2009 RL (press releases and pics pages 41-3)
#521
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by ishanb
Just an FYI...at the MacWorld Expo in San Francisco starting Jan 15 at the Moscone Center, Acura is going to have a large display of cars. Very odd, unless Apple and Acura are announcing some innovative collaboration. Might also preview the '09 RL. Here's to hoping...
I'm with those appreciating the tidy size of the current RL. Personally, I think the size is juuuuuuust riiiiiiiight. I'd like a different drivetrain, though. The J37 and 6AT would be great for starters! Will the RL join the 300 hp club (which I've already been a member of for almost a year )?
#524
CLS 6MT Navi
Any major rebuilding. ie framework, seems unlikely to me, and would be unusual given this is a slow selling car, and most of the resources should be going to the all-new mainstays, TL and TSX.
I've never seen Acura or Honda throw good money after bad, esp on a 4-5 year old model. Minor, lower cost tweaks make sense, but given an all new RL soon, all this is very unHonda-like.
I've never seen Acura or Honda throw good money after bad, esp on a 4-5 year old model. Minor, lower cost tweaks make sense, but given an all new RL soon, all this is very unHonda-like.
#525
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by 123456SPEED
Any major rebuilding. ie framework, seems unlikely to me, and would be unusual given this is a slow selling car, and most of the resources should be going to the all-new mainstays, TL and TSX.
I've never seen Acura or Honda throw good money after bad, esp on a 4-5 year old model. Minor, lower cost tweaks make sense, but given an all new RL soon, all this is very unHonda-like.
I've never seen Acura or Honda throw good money after bad, esp on a 4-5 year old model. Minor, lower cost tweaks make sense, but given an all new RL soon, all this is very unHonda-like.
They'll have to do something under the hood for more power, and possibly a new tranny.
Rob144
#526
Go Big Blue!
Originally Posted by 123456SPEED
Any major rebuilding. ie framework, seems unlikely to me, and would be unusual given this is a slow selling car, and most of the resources should be going to the all-new mainstays, TL and TSX.
I've never seen Acura or Honda throw good money after bad, esp on a 4-5 year old model. Minor, lower cost tweaks make sense, but given an all new RL soon, all this is very unHonda-like.
I've never seen Acura or Honda throw good money after bad, esp on a 4-5 year old model. Minor, lower cost tweaks make sense, but given an all new RL soon, all this is very unHonda-like.
#527
3.7l engine
"In order to maintain the difference (of the RL) from the now similarly-sized inspire, the car theu uniquely scooped in Dec-07 gets a 200cc capacity increase (to 3.7).
They have established the reason that the Legend was designed rather mid-sized is to retain handling wieldiness; that was the nub of the car, being first to introduce SH-AWD as a new Honda concept."
http://www.mag-x.com/f-contents/0802/index.html
btw this is from the TOV forum..
They have established the reason that the Legend was designed rather mid-sized is to retain handling wieldiness; that was the nub of the car, being first to introduce SH-AWD as a new Honda concept."
http://www.mag-x.com/f-contents/0802/index.html
btw this is from the TOV forum..
#529
Safety Car
Originally Posted by SpicyMikey
I tend to agree. I was initially hoping this was a full redesign coming early due to the fact that the RL is a poor seller. However, it just looks like a drastic MMC (for the same reasons). Therefore, let's not expect too much and hopefully be pleasantly surprised.. No matter what they do it will probably be a good idea. Anything would be a better then the status quo. Most of us like the RL mainly as it is. But, we are clearly a minority.
Let us hope they really deliver with a 3G RL in 2010 or whenever. I can just see the Japanese Acura debut being delayed once again by the halo car NSX redesign, and that affecting the 3G RL (or would that be 5G Legend?)
#530
Torch & Pitchfork Posse
Originally Posted by Chas2
Let us hope they really deliver with a 3G RL in 2010 or whenever. I can just see the Japanese Acura debut being delayed once again by the halo car NSX redesign, and that affecting the 3G RL (or would that be 5G Legend?)
2010 - 2011 is the current target for Acura Japan and some European markets. I expect to see the net gen FMC RL in that timeframe. Likewise, launching the halo NSX would certainly bring buzz, recognition and hopefully interest to the Acura brand. Let's hope it all flies in the US as well.
#531
Safety Car
Food for thought
In this morning's Washington Post, a little one liner tid bit that must have Honda execs squirming...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...0303939_2.html
GM Drops Planned V-8 Engine
"General Motors canceled a $300 million program to build an advanced V-8 engine for luxury vehicles, citing rising oil prices and tighter fuel economy restrictions. Production was to have begun in 2009."
or maybe not...GM has a V-8, albeit an old, though very highly refined pushrod design, and Honda does not (assuming you don't count racing engines).
