Acura recently unveiled the restyled 2009 Acura RL at the Chicago Auto Show, but rumors are already circulating about what the next RL will be like.
Inside Line claims they have an inside scoop on the details of the next RL. The next-generation RL that is rumored for a mid-2010 release will finally feature a V8 engine that will be a 4.8L engine with around 420 horsepower. The V8 engine will also feature cylinder deactivation technology that will allow it to achieve class leading fuel economy. Another criticism of the RL besides the lack of a V8 is the absense of rear-wheel-drive. Well it is also being rumored that engineers are working on a new SH-AWD system that is mainly RWD and only uses the front wheels when the system detects slipage. This is the opposite of what the system does now.
The next RL will be released in mid-2010 as a 2011 model and will have a price tag over $70,000. That puts it head to head with Audi, BMW and Lexus.
Full Story: Inside Line
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Comments (15)
Wow, sounds like Honda is paying attention to criticism. Didn't expect that, but I'm glad they're doing it.
Posted by Jason | March 18, 2008 4:21 PM
Posted on March 18, 2008 16:21
If this is true, I might actually start to pay attention to what Honda is doing again.
I'm glad they're listening, because American's pocketbooks are not going to open up to 70k for a FWD 6 cyl.
Hooray for Honda!
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | March 18, 2008 4:35 PM
Posted on March 18, 2008 16:35
The styling doesn't do me... regardless of the powerplant.
t
Posted by Tom Underhill | March 18, 2008 6:37 PM
Posted on March 18, 2008 18:37
Perhaps Acura will get their performance levels back in line with the other Luxo makers, or even a decent bit above the Accord would be nice. I know gas economy is important but when you're spending $60k+ on a car you'd expect power and eficiency not a median between the two like the current RL has.
I guess it shows how lack luster the reception of this RL was since they're already releasing info on the next gen. That doesn't happen too often unless you're Subaru.
Posted by Gary | March 18, 2008 6:49 PM
Posted on March 18, 2008 18:49
It looks about as blan as that Cobalt SS we had to stare at.
Posted by Tommy Boy | March 18, 2008 7:09 PM
Posted on March 18, 2008 19:09
Yeah, I'm not too impressed with the exterior myself. Seems a few years behind and a few notches under "Boring."
But hey, who expects a $60K car to perform AND look good?
Oh, right..
Posted by Tony | March 18, 2008 9:09 PM
Posted on March 18, 2008 21:09
That isn't the car they are coming out with, thats the 2009 which is just a restyle of the current one.
The RWD RL with the V8 has not had the design leak yet.
Posted by Allen | March 18, 2008 10:13 PM
Posted on March 18, 2008 22:13
The V8 is nice and all but the price is still kind of off. Engine aside and all this car is not worth the price tag of luxury cars to compete with the LS and the 7 series. It has the performance but Acura has always lacked the luxury side of these higher priced cars.
Posted by John | March 18, 2008 11:59 PM
Posted on March 18, 2008 23:59
Thought Honda said they would never do a V8? Talking road cars here since they obviously have plenty of experience with V8's when it comes to racing.
Wonder if a V10 would fit like in the upcoming NSX replacement?
Posted by Hangman | March 19, 2008 12:03 AM
Posted on March 19, 2008 00:03
I guess I could give my Kudos to Acura. I get the feeling that this might really be something special!!!
Posted by Saheed | March 19, 2008 1:01 AM
Posted on March 19, 2008 01:01
this is a Saturn, right?
Posted by rene | March 19, 2008 1:15 AM
Posted on March 19, 2008 01:15
my Yugo had cylinder deactivation already in the mid eighties.
It worked with a key.
You could activate it with the same key.
Posted by low iq | March 19, 2008 1:17 AM
Posted on March 19, 2008 01:17
I don't know. I think I like the Lexus LS much better than this Saturn/Accord hybrid car that Honda is trying to pass as a luxo sedan.
If I was in the market for such a high cost car, I would buy a Lexus, BMW or Audi instead, not this FWD Saturn/Accord. Just my 2 cents...
Posted by Mazda6 Guy | March 19, 2008 8:17 PM
Posted on March 19, 2008 20:17
@Low IQ:
That's probably the best line I read on here in just about forever.. WOW........
Posted by Brian | March 19, 2008 10:20 PM
Posted on March 19, 2008 22:20
When BMW 5 series mates with Honda Accord.
Finally a V8
Posted by GT Fan | March 22, 2008 10:27 PM
Posted on March 22, 2008 22:27