Acura RL

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The Acura RL is the top-of-the-line sedan in the range of Honda's North American luxury brand Acura. It 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.

[edit] 1996-1998

In 1996, the replacement for the Acura Legend was introduced. Known internally as "KA9", officially, RL originally stood for "Road Luxury," however some suggest that it stood for "Replaces Legend." Whatever its meaning, 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 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). Handling was soft and ponderous. Interior space was adequate.

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. Still, a lot was lacking in the car and sales suffered in the first three years.

The 3.5RL was a conservative, well-designed, and well-mannered luxury vehicle. The 3.5RL provided all of the expected luxury features of vehicles costing much more, yet provided the practicality of a 3.5 L, 210 hp V6 with excellent low-end torque reaching a peak at a low 2800 rpm. The 1998 3.5RL was upgraded with a refined suspension. Honda engineers, as usual, found a way to increase the firmness of the suspension without any additional harshness. It provided better driving dynamics as well as overall vehicle control. Other additions for 1998 included new wheels that improved overall style with a subtle sportiness.

[edit] 1999-2004

In 1999, addressing those concerns, 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 an 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, more sportier suspension. Perhaps more importantly was the engine which now was upgraded to produce 225 hp and 231 lb-ft 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 recieved 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-present

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 in an issue of Popular Science as one of the best automotive innovations of 2004 and earned the 2005 "Tech car of the year" from cnet.com.

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). 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, the ability to see traffic movement in real time 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 Avoidance System, and Michelin PAX run flat tires.

Due to sluggish sales in several countries like the United States, Acura now plans to sell a lower level model with fewer options and at a lower price. [1] The 2007 Acura RL base model will not have navigation or real wood on the dashboard or active headlights.

[edit] Safety

In the July 26, 2006, Forbes Autos.com rated the RL as "Number One" Of the Top 10 Safest Vehicles, followed by the Volvo S80, Honda Odyssey and Acura TL; Impressive when one considers there are over 230 different models of Passenger vehicles to choose from.

[edit] External links

• Acura USA

ja:ホンダ・レジェンド pt:Acura RL