Acura has unveiled the new 2009 RL at the Chicago Auto Show.
It's no secret that the current RL has failed to meet expectations, largely due to its bland styling. For 2009 Acura has given the RL a new face and rear. According to Honda Sales EVP Dick Colliver, the new face is going to be spread across the Acura lineup when the redesigned TL and TSX debut later this year.
In addition to the more aggressive styling the 2009 RL also gets a larger engine and more power. The old 3.5L engine has been upgraded to 3.7 liters and now puts out 300 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Sper Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system has also been revised to provide faster response times. The suspension has also been tweaked and new 18" wheels replace the old 17-inch wheels on the 2008 model.
Inside the 2009 RL features a more "elegantly" styled interior and perforated leather front seats with six levels of heated/cooled ventilation.
The restyled 2009 RL will go on sale this spring. Do you think Acura did enough to boost sales of its flagship sedan?
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PRESS RELEASE:
Redesigned 2009 Acura RL Debuts at Chicago Auto Show
Bold Styling, Larger Engine, and Improved Handling Help RL Raise The Luxury Performance Bar.
CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2008 – The redesigned 2009 Acura RL luxury sedan made its world debut today at the Chicago Auto Show. Featuring bold, sleek exterior styling, an upgraded interior, advanced technologies and powerful new engine, the RL once again pushes the limits of performance, style, and luxury. The 2009 RL will go on-sale this spring at Acura dealerships nationwide.
The 2009 RL furthers cutting edge technology with the addition of new high-tech items including AcuraLink® weather, AcuraLink® Traffic Rerouting™, XM® Note, Active Sound Control, and Bluetooth® Audio to an already robust list of features found on the previous RL. To enhance handling, new chassis technology abounds in the drivetrain in the form of an improved Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system, a revised steering system, upgraded coil springs, better performing shock absorbers, larger rear stabilizer bar, and more aggressive wheels and tires. Performance improves with the RL thanks to a new, larger 3.7-liter V-6 that incorporates the first ever SOHC use of VTEC® valvetrain actuation for both the intake and exhaust valves.
"RL represents the very best we have to offer in terms of engineering, technology, performance, luxury and safety", said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. "It's designed for a new generation of performance-luxury buyers looking to travel more quickly, more efficiently and more connected to the world around them."
For 2009, the RL will be offered in three different trim levels including RL, RL with Technology Package and RL with Technology Package Plus CMBS™. All RL's receive a potent new 3.7-liter V-6 engine, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, a Bose® Surround Sound audio system, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity and a GPS-based solar-sensing climate control system. The Technology Package includes the satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Activation™ with rearview camera, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, AcuraLink® weather, Traffic Rerouting™, a rear view back-up camera, Active Front Lighting System (AFS), ventilated front seats, and a wood/leather steering wheel and shift knob. The top RL package is the Technology Package with CMBS™ which also includes Acura's acclaimed Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and genuine wood instrument panel trim.
Powertrain
The innovation built into the new RL begins with the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura sedan. An all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine develops 300 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque thanks to an innovative new VTEC™ valvetrain system for both the intake and exhaust valves, a higher compression ratio, along with a special dual-stage magnesium intake manifold that enables the intake to function as a single- or dual-plenum manifold design based on engine operating parameters. In addition to developing improved power and torque, the RL engine meets tough CARB ULEV-2 emission standards and delivers good fuel economy. The RL's engine bay appears more upscale thanks to a new surround panel assembly that reduces visual distractions and focuses attention directly on the all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine.
To handle the higher power of the 3.7-liter engine, a new version of the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission is fitted to the 2009 RL. Featuring new "smart" F1®-style steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and a new straight-gate console mounted gear selector, the RL driver now has more gear control than ever before.
The RL's acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system returns for 2009, but is now quicker responding and better performing.
There are numerous traction advantages of all-wheel drive, yet SH-AWD™ does a key function that is not available with traditional AWD systems- SH-AWD™ utilizes torque vectoring to increase the rotation speed of an outside rear wheel during aggressive cornering to help the car turn more effectively while under power. This "yaw" function reduces the cornering load on the front tires to minimize understeer, to improve handling balance, and to escalate total cornering grip.
Body and Chassis
To further enhance handling and ride comfort, the new RL retains a fully independent suspension system with front double-wishbone and rear multi-link architecture. For 2009 the RL features higher rate coil springs, larger diameter stabilizer bars, stiffer subframe mount bushings and improved design steering rack components. To further improve handling and looks, new 18-inch diameter 7-spoke aluminum wheels are matched with more aggressive tires (replacing the previous 17-inch wheel/tire offering).