And then this other article from yesterday...you know Honda must be looking over its shoulder at Hyundai, especially with the announced Genesis RWD V-8 luxury sedan, and now this...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...010301106.html
"...Ford Motor Co. named Tata Motors Ltd. the top bidder for its Jaguar and Land Rover brands Thursday and entered into "focused negotiations at a more detailed level," meaning Tata was named preferred bidder for the storied British automakers..."
Somewhat ironic that the old colonies are passing around two of the quintessential brands that epitomized mother England's famous motoring heritage.
The new RL has to be a knockout or the Acura competition may be from a whole different sector of value luxury brands.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...0303939_2.html
GM Drops Planned V-8 Engine
"General Motors canceled a $300 million program to build an advanced V-8 engine for luxury vehicles, citing rising oil prices and tighter fuel economy restrictions. Production was to have begun in 2009."
or maybe not...GM has a V-8, albeit an old, though very highly refined pushrod design, and Honda does not (assuming you don't count racing engines).
And then this other article from yesterday...you know Honda must be looking over its shoulder at Hyundai, especially with the announced Genesis RWD V-8 luxury sedan, and now this...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...010301106.html
"...Ford Motor Co. named Tata Motors Ltd. the top bidder for its Jaguar and Land Rover brands Thursday and entered into "focused negotiations at a more detailed level," meaning Tata was named preferred bidder for the storied British automakers..."
Somewhat ironic that the old colonies are passing around two of the quintessential brands that epitomized mother England's famous motoring heritage.
The new RL has to be a knockout or the Acura competition may be from a whole different sector of value luxury brands.
#532
Torch & Pitchfork Posse
Interesting times we live in.
As much as we often criticize Honda for what that have not done, I am very, very happy with what that have done with this RL. I find myself vacillating between being excited for what the next RL holds and just being happy with I have (and secretly wishing the next RL will be fugly or simply not worthy of my temptation).
As much as we often criticize Honda for what that have not done, I am very, very happy with what that have done with this RL. I find myself vacillating between being excited for what the next RL holds and just being happy with I have (and secretly wishing the next RL will be fugly or simply not worthy of my temptation).
#533
AcurAdmirer
Originally Posted by TampaRL
Interesting times we live in.
As much as we often criticize Honda for what that have not done, I am very, very happy with what that have done with this RL. I find myself vacillating between being excited for what the next RL holds and just being happy with I have (and secretly wishing the next RL will be fugly or simply not worthy of my temptation).
As much as we often criticize Honda for what that have not done, I am very, very happy with what that have done with this RL. I find myself vacillating between being excited for what the next RL holds and just being happy with I have (and secretly wishing the next RL will be fugly or simply not worthy of my temptation).
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#534
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Chas2
In this morning's Washington Post, a little one liner tid bit that must have Honda execs squirming...
#535
Proboscis-free zone
Originally Posted by neuronbob
A lot of RL owners ARE Mac owners, myself included.....hmmmm.....maybe this is the evolution in the navi we have been begging for....iPod info on the navi screen? I would hope that would go into the RL first.
I'm with those appreciating the tidy size of the current RL. Personally, I think the size is juuuuuuust riiiiiiiight. I'd like a different drivetrain, though. The J37 and 6AT would be great for starters! Will the RL join the 300 hp club (which I've already been a member of for almost a year )?
I'm with those appreciating the tidy size of the current RL. Personally, I think the size is juuuuuuust riiiiiiiight. I'd like a different drivetrain, though. The J37 and 6AT would be great for starters! Will the RL join the 300 hp club (which I've already been a member of for almost a year )?
+1 on the current size. Perfect. Any bigger and it would feel like a boat to me.
#536
Torch & Pitchfork Posse
Originally Posted by VOdoc
Amen, bro. The RL appeals to the technically literate. Ironic, though, that we Mac users don't even have the ability to plug in an iPod on the 2006 RL.
+1 on the current size. Perfect. Any bigger and it would feel like a boat to me.
+1 on the current size. Perfect. Any bigger and it would feel like a boat to me.
But +1 on the RL's size. Welcome to Bob's Goldylocks Club were it feels juuuuuust riiiiiiiiiight.
#537
+3 on the size.. It's just right.
Any larger it becomes a straight luxury sedan ie. LS,S vs. a luxury sedan with a tingle of sport ie. BMW 5, MB E class, which is what I consider it right now..
Any larger it becomes a straight luxury sedan ie. LS,S vs. a luxury sedan with a tingle of sport ie. BMW 5, MB E class, which is what I consider it right now..
