I will add to the list as they come up. It seems the embargo is over and we'll be seeing more reviews.

Car and Driver: "Still a joy to drive, Acura's flagship gets a frying pan to the face."

 

Its weird with this car.. From some angles it looks okay, and then from other angles it just looks ugly.. (Based on the pics from C&D)

I think if the RL had a tighter belt line that would help a lot, the nose of this car seems to stick out a little to much

 

I hadn't noticed the mention of a new noise cancelling system before-has anyone seen any details on how it differs from the current ANC system?

 

ACTIVE SOUND CONTROL The 2009 RL receives a new Active Sound Control system that is much advanced over the previous Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC) system. Whereas ANC dealt specifically with the elimination of low decibel noise entering the cockpit, the new Active Sound Control system has a much broader range including the elimination of unwanted high frequency noise. In addition, Active Sound Control is linked to throttle position and engine rpm to provide a more quiet cockpit during normal cruising while allowing the 3.7L's muscular sound to be heard more during higher rpm, higher speed driving. Sporting a new array of processing technology and sensors, the Active Sound Control system not only dramatically improves sound cancellation but also works throughout the entire engine rpm range whereas the previous ANC system only worked to cancel engine booming noise up to 2000 rpm. Moreover, Active Sound Control is specially tuned for various levels of "effect" generated at different throttle positions: during low rpm, Active Sound Control delivers a quiet cabin; during mid-rpm throttle, some of the throaty exhaust note is allowed to enter the cabin; and during high rpm the Active Sound Control system is tuned to allow a more crisp exhaust note to enter the cabin. The Active Sound Control system operates whenever the car is running, regardless of whether the Acura/Bose® audio system is on or off. There are two microphones mounted in the headliner- one just behind the front overhead console and another just ahead of the overhead rear light module. The microphones capture low-end drivetrain frequencies entering the cabin, and send a signal to the Active Sound Control unit. The Active Sound Control unit then creates a precisely timed reverse phase audio signal that is sent to an amplifier, which powers the door speakers and the subwoofer positioned on the rear deck. The Active Sound Control dramatically reduces the booming sound of the exhaust, front and rear. In the frequency range below 100 hertz, Active Sound Control results in an impressive 10 dB reduction in noise level. Moreover, the new Active Sound Control system dramatically reduces high frequency and middle-frequency noise attenuation during normal cruising. In addition, road noise attenuation is also improved over both smooth and rough roads.

 

Thanks!

 

where do I get mine upgraded? same mics...same speakers...

where is the software upgrade

 

I am unsticking this thread.

I've looked for reviews on a regular basis for two months, and the only one I've been able to find is the one linked from Car and Driver.

The automotive press is obviously uninterested in this car.

If anyone happens on any reviews of the 2009 RL, let me know!

 

A person in the know (former Acura Salesperson...now with same dealership's Lexus branch) has suggested that Acura is "testing the waters" with regard to the 09 RL, and the scarcity of vehicles serves also to avoid immediate deep discounts.

I wonder if the problems with the new RL's VTEC system that we read about in another thread on this forum might have led to a temporary halt in production until the engineers rework the system, hence a shortage.

 

Why did they take a totally beautiful classic look of the '06 and '07 (true Legends) and glue these horrible front and rear ends on it? If Acura thought sales were slow before, they are in for it now. Drug dealers in the hood buy those god awful Chrysler 300's, not RL's with this added ugly bling. Well at least they kept that georgous interior. Love my '07 RL and look forward to keeping it for quite awhile.

 

Something is really fishy with the 09 RL supply chain. A local dealer has received a total of one vehicle (in July), sold it in two days and can't get another until mid November!

Some dealers have not received a single one.


These kind of production numbers following what was Acura's most major mid-model change ever, bespeaks of some problem. I cannot conceive of any other explanation.

 

With the exception of a bigger engine is it really worth it? The 09 just changed a few things and the engine. To most people its probably not worth it for such a small change.

 

This is why most of us here are waiting to see what Acura does in 2011.

 

Yeah, I jumped ship to Infiniti for awhile, since I lease there just wasn't anything in the Acura lineup that suited my fancy. I may be back depending on what they do with their cars. I loved my 05 RL, but they ruined the 09.

With low supply of the 09 RL they will at least be able to sell them for above invoice(hopefully). People will have to 'order' them, so the dealer can then justify a reasonable price above invoice. One of the salespeople at my local dealership told me they didn't have any because they were 'selling like hotcakes'. Give me a break. This particular salesperson obviously didn't realize that I'm one of the educated buyers out there. Come to think of it, the reasons I left Acura go further than just the 09 RL unfortunately. We'll see in 2011....

 

My dealer appears to have only two in stock. Personally, I think it's a smart move to have few of these in stock if they're only going to collect dust.

 

Yes, but there's sometimes a fine line between a "few" and none. And none virtually ensures no test drives and no sales.

So why did they bother with the big MMC for such little inventory? Surely this wasn't planned? Is this a correction in response to the critical reception of the power plenum?

 

Acura's FlagShip Sedan Gets a MakeOver

Friday, September 12, 2008

If there's one car that deserves the Most Overlooked award, it's the Acura RL.

A mid-size sedan with a quiet, comfortable ride, enough high-tech amenities to satisfy a computer geek, a top government safety rating and a "recommended" label from Consumer Reports magazine, the RL often is dismissed as merely a nice but conservative-looking, luxury car.

