/Bose 10-speaker Surround Sound System GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system
XM Satellite Radio Active Front Lighting System (AFS)
Keyless Access System

The 2008 Acura RL continues unchanged in the US market. MSRP increases $500 in each trim:

  • 2008 RL $46,280
  • 2008 RL with Technology Package $49,900
  • 2008 RL with Technology and CMBS/PAX Packages $53,700

In Canada, the 2008 Acura RL is available with two different models, Base and Elite Package. The Elite Package adds Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Active Front Lighting System (AFS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), heated and cooled ventilated front seats and burled maple wood trim.

[edit] Facelift

The facelfted 2009 Acura RL luxury sedan made its world debut at the Chicago Auto Show on February 6, 2008. Its engine will be upgraded to 3.7L with 300 hp (220 kW), a powertrain shared with the Acura MDX, and will be available in Summer, 2008 to dealerships. Critics have expressed disappointment that the sole transmission will remain a five-speed auto, when six or more speeds is now commonplace among the RL's competitors and even cars competing in lower price classes. The facelifted RL has a grille similar to the new MDX and TSX. A V8 RL may be on its way, to compete with its rivals in a few years.

[edit] Specs

Standard & A-Spec: Engine: 3471 cc V6

Power: 290 bhp (216 kW) @ 6200 rpm

Torque: 256 lb·ft (347 N·m) @ 5000 rpm

Acceleration (0-60mph): 6.9 seconds

[edit] Safety

From 2005 to 2008, Acura RL has been ranked #1 and has achieved the best car safety score (46.4) in Informed for LIFE's 2003 - 2009 Vehicle risk index SCOREs.[4]

The Acura RL features Collision Mitigation Braking System, which can alert drivers of objects up to 330' ahead. If the driver gets dangerously close and doesn't take evasive action, the RL brakes slightly and tugs at the seatbelts. If the driver still doesn't react and the collision is deemed unavoidable, the RL retracts and locks seatbelts and brakes hard.

[edit] Sources

  1. ^ http://www.hondanews.com/categories/755/releases/4413
  2. ^ http://www.edmunds.com/acura/rl/2004/review.html
  3. ^ c|net's Tech Car of the Year
  4. ^ 2003 - 2009 Vehicle risk index SCOREs, <http://www.informedforlife.org/demos/FCKeditor/UserFiles/File/1MasterSCOREr.pdf>. Retrieved on 10 May 2008 

[edit] External links

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Acura, a division of Honda — road car timeline, 1986–present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s
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Entry-Level Coupé Integra Integra Integra RSX
Sedan TSX TSX
1.6EL 1.7EL CSX
Mid-size Coupé 2.2CL/2.3CL/3.0CL 3.2CL
Sedan Vigor 2.5TL/3.2TL 3.2TL TL
Full-size Legend Legend 3.5RL 3.5RL RL
Crossover RDX
MDX MDX
SUV SLX
Sports NSX