#538
AcurAdmirer
Originally Posted by VOdoc
Ironic, though, that we Mac users don't even have the ability to plug in an iPod on the 2006 RL.
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#539
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by VOdoc
Ironic, though, that we Mac users don't even have the ability to plug in an iPod on the 2006 RL.
That said, I'd prefer the center console port that's in 2007s and later, and which pretty much made Music Link obsolete.
#540
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by White92
We get to "blindly" order the 09 RL and TSX on Jan 18th!
Also, once you place an order, it's typically about 2 to 3 months till you receive the cars???
#541
Originally Posted by JeffS
Please keep us informed of any new info you get when ordering.
Also, once you place an order, it's typically about 2 to 3 months till you receive the cars???
Also, once you place an order, it's typically about 2 to 3 months till you receive the cars???
#542
Interesting - for those talking about a V8 option for the RL:
Looks like Cadillac is moving away from V8s due to the new CAFE standards.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/07/a...-off-the-menu/
Looks like Cadillac is moving away from V8s due to the new CAFE standards.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/07/a...-off-the-menu/
#543
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by up_late
Interesting - for those talking about a V8 option for the RL:
Looks like Cadillac is moving away from V8s due to the new CAFE standards.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/07/a...-off-the-menu/
Looks like Cadillac is moving away from V8s due to the new CAFE standards.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/07/a...-off-the-menu/
#544
AcurAdmirer
Originally Posted by up_late
Interesting - for those talking about a V8 option for the RL:
Looks like Cadillac is moving away from V8s due to the new CAFE standards.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/07/a...-off-the-menu/
Looks like Cadillac is moving away from V8s due to the new CAFE standards.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/07/a...-off-the-menu/
By comparison, the RL's V-6 is at the low end of acceptability in terms of mpg. It is EPA rated exactly the same as the 380hp V-8 in my new Lexus LS460. But Honda has a wide range of small cars with 4-cyl engines to help it make the overall 35mpg average, whereas GM doesn't have enough small car sales to allow it to meet the average. Under those circumstances, throwing money into a new engine of any kind that isn't a real fuel-sipper is just bad business. They need to spend that money on their 4-cylinder, diesel and alternative-fuel engines.
The future for car enthusiasts isn't bright, unless you like the Japanese/European formula of little lightweight cars with little engines souped up with turbos and superchargers.
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#545
Safety Car
Originally Posted by Mike_TX
The future for car enthusiasts isn't bright, unless you like the Japanese/European formula of little lightweight cars with little engines souped up with turbos and superchargers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaWoo82zNUA
#546
AcurAdmirer
Originally Posted by Chas2
Like the Ariel Atom ....supercharged Honda engine in Europe, supercharged GM Ecotec 2.0L in North America. This video is the UK version, and highly entertaining!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaWoo82zNUA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaWoo82zNUA
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#548
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Chas2
Like the Ariel Atom ....supercharged Honda engine in Europe, supercharged GM Ecotec 2.0L in North America. This video is the UK version, and highly entertaining!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaWoo82zNUA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaWoo82zNUA
Back on topic.....Ford is also going to be emphasizing high-po V6s as well.
Honda was obviously ahead of the trend (as usual) with the RL.....luxury cars with high-po V6s. Maybe Honda was too far ahead. I'm positive Honda execs are looking at this news and saying..."I told you so!"
#549
Safety Car
Now they need to work a direct injection version of the venerable J series, or come out with something along those lines, and with a new transmission. Venerable, what am I talking about. The GM V-8s, now that's venerable!
#550
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
While the '09 RL might have a larger 3.7L V6 instead of the V8 now, I would bet that the '10 will have a turbo diesel or turbo V6 in the RL.
#551
2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
Originally Posted by Chas2
Like the Ariel Atom ....supercharged Honda engine in Europe, supercharged GM Ecotec 2.0L in North America. This video is the UK version, and highly entertaining!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaWoo82zNUA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaWoo82zNUA
#553
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by shubysingh
hahaha
tata buying jag.
bunch of fobs running jaguar, i can see it now, decorative tissue box in evry new car.
dont call me racist, i am brown myself.
tata buying jag.
bunch of fobs running jaguar, i can see it now, decorative tissue box in evry new car.
dont call me racist, i am brown myself.
team brown in the house
#554
Safety Car
Acura/Honda Watch Out -- Hyundai Genesis
Just saw this on the Hyundai Genesis. This must have all the Japanese luxury brands worried...it really looks the part of a rear wheel drive luxury sedan. I hope the MMC RL can hold the line until the FMC comes out, and then it had better be a pretty good FMC....that is, unless Honda has other plans for the conspicuous consumption luxury market...Honda always has an interesting spin on things...
