I just picked up the new RL sales brochure, some tweaks, nothing really major IMO.
Gas economy went from 18/26 to 16/22, this is the wrong direction.
Car is 2 inches longer than my 06, 15 pounds heavier.
Compression is up slightly. We know of most of the other changes.

 

does it say anything about the accessories? are there 19'' wheels available?

 

No accessory info, says to see Acura Sales Rep.

 

Wow, that's quite a drop in mileage ratings for a very small jump in power!! I hope you'll be able to feel that power in the seat of your pants and not just in the wallet. I assume you got the brochure from your Acura dealer?? This also must mean they didn't have any 08 left?? My dealer still has 4 08.

 

Yes i got it from the dealer, do not know if 08's were around. The hp is up 10 to 300 and the torque is up 15 to 271 at same RPM. Gears are the same, final drive is 4.53 for 09 and 4.6 for 08, my guess is you will never feel the HP or torque, too small of a difference to feel it and the final gear is slightly less for acceleration.

 

So many people cried so long for more power and even V8s, this 'upgrade' to the MDX 3.7L engine really provides neither, and just costs more and uses more gas.

I'm getting 23-30mpg in my current car. I've admired the RL but it's very hard to downgrade to less mpg for what I'd be getting. If I thought gas prices would stabilize it'd be easier but if they keep escalating it would be harder to enjoy less than 20mpg.

 

The 3.5 RL got 18/26 according to the 2007 formula for computing MPG. The more realistic 2008 formula has it at 16/24.

So, we're talking a drop of 2 MPG on the highway and no drop around town.

 

I compared both sales booklets, 06 says 18/26 and the 09 says 16/22, looks like less to me.

 

That makes more sense, thanks for clarification. My 05 was rated at 18/26, in 05. I think I just recently read that the 08 is 16/24, I wondered about that as well.

 

http://www.fueleconomy.gov

Again, the 06 MPG figures were calculated using a different method than the 09.

In 2008, the EPA changed to a more conservative testing approach that better mirrors today's driving conditions.

Via the 2008 method, the 2005 - 2008 RL would have EPA MPG of 16/24.

Via the same method, the 2009 RL has an EPA MPG of 16/22

Thus, no change in city fuel economy and 2 mpg decline on the highway.

 

Is the torque curve fatter? I remember when the 86 Legend was introduced, the 2.5L V-6 had a very pronounced bump in the torque curve. The later 2.7 significantly widened the torque curve and was a much more tractable engine for the 4 speed AT. No need to rev to 4K for some pull.

That was really fixed on the G2 Legend C series engines, where the 3.2 put out about 200 hp and 200 lbs ft. I have not really looked at the torque curve on the 05-08 cars. Is that info even out there?

 

The new sway bars are slightly larger and the turning diameter is about 4 feet smaller.

 

4 feet? Wow, that's great! Honda's are not known for their turning circles.

 

4 feet! That is almost worth it alone. The 40 ft turning radius sucks! It is no better than my old Toyota Sienna mini van. The current Sienna has a 4 ft smaller turning radius. 4 ft makes it similar to, though not as good as the 2G Legend.

 

Turning circle is still listed at 39.7 on Hondanews.com

 

Oh, well.

It would seem that changing the turning circle that much would be kind of a big deal.

 

I know the turning circle is large, however I never found it to be an issue. I guess city dwellers and curbside parking would make it more noticable.

Just curious, is the wider turning circle of many Honda's a trait of the double wishbone suspension?

 

It was not on the 2G Legend. However, the one difference is that the 2G Legend had a longitudinally placed V6 and not a transverse like the 1G and 2G RLs, as does every Honda made for the last few years since they phased out the 1G TLs

 

Chas, you are right about that turning radius. I had a 1g (1990) Legend and still have a 2g Legend (1991) with the longitudinal engine configuration. The change in turning radius is tremendous in the 91. It is a great car to drive....still.

I never appreciated how nice a short turning radius is until I got that car. The 91 has been a stalwart for me. Almost nothing has gone wrong with it in 17 years!

I am looking at the 09. I don't really care about the styling of the grill if the car compares...even fractionally....to the faithful Legend that has served me so well.

 

Agree, however the "minor" changes are so many that I think this is way more than just a regular MMY refresh. I will definitely test drive this beast.. no pun intended . The size is perfect and it is basically a much improved 2gen. I'm sure the next RL (2011?) will be too big and sedated..