But updates for 2009 give the RL an aggressive new look, sportier handling and a more powerful engine with 300 horsepower. Not to mention the new safety features.

And Acura didn't touch the starting retail price, including destination charge. It remains at $47,040, like last year's RL.

But the 2009 RL still finds itself in the middle in price among mid-size luxury sedans.

The 2009 Lexus IS 350 with 306-horsepower V-6 starts at $37,070 and the 2009 Lexus GS 350 with 303-horsepower V-6 starts at $45,315, while the 2009 Jaguar XF sedan starts at $49,975 and comes with a V-8 producing at least 300 horsepower.

The changes to the RL for 2009 come after a redesign of Acura's flagship sedan in 2005 failed to boost sales. In fact, RL sales declined every year since 2005.

Besides the plain looks of the previous RL, some critics blamed a lack of power because the previous V-6 produced only 290 horses. And there's no uplevel V-8.

Additionally, unlike German luxury cars, the RL isn't rear-wheel drive.

But it has something deceptively satisfying — an all-wheel drive system that doesn't just power front and rear wheels for improved traction, it increases the rotation of the rear wheel that's on the outside of a corner as a driver goes through the corner. In sporty driving, this helps make the car feel better planted as it turns.

I noticed the confidence this feature provided on the test car and wondered why anyone wouldn't want to have this advanced system, which Acura calls Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive.

The test RL was the top-of-the-line model with both Technology Package and a new safety system called Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). The name is a mouthful, but the first time it activates, I guarantee you won't forget it.

Triggered by a millimeter-wave radar unit at the front of the car, CMBS can come on without warning, as it did for me when I was moving from one lane to another in tight quarters. The system decided my proximity to the car ahead was too close and it slammed me back into the seatback with a powerful cinching of the seatbelt and applied the brakes.

I had to quickly glance behind me to ensure no car back there was caught unaware by the sudden braking. But the swiftness of the CMBS actions made me turn the thing off for a while before gradually keeping it on and driving less aggressively.

The RL has a presence now, thanks to a heavy-handed band of shiny silver decoration across the grille, new and large 18-inch wheels and tires and a restyled back end that sort of reminded me of a BMW.

It was enough to prompt a young motorcyclist to stop, park and check out the RL outside my home. I never saw an RL prompt that reaction before.

I liked settling into the RL because armrests were soft to rest on and seats were cushioned, yet supportive. The perforated leather front seats included rear cushion ventilation for cooling on hot days and heating on wintry days.

The dashboard, with real wood in the test RL, was accented by a center stack that swept gracefully upward toward a good-sized display. There, navigation items, stereo information and even current weather plus five-day weather forecasts were clearly visible. In fact, I felt like I had my own Weather Channel inside the car with me.

The Acura/Bose audio system put out strong, rich tunes that made the RL a personal concert hall.

But the real joy in the new RL is driving the car.

The new, 3.7-liter V-6 is the first single overhead cam engine to use Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) for intake and exhaust valves. It's a smaller, lighter-size engine than last year's 3.5-liter V-6, but horsepower finally hits 300, and torque — that "oomph" feeling during acceleration — increases 9 percent to 271 foot-pounds at 5,000 rpm.

The test car responded quickly and readily to my foot on the accelerator pedal, and I moved easily in both city and highway traffic.

But I was surprised that fuel economy was so low. The federal government rating is 16 miles per gallon in city driving, which is what some crossover sport utility vehicles get. And the RL's highway rating was a ho-hum 22 mpg.

Note that the mid-sized Buick LaCrosse sedan with V-8 is rated higher, at 16/24 mpg.

Additionally, Acura requires premium unleaded gasoline in the RL, so a fill-up of the 19.4-gallon tank these days is easily over $70.

Handling is much sportier now compared with earlier, cushier-riding RLs. The tighter ride in the 2009 model comes with a larger rear stabilizer bar, revised shock absorbers, upgraded coil springs and a revised steering rack.

Yet, the ride isn't punishing or noisy. There appears to be a nice middle ground here that provides an easygoing ride when needed and a stick-to-it character on hilly road switchbacks.

I still had problems, though, with Acura's voice recognition system that allows drivers to control the radio, navigation system and ventilation via verbal commands.

In the test RL, about half of my commands weren't understood, and I'd often wind up frustrated as the system turned on the CD player when I didn't ask for anything to do with the CD.

Nearly all safety items, including six air bags, are standard. The exception is the CMBS, which is offered only on the top RL.

From the Friday, September 12, 2008 edition of the Augusta Chronicle

 

They compare the RL to a teeny-tiny IS350?

Otherwise, a fair and well-written review.

 

Here is a TOV Photo Shoot of the 2009 RL Tech. There are six pages of photos including some details of weather and iPod function, etc. and the fact that the new 18 inchers plus tires weighs 54.1 pounds.

http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-ar...icle_id=779375

 

Acura's Flagship Sedan Matures
By Ann M. Job| Associated Press
Friday, September 26, 2008

If there's one car that deserves the Most Overlooked award, it's the Acura RL.

A midsize sedan with a quiet, comfortable ride, enough high-tech amenities to satisfy a computer geek, a top government safety rating and a "recommended" label from Consumer Reports magazine, the RL often is dismissed as merely a nice but conservative-looking, luxury car.

Updates for 2009 give the RL an aggressive new look, sportier handling and 300 horsepower, not to mention new safety features.

Acura didn't touch the starting price, $47,040. That's in the middle among midsize luxury sedans.

