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Originally Posted by RL A-Spec
I'm reading a forum for 2nd Gen RL devotees, and I am seeing responses from primarily 1st Gen RL owners who complain that the current RL is a lousy car - ??? What is your basis of comparison? Yes, the styling of the RL is understated - it wasn't meant to be a bling machine. One could wish for a V8, certainly, but the car doesn't really need more power - it needs more torque, which is something else again. Overall, the current RL is a wonderful car to drive and to ride in. With the A-Spec suspension, it will outhandle any MB, Lexus or Infiniti, and do it quietly and comfortably. For the money, I don't see anything out there that is in its class. The 2nd Gen is so far ahead of the 1st Gen there isn't really any comparison, so don't put it down until you experience the difference.
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I never said the car is lousy. I just said it looks like a bar of soap. It is indeed a fine piece of machinery, but they're aren't selling the car like they hoped.
Some dealers are marking the RL up to 57k and for 57k people will walk off a Lexus lot with a new GS.
The RL is a great car, but for 50k people are buying less-equipped higher prestige vehicles. Doesn't mean the car is lousy, it means people are gonna pay for brand image and thats something that, compared to its competition, Acura doesn't have right now.
Acura doesn't know what segment the RL is in nor do they market the car effectively. When's the last time you've seen an RL commercial? A 40-45k RL is a BAD idea because people will still snag the TL, which accounts for a lot of Acura's sales.
Acura can't move the RL up market because people STILL won't buy it. Is the answer a ultra-lux Acura that can really compete with an S-class/7 series/Infiniti Q/ LS 430 (soon to be 460)? probably not. Again, because brand image plays a role into this.
Acura still needs to build its rep in the smaller segments. If people want more car and more luxury they'll scream for it. This is evident when people wanted more car and a softer ride from the Legend, and the 2nd Gen is the closest they've come to the old flagship Legend. The 1st Gen wasn't a bad car, it was just boring looking (I personally like that because it doesn't have that curb appeal and is less likely to get fucked with, but I don't hold my breath).
Take VW, they built the Phaeton a 66k car with the V8 and over 100k with the W12 and did they make a profit off that car? HELL NO. for one reason and one reason only, who is gonna pay that kind of grip for a VW? not anyone I know.
The RL is not a terrible car, the situation the RL is in is terrible.