Here some of the new stuff i copu and pasted:


-An all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine develops 300 horsepower and 271 lbft of torque thanks to an innovative new VTEC™ valvetrain system for both the intake and exhaust valves, a higher compression ratio, along with a special dual-stage magnesium intake manifold that enables the intake to function as a single- or dual plenum manifold design based on engine operating parameters.

-For 2009 the SH-AWD™ system has been further refined to more quickly transfer a continuously variable amount of engine torque. The previous RL’s SH-AWD™ system didn’t initiate rear side-to-side torque distribution until Second gear. However, on the 2009 RL new control parameters allow rearward torque delivery in First gear. Plus, front-to-rear and side-to-side power transfer happens much quicker with improved precision. The benefit of the revised SH-AWD™ system is improved accuracy, quicker response, and more power able to be applied to a specific rear wheel.

-The 2009 RL comes with a new Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission that includes larger counter shafts, revised gearing, improved clutches along with a new torque converter replete with an improved lock-up assembly. The new transmission is operated via a new straight-gate style console-mounted shifter or by way of a new “smart” F1®-style steering wheel paddle shifter system that now works when the transmission is in Drive (formerly the paddles only operated when in Manual mode). Grade Logic Control is paired with revised transmission shift programming to deliver improved performance and a crisper driving feel.

-With the 2009 RL, the speed and accuracy of this electromagnetic clutch system is far more precise than previous versions thus providing an improved limited-slip differential function.

-The 2009 RL receives a host of new steering system upgrades that deliver a more responsive, yet more linear steering feel. To further improve the RL’s steering accuracy, engineers changed the diameter of the steering valves, improved the design of the steering rack guide, and incorporated an all-new compact noise isolation (CNI) steering joint. In addition, engineers developed revised electronic control parameters for the steering system.

-The 2009 RL’s new exterior styling is not only more aggressive, but delivers excellent aerodynamics and reduced rear lift at high speeds.

-For 2009, eight exterior colors are available—5 of which are new—including a new pearl pigment process that improves luster and shine.

-For 2009, the RL receives new rear brake pads that improve performance while simultaneously reducing NVH.

-For 2009 the RL features higher rate coil springs, larger diameter rear stabilizer bar, stiffer subframe mount bushings and improved design steering rack components. To further improve handling and looks, new 18-inch diameter 7-spoke aluminum wheels are matched with more aggressive tires. 7-spoke, 18x8-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 P245/45R18 M+S all-season tires.

-Inside, the 2009 RL features a more elegantly styled interior that includes more room for rear seat passengers, easier-to-use front seat belts, front door-mounted pull pockets, softer arm rests, redesigned vents, larger/clearer lettering for HVAC controls, and easier actuation of climate control functions. A revised steering wheel and genuine wood dashboard trim (included with the CMBS™ package) and metal-look accents is now fitted to the RL along with a transmission shift knob with simulated wood trim. For 2009, the center panel controls are now more intuitive and are surrounded by a new background color along with improved quality wood patterned panels. Complementing the steering wheel are upgraded gauges that incorporate brushed

-For 2009, new technology comes in the form of Traffic Rerouting™, improved levels of restaurant information with Zagat® ratings, AcuraLink® Real-time weather information, and even a feature that allows for automated vehicle service appointments to be made while driving the RL.

-For 2009, to enhance safety a new Active Headrest Restraint System is built into the front seats to improve neck and head protection in the event in a rear impact collision.

-The 2009 RL further refines its premium nature with new wood trim for the dash and center console, a wood-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, redesigned 10-way adjustable (8-way power seat plus 2- way power lumbar support)* heated/cooled front seats, more spacious rear seats, and a more logical layout of HVAC controls with easier-to-read wording.

-However, for 2009 the new RL’s 3.7L engine employs an all-new, industry-leading VTEC® rollerized rocker arm design for both the intake and exhaust valves. The lightweight heads are made of pressure-cast, low-porosity aluminum. To further save weight and reduce parts count, the cylinder heads incorporate unique integrated exhaust port castings that allow the optimal positioning of a primary
close-coupled catalytic converter on each cylinder bank. The result of this design is the reduction of exhaust emissions during cold start-up due to quicker catalytic converter “light off”.

-Unique new camshafts are 25-percent lighter than the previous 3.5L camshafts they replace. Assembled from hollow tubular steel shafts with splined steel lobes and journals that are pressed in place, the 3.7L’s camshaft design is a first for Acura. The 3.7L’s intake port design has an optimized shape that contributes seven horsepower alone (relative to the old 3.5L design) to the RL’s 300 horsepower total. Intake valve head diameter in the new engine is 36mm (an increase of 1mm), yet it weighs 13-percent less due to a reduction in material in the valve head. The exhaust valves measure 30mm in diameter, the same as in the previous 3.5L engine.