The changes come after a redesign of Acura's flagship sedan in 2005 failed to boost sales. In fact, its sales declined every year since 2005.

Besides the plain looks of the previous RL, critics blamed a lack of power because the V-6 produced only 290 horses.

Unlike German luxury cars, the RL isn't rear-wheel drive. It has something deceptively satisfying, however -- an all-wheel-drive system that powers not only the front and rear wheels for improved traction but also increases the rotation of the rear wheel that's on the outside of a corner as a driver goes through the corner.

In sporty driving, this helps make the car feel better planted as it turns. Why wouldn't anyone want to have this advanced system, which Acura calls Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive?

I tested the top-of-the-line model with both Technology Package and a new safety system called Collision Mitigation Braking System. The first time it activates, you won't forget it.

Triggered by a millimeter-wave radar unit at the front of the car, the braking system can come on without warning, as it did when I was changing lanes in tight quarters.

It decided my proximity to the car ahead was too close and slammed me back into the seat-back with a powerful cinching of the seat belt and applied the brakes.

The swiftness of the actions made me turn the thing off for a while before gradually keeping it on and driving less aggressively.

The Acura has a presence now, thanks to a heavy-handed band of shiny silver decoration across the grille, 18-inch wheels and a restyled back end that reminded me of a BMW.

I liked settling into the car because armrests were soft to rest on and seats were cushioned, yet supportive. The perforated leather front seats included rear cushion ventilation for cooling on hot days and heating on wintry days.

The dashboard, with real wood, was accented by a center stack that swept gracefully upward toward a good-size display. There, navigation items, stereo information and even current weather plus five-day weather forecasts were clearly visible.

In fact, I felt like I had my own Weather Channel inside the car with me.

The Acura/Bose audio system put out strong, rich tunes that made the car a personal concert hall.

The real joy is in driving the car.

The new 3.7-liter V-6 is the first single overhead cam engine to use Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control for intake and exhaust valves. It's a smaller, lighter engine than last year's 3.5-liter V-6, but horsepower finally hits 300, and torque increases 9 percent to 271 foot-pounds at 5,000 rpm.

The test car responded quickly and readily to my foot on the accelerator pedal, and I moved easily in both city and highway traffic.

The federal government rating is 16 mpg in city driving, which is what some crossover sport utility vehicles get. The highway rating was a ho-hum 22 mpg.

Additionally, the car requires premium unleaded gasoline, so a fill-up of the 19.4-gallon tank these days proves dear.

Handling is much sportier now compared with earlier, cushier-riding RLs. The tighter ride in the 2009 model comes from a larger rear stabilizer bar, revised shock absorbers, upgraded coil springs and a revised steering rack.

The ride isn't punishing or noisy, though. There appears to be a nice middle ground here that provides an easygoing ride when needed and a stick-to-it character on hilly road switchbacks.

I had problems with Acura's voice recognition system, which allows drivers to control the radio, navigation system and ventilation via verbal commands.

About half of my commands weren't understood, and I'd often wind up frustrated as the system turned on the CD player when I didn't ask for anything to do with the CD.

Nearly all safety items, including six air bags, are standard. The exception is the Collision Mitigation Braking System, which is offered only on the top RL.

SPECS

THE VEHICLE: 2009 Acura RL, a front-engine, all-wheel-drive, five-passenger, luxury midsize sedan

BASE PRICE: $46,280 for base RL; $53,700 for top-end test car

DELIVERY FEE: $760

PRICE AS TESTED: $54,460

ENGINE: 3.7-liter, single- overhead-cam V-6 with VTEC producing 300 horsepower

TRANSMISSION: Five-speed automatic

EPA MILEAGE: 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway

FUEL TANK: 19.4 gallons of premium unleaded

LENGTH: 195.8 inches

WHEELBASE: 110.2 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 4,110 pounds

BUILT IN: Japan

 

From Cars.com.....

http://www.cars.com/go/crp/research....ection=reviews

 

Quoted from the Cars.com review...

"The Acura RL is simply an odd bird. Perhaps it would be as right as rain if there were no Acura TL — then Acura would just be a brand with no full-size car. Instead it's a brand with two cars of roughly the same size, one priced and equipped a bit higher. There's plenty to desire about the RL, not the least of which is the driving experience, but in these times of high fuel prices and an uncertain economy (to understate it), its higher price is tougher to justify over that of the comparably powered yet more efficient TL.

Until Acura comes out with a full-size flagship luxury cruiser like the LS 460, people will probably continue to consider it a near-luxury brand rather than a full-luxury one."

Couldn't have said it better myself.... or has this guy been reading my posts!!

 

Nah! He's been reading the posts from a lot of the members here!

 

^^^^ Agree.

Hell, that guy could BE a member here.

 

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..5.*

Speed Read

Vehicle Tested:
2009 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD w/CMBS (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
MSRP of Test Vehicle: $54,460 Price It!!

Whats Works:
Luxury interior; racy feel for a luxury car; SH-AWD handling for inclement weather; excellent navigation system; Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).

What Needs Work:
Bland styling with an awkward front grille; severe brake fade during high-performance driving; subpar acceleration.

Bottom Line:
Dynamically more engaging, but it's difficult to justify the $10,000 price premium over the similarly sized and higher-performing new 2009 Acura TL.