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/08/d...kes-things-up/
4.6L 368 hp V-8 runs on 87 octane and is paired with ZF tranny.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/08/d...kes-things-up/
4.6L 368 hp V-8 runs on 87 octane and is paired with ZF tranny.
#555
A Saitama Garage
Join Date: Mar 2004
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It looks nice, but it's a Hyundai at the end of the day. I remember growing up, my dad bought a Hyunda once, we had it a whole week before the motor blew out. Once fixed, the transmission blew a short while later. Perhaps we had a bad experience w/Hyundai's and that things have changed...but it's just not worth it to me.
The car has a nice look to it - kinda looks like the new MB C-Class on the front end.
The car has a nice look to it - kinda looks like the new MB C-Class on the front end.
#556
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by Chas2
Just saw this on the Hyundai Genesis. This must have all the Japanese luxury brands worried...it really looks the part of a rear wheel drive luxury sedan. I hope the MMC RL can hold the line until the FMC comes out, and then it had better be a pretty good FMC....that is, unless Honda has other plans for the conspicuous consumption luxury market...Honda always has an interesting spin on things...
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/08/d...kes-things-up/
4.6L 368 hp V-8 runs on 87 octane and is paired with ZF tranny.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/08/d...kes-things-up/
4.6L 368 hp V-8 runs on 87 octane and is paired with ZF tranny.
#557
2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
Detroit dismissed the Japanese for the same reasons back in the '70s and look what that got them.
Like the Japanese, the Koreans are learning from their mistakes. Something Detroit has been unable (or unwilling) to do, until hopefully now.
The Koreans will be a serious player in the future.
Like the Japanese, the Koreans are learning from their mistakes. Something Detroit has been unable (or unwilling) to do, until hopefully now.
The Koreans will be a serious player in the future.
#558
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by GoHawks
Detroit dismissed the Japanese for the same reasons back in the '70s and look what that got them.
Like the Japanese, the Koreans are learning from their mistakes. Something Detroit has been unable (or unwilling) to do, until hopefully now.
The Koreans will be a serious player in the future.
Like the Japanese, the Koreans are learning from their mistakes. Something Detroit has been unable (or unwilling) to do, until hopefully now.
The Koreans will be a serious player in the future.
#559
AcurAdmirer
That's impressive-looking. I'm not crazy about the instrument panel/dash, but it's a pretty darn good-looking car overall.
And for people who think Hyundai is the modern-day Yugo, just go drive a new Santa Fe or Veracruz or Sonata. They're well-built, well-designed cars that drive nice and are real value players.
I fully expect the Genesis to be a big success, as long as people aren't too narrow-minded to accept it.
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And for people who think Hyundai is the modern-day Yugo, just go drive a new Santa Fe or Veracruz or Sonata. They're well-built, well-designed cars that drive nice and are real value players.
I fully expect the Genesis to be a big success, as long as people aren't too narrow-minded to accept it.
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#560
office monkey
Join Date: Jan 2005
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I'm trying to figure out if there is anything Hyundai did to the interior/exterior design that they didn't take from another brand.
I know and accept all the companies copy form each other but this seems ridiculous to me. This car is a Mr Potato creation or Lexus, BMW, MB, Acura, and Infiniti styling cues. The only thing they did was take the diff design cues and either move them around (ie like the Acura control knob being thrown where BMW's idrive is) or slightly tweak them like taking the dash lines from a MB S class, making them a bit less smooth and combining that with the M's center console. The car's rear is pure BMW while the front screams Lexus/MB to me.
Sheesh. I could see the exterior design cues being copied from other brands since all brands seem to have so many similarities but couldn't Hyundai designers have designed their own unique interior? Pathetic.
All the power to hyundai and I am sure the car may sell well but I'll support companies that offer a teense more originality.
I know and accept all the companies copy form each other but this seems ridiculous to me. This car is a Mr Potato creation or Lexus, BMW, MB, Acura, and Infiniti styling cues. The only thing they did was take the diff design cues and either move them around (ie like the Acura control knob being thrown where BMW's idrive is) or slightly tweak them like taking the dash lines from a MB S class, making them a bit less smooth and combining that with the M's center console. The car's rear is pure BMW while the front screams Lexus/MB to me.
Sheesh. I could see the exterior design cues being copied from other brands since all brands seem to have so many similarities but couldn't Hyundai designers have designed their own unique interior? Pathetic.
All the power to hyundai and I am sure the car may sell well but I'll support companies that offer a teense more originality.