acura rl review

[speedmaster]

Hoping to kick some new life into the brand, Acura rolled into Chicago with an almost completely new version of its RL flagship, which will hit U.S. showrooms later this year.
The 2009 Acura RL “defines our brand and further refines our engineering credentials,” declared the Honda luxury division’s marketing chief, Dick Colliver.
While some platform fundamentals hold over from the last-generation RL, more than 80 percent of the new model has been revised or completely redesigned, including virtually all of its sheetmetal. Developing a distinctive, rather than derivative look has been critical, Acura officials conceded, to rebuilding what was the very first of the Japanese luxury brands.
Nose on, the RL features a new, wing-shaped chrome crossbar grille. It’s framed by a pair of striking new headlamps. Like seemingly all new luxury sedans, the ’09 Acura enhances aerodynamics through the use of a high trunk lid. Arrow-like, wraparound taillights, ovoid dual exhaust tips and a chrome design strip help the 2009 RL stand out from the rear, as well.
Some potential buyers might be turned off by the lack of a V-8 engine, something offered by many of Acura’s competitors. But with a growing emphasis on fuel economy, the RL’s new 3.7-liter V-6 may not seem like much of a compromise, especially as it’s the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura sedan. Using the latest version of its VTEC variable valvetrain technology, the engine develops 300 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, more than comparable to many of its competitors’ eight-bangers.
The engine is mated to a manumatic-style five-speed automatic. In turn, it drives all four wheels using the Acura Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive, or SH-AWD system. The latest version of that system uses torque vectoring – essentially altering the amount of torque sent to each wheel, not only to handle low-traction road surfaces, but also to improve cornering capabilities.
A key part of the RL’s appeal – or so Acura hopes – is what Colliver describes as customer-relevant technology, technology that legitimately enhances the customer’s life.”
The large navigation screen provides the first clue to what that means. Acura has long had a reputation for providing one of the best mapping systems on the market, and as before, the navi includes a Zagat rating system that not only identifies roadside dining spots but helps you figure which ones will suit your taste.
The system now provides not only real-time traffic but automatic trip rerouting, in the event of a serious tie-up. And partnering with XM Satellie Radio, it also introduces the AcuraLink Weather system.
Other useful features include a back-up camera, active front lighting, heated and ventilated front seating, and a GPS-based digital climate control system.
Front, side, and head airbags, ABS, and traction and stability control are standard, while the top-line version of the RL adds such safety enhancements as radar-guided cruise control and Acura’s Collision Mitigation Braking, which is designed to spot and automatically react in the event of a potential collision.
The new RL is intended to reveal the new look that Acura will roll out on other future models, notably including updates of the TL and TSX sedans.
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[petroxg]

Well there are pros and cons about this new RL, but right now I say there are more cons than pros the way I look at it. RL definitely got the best and most technologically advances vehicle on the market. Hence, Acura "Advance", but the good news end there.

The rest of it are more like cons and will pretty much weed RL out and lose to the rest of its competitor such as LS, BMW 7-series, MB S-class, or even Infiniti M. Why? For starter, look at the new TL, please don't tell me the new 09 TL doesn't look bigger than RL, anyone can see that clearly. Who in the right mind will buy a Flagship car that is smaller than its mid-size luxury sedan. R u kidding me? Not just that, RL is pretty much the smallest in size compare to all other luxury flagship car. That alone is more than enough to turn off many many many buyers.

What the hell does 09 RL has that deserves to call a Flagship car other than CMB system. They might as well call 09 TL the new Flagship car. Everything RL have, TL have them too except CMB system plus TL got press button start ignition (RL don't even have), plus TL is bigger in size, plus TL uses the same engine as the RL for the SH-AWD version. Seriously, only someone that got no brains will buy a RL over TL. And if that is what Acura definition of luxury judging from RL...I hate to say this...they r no where near Lexus or BMW or MB level. The only little edge RL has over the competitors is the CBM system and better navigation. Other than that, when it comes to size, luxury features, smooth drive, comfort, RL just straight out can't compete with other luxury flagship car.

Really RL should be made like other luxury Flagship car, $70k car for the "Rich people ONLY" car. If people like us, just regular salary Joe or Jane can afford it, it aint a luxury flagship car..as simple as that.

And uhm the engine, yea is the most gas efficient and great performance engine. But compare to its competitor, do you think making more gas efficient engine for RL will help? Heck no! Cuz people that want gas efficient car would of just buy a Hybrid car like Prius or Civic. If someone can afford luxury flagship car like LS or 7-series or S-class, they definitely can afford paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars of gas each month. Remember, Flagship car is for the "RICH" and gas money cost too much "DON'T register" in their head. Get over it and make a bigger engine with more power. If fuel economy actually matters, MB and BMW would of went out of business long long long time ago. For all I can see, I see a LS or 7-series or S-class on the road on almost daily basis. But RL, lol...I will be lucky if I see one on the street once a week. And all those cars got bigger engine and worse fuel economy than RL...see what I mean!

Unfortunately, I also accept the fact that Acura is too stubborn and proud to change that, so whatever I say won't matters anyways. Since I m not in the market for luxury Flagship car, I don't really care much for now, just happy with my TL..hehe.

[Spade]

RL is comparable to the 5-series, GS, and so on. not the 7-series or LS.

acura is seriously on crack, they dont know what to do.

go back to selling Legends, Vigors, CLs and RSXs. silly fools, giving up what they sold well, atleast the Legend and RSX, and failing at luxury.

[petroxg]

Haha..that is so true, as if they are high or something. I know that Acura usual customers are mostly younger adults like me cuz of its agressive styling and handling. And now they discontinued what sold well which the young adults loves and then "attempt" their definition of tier 1 luxury. Guess what, now they end up something in between, half wannabe sport luxury car like BMW..and half wannabe luxury car like MB..is a joke..lol.

Yea I know RL is more comparable to 5-series or GS now, but it used to be the same league as LS and 7-series back in the 1990s...and they got high and discontinued what was designed and sold well and change everything around to something half wannabe...lol...sad.