In Search of Style

By Albert Austria, Senior Vehicle Evaluation Engineer Email
Date posted: 10-15-2008

Enter the refreshed 2009 Acura RL CMBS and you'll find a tasteful luxury environment, class-leading telematics and a host of driver-assist systems like CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System). Drive it and you'll be even more impressed, as the 2009 RL also has great dynamic qualities thanks to a new, free-revving 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, high-tech all-wheel drive and a superb balance between ride and handling.

But in the luxury segment, styling more than anything is what moves cars off the showroom floor, and that's where the RL falls on its buck-toothed face.

Acura's styling recently took a metaphorical turn into oncoming traffic with the MDX and TSX, and the whole big-and-bold grille thing has done the new RL no favors. Fang-face is not exactly an endearing descriptor.

And it's a shame, because not only does the 2009 Acura RL have a nice, luxurious interior, but also a few qualities that make it feel downright racy. The new RL is a Super Accord no more, yet it still lacks style, which is the very thing its competition does best.

Take It to the Limit
We're not accustomed to talking about power where the RL is concerned, but there's a new 3.7-liter V6 under the new car's hood and it does not disappoint. Aside from the increase in displacement to 3.7 liters from 3.5 liters, the new V6 has Honda's VTEC variable valve timing for intake and exhaust valves.

It's rated at 300 hp at 6,300 rpm, the kind of peak power you expect from an Acura engine. Torque is rated at 271 pound-feet at 5,000 rpm, which leads you to think that this engine will lack low-end power just like so many other Honda V6s, but it pulls strongly from the bottom end right on up to the redline at 6,800 rpm. The transmission plays a role here, as it doesn't try to shift into top gear every second for the sake of improved fuel economy.

This five-speed automatic's ratios are well spaced (though five speeds aren't many in an era when luxury cars have seven and even eight speeds), and the engine spins freely as you flick up through the gears using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. If you leave it in Sport mode, the transmission will hold each gear all the way to redline. It's fun to spin the engine up to the 6,800-rpm rev limit in every gear, focusing on the cartoonish tach that looks as if it were lifted off a Civic, and listening to the racy engine growl and exhaust note. You wouldn't do this with any of the RL's luxury competitors; what would be the point?

But the feeling of quick acceleration isn't supported by the test track numbers, where the 2009 Acura RL recorded a 0-60-mph time of 7.2 seconds (6.8 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip), and 15.3 seconds at 92.8 mph for the quarter-mile. For comparison, the 2009 Hyundai Genesis V6 accelerates to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds (6.1 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip) and does the quarter-mile in 14.6 seconds at 95.6 mph.

Shod With SH-AWD
The RL is equipped with Acura's sophisticated Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system; there's no front- or rear-drive version. The system continuously varies the amount of engine torque distributed between the front and rear wheels, an obvious performance advantage in slippery conditions. The SH-AWD system also has a torque vectoring component that overdrives the outside rear wheel at a faster speed to generate a yaw moment, which helps rotate the vehicle sufficiently in a corner to reduce understeer.

We didn't get to experience the benefits of AWD in any low-traction circumstances here in sunny SoCal, though it's surely an advantage out there in real America, especially during the winter. Even so, we couldn't find a discernible advantage with SH-AWD in the dry.

The 2009 Acura RL seems as if it has a fairly neutral balance in the corners during normal driving, and feels quicker than its weight and size would suggest, but it does understeer as you push harder. At the track, the RL posts a very good slalom run of 64.1 mph, although it doesn't really like quick transitions. Our test driver found it best to enter the slalom at moderate speed and then gradually apply more throttle through to the finish. The RL posts a respectable 0.82g on the skid pad.

Putting Your Foot Through the Floor
The brake performance proves a bit mixed. During everyday driving, the brakes had good control with a firm feel and a short stroke, and decent stopping distances. But the track was a different story.

Although the RL stopped in 131 feet from 60 mph, there was severe fade on the third attempt as the pedal went to the floor without even any ABS pulsing. For comparison, the 2009 Genesis V6 came to a stop in 117 feet.

Braking performance seems to be an issue with Acura, as the 2009 TSX also exhibited dramatic fade, and the pads were smoking by the third stop.

Open the Pod Bay Doors, HAL
Acura continues the march toward autonomous driving with its Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), its own trim level within the 2009 Acura RL line. CMBS uses millimeter-wave radar mounted inside the front grille to detect vehicles ahead, monitor potential rear-end collisions, warn the driver and initiate automatic braking.

CMBS has three operating modes. If you're following another vehicle too closely and the RL determines a collision is possible, a big visual alert in the bottom of the speedometer dial flashes "BRAKE," along with auditory beeps. If you do not slow down, the CMBS will tug at the driver's seatbelt and begin light braking. If CMBS determines that a frontal collision is unavoidable, the slack in the front seatbelts will be taken up and strong brake force will be automatically applied.

Tailgaters can rejoice, because there is a CMBS defeat switch just below the tachometer. But when you rear-end another car on the freeway, just remember to turn the CMBS back on before the Highway Patrol and your insurance adjuster arrive.

CMBS also includes the increasingly common adaptive cruise control (ACC), which uses the millimeter-wave radar to adjust speed and distance to the preceding vehicle. When driving the RL on the highway, you may not ever have to touch the pedals, but please do anyway.

The Enemy From Within
When Acura first entered the market as the pioneer of the Japanese luxury car segment ahead of Lexus and Infiniti, it positioned itself as Japan's answer to BMW, a driver's luxury car, only with reliability added to the equation. But as Acura trailed in the wake of Lexus, the Honda luxury division shifted its focus to advanced technology and electronics. Yet this hasn't improved RL sales, as the company moved just 6,262 examples in 2007.

