Well, I still do not like the look of the 2009 but this really clinches it for me:

 

^^^^
$11 per month more expensive? That's like lunch for one person. Should that factor into the equation for purchasing or leasing a $50k car?

 

I don't recall anyone ever claiming that the RL was a "Fuel Efficient Vehicle".

 

Sorry, but as much as I really don't like the new RL, this is silly.

The new car gets 1 MPG EPA different (and it's probably due to a different EPA scale) and that's the deal breaker? If you want fuel efficiency, buy a 4 cyl Accord.... $11 a month should not be a deciding factor if you're driving a luxury sedan.

 

The way a lot of Americans live, it is a deciding factor; that $11 difference could force a homeowner into foreclosure That's a WHOLE 'nother thread...

 

Well, it is on the freeway.

Nah, not today.

 

Hey, eleven dollars is like one and a half frappuccinos. It's a lot of money!

I think some of you are taking my message a bit too seriously.

 

I think the fuel cost comparison tool is interesting. I think the examples used as a model were not ideal. Comparing an 09 RL to the previous iteration does not effectively demonstrate the purpose of the tool. It does point out however, the 09 09 RL is not only contrary to the philosophy of Honda but it also does not highlight much Advance-ment per the Acura idiom.

I am sure, however, that fuel efficiency comparos will be scrutinized much more for the majority of vehicle shoppers.

Already nearly every auto advert toughts the great mileage. Of course they always highlight hihway mileage which is not a realistic benchmark.

 

FYI, red text here means sarcasm.

BTW, I finally drove the beast this afternoon. Full review coming!

Cliff's notes: Despite the schnoz (OK, I'm getting more used to it--sorry Tampa ), the MMC really addresses the shortcomings of the old car. The upgrades are not enough for current owners to trade up, or trade out of a lease. However, for those finishing leases or wanting to jump into an RL de novo, it's worth a shot, especially if Acura offers some good lease deals. If people get past the looks, it may sell. I certainly recommend it.

 

If they are driving it they are protected from looking it in the eyes. I heard they were just going to drive around the Tampa area to torture the locals.

 

Sat in a new RL (jade metallic- nice color). Mixed reactions here. THe interior is beautiful as always, but exterior is kinda ugly in the same way the TSX (and lots of new cars) are kinda ugly. That's the current trendy styling, lots of edges, angles, triangulations. That alone would not keep me out of it though.
I almost prefer the front to the back, it's the exact same front tooth as the TSX, how can they do that with a $50k and a $29K car? This car has no character.

I understand Acura's dilemma on the RL, but I'm thinking a more evolutionary upgrade to the current exterior would have been more satisfying. But what do I know, I prefer a coupe. It definitely looks bigger and reminds me slightly of the boxy BMW 7. It's gonna be a hard sell, regardless of the styling- economy, gas, RL name, etc.

 

I'm READY! I got my Uglyblockers on (as seen on TV).

I sure hope those Acura reps are prepared for... :shakehead responses.

 

I have to concur on all points EXCEPT I am NOT getting used to it. It gets me

That said, I think the changes are noticable to us, but I wonder if someone not already familiar with the RL would notice the engine, SHAWD and supension tweaks? I do appreciate them, but agee, not enough to consider trading my RL for them. The ride is a bit more tight and for those of you with ASPEC suspension I am curious how similar it is. I have never driven an ASPEC RL to compare and I may consider the ASPEC suspension upgrade if it equates to what I felt in the 09 RL. The engine did feel a bit more grunt, but honestly I think a more intuitive tranny would be a better uprade over the more robust engine.

The interior I agree is as wonderful as what we already have, however I was surprised by my reaction to the woodgrain center console and the handgrip cups in the door armrests. Personally, I did not care for them. I especially do not like te dark grey woodgrain (plood) that is similar to the MDX. Moot point as they are personal taste. The NAVI did not seem any faster and XM weather did not dazzle me. Still I would consider upgrading my RL to XM weather should it become available. The cooled seats were not significant to me on this 90F day. It felt not much different to me than just turning on the floor vents with the A/C. Maybe it is more noticeable in a less steamy climate?

I will say it is a well engineered car. I will likely not waver from my feelings about the styling. However, anyone who likes the styling, or is indifferent to it, the RL is still a greatly underappreciated vehicle at the low 40K pricepoint. I doubt the RL will command sticker beyond the first few dozen sold. But I will not forgive Acura for approving this design. It is an immature attempt to bring attention to this sleeper. I think the car deserves better than a kitchen sink styling hack job. For those of you that like it, buy it and drive it...I commend you.

Now Bob,,,, why would I not expect you to waiver on your comtempt for the schnozola? After all, you do live next door to the inlaws and you wifey does make you ride in the trunk!

*hiding behind the sofa*

 

hmmm still waiting to see who gets the 09 RL on AZ..

 

Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?

 

They were eaten by the alien lizardpeople.

No one EVER listens to me! *hmmmmph*

 

I don't think they will dare to post here an be TampaRL's fresh meat
I was interested but I think I will wait and see. Honda /Acura is going to release completely redesigned cars within the next 3 years (TL, NSX, RL.....http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/07...rendering.html)

 

I hope Honda\Acura keeps in mind us tall people(6'5' plus) when they design these new models. One of the most disappointing events of my life was finding out I couldn't fit in an S2000.

 

They better. Even Godzilla has to drive!

