RL09

Is the MMC (09-12) considered an A-spec?

teh CL

iTrader: (1)

Never see those at all

RL09

I guess I never understood what an A-spec is. Wish i could see a side by side visual.

but the following is what gave me the impression when the Aspec ended in 08 and improvements made on the MMC:

As of the 2009 mid-model change, A-Spec options were no longer offered. There is a widely held belief that the A-Spec suspension should have been the standard suspension on the Acura RL, and that the stock suspension was too soft, hampering the very capable chassis and drivetrain. This belief seems to be supported by Acura's move for 2009 to a firmer standard suspension, plus larger and wider 18" x 8" inch standard wheels and lower-profile 245/45-18 size tires. More aggressive "aero" look body work was also standard, and a revised trunk decklid spoiler was made available as a dealer installed option.

2009 mid-model change (KB2)[edit]

2009–2010 Acura RLFor the 2009 model year, the RL received an extensive mid-model change (MMC), and made its introduction at the Chicago Auto Show on February 6, 2008, billed as "the most extensive Acura MMC ever". The new sedan was designated KB2 in the VIN codes, differentiating it from the 2005–2008 KB1 chassis VIN code. The revised sedan was released on July 1, 2008 to dealerships. The engine is upgraded to 3.7L with 300 hp (220 kW). While on paper, the engine may seem to be the same unit as shared with the Acura MDX, it is actually a variant that introduces, for the first time ever on an SOHC Honda V6, an implementation of the Honda VTEC variable valve train technology on both intake and exhaust for improved horsepower and torque. Heretofore, all previous SOHC Honda V6 engines with VTEC used the technology on the intake side only.[19] Engine emissions were reduced to meet the stricter U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) TIER 2 – BIN 5 and California Air Resources Board ULEV-2 standards. Implementation of the SH-AWD was adjusted for earlier intervention and a greater rear-wheel bias for better handling dynamics.

The MMC RL suspension was upgraded with higher-rate coil springs, larger diameter anti-sway bars and stiffer bushings all around.[20] The MMC RL was equipped with a new larger front anti-sway bar of hollow construction, 30 mm diameter overall with a 6.5 mm wall thickness, and a larger rear solid anti-sway bar, 19 mm in diameter.[21] The pre-MMC models sported a solid 29 mm front and 17 mm rear sway bar.[22]

Not sure what you mean.

teh CL

iTrader: (1)

Non Aspec







Aspec

​​​​​​​






Aspec has:

Front lip
Rear lip
Side Skirts
Trunk spoiler
Stiffer suspension





​​​​​​​I never see MMC RL's around these parts..

RL09

Well, they are not identical, but doesn't it look like they made the aspec standard ? Especially given suspension changes etc listed above?

teh CL

iTrader: (1)

They stated that they gave the MMC more aggressive body work standard & stiffer suspension since the previous non Aspec suspension was too soft, hampering the very capable chassis and drivetrain. This was all standard, not Aspec

​​​​​​​Would of been sick if they did though

RL09

RL09

I'm sure you're right. I'm not tech savvy to be able to compare the suspension, stabilization bars, etc. appropriately to know if it basically gives the same performance to match that 'Performance package' or Aspec.

Body-wise, they seem to have brought it quite close, and they got extra spoilers and stuff (not expensive) you could buy at the dealer.

The MMC has all these except the trunk spoiler, which they raised with an indentation so it appears as a in-grown spoiler, but you could add one from the dealer for little $.

Not to mention the added vtech engine power on the exhaust.

Sorry these posts may need to be here instead: https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...009-rl-879041/

teh CL

iTrader: (1)

The MMC has stiffer suspension than the Aspec package. Stiffer bushings, bigger sway bars & stiffer springs.



​​​​​​​I'm still looking to upgrade my sways…

RL09

Well, it's what I meant. That the MMC came and replaced the previously called A specs with even better specs - as per your quote, so i called it essentially an aspec.

Ok, i'm going cross-eyed.

onebroke240sx

I have to admit, my RL is the first RL I have seen in person. The only times I have seen before, where on the internet.

teh CL

iTrader: (1)

Yea my mind is going a bit numb lol



The MMC upgraded the previous RL all together. Don't know how much stiffer the MMC springs actually are over the Aspec's but they upgraded the bushings and sways as well, which the Aspec package didn't.

RL09

I parked the car somewhere yesterday where the ground had a hump that fit in the middle under the car and all wheels were around that hump. so the car appeared 'lowered'. i think its a bad-ass look if someone lowers an MMC.