While we think the 2009 Acura RL is really accomplished in terms of dynamic performance, it still occupies the bottom rung of the luxury car ladder in terms of style and panache. Styling has become increasingly important in all car segments — even determining many engineering decisions during the design phase — but it's critically important in the luxury class. Acura has tried to turn the RL around with more aggressive styling, but it comes off looking like a TSX nose grafted onto an Accord with a body kit.

The greatest threat to the success of the 2009 Acura RL comes internally from Acura: the 2009 Acura TL. The TL is very similar in dimensions and weighs a few hundred pounds less. The TL SH-AWD has the same engine as the RL (making slightly more horsepower) and the same SH-AWD drivetrain and is available with nearly all the advanced telematics as the RL. The only things missing are wood trim and CMBS. You get all this for $10,000 less than the RL.

Despite this makeover, the big story will be the styling and design of the next RL. Will it look great and feature a V8 and rear-wheel drive? Acura needs to make a game-changing shift in strategy, because we're not doubling down our bet on the new RL's success.

 

2009 Acura RL Full Review
The 2009 Acura RL is redesigned, gaining freshened styling and more power. Acura's flagship sedan has standard all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain teams a 300-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This replaces a 290-hp 3.5-liter V6. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Option packages, priced as separate models, include a Technology Package that has voice-activated navigation with rearview camera and access to real-time traffic and weather information. A second Technology Package adds adaptive cruise control and Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System, which signals of approaching objects and applies the brakes and tightens the front seatbelts if it determines a collision is unavoidable. Also available are a wireless cell-phone link and heated and cooled front seats.

Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars.

Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G37, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Infiniti M, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo V70.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RL, Acura TL, Cadillac CTS-V, Jaguar XF, and Volkswagen CC. The BMW X6 is scheduled to receive a gas/electric model for 2009, and the Infiniti G37 is scheduled to receive a convertible model.

Acceleration

Base w/ Technology Package Class Average
6 7.2

Acceptably eager, but never thrilling. Available power augmented by excellent throttle response and smooth, responsive transmission.

Fuel Economy

Base w/ Technology Package Class Average
4 4.6

In Consumer Guide testing, an RL averaged 15.4 mpg in mostly city driving. Acura recommends premium-grade gas for the RL.

Ride Quality

Base w/ Technology Package Class Average
7 6.4

Nicely comfortable and composed, without float or excess lean in corners.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/ Technology Package Class Average
7 7.2

Nimble, despite its size. Most testers found the steering to be light and precise, though some complained of limited on-center steering feel. Strong, fade-free brakes offer drama-free stops.

Quietness

Base w/ Technology Package Class Average
8 7

Road and wind noise very well squelched. The engine is often heard, especially during acceleration, but its sporty, refined note is a welcome intrusion.

Controls

Base w/ Technology Package Class Average
6 6.4

Major gauges are large, clearly marked, and easy to read at a glance. The center console is awash in small controls that are too similar in look and feel. Centered on the console is a tilting and rotating knob that acts as the primary control for the navigation system; mastering its use requires time and patience.

Details

Base w/ Technology Package Class Average
8 7.7

RL's cabin is an exercise in understated luxury. Most surfaces are padded or richly textured, and assembled quality is top notch. Our testers suffered from a few unseemly squeaks from the console area, however.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base w/ Technology Package Class Average
8 7.4

Most adults will find sufficient headroom and legroom. Some shorter drivers may feel a bit "buried," but ample seat adjustments and a standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel help compensate.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base w/ Technology Package Class Average
6 5.3

Enough head clearance for all but the very tall. There's fine kneeroom behind all but the tallest front occupants, though foot room is limited. The bench seat is unusually supportive, but the center floor hump compromises three-abreast comfort.

Cargo Room

Base w/ Technology Package Class Average
3 3.9

Wide trunk extends well forward but lacks height for really big cargo. Sickle-shape trunklid hinges are covered but eat up space. Most rivals have compact strut-type hinges. The rear seatback has a small pass-through but doesn't fold. Cabin storage is unexceptional.

Value within Class

Base w/ Technology Package Class Average
6 6.3

Wanting only in the areas of price and power, Acura's RL offers a fresh take on the luxury sedan formula. Count standard all-wheel drive, especially comfortable seats, and a handsome cabin among RL's chief pluses. On the downside, RL prices are high for the class, and the only available engine comes up just short of being sporty. Note also that most competitors offer available V8 power.

Total Score

Base w/ Technology Package Class Average
69 69.4
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score
60
Average Score
69
High Score
78

 

Just published.....

Road Test

The Acura RL is very pleasant, but not luxurious enough to justify its $50,000 price tag. The larger engine introduced in 2008 gives it better performance and better fuel economy than the old 3.5-liter V6. The car is full of electronic conveniences, but the ride and the back seat are not as comfortable as those in competing vehicles.

THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Like other Hondas and Acuras, road noise stands out in the RL. It isn't loud, but isn't as quiet as other luxury cars. Wind and engine noise, however, are very quiet. Handling is secure but doesn't feel sporty. We liked the steering better than the cheaper Acura TL (which we also tested), because it is more linear and has better feedback. The standard all-wheel-drive system aids handling only if the front wheels are already spinning. In emergency maneuvers, the RL understeers benignly, and it posted a good speed in our avoidance maneuver. A wide, 41-foot turning circle is a nuisance. The new 305-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine is smooth and slick. But it doesn't deliver the acceleration or fuel economy of the cheaper TL, because of the RL's standard all-wheel-drive system. We found the five-speed automatic transmission very smooth and responsive. Expect 19 mpg overall on premium fuel. The brakes produce short stops in wet or dry conditions. The headlights have good intensity but insufficient illumination from the low beams; high beams provide very good illumination and intensity.

