Yesterday, I was at the local Acura dealership for my first oil change and had the good fortune to drive an A-Spec RL ... It was, in a single word, FANTASTIC! Let me first say that the person who drove it before me didn't care for it at all ... He thought it was too stiff for a luxury vehicle and preferred the regular RL instead.

Upon sitting in the A-Spec, I immediately felt the lowered suspension (it wasn't just seat placement) and was at home with the feeling of some past vehicles. I sought a destination that would take me thru some rough streets, twisty roads and a little highway driving ... I loved every minute of the cruise.

The suspension was tightened up ... But far from being considered too harsh. The 18" wheels and Pilot Sports were MUCH smoother and quieter than the stock setup. Overall, I was convinced that this suspension was in my future ... I even made an appointment for next month to have it installed.

On a side note, I really didn't care for much of the A-Spec body parts (I already had the rear spoiler). The chrome wheels (too flat), side skirts and rear bumper were a turn-off. If the front bumper was one piece (instead of a stick-on addition), I would have considered it ... It looked great from a distance, but up close, I didn't care to see the ugly seams.

 

Great to hear! after the a-spec in my TL, I won't be investing the addition to add to the RL. The RL seems fine to me. I might, however, suggest you call around to other dealers (check ebay for: 2005 RL suspension) you will probably get the suspension a lot cheaper than your dealer is willing to sell it to you for. They can just install it then. That is what I had done for the TL.

 

I'm hoping that one of the auto magazines does a comparo with the A-spec RL against the M35/45, GS430 et al so we can see the quantitative differences that the better tires and tighter suspension produce.

 

Do you remember the exact Michelin Pilot Sport on the car? There are two: the Pilot Sport and the Pilot Sport II or PS2. At the time I checked the PS2 was not available on the size 245/45/18 and I believe it is a much softer riding tire than the original providing equal or better grip. I'd like to believe that this is what you drove hence the glowing review regarding the ride quality.

My experience has convinced me that lower stiffer springs always produce a much harsher ride, no matter what combination of wheels and tires one uses. I would very much like to believe that the combo you drove produces a softer ride on the RL - I guess I'll have to find one to test drive before I even think about doing it to my car.

 

How did the exhaust sound???

 

The exhaust doesn't change - so it would sound just like every other RL.

 

Couple answers to questionz & commentz:

vikrampatel: I plan to do some price shopping on the suspension. In fact, the dealership owes me a favor & I may look to collect it on the install fee.

1HOT NSX: To the best of my memory ... Where was I ... Oh yeah ... The tires were the recommended Pilot Sports (didn't see any II or PS2). In my opinion, the stock tires are terrible. Maybe my impression was tainted by the overall excitement of the sporty suspension.

speedyg: I wish the exhaust was upgraded too ... But nope.

 

nice review, i would surely get the A-Spec suspension. I'd get the kit as well, but just like i did with my TL i would have it custom molded to be smooth front and rear

 

I would get the RL with the A-Spec suspension and nothing more. No need for a bodykit thats tacked on. I want solid pieces if any. Perhaps next year

(I'm still waiting for the air conditioned seats before I make my purchase )

 

Astroboy,

What does it cost to have the A-Spec kit custom molded so that the front and rear bumpers are one piece instead of the current "tacked on look?" If you can't guess about the RL, what was it for your TL? Where did you have the work done?

I would be all over that, assuming the same paint quality and a cleaner look.

Thanks in advance.

 

how much stiffer is it? do you have any #'s on the Aspec suspension..on a side note....was it any faster?