Exterior/Interior
The 2009 RL's new exterior styling is not only more aggressive, but delivers excellent aerodynamics and reduced rear lift at higher speeds. The RL's more athletic style foreshadows the power concealed by the new power plenum front grille and blow-formed aluminum hood. The RL's shape is taut and athletic, and its acceleration and cornering performance allow it to challenge the most capable German and Japanese sports sedans. Comfort, quietness and ride quality are also on a par with performance sedan competitors. For 2009, eight exterior colors are available-5 of which are new-including a new pearl pigment process that improves luster and shine.
Inside, the 2009 RL features a more elegantly styled interior that includes more room for rear seat passengers, easier-to-use front seat belts, door-mounted pull pockets, softer arm rests, redesigned vents, larger/clearer lettering for HVAC controls, and easier actuation of climate control functions. A revised steering wheel with available genuine wood trim (included with the CMBS package) and metal-look accents is now fitted to the RL along with a matching wood-trimmed transmission shift knob. Complementing the steering wheel are upgraded gauges that incorporate brushed metal accents for enhanced appearance. For 2009, additional insulation, a more high-tech design of Acura's acoustic glass windshield, and a new Active Sound Control (ASC) noise abatement system team to further reduce the RL's already quiet cabin.
The RL's perforated leather front seats now incorporate six levels of heated/cooled ventilation. Moreover, just like the driver's seat, the passenger front seat now has 10-way power adjustability. For 2009, the center panel controls are now more intuitive and are surrounded by a new background color along with improved quality wood patterned panels. These interior upgrades are complimented by advanced electronics that include a satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Activation™ along with the innovative AcuraLink® satellite communication system with Real-time traffic, AcuraLink® Traffic Rerouting™ and (new for 2009) AcuraLink® weather. The RL is the first vehicle on the market to feature in-dash integrated, continually updated real-time weather information in a single-screen format. The spectacular Acura/Bose® 10-speaker Sound System with DVD-Audio returns but is now upgraded to include Bluetooth® Audio, even richer audio sound, XM® Note, improved button legibility, and a USB connectivity port.
Safety
The 2009 RL retains Acura's extremely rigid Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure that features extensive use of high-tensile steel and lightweight aluminum components to take vehicle construction beyond conventional safety protocols while keeping overall vehicle weight in check. The ACE™ structure's front-mounted polygonal main frame is designed to help prevent cabin deformation by distributing impact forces through multiple load bearing pathways-and away from the passenger compartment. For 2009, to enhance safety a new Active Head Restraint System is built into the front seats to improve neck and head protection in the event in a rear impact collision. To further aid in safety, the RL includes as standard a passenger seatbelt reminder, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and six airbags. These advances team to make the 2009 RL the strongest, most powerful, best handling, safest and most luxurious sedan Acura has ever built.
The RL earned 5-star ratings (the best possible) for frontal and side crash tests, and for rollover resistance, from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The RL is the fourth vehicle in the history of the program to earn the top rating of "5-star" in all three test categories. Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the RL its top rating of GOOD in Side Impact Collision Evaluation (SICE) along with a GOOD rating for IIHS' frontal offset crash test. With a new Active Head Restraint System for front seat passengers, the 2009 RL is anticipated to receive a GOOD rating in IIHS rear crash protection evaluation.
Comments (34)
That's horrible... took after the odd angles of the MDX... "Do you think Acura did enough to boost sales of its flagship sedan?
" I say NO.
Posted by Terence | February 6, 2008 2:28 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 14:28
Humm....
Slap AWD in an Accord and sell me that for $30k.
Posted by Who Dis? | February 6, 2008 2:35 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 14:35
Looks like a car from Judge Dredd.
Posted by bc | February 6, 2008 2:39 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 14:39
I'm ambivalent about it.
The grille is odd. I like the rear end. 200cc is not going to make much difference in a 2-ton car. The Hyundai Genesis will smoke it. I like the 18" wheels, but the wheel wells make them look small. I like the interior.
Acura is trying to improve it, but overall it still looks like a blue-hair luxury liner. Maybe that's the demographics they're shooting for?
Posted by Kell | February 6, 2008 2:56 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 14:56
The back of the car looks nice, but the front still needs work. The front just doesn't flow with the rest of the car....
They should also reconsider the center console on the dash. It is way too busy. It makes the interior look really cheap.
Another option that Acura really needs in their line up is a good V8 or V10 engine. Something that will make people want that car. Hyundai of all manufactures finally offers a V8 300+ HP in their new Genesis Model......
