I wanted to start a thread to discuss the types of "Interior" cues & technology advancement everyone would like to see in the next generation RL's? (Since we had many thread about V8's and RWD already)

I still consider our current models, a cut above the rest (interior wise) even compared to 09's of the same class (BMW,BENZ,LEXUS, AUDI) even though it is almost 5 years old design. Acura seem to have focused a lot of attention to detail, with precision in placement and cutting edge technology. However the gap has closed, and Acura needs to up it's ante to stay on top of the food chain.

Shall i start?


- Push "start" ignition

- Intuitive parking assist

- Comfort control (Heat/Cool) for both front & rear

- "High tech" voice command activation assistant (example: open trunk on voice command)

- 6 speed transmission

- Suspension stabilty control (i.e. luxury or sports mode

 

A step up in transmission would be a requirement to keep up. Premium brands now have 7 or 8 speeds. 8 speed tranny in the Lexus LS460 does wonders for it. With a bigger engine and more weight, the car still gets better gas mileage then the RL. Perhaps a supercharged model like Mercedes Benz would be more inline with Acura's shying away from the 8 cylinders. Maybe some of the magic from the Honda Accord's V6 which can shut off 3 or 4 cylinders to get better mileage would be nice too. I'd tone down the power plenum. Maybe a mesh grill like the Jaguar XF. They could also consider a long wheelbase version, as the rear seat always gets bad grades as being skimpy. I would like to see a type-S version with snazzier rims and the usual stuff and proper quad exhaust like even the Maxima SE gets. The current tips are a cheap funnel.

 

Given that I'm thoroughly enjoying the Magnetic Ride Control on my CTS-V, the idea of a suspension control on the next RL would be great....but not realistic given Acura's target audience for the RL. Even so, I'd rock a sports setting if provided and if firm enough.

The only interior improvements I can think of are a more robust door handle and better iPod integration. The 2009 improvements took care of most of my needs with the RL, honestly. Can't think of how else to improve on the interior other than to reduce the number of buttons, and that's stretching it.

For drivetrain....six. speed. tranny. please.

As a member of the Advisory Panel, I can tell you that those aren't Acura's priorities for the next RL. Their recent surveys concentrate on fuel economy and interior luxury. I can only speculate as to what this means for the 3G RL.

 

In addition to the cooled seats, I would like:

* a heads up display, especially for the SHAWD display

* A Fob / Flash drive that also stores all personal settings, music, calendar, memos, To Do list to be interfaced with NAVI & VR

* 4 point camera views on the Navi

* BT syncing with above mentioned Fob with smartphone. Emails received on phone can be displayed on Navi and read to driver with text to speech.

* An audio system hard drive / flash drive that impromptu music selections can be 'saved' via VR. You hear a tune you like...you can save it. Similar to DVR.

*built in Severe Weather Alerts to NAVI and audio alert.

* built in toll booth device or compartment.

*blind spot indicators

*rear side window shades remotely operated

* rear seats with recline positions

* heated / cooled cupholders

*Acuralink Concierge a la ONSTAR

 

can I say low washer fluid indicator?

 

^^^

Joking? That feature exist on current RL models already.

 

hm...I thought I ran out without a warning...I guess I have to watch out for it next time.

 

for me...I would love to see all these features in the 3G RL

no RWD: keep the SH-AWD
V8

7spd transmission
heated/cooled seats in the american version
power folding mirrors
reclining rear seats
push start button

 

funny you bring that up. I was telling my friend the other day how the RL has a display in the MID that shows how the power is being distributed............

then I laughed...and said

how the f** is the driver going to see the road and watch that ..

 

The 2009 RL already has heated/cooled seats.

From Tampa's list, blind spot indicators would be good, and making Acuralink more like OnStar would be awesome.

There is a warning only on Canadian models IIRC.

 

folding rear seats!! (and that really isn't much of an advancement)

 

I get a warning in my US 2006 CMBS/PAX RL. It's pretty annoying actually - it keeps popping up in the MID with the big yellow warning that the washer fluid is low.

