View Poll Results: Do you like the grille on the 2009 RL?
Yes
17
10.83%
No
140
89.17%
Voters: 157. You may not vote on this poll
Do you like the grille on the 2009 RL?
02-07-2008, 05:53 PM
#41
Trolling Canuckistan
Originally Posted by Qatar
2009 Acura RL is manufacture in the United States for the United States market.
JDM Legend still has the current design (2005-2008)
JDM Legend still has the current design (2005-2008)
02-07-2008, 06:01 PM
#42
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Qatar
2009 Acura RL is manufacture in the United States for the United States market.
JDM Legend still has the current design (2005-2008)
JDM Legend still has the current design (2005-2008)
No one has indicated the place of manufacture for the 2009 RL yet. I am assuming it will continue to be built in Japan at the new Honda factory. The RL's previous factory in Saitama was shut down for a major refurbishing recently and manufacture moved to another factory in Japan.
02-07-2008, 08:06 PM
#43
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Not only is the grill awful, but that new rear end is just hideous. Both look cheesy. That massive chrome strip and the bubbled trunk...someone should be fired! Problem is, the 05-08 had perfect lines from the beginning, now they try to update and it is a true failure. Fortunately they have not messed with the dash and interior which IMHO is still near perfect. The RL is a GS competitor, not LX competition, don't know why people see that Acura just does not offer a total high end machine. Of course when it comes, that will be the next Legend!
02-08-2008, 07:42 AM
#46
Proboscis-free zone
Originally Posted by Qatar
i read at VTEC.net that the RL was designed in the Acura studio in the US.
That's how we all figured out they must have been smoking crack when they "designed" this monstrosity. They have the death penalty for that in Japan. 
02-08-2008, 08:07 AM
#47
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by Qatar
i read at VTEC.net that the RL was designed in the Acura studio in the US.
i'll see if i can find the exact post
i'll see if i can find the exact post
02-08-2008, 10:02 AM
#49
Alpha Geek
Originally Posted by dwboston
"Designed" in the US doesn't mean built in the US.
The former Integra\RSX and RL are\were both built in Japan, thank goodness.
HEY COOL I beat the edit limit!!!
I'm amazed there are 10% that like the front end!
02-08-2008, 10:17 AM
#50
Torch & Pitchfork Posse
Originally Posted by lumpulus
I'm amazed there are 10% that like the front end!
*Teasing* I respect those who truly appreciate it.
02-08-2008, 11:44 AM
#51
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
To each, his own! 
02-08-2008, 05:59 PM
#52
Go Big Blue!
On TOV it seems the No-Yes ratio is about 75 percent NO, rather then our 10-1. Their votes are about 10 times higher then ours so it stands to reason it's more accurate. Still 75% clearly indicates a huge failure on the designers part.
02-09-2008, 07:12 PM
#53
Torch & Pitchfork Posse
Originally Posted by Mpunk
Here you go.
Mr. Eric Conn
Assistant Vice President of National Advertising, Automobiles
eric_conn@ahm.honda.com
Top advertising person.
Assistant: Kathy
Mr. Eric Conn
Assistant Vice President of National Advertising, Automobiles
eric_conn@ahm.honda.com
Top advertising person.
Assistant: Kathy
I got an email reply today. Eric Conn is no longer with the company.
02-09-2008, 07:53 PM
#55
Originally Posted by super-rl
The grille is perfect im loving it, that what Acura needed step by step they coming alive
Sir, I recommend you lay off the drugs. It can drastically alter your judgement.
J/K
02-09-2008, 11:19 PM
#58
Torch & Pitchfork Posse
They already had a highly distinguishable grille....
https://acurazine.com/assets/article...l_front-hi.jpg
In fact, if someone made this for aftermarket....I'd buy it. And I am not one to modify OEM.
https://acurazine.com/assets/article...l_front-hi.jpg
In fact, if someone made this for aftermarket....I'd buy it. And I am not one to modify OEM.
02-10-2008, 12:34 AM
#59
Proboscis-free zone
Originally Posted by darmok
How do you know he wasn't laid off for objecting to the new design?
A truly scary thought
02-10-2008, 08:50 PM
#61
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The made the rear nicer but they messed up the front. Looks like something that came out of a Kia, Saturn, DaeWoo factory. Makes me want to gagvomit.
Seriously Acura if they keep this up they might loose a lot more ppl to infinity, lexus and bmw. Most people that stuck with the RL is because they knew about the car and it grew on them, it's a special car but you can only take so much abuse.
The 05 looked fine, the problems with sales were the price and size, too similar size to TL and the TL could best it in some styling dept. Also there's not so much of a flagship sedan feel to it. For it to be Flagship at least 0-60 in 6 sec and have rwd handling characteristics until you push it too hard then the AWD kicks in or in the snow. Make the thing larger, it's almost same size as a TL. Throw in a little hood ornament while your at it or some type of distinguishable badge, and lastly bring back the Legend name to the US.
Seriously Acura if they keep this up they might loose a lot more ppl to infinity, lexus and bmw. Most people that stuck with the RL is because they knew about the car and it grew on them, it's a special car but you can only take so much abuse.
The 05 looked fine, the problems with sales were the price and size, too similar size to TL and the TL could best it in some styling dept. Also there's not so much of a flagship sedan feel to it. For it to be Flagship at least 0-60 in 6 sec and have rwd handling characteristics until you push it too hard then the AWD kicks in or in the snow. Make the thing larger, it's almost same size as a TL. Throw in a little hood ornament while your at it or some type of distinguishable badge, and lastly bring back the Legend name to the US.
02-11-2008, 01:41 AM
#62
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Originally Posted by The Dougler
Maybe we should write them one collective professional email and all sign it/make it a petition. With links to all the other cars sites bashing it as well. Each person should sign it with their name email and how many hoda/acura's they've owned.