My favorite looking RL was the 2004/05 model year. A very stately looking vehicle.
Posted by Andrew | February 6, 2008 2:59 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 14:59
The wheels and front end look better, more aggressive. Still not sold on the rear, but I guess that's the bangle-butt thing every manufacturer is copying these days - including Honda. I really liked the rear end on the RSX, TSX, and TL. The RL was the ugly duckling in the Acura lineup - particularly from the rear. It needed a sharper chiseled rear end like the rest of the Acura lineup. This new design is a step in the right direction, but clearly targeted to old folks who don't need much sizzle. Let's hope they don't add bland styling to the next gen TL and TSX.
Posted by D | February 6, 2008 3:03 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 15:03
It's a difinitive improvement, but to answer the question of whether they did enough, NO. Were I in the market I'd buy the GS350 over this in a heartbeat, for the same price. Let alone the German competition for some more money. Americans like to stand out and this just doesn't do it for us.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | February 6, 2008 3:20 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 15:20
Ohh, and specific hp output is actually decresed from the Type-S cars they came out with 9 years ago. Lets see some improvement in that arena...
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | February 6, 2008 3:23 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 15:23
They just added a Saturn Outlook grille on this car... It looks truckish, that's all. What's good for a truck is not exactly what a luxury car needs...
Posted by E | February 6, 2008 4:30 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 16:30
They just added a Saturn Outllook grille on this car... It looks truckish, that's all. What's good for a truck is not exactly what a luxury car needs...
Posted by E | February 6, 2008 4:31 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 16:31
They just added a Saturn Outlook grille on this car... It looks truckish, that's all. What's good for a truck is not exactly what a luxury car needs...
Posted by E | February 6, 2008 4:32 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 16:32
it kind of looks like my TL on steroids
Posted by dennisil | February 6, 2008 4:35 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 16:35
Looks like a mash up of the new Accord (which I think it's still based on the same frame) and the current TL. Not bad but not good. I'd still pass it up if I were in the market for a Luxo Cruiser.
Posted by Gary | February 6, 2008 4:50 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 16:50
I owned an 03 TL and and checked out the current RL when it debued. I thought the interior space was smaller, the back seat was very cramped. I keep reading acura is going to dazzle us with new products. but as usual this is just a gussied up accord. Needs its own identity away from honda, larger interior, and v8 power.
Honda used to be on the cutting edge for cars, now its just motorcycles, lawnmowers, and generators.
Posted by Eric | February 6, 2008 5:14 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 17:14
I think they're borrowing too heavily from BMW, especially on the rear end. And the grille looks like some kind of huge bottle opener.
It's better, but there's never been an Acura design that I've really liked.
Posted by Tom | February 6, 2008 6:02 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 18:02
Whoa!!!!!.
Please no!. Whats wrong with their designers? I'm no auto designer but when its ugly, it sure doesn't take talent to see and this one sure is ugly.
Not only do I prefer the previous design, I just lost my taste for Accura's in general (except the RDX).
That front grill just bite me.
Posted by JD | February 6, 2008 6:13 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 18:13
Looks marginally better to me.
I test drove an RL last year... to me it felt really solid and the handling was awesome. But it also felt like it wasn't that fast with the 290hp engine mainly due to the fact is was so good in every other way. I knew I was going fast because I was leaving everyone in the dust.
The chasis and suspension felt like it could handle and extra 100 hp easily.
So I say that Acura needs to add a turbo or two to the RL V6 to increase the power 40-50%, as well as do something more interesting with the styling.
Posted by Peter | February 6, 2008 6:30 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 18:30
Gary is right, it uses the same platform as the Accord. Not that the Accord is a bad car (best in class IMO), but it doesn't belong under the skin of a $50k+ car.
Look at the front wheels and their distance from the nose and their lack of distance from the front door line. This is a pure FWD layout and makes the car look cheap. Combine that with the non-flaired fenders and it looks like a $25k FWD family sedan, not a $50k+ flagship. The only company that pulls off expensive FWD based cars is Audi (and they have solid looking chunky-square'ish bodies with pumped fenders.)
They need something aggressive, groundbreaking, like the TL was when it debuted a few years back. It's still a great looking car that draws my eyes when I see one on the road. When I see an RL, I think "Not the car I'd buy with $50k", peer in the window and it's always an old ex-Lincoln looking person sitting there in a daze...
Posted by Noya | February 6, 2008 7:05 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 19:05
I sorta think it looks like a Camry from that back but typical Acura up front. Definitely Toyotaesk interior look and quality from the looks whuch is okay but not 50K worthy. Besides that the interior needs to gt broken up with color a little better as the all monotone color makes me think they want to market the RL as a 50K rental.....