I bought and sold a cherry S2000 this spring. I made money on the transaction, but I would have kept it if the steering wheel allowed blood to flow to my lower legs.

 

If this pic is true, it lookes like the hood / grille / headight train wreck was intentional on the RL. So much so, they bozos decided to torture the TL design with it.

http://jalopnik.com/398339/2009-acur...for-the-camera

 

It is very true...

http://www.acura.com/index.aspx?initPath=FutureVehicles

 

Not as bad as the RL, IMO, the lights are symetrical where the RL's are not, and the hood line looks to be smoother and flowing....this might be my next car depending on features, power, and price.

 

Question for those who want to chip in:

If you had to choose between the 09 RL and 09 TL SH-AWD which would you go for? (I realize that more data on the TL maybe required, but just wondering)

Are there any here, based on this photo, who may hold off off on their 09 RL purchase and consider the 09 TL SH-AWD instead?

 

I just saw the 09 RL yesterday. My dealer had 1 parked outside. I was with a friend and she said she really liked it.

 

I am in the same delimma as well now over waiting for the new TL... From what I have seen by the way acura has structred it's model, the RL will be much more luxurious and comfortable than the TL, example:

RL has little bolstering, but effectively holds you in
TL has crazy amounts of bolsters that wear down and look ugly after time

RL has nice lighting in the door handles, both interior (rear too) and exterior
TL has no exterior lighting and only interior lighting in the front.

RL has better leather than the TL

RL had real/fake wood
TL has fake aluminum

To simplify it, the TL is geared towards being sporty and quick while the RL is geared towards being very comfortable (buttery smooth ride) and a little bit sporty too.

Like I said, I'm in this delima too, and think i'll wait for more details on the TL before deciding.

 

After seeing the pic of the new TL.......I'd go for a Caddy CTS. . OK, seriously, it depends on what options are available on the TL. If, as expected, the SH-AWD TL has the same tech features as the RL, then the TL would be a no-brainer.

Luckily, after seeing both the new TL and RL.....I'm keeping my current RL and waiting for the next gen RL to see where Acura's styling goes as I'm definitely not a fan of the Power Phlegm grille. I'm used to it, but don't feel the love for it.

 

Greetings,
I test drove the 2009 Acura RL today. It is a leap forward in the engine area. However I agree with everyone here that the grill is so hideous. It was a Grigo Metallic Tech Package Car. I hope acura changes in the grill when we see new rl. The car reminded me of the Legend. This car has power. I drove it at Pohanka Acura.
Thanks
Umair
08 TSX PWP

 

Not so fast my friend...never propose marriage until you see her in jeans.

http://jalopnik.com/398053/2009-acur...-end-yet-again

Someone said on a blog site that the 2009 TL rear view looks like a Japanese Pontiac. I'd say that's generous.

Like the 2009 RL, the new TL is ugly both coming and going. When will Colliver learn that people with mullets tend to make poor esthetic choices?

 

Has anyone noticed that the "A" on the 09 RL is really skinny?

 

Ah... but the 2009 TL - S with quad exhausts ...it changes the look a ton. I wonder what is under the hood! (300 - 350 hp?)


http://jalopnik.com/398513/2009-acur...ipes-in-tacoma

 

I agree (except that the new RL's butt is not bad looking at all). I left a post on the TL side yesterday saying that I was going to hug my RL to show appreciation for its classy, organic look.

This is a far cry from 2003--the 3G TL I loved at first spy pic. Still love the look. The 2G RL I loved from the first car show pic. Still do. The new cars....not so much.

 

Yikes! I stand corrected.....

Thanks for the link. BLEH!

 

The rear of the new TL reminds me of the original CL which had that pointy line in the middle of the trunk lid. Seems like they're mixing old and new design cues.

 

What the fuck was Acura thinking? The new TL looks like everything rolled into one: an 06' Maxima, 08' Camry, 08' Infiniti, and an 97' Acura 2.2CL. FUCK!

 

I don't know what Acura is doing, but the ugly designs will make the 2g tl, 2g rl and 1g tsx, classics in my book. I like all 3 of them. Did they fire the designers of those cars and hire someone else??

 

I think thats what Acura was trying to copy or at least aim for.

 

Just drove the 09 RL today. Nice interior mods on the tech except for the steering wheel...some non-smooth projections and angled sculptings on the inner leather contours that --along with some prominently located stitching--is uncomfortable. Also, when car is parked in the sun there is a Big temperature difference between the leather and non-leather portions of the wheel that you find out about when making turns.

Car is tight and smooth. Pickup seems better than prior version.

Power plenum is plastic and very quickly is accumulating dead bugs and road splashes/smudges which are quite obvious. Its nose will need wiped quite often.

It is a shame they don't make a bra that covers the nose.

 

Track, the 09 RL rear end actually looks much better in person IMO. Looks more upscale and luxurious. That pic you posted looks kind of distorted. The RL's Bangle butt is very pronounced but flows well with the side crease. The front end is more controversial but car designs in general are getting bolder anyways..

Better look here: http://www.autospies.com/images/user...t/RL%20002.jpg

 

I agree I think the 09 RL has a better rear end than the 05-08. However, I still think it has a few things in common with the 745i. Like for example were they put the reverse lights. It also has that same strip as the 745i.

 

The trunk of the new RL is really good, plus it has a semi CSL style lip on the rear, I liked that when I saw it.