-With the new 3.7L V-6, a 69mm diameter throttle body delivers a 12- percent flow increase over the previous 3.5L unit and it operates via revised drive-bywire throttle mapping for increased gain— thus generating improved mid-throttle power
and feel. The new 2009 RL 3.7L V-6 engine gains displacement, horsepower and torque without an increase in emissions. It meets the tough EPA TIER 2 – BIN 5 and CARB ULEV-2 emissions standards, and is certified to this level of emissions performance for 120,000 miles.

-To further improve emissions compliance, the 3.7L V-6 makes use a new after-cat design exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system that allows cleaner, cooler EGR gas to be fed back into the intake system. An EGR system, especially one that delivers a cleaner/cooler charge, reduces pumping loss for better fuel economy.

-With further improved aerodynamic performance, the 2009 RL is designed to look like it moves fast. The 2009 RL features an all-new, more aerodynamic trunk lid. Specially designed to reduce rear lift during high speeds, the new trunk lid also provides improved styling with a European flair.

-For 2009, the RL employs new underbody aerodynamic panels that include redesigned front spoiler, engine undercover, front tire strakes, floor undercovers, rear suspension lower control arm covers, rear tire strakes, exhaust pipe aero plates, and a rear floor cover. The new, reinforced front air dam reduces front end lift while the new rear trunk lid spoiler reduces rear end lift. The RL’s underbody covers not only smooth airflow, but also help with rear differential cooling.

-For 2009, the RL receives more sound-deadening insulation and unique body separators that use a new stamping design along with injected foam to help quell road noise from entering the RL’s interior cabin. As part of the mission to control weight, Acura used lightweight materials wherever possible in the sound-absorbing package, including lightweight sound insulators instead of traditional heavier materials. In addition, revised shock absorber parameters and new coil springs help prevent road harshness from being transmitted to interior occupants. A dual exhaust system fit with six mufflers (of differing size) reduces exhaust noise while cruising. The 2009 RL receives a new acoustic glass
front windshield that incorporates an upgraded PVB film to quell wind and windshield wiper noise from entering the cabin.
An all-new, more dynamic Active Sound Control system replaces the previous (more limited) Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC) system. 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. The RL’s new Active Sound Control system dramatically reduces high frequency and middle-frequency noise attenuation. Road noise attenuation is also improved over both smooth and rough roads.

-the 2009 RL is fitted with a new USB port that allows for easy connectivity to an iPod® (5th generation or later Apple iPod® or 2nd generation or later iPod Nano®) or iPhone® along with removable “memory stick” mass storage device containing WMA or MP3 format music.

 

^^ sorry for the long post, i got carried away..

 

That was great info, thanks.

The turning diameter on the 09 is 36.1 feet per the sales book.

 

I wonder how many of these improvements we can notice or feel, I think Honda is wonderful for improving their cars.
My guess is we will not notice most of these tweaks, such as first gear SH-AWD in 09, I tried to notice it not working in first gear on my 06 in a fast turn, it shifted into second and the system kicked in when needed. Maybe it is needed in first gear in snow or wet for first gear, but not dry IMO.

 

Almost makes you want one, until you remember the power plenum grill.

It will be interesting to see if the torque curve is fatter, lower down in the revs. I am thinking that would make a noticeable difference. They allude to that with a remark about more responsive mid throttle which is where the car needs it, typical Honda though, need high revs to get the best performance.

Not sure about interior space. Might be noticeable. Cooled seats would be huge, especially after outdoor activities like tennis or running. Turning circle would be hugely noticeable. I still know that I do things in my 95 Legend that I would never attempt in the RL specifically because of the turning circle.

Don't think we would notice the ULEV2 rating at all, but it might make you feel better about the worse gas mileage!

 

I wonder if we, 2005-2008 owners, can order the new windshield and use it as a drop in replacement:

The 2009 RL receives a new acoustic glass front windshield that incorporates an upgraded PVB film to quell wind and windshield wiper noise from entering the cabin.

 

Drive the new one first, you will probably never hear the difference, I would be surprised.

 

1st gen RL is also longitudinally placed motor. Its basically a stroked Legend motor. It also turns sharply, about 36 feet.

'02 RL here

 

My '97 TL turns does a turn in 34 feet..