INSIDE THE CABIN
The RL's high-quality interior has nicer materials and better fit and finish than the cheaper TL, with nice wood trim and stitched leather seats. A power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, along with a comfortable center arm rest help virtually all drivers find a comfortable position, with plenty of room all around. The front seats are wide, supportive, and comfortable. The upright styling lends itself to reasonable visibility, with good glass area all around; however, the windshield A-pillars are thick, as are the rear roof pillars. While rear-seat room is decent, it isn't generous. Outboard positions are nicely sculpted for two, but a middle passenger sits boosted on an elevated section that leaves insufficient head room. Access is hampered by sloping pillars front and rear, which requires some ducking; assist grips and good leg room help, though. While improved, controls are still overcomplicated and not well laid out. A large multi-function knob juts out from the dashboard and controls the navigation system. And the center screen can wash out in direct sunlight. You can avoid using it for most functions, by using either redundant buttons or voice commands. But the voice commands aren't any quicker, and the sea of buttons on the center of the dashboard is confusing. There is a back-up camera, but it takes a long time for the display to show what's behind you. Cabin storage is modest, with a handy shelf for the owner's manual in the glove compartment and two level console storage.

SAFETY NOTES
Seatback-mounted side-impact air bags and curtain head-protection air bags -- deploying to protect front- and rear-outboard occupants -- are standard. They supplement required front-impact air bags and three-point seatbelts for all seats. Front-row seatbelts have adjustable upper anchors for a more comfortable and safe fit, and are equipped with pretensioners to reduce belt slack in the event of a crash. The passenger sensing system is designed to detect if the occupant is too small or not sitting in the seat properly, and will disable the front air bag for that seating position. There are also sensors in the seatback that detect passenger height and position; the sensors will also disable the side air bag if there is a child or small occupant leaning into the deployment path. There are adjustable and locking head restraints in all five seating positions. The RL is equipped with active front head restraints, which move upward and forward in response to the occupant's pressure on the seatback; this further reduces head travel and whiplash injury. Even when they're fully lowered, the front head restraints are tall enough to provide sufficient protection from rearward head travel for most passengers. The rear-seat head restraints must be raised to adequately protect taller passengers. Daytime running lights are standard. Driving with kids: It takes a firm push to compress the center rear seat hump sufficiently to get some rear-facing infant seats secure. There are other seats that may still not be secure as the hump and wide belt spacing allow too much side-to-side movement. Rear-facing seats can be more easily secured in the rear outboard positions using either the belts or LATCH. However, the lower-LATCH anchors are recessed and too close to the seatback cushions, making access awkward. Front-facing seats should prove secure; there are three top-tether anchors on the rear parcel shelf. Childproof rear door locks are standard.

RELIABILITY
We expect reliability to be better than average, according to our latest subscriber survey.

Tested model: 2009 sedan AWD, 3.7-liter V6, 5-speed automatic
Major options: None

This road test applies to the current model year of this vehicle.

 

http://wrmag.nextautos.com/issue/41/26

Click to read. Cliff's: They like it but the 4G TL undercuts it; they are ready for the 3G with V8.

 

Here is a quite positive review from New Zealand:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4734797a2021.html

 

That was indeed a very nice read. Too bad others cannot appreciate the RL for what it is. Maybe the 3rd generation ....

 

In response to consumer reports posted by neuronbob, I don't think those people actually drove an RL. The response time on the backup camera is instant, the HP figure is 300 not 305. As far as SH-AWD helping when front tires are spinning, I have never managed to get any tires to spin straight line or turning. Insufficient illumination from low beams? That's a joke. And then, at the end of it all, it says no major options. Where did the backup camera come from, tech package maybe? If someone is bashing the 09 RL, they should at least use credible info. Just my 2 cent.

 

report from New Zealand also isn't up to notch on research I think. The RL does NOT have bi-xenon headlights, quality of the tyres did not go up, they are still the crappy MXM4's. Navi gets invisible only in night mode during daylight, otherwise, it's very easy to see. 0-100 in 7.1? they must have used two Sumo wrestlerts to test it, I got 5.9.

 

CBS MARKETWATCH REVIEW! ACURA BLOWS ANOTHER ONE!!! THE FRONT GETS UGLIER WITH EACH NEW GEN! FACE IT, THE DESIGN TEAM JUST SUCKS!!! THE REVIEWER ACTUALLY SUGGESTED TO GO WITH A TL, OR EVEN BETTER, UPGRADE AN ACCORD! OUCH!!!

 

Next time, post the link.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/stor...%7D&dist=msr_1

And what's with the yelling? Though you're right, that was a terrible review.....and clueless, too. An Accord doesn't have SH-AWD.

Merged with the 2009 review link.

 

http://www.motherproof.com/car-revie...2009-Acura-RL/

Mother approved...

 

Test Drive: 2009 Acura RL CMBS Base Price: $53,700 Price As Tested: $54,460
BY GREG ZYLA
Published: Sunday, February 8, 2009 3:11 AM EST

This week, we’re driving the redesigned Acura 2009 RL, equipped with the innovative CMBS, which translates to “Collision Mitigation Braking System.”