 

^ ditto

 

They are ventilated not cooled in the sense that AC goes through them I believe.

Just look at the 2010 E Class... it has everything you want on your wish list and more.

 

The one thing that really helps in the Audi I got to replace the RL is the blind spot indicators. Really life-saving...every car has blind spots, and these work well. Also like 6-spd tranny....and the V8 . I also drove the Audi Q7, and on a big SUV, the blind spot indicators are a huge help. Just my two cents.

 

I stand corrected on the wiper fluid issue. I never let the fluid level go low enough in my RL to require a warning.

CL6, not everyone wants to pay the Benz premium for all those features. (Disclaimer: I haven't looked up pricing on the new E.) I suppose the RL will have to increase in price significantly if it gets all these features we're asking for, though....

 

I just built my 2010 E550 with a MSRP of $56k + $17k additional options (wish list options) = $73,000, which isn't in the price range (or even in the ball park) for most of us.


I'm guessing whatever Acura pulls out of their sleeves for the 3rd generation RL will be in the mid $50k range *fullly loaded* for a mid-size luxury sedan (unless of course Acura unveil their mythology beast called the V8 RWD RL)

 

Barely a few months with a little torque under his foot and we loose Bob.
Focus is frazzled, attention to detail is shallow, time on the forum is waning, and he is likely on a CTS board posting a bunch a one ups over the RL.

Next he will be street racing 4 cylinder TSXs and posting how many he 'owned'.

Face it gang...Bob's former RL misses us more than he does. We just don't have the ft lbs to stay on his radar.

 

^^^



Agreed with Tampa, I believe our fearless leader has gone astray (rumor has it, a new member on the Cadi fourm has boosted about how the CTS-V is far superior to the RL and calls himself RLkiller?) Sheer coincidence?

 

More like M5 Killer, XF-R Killer, E63 Killer..... ....this car is PURE sex to drive.

 

I wonder if someone could shed some light as why Honda/Acura hasn't changed over to a 6 speed automatic transmission? I believe all (at lease the tier 1 makers) luxury car company has a 6 speed (or 7/8 speed as a option) except Acura? I am not a automotive engineer, but wouldn't pairing a 6 speed tranny with Honda/Acura legendary Vtec engine add to the much needed low end torque and help in the dismay fuel efficiency?

 

Because they've had to spend so much time and money fixing broken 5ATs first?

That said, the ZDX is supposed to have a 6AT....hopefully this will work its way to the 3G RL.

 

It is also rumored a 6 speed auto tranny will show up in the 2010 MDX MMC.

Honda does have a patent out on a 6 and a 7 speed auto tranny. The assembly is in Japan. However, Honda outsourced the tranny assembly to Aisin AW in Japan. The contract was signed, and Japan's economy tanked. The resources were scarce and the project slowed.

I personally believe the 6 speed was intended to be introduced in the 09 MMC RL. Usually such product launches are done in the showcase vehicle. Timing not being on their side, it now looks as if the ZDX and MDX will take that honor.

Would Acura then offer it in the 2010 RL? Not likely worth the tooling effort IMHO. My guess it the RL will not see a new tranny until the next gen. And perhaps that 7 speed patent will be introduced in that debut.

 

I know this was about interior.. but I'd also like better mileage. As a comparison...GS430 = 17/24EPA while the RL = 16/22

Also.. I checked acura.com and they have the 2010 RL already on the site. I checked acuranews.com and no updates. The car looks the same. I think there's a few new colors.... I'm not sure if it debuted in '09 but there's Alberta White Pearl instead of Premium White Pearl.

As for interior:
- more rear legroom
- JDM features like heads up display, power trunk closer, power folding mirrors, and cameras in the front fender like the new 7 series. The Legend in Japan had it back in 06 I believe.

 

Personally, I think they should have:

4 wheel steering,(like the preludes used to have)
V12 supercharged diesel engine
ejector seat
The option to be either SWAWD , FWD or RWD via toggle switch
The ability to navigate traffic automatically and finding the best route
GPS automated radio stations
CVT tranny
a "JUMP" button
Bullet Proof Glass.