I'd do it, but I worry of snow and the gazillion potholes we got, and the higher chances of rust.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Lowered and some sort of aspec to match the previous generations would do wonders for that car IMO.
It's aggressive looking, but something about the bottom half just looks like skinny jeans to me. But wider and with aspec...boss!
Same with the TLX now...it's cool kinda, but when you lower and slap aspec and wheels on it, sex.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

not Aspec if Acura DIDNT call it an Aspec model.
and Aspec is short of Acura Spec'd

Acura didnt release ANY aspec MMC RL's, which usually adds "performance" to the base models.

RL09

As opposed to what? The others aren't Acura spec'd? are you certain about that one? It seems more like an A-grade specifications.

I meant the MMC is what was viewed as the A-Spec standards for this model (RL), and more. Hence why as of 09 there's no more aspec and changes included what aspec was.


Yes, it's quite a badass look on that car if lowered. It does look more aggressive than the 08.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

To me, aspec would mean lip kits, wheels, maybe lower suspension and/or special steering wheel etc...
not saying the MMC isn't intended to be an upgrade, just don't think it's the brand's idea of aspec.
Kinda like 07/08 bases were upgrades to the 04-06 but the type s took it to the next level and even then...base 04, base 07 AND type s got aspec lip kits.

Technically, I guess it's just a brand name...kinda like hfp for honda and fsport for lexus.

RL09

I've added some 'bold' to my previous post to clarify Joe.

And no, its not a brand thingy, I do think its A-grade specs. I'm sure this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gran_Turismo_3:_A-Spec isn't Acura branded.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

spec'd for the track fool!

it's just like an add on package that LOWERS drag coefficient and other things.
kinda like what MB and BMW do.

just because your car is the top tier as is with the TL type-S, doesnt mean there cant be improvements

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I meant directly in relation to Acura and THEIR branding.
I mean, it's all good...you can obviously call it what you like, it's your car!

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

how is he going to tell us? ?


he just bought the brand like a week ago

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

THAT IS AN ACURA CL

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

RL09

that's your TL.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

okay.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I'm not understanding this debate.

I guess back on topic kinda...
RL, any plans to figure out lowering and getting beefier wheels/tires? That would probably be more visually impactful than even the lip kit.

holy crap, just did a google image search for a lowered 09 RL and not even one showed up!

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I dont understand why he said that either

RL09

Yea I looked yesterday for a lowered one. couldn't find any.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

does nobody make a suspension for it...or is it just most owners wouldn't bother?

RL09

I like re-reading with different glasses when that happens. Or maybe slower.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Does nobody make a suspension for it? I wonder why there aren't any.
Actually makes it tempting to buy one cheap and make it into something really cool...
I can certainly see the potential since it does have an aggressive look, especially the front end.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

so, why not trust us?
Ive been with the brand for almost 7 years now.
Rockstar has over 10 years with the brand and with MULTIPLE Acura's and Honda's

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I think he was implying that you aren't getting it because you're not seeing it or reading it too quickly.

RL09

We're all prone to mistakes. # of years don't matter, it's actually sometimes the reason. Old false assumption. hey you thought the MMC happened in 2012 just last month or so :p

We all do mistakes Justin. You're being too rigid here. It's easy to see what i meant by calling the MMC kind of the Aspec given what I posted in that same post from wiki, including "the general belief held that the Aspec should be the standard"... So in the RL timeline, in 2009, it kinda happened. Read that post, and the wiki paragraphs posted.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^but you hold my mistake dear to your heart. and if I recall, that wasnt me who said that...that was CU2wagon.

stfu and gtfo!! lol

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I'm really trying to help you.
I want to help you learn about your car, but you have to trust us. you cant get defensive just because you dont agree with me

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I still am baffled at what we're debating here...plain and simple...Acura did NOT make an aspec kit/version for the 2009-201? RL.
Furthermore, there seems to be absolutely NO aftermarket support for it, which really sucks.

I've said before that the looks look bland to me, but I'm open to being objective and visualizing how cool it COULD look with a suspension and wheels, maybe retrofitting another Acura's Aspec kit on it or Mugen or whoever...

for some reason you're getting tunnel vision and only replying to Justin though. Maybe you two should take it to PM since it's feeling personal and off topic.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

thanks. and I'm done.

RL09

I'm certainly too old for this.

projektvertx

iTrader: (2)

Split this into it's own thread since I liked the visual comparison all in one place. It would also make things easier to find in the future.