Cars - Acura RL

	Cars - Acura RL

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.

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. Yet it is likely that Acura will release a new model larger than the RL to compete with the Lexus. The RL fell short in all categories and is continuing to drop in sales; it is likely there will be a redesign of the redesigned RL, as reported by AutoWeek. 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 just 210 hp. Handling was soft and ponderous. Interior space was adequate, but still tight.

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.

1999-2004

In 1999, addressing those concerns, the RL received a front and rear facelift that included the addition of Xenon headlights and newer, more stylish headlights. The difference in styling, while seemingly subtle, gave the car an entirely new look. Suspension and chassis were stiffened. The Acura RL was back in the fold and sales increased.

The second generation RL was, indeed, a substantially improved vehicle over the 1996 counterpart. In 2000, a larger navigation system screen was added. Along with that larger screen was the conversion to easy-to-replace DVD map databases. OnStar was added in 2002 as well as XM Satellite Radio in 2003. Absent a major redesign in 8 years, however, the RL's sales slipped to their lowest levels in the 2004 model year. Acura as well as dealers provided generous incentives on the final models.

The 2004 3.5RL'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.

2005-present

A revised car, known internally as "KB1", was launched in late 2004 for the 2005 model year, and is much reminescent 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 motor delivering 300 hp (224 kW). 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 second-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, Acura now plans to sell a lower level model with less options and at a lower price. Source: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060220/SUB/60217081/1078

RL Category:All wheel drive vehicles Category:Front wheel drive vehicles Category:Luxury vehicles Category:Prestige vehicles Category:Full-size vehicles Category:Flagship vehicles

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Cars - Acura RL

1996-1998

1999-2004

2005-present

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