I completely agree with you. I was thinking the same thing. Acura has totally lost their direction. They need to get rid of those designers they have.. omfg... My 06 TL might possibly be the last Acura I own if they keep this up... have you guys looked at the future/concept cars from the other companies? Even Honda's future cars look better than what Acura is designing... what's up with the Advanced Sports Car and Advanced Sedan concept?? Are these people on drugs?!?! I am soooo frustrated with the direction that Acura is going...
There is possibly one answer to all this... the whole Acura design team is being paid big bucks by another auto manufacturer to make sh*tty designs and make Acura go down.....
02-11-2008, 05:50 PM
#64
Torch & Pitchfork Posse
Originally Posted by Qatar
Cant get any worse?
Imagine Acura messing up the NSX!
Imagine Acura messing up the NSX!
http://models4you.whoadude.com/temp/hazel/oldhead.jpg
02-11-2008, 08:04 PM
#65
dmaster3
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Originally Posted by TampaRL
I want the NAMES of the people responsible for that mess.
Then I will form a posse, hand out torches and battering rams. Off to Torrance to slay the beast.
Who' in?
Then I will form a posse, hand out torches and battering rams. Off to Torrance to slay the beast.
Who' in?
Count me in, I'll bring the torches.
02-13-2008, 12:13 PM
#69
Torch & Pitchfork Posse
Originally Posted by jftjr
Is it me or does it look like the front of the car was put on upside-down?
Bleech.
Bleech.
They had to invert it. Rightside up shows the displeasure the car has with the design. It would be frowning.
02-13-2008, 03:53 PM
#70
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Not only is this new RL grill butt ugly...it seems to be a disease with Honda lately. They were on the right track with the recent Civic and a couple others, but now the new Accord is just about as ugly as a car could get. Its as if they had a big cocktail party and let each designer throw on a piece, without giving any thought to the whole of the car. Can't believe I'm saying this, but both Camry and new Malibu are infinitely better looking than the Accord, I fear Hondas gonna pay. Lets hope this new design route they are taking stops before we see the next TL.
02-14-2008, 07:30 AM
#71
No! Nothing is distinguishable about the 05-08. The only thing distinguishable next to Lexus, BMW, Benz, Audi, Cadillac, ect. is that it is the only car with no distinction. It did not scream "hey look at me I'm an Acura". Time after time I read magazines that said the RL design was subtle and got lost in the crowd. Nothing is distinct about that. 
Originally Posted by TampaRL
They already had a highly distinguishable grille....
https://acurazine.com/assets/article...l_front-hi.jpg
In fact, if someone made this for aftermarket....I'd buy it. And I am not one to modify OEM.
https://acurazine.com/assets/article...l_front-hi.jpg
In fact, if someone made this for aftermarket....I'd buy it. And I am not one to modify OEM.
02-14-2008, 07:36 AM
#72
Go Big Blue!
yep, and yet when Acura tries to accomodate and make the car more unique, we all beat them up.
Still don't particularly like the new grill, but your point is well taken.
Still don't particularly like the new grill, but your point is well taken.
02-14-2008, 07:46 AM
#73
Originally Posted by SpicyMikey
yep, and yet when Acura tries to accomodate and make the car more unique, we all beat them up.
02-14-2008, 08:05 AM
#75
Torch & Pitchfork Posse
Originally Posted by sufall96
No! Nothing is distinguishable about the 05-08. The only thing distinguishable next to Lexus, BMW, Benz, Audi, Cadillac, ect. is that it is the only car with no distinction. It did not scream "hey look at me I'm an Acura". Time after time I read magazines that said the RL design was subtle and got lost in the crowd. Nothing is distinct about that.
ummmmm..... the link was pointing out the ASPEC Concept, and NOT the standard 05-08.
And by the way, the reason why I like the RL style is that is does NOT scream "Hey look at me....".
02-14-2008, 08:16 AM
#76
Originally Posted by cai06
I believe all the design cues we are seeing come from the "Acura Advanced Concept":
Whoever designed this should not be allowed to reproduce! LOL!
Whoever designed this should not be allowed to reproduce! LOL!
02-14-2008, 08:43 AM
#78
Most of RL owners probally do not. But some of us Acura owners would like a bold design and be able to pull up next to a BMW, Lexus, Benz ect. and not feel like a grandpa or a red hair stepchild. It would feel good to hear people say man!!! I really like Acura's new flagship. I'm not saying the refresh of the 09 RL is the answer, but it ceartainly was not the 05-08. The first step to changing anything is to realize that you have a problem. I think from critiscism Acura has taken heed. Now they can move on from this point.
Originally Posted by TampaRL
ummmmm..... the link was pointing out the ASPEC Concept, and NOT the standard 05-08.
And by the way, the reason why I like the RL style is that is does NOT scream "Hey look at me....".
And by the way, the reason why I like the RL style is that is does NOT scream "Hey look at me....".
02-14-2008, 10:48 AM
#80
Instructor
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Originally Posted by krio
Evry time I look at this concept I think who in the Hell was so drunk enough for creating such an UGLY monster...
" ....The Advanced Sedan Concept you see here was meant to be an imaginative, highly provocative design statement - and yes, it does provide a glimpse into the future of Acura styling and design language. We're extremely excited to be pushing the design envelope, and I can guarantee you'll be seeing more bold concepts like this from our Pasadena Studio in the future.
And now, let me turn it back to John to wrap things up.
John Mendel:
Thanks, Dave. The Advanced Sedan Concept was developed by our L.A.-based designers. It's a prime example of the imaginative thinking you'll be seeing out of our Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena, and the type of work that will influence Acura design worldwide in the years to come. "