CMBS predicts rear-end collisions and assists brake operation to reduce the impact to occupants and the vehicle itself. The system incorporates distance to the vehicle ahead using radar techniques, relative speed, and visual and audio warnings to prompt the driver to take preventative action. It can also initiate braking to reduce the vehicle’s speed. (Your dealer will gladly explain in further detail the inner workings of CMBS).

Delivered in a daring new exterior design, RL for 2009 conveys a perfect blend of luxury, AWD performance, security and opulence a consumer expects when he/she writes a check for $50K.

However, if there’s one thing we question when it comes to styling, it’s the front grille design. In my opinion, it looks out of place with its huge overhanging center emblem and resulting “blackout” section underneath. The resulting “big tooth smile” is either a “like or dislike” depending on one’s aesthetic leanings. Other than that, we like the overall build, especially the cabin and superior AWD performance-based mechanicals.

Additional upgrades for 2009 include a better Navigation System with voice and rear camera, Acura Link Real Time Weather information, steering wheel paddle shifters and all new interior appointments.

Under the hood sits Acura’s new 300-horsepower, 11.2-1 compression 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 300 horses and 271 lb. ft. of torque. Hooked to Acura’s five-speed automatic transmission AWD system and 18-inch all-season tires on light alloy wheels, this car is a real mover. Be it through a snowstorm or accelerating on a ramp to a 65-mph freeway, you’ll truly feel the roadworthiness of the “sports car bred” RL, and then appreciate more so you’re riding in a car that features the best in safety offerings. In addition to all the aforementioned CMBS, all RLs have all the airbags to protect both front and rear passengers, large four-wheel ABS discs, and five-star government crash ratings.

Standard luxury items are many, among them heated and cooled driver and front passenger 10-way power leather seats, Xenon headlights, spectacular Bose surround-sound 10-speaker stereo 6-disc CD system with XM Satellite, USB interface, MP3/Auxiliary, genuine interior wood trim and a power rear sunshade.

We were able to test RL’s driving prowess in all types of weather conditions, from sunny, dry roads to a near 10-inch snowfall. Regardless of condition, this car works well, thanks to the suspension system that features a fully independent aluminum front double-wishbone setup mated to a real multi-link arrangement. When the weather was good, we pushed RL on some back road sites and came away just as impressed as we do when we drive high-class Audi Quattro machinery, which are also known for handling, traction and performance.

RL’s higher curb weight of 4,110 pounds no doubt influences EPA fuel ratings if your foot is on the heavy side, but in exchange for the new V6’s power and how much better RL’s new generation is, the tradeoff is acceptable.

Important numbers include a wheelbase of 110.2 inches, 13 cu. ft. of cargo space and a 19.4-gallon fuel tank.

Competition is keen, from the likes of Audi, BMW, Lexus, Infinity, Cadillac, Lincoln and Jaguar, but Acura holds its own against these cars. Thus, if it’s a performance-level personal luxury car you’re after that offers AWD, Acura RL is a great choice. I rate Acura RL a strong 8 on a scale of 1 to 10.

Likes: Interior, AWD, CMBS, suspension, power

Dislikes: Front grille, fuel mileage suspect.

———

(Greg Zyla is a syndicated automotive columnist).

 

The AM Take

Facts
Price: $46,680
0-60 time: 7.2 seconds
MPG / LPG: 16 city; 22 highway

Reader's Rating 88 (you can vote by clicking the above link)
AM Meter: Performance 75; Design 55

Acura may have been the first luxury-driven Japanese automotive brand, but it still hasn’t managed to capture the market the way rivals Lexus and Infiniti have. While Toyota and Nissan’s luxury divisions developed (and eventually succeeded in building) true Japanese alternatives to Mercedes and BMW, Acuras have always been thought of as nothing more than slightly fancier Hondas. That the most popular Acura in existence is the Integra -- which is pretty much a Civic -- only amplifies this perception.

However, Acura has spent the past few years working overtime to establish itself as an authentic luxury brand. Take, for example, Acura’s flagship RL: Though currently the oldest sedan in Acura’s lineup, the RL still packs enough new features and technology to keep it fresh. And what’s more, it proves that Acura can take a clean-sheet design and build a proper luxury car.

Performance

A measure of this car's ride and power, relative to its price
AskMen.com score: 75

The RL’s 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower V6 -- mated to a 5-speed auto -- looks adequate, if a bit underwhelming for its market. However, driving the car shows this powertrain to be really quite good. And while we’re sure Acura has at some time hinted at the RL’s performance potential in its publicity materials, any and all mentions of “performance” should be ignored. The RL is best defined as a luxury cruiser.

Pressing the "go" pedal results in a lazy yet quick shove of acceleration. The car feels more alert should the gear selector find its way into sport mode, but the transmission has obviously been tuned more for smoothness than speed. Manual gear changes -- accomplished using steering-wheel-mounted paddles -- are silky smooth as well. If the dash display didn’t tell you what gear you were in, you’d be hard-pressed to tell that the flappy paddles even change the gears at all.

At times, the RL floats like a mid-‘90s Cadillac, but it has just enough firmness to prove it won’t scrape its door handles in a turn. And speaking of turns; there is a noticeable pause between the time you turn the steering wheel and the time the car actually gets around to changing direction. It sounds bad, but Acura has found a way to make this actually feel “right” while cruising around town. We wouldn’t use this car to tackle a challenging mountain road, but it’s perfect for our daily commute.