Anything else?

 

You don't buy the 73k Benz you lease it. It's an amazing car. Acura has the technology to match it but they won't do that for some reason.

An E350 w/P2 and the radar cruise is much more sophisticated than an RL. It's a lot more money though. But MB lowered MSRP by over 3k from 09 to 10.

Still interested in what the next RL will be but I think unless some big changes are made the model is dead.

 

You have a good point. MB is still leasing these days when many other makers have dropped the option, and most people want to lease. However, I buy/finance my cars as I put 20k miles a year on them. Sigh...perk of my profession.

I'll have to take your word as I haven't driven one.

Agree. For now Acura seems to be taking the Infiniti line (how long ago was the Q45 dropped?).

 

Leasing would make more sense for you because you would avoid depreciation, being out of warranty, and could probably write most of it off.

 

A real engine as mentioned so many times. This car is a slug.

Keep the AWD-works well.

Upgrade the brakes, they are mediocre at best.

Adjustable suspension with a proper range.

Use some real quality materials for the interior. Just because it looks great does not mask the poor quality leather, vague switchgear, etc. Reminds me of a Caddi.

And the largest improvement Acura needs before it can compete with the real Tier 1 makes. Upgrade your silly little dealerships and the quality of people you have in there. Acura has some scary people working in their dealerships. Stop hiring the little kids and get some experienced professionals behind the counters.

 

Acura's current signature grill line has killed anything they can do inside. As far as the inside, I'm happy with my '05RL... haven't upgraded the NAVI software, but still use the system.

But sticking to the thread (most already mentioned):

1) A/C seats are a must
2) Power retract side mirrors
3) Push button start
4) I-Phone like interface to get email, text messages, specific applications, etc.
5) Heads up display for speed, tac, and warning lights
6) Better storage space in the glove compartment

 

Continuing from the previous post... things they could eliminate because I never seem to use:

1) The VSA on/off switch
2) The memory 2 setting
3) The paddles on the steering wheel
4) Some of the MID displays like instant fuel mileage
5) The homelink buttons

 

Agree 100%

 

I disagree with all of the above.

 

I agree with your wants but not with the ones you want eliminated (my response bolded).

 

I must be a deaf and dumb driving when it comes to VSA. I have been in a icy parking lot playing and couldn't tell the difference between VSA on or off. The same going through the mountains.

I like someone suggestion of a toggle for SHAWD or RWD. I think with enough torque I could feel that difference. BTW (I write as craving the V's torque), what happens if you stomp your caddies pedal from a dead start? Do the rear tires smoke or does it grab and go? I assume you have an auto.

 

he has an auto and I assume without VSA it will burn tires through 2nd gear.

 

I only ask because I had a friend with a newer Vette and it barely squeeked off the line, but would pin you to the seat lile the Millenum Falcon.

 

This: , the rear tires SMOKE (as opposed to smoke), and the rear of the car slips to the right if all the nannies are off.

With all nannies on, if I punch it, the tires chirp LOUDLY in first , less so in second, and STILL chirp in third.

Having 400 lb-ft at just above idle is REALLY fun.

 

Hmm,
Let see:
1) Lane assist
2) Night vision
3) Road signs scan (to get speed limit figures)
4) Split view screen (similar to the new S class)

Would be nice, if Acura would step up into high luxury/sport market, to actually point where on luxury/sport this car would reside (overall engine,suspension... configuration). Does RL would lean towards luxury (Benz, Lexus, Genesis...) or Sport (Audi, BMW, Infiniti, new Jag...).
I'd prefer sport of course, cause Honda/Acura been known for Sport/Luxury cars in the past, but as recent trend shows, Acura lean toward luxury.
Would be nice, if RL would step up to compete with S-class/A8/7 series -with new more torquer engine/trans/etc.. New name would be nice too - e.g. LEGEND

 

I personally prefer the starting system in the present RL. The push button is functionally identical but the location is moved to an on/off switch on the dash instead of the steering column. Is there an advantage to the push button that I am missing?