Posted by NissanMan | February 6, 2008 7:45 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 19:45
That car's as ugly as a man's ass....
Posted by Eric | February 6, 2008 8:31 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 20:31
Honda just need to sack this still born puppy and cover it up with all the profits from the Accord.
Posted by john | February 6, 2008 8:46 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 20:46
I think it looks alright... change the front grill, possibly, but it looks fine...
The question for me is, why should I buy this over a sub-$40000 Hyundai Genesis?
Posted by SEALBoy | February 6, 2008 9:32 PM
Posted on February 6, 2008 21:32
The old RL looked better. and wtf is this? a single cam engine for the flagship vehicle? It looks like honda is puposely trying to kill off the RL. I bet it gained another 200lbs also...
Posted by Jason | February 7, 2008 6:24 AM
Posted on February 7, 2008 06:24
Uglier than the last version, I'd still take a TL (or yes the Genesis) over this. In fact I think the TL is the only decent car Honda makes (with the possible exception of the horribly overpriced S2000).
Posted by gm0n3y | February 7, 2008 2:08 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 14:08
@gm0n3y:
If you think the S2000 is overpriced, checkout how much Honda wants for it in Canada, it is a joke.
For the kind of money they want for this car who would actually choose this FWD car (yes I know it has 4WD) over a true RWD car? Honda sure thinks very highly of itself...
Posted by Mazda6 Guy | February 7, 2008 2:26 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 14:26
The Grille looks Terrible, Like bad enough to make the car unbuyable bad.
Is anyone else noticing that the whole overall shape is now really close to a 1990 Thunderbird?
Posted by Travis | February 7, 2008 3:24 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 15:24
This looks like an over-priced Accord with a jazzed up interior.
I don't understand why they wouldn't skimp on a model year or two and work on getting a NEW flagship in?
The old styling looked better than this.
Posted by deskmist | February 7, 2008 7:16 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 19:16
@Mazda6 Guy
I live in Canada, so I was actually looking at the Canadian price. Starting at more than $50000 is way too high for that car. No wonder you never see them in here.
Posted by gm0n3y | February 8, 2008 2:45 PM
Posted on February 8, 2008 14:45
I just check the US honda site and holy shit I hate Canadian car prices, the S2000 is only $34000 in the US, thats a full $16000 cheaper, that is re-fucking-tarded.
Posted by gm0n3y | February 8, 2008 2:48 PM
Posted on February 8, 2008 14:48
Your fantastic Canadian government punishes people who actually want to buy cool or nice cars. They want everyone to drive a boring 4 cylinder 4/5 door utilitarian car.
That's not Honda's fault...
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | February 8, 2008 4:01 PM
Posted on February 8, 2008 16:01
What Acura seems to miscalculate and sorely miss the mark in this market segment (and price range) are that the most successful models are usually rear-wheel drive based cars that have nicely balanced front-rear weight distribution. The least they can do for this new RL is to at least give the AWD a 50-50 split (better yet a rear wheel bias). Imagine if they built this in a larger S2000 platform. Nice balance, rear-wheel drive bias. I don't mind having a V6 only as as long as everything is a balanced package. As for the present styling, its OK. No originality but acceptable. The rear is too BMWesque. The front is like a Dodge pick-up..
Posted by PaulMP | February 9, 2008 2:06 PM
Posted on February 9, 2008 14:06
Yes Acura, the RL needed to be even more subtle with '08 Accord lines :X
Posted by neosoul | February 9, 2008 4:47 PM
Posted on February 9, 2008 16:47
When is the 09 expected at dealers? What is the new pricing like?
Posted by kmaahs | February 16, 2008 3:27 PM
Posted on February 16, 2008 15:27
As a 2005 RL owner this is an embarassment. I have owned acuras since '87, and even some sterlings too. Acura has always impressed me with their engine smoothness and fit and finish and durability. Starting with the 2002 TL type S it looked like this company was really taking off. For the record it wasn't the styling that was killing the RL, it was the power. Interior, sound system and ride are all great, and the 300 HP later revealed to be 290 HP V6 is good for sub 7 sec 0-60, but customers want more. Do you think most BMW customers buy M5s? No but you need a sedan to show what that line could do. I don't know why Acura never made an RL type S with a turbo, maybe pushing 400 HP, now with the SH-AWD and great handling and interior you would have a world beater on your hands. (Maybe you could drop about 200lbs. too).
Posted by Drew | April 14, 2008 10:34 AM
Posted on April 14, 2008 10:34