Rated similarly

* Ford F-150 75
* Ferrari California 75
* VW Tiguan 75
* Chrysler Aspen Hybrid 75
* BMW 750iL 75
* Dodge Charger 75

Design

A measure of this car's aesthetic appeal, relative to its price
AskMen.com score: 55

Being the oldest sedan in the Acura stable, the RL doesn’t look as fresh or as new as its TSX and TL siblings. However, it has undergone a minor face-lift, notably receiving the new Acura shield and new head and taillights. The overall car is attractive, if a bit nondescript. The RL looks like an average sedan; it won’t turn heads, but it won’t make people shield their eyes either.

The best part of the RL is its interior. It’s proof that Acura can build a luxury car that’s just as good as -- if not a bit better than -- its rivals. The design is clean and fluid, with nice dash plastics, black wood trim and excellent fit and finish. The heated and cooled front seats are very comfortable; there’s more than enough room for four full-sized adults; all materials feel excellent to the touch… We could go on and on. The AcuraLink system has a few too many buttons, making it feel convoluted at times, but it’s solid in terms of features and functionality. It may not have devastatingly good looks or track-worthy performance, but the RL is one of the nicer sedans we’ve ever been in.

Rated similarly

* Acura TSX 55

 

Facts
Price: $46,680
0-60 time: 7.2 seconds

just wanted to add another fact:

 

The 09 RL is growing on me.

Im looking to see what you do to it 037

 

judging by your mods I don't think you'll be too impressed. I'm just doing the basics.

 

2009 Acura RL
Super Honda!
Steve Schaefer

Acura’s flagship combines all of the sterling qualities for which Honda has become famous—quality, reliability, and economy—and pushes them up to a dizzying level of performance, luxury and content. The new RL doesn’t offer a V8 engine, like most of the competition in the midsize sport/luxury segment. Don’t worry, though—it comes with a 3.7-liter V6 that produces a plentiful 300 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy ratings are 16 City, 22 Highway—pretty good for a two-ton cruiser “with everything.” I averaged 17.0 mpg for the week it lived with me.

The EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide hands out a nice 7 on the Air Pollution rating but just a middling 4 on the Greenhouse Gas score. You can’t have it both ways—size and power will not earn you a 9. Acura’s styling has shifted to a more macho, angular look. For 2009, the RL receives new ends on its traditionally proportioned midsection. The jutting, pointed chin, thick chrome blade (Acura calls it a “power plenum”) and eagle eyes give the car a more eager, alert look, although it couldn’t be called pretty. At the tail, uplifted trunk and “bumper” lines create scalpel-sharp flush taillamps.

The nicely crafted interior gets a thorough reworking. This includes changes like softer armrests and easier-to-use seatbelts and climate control system. The steering wheel, leather or leather with wood, imparts British style opulence, as does the cascading, thick-looking genuine wood trim. Insulated glass and improved insulation make it whisper quiet on the road. The RL is as a showcase for every technological feature the clever Honda/Acura people can devise. The newest one is the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). This technology helps prevent crashes by warning you before one occurs so you can act.

Or—the car will act for you. CMBS uses radar to detect if you’re closing in on another car too quickly. It flashes a red warning on the instrument panel and if necessary applies the brakes while tightening up the seatbelts. I experienced CMBS when I had to stop suddenly during commute traffic. A red “BRAKE” message flashed on the instrument panel and I felt the brakes engage. I didn’t strike the other car. I think I could have managed it myself, but I’m not certain, so I’m grateful. The system uses the CMBS radar to provide Adaptive Cruise Control. This system goes beyond the usual cruise method—it follows the car in front, and if that car slows down, the system brakes automatically to keep a safe distance. It can apply the throttle, too, so you hope that the driver ahead is paying attention. If it gets serious, the CMBS kicks in, presumably.

There is much more technology to get excited about. Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) returns, but has been fine tuned to be even more responsive. It increases wheel spin on the outside rear wheel during aggressive cornering to improve handling and grip. That doesn’t mean you can drive like a maniac, of course. The RL comes standard with the delightful ten-speaker AcuraBose system, which now includes the new XM Note feature for XM Radio. XM Note lets users record 10 seconds of live XM music along with the name of the artist, song title, and the XM channel name that can be referred to later.

The standard Acura Navigation System with Voice Activation now features real-time traffic information and Acuralink® real-time weather information as well. The RL is the first car to offer this in a single-screen format. The RL rates at the top on crash safety. It earns a full five stars in all of the U.S. government’s safety ratings for frontal crash, side crash, and rollover. The big Acura comes in three trim packages. The RL starts at $47,440 with a very long list of standard features, including SH-AWD, the AcuraBose audio system and solar-sensing climate control.

The RL with Technology Package adds the navigation system, traffic and weather features, cool ventilation to the front seats, and a nicer leather/wood steering wheel. You pay an extra $3,620 for these upgrades. The top model adds CMBS to the Technology Package. My Opulent Blue Pearl test vehicle had it. And, you get attractive, real wood trim on the dash and doors. This trim package will set you back $54,860.

The RL is fighting for customers in a very competitive area, and some shoppers have preset ideas about what luxury sport sedans should be and where they should come from. However, if you started with a little Civic, moved up to the family-size Accord and now want those qualities with all the extras, the RL is more than willing to accommodate you.