A very helpful source (who's been correct in the past) is indicating that there are no RL orders for April. I note that stickers on the RLs at the Cleveland Auto Show indicated availability/arrival at dealers in May, but this new information indicates a June arrival at dealers...e.g. a slight delay. Not sure what this means yet. Does it mean a change for the new RL is pending and Acura has listened to the masses about the styling (grille)? Or does it simply mean that it's too soon to order the RL?

RL info italicized by me.

 

Neuron for what it's worth, 2 weeks ago the dealer close to me showed me a TPD (Tentative Production Date) in the last full week of March for their first 09 RL. By adding 6-8 weeks for delivery time to the dealer, that puts it on the dealer's lot between the last week of April/beginning of May and the second full week in May.

That being said, I don't think that Acura could delay production by 2 weeks for a redesign of the car's grill. That would mean any molds purchased for the grill would have to be thrown out and new molds produced.. On such a short notice, highly unlikely, IMHO.. My

Thanks for the info though!

 

Bob, thanks for posting this. You really offer a lot of information.

 

Good point. As I said, though, I don't know what it means yet.

 

Agreed. Could be:

1) They're trying to give dealers a few more weeks to push out the 08's
2) A slight manufacturing snafu
3) One of their suppliers has a supply problem
4) They're giving people like me a last chance to buy an 08!
5) None of the above and I'm breathing too much of this NJ/NY air or I'm smoking some funny stuff

 

a delay in 09 arrival means a delay in sell-out cash...top incentives may not take effect by April 1, 2008...prehaps April 15...it will happen only as a matter of when. "the best indication of future behavior is past behavior"...quote from my wife.

 

There is a discussion on TOV that the marketers who surveyed people's reaction to the RL grille at the autoshow have passed that info back to Acura, and apparently it is overwhelmingly negative. Could it be possible Acura gambled with the design they revealed at the auto show and perhaps has a 'Plan B' to revert to if it did not float? Whenever designs are made, there are usually several renditions and even tooling to test how well it will integrate into the assembly process.


I hope, I pray. Sweet Jesus rescue this car!

 

I am quite sure Acura wants this car to finally shed its wallflower status, thus spending boatloads of dough on the MMC. I'm hoping they had a "Plan B" that will be rolled out to dealers, thus this (possible) delay.

For all I know, Acura's shipments of this car from Japan could have been delayed a few weeks for technical reasons. Dunno!

 

The $2500 right now ends on April 30. So, I'm not sure incentives will increase in early/mid-April. Plus, playing devils advocate, who said it hasn't max'd out already?

For model year 2006 did they increase the incentive before the running incentive ended?

 

Tampa/Neuron, only time will tell. We can hope for the best...

 

Does hideous qualify as a 'technical reason'? Maybe all the assembly workers screamed in horror and fled the assembly plant.

I for one, am hoping Godzilla will avenge our RL. Now where are those two micro princess that sing and awake Mothra?

Acura has dishonored me and my whole family. And now they must DIE! *mismatched lip synch and audio dubbing*

 

We are aging ourselves here.....you by mentioning this and me by understanding the reference.

 

excuse me for my noob-ness. Why are there constraints on orders. For example...what does the 45% on the RDX tech mean? You must have 9 Tech models and 11 base models for every 20RDX order? What if the dealer wanted to order 8 Techs and 12 Bases, or 10 Techs and 10 bases. Is this more of a marketing problem or a supply problem?

 

Yes.

 

Hate to be a pessimist, but I'm pretty sure this grill is here to stay. It's on the new TSX and TL spyshots. Love it or leave it, but I see no chance of any change until the FMC. Could there be a "tweak" of material, colors, etc. to tone it down a bit? I suppose that's possible.

 

I agree. Plus it would be a huge slap in the face to and admission of defeat by Colliver after such a high-profile rollout. There's no way that Acura changes that grille before the June launch - they're too smug and arrogant for that.

I've already moved on. If the 2010 FMC looks worthy of a $50k car I'll give it some consideration but I've already given up on Acura and started thinking about Audi for my next car. With the PAX tire fiasco and now this, Acura can kiss my @ss.

 

So if the RL is made in Japan, does that mean that the Legend is going to have the same redesign?

 

For sure. Minus the grill. Lucky them

 

PAX itself was not an Acura problem, but their service pertaining to giving customers other options is slow to come or non-existent.

Doesn't say much for a car company, when your top of the line customers get stranded for tires of all things.

 

Discontinuing PAX development was a Michelin decision, but Acura and Honda have handled the whole PAX thing poorly anyway (ask the Odyssey owners what they think) from the start, actively discouraging people from swapping the wheels & tires out. That said the tires themselves are fine but who wants to be stuck with tires that are hard to find and expensive to replace?

Just one more thing pushing me away from Acura/Honda. I'm under no illusions that other companies are noticeably better, but Acura has actively squandered any goodwill I had for the company.

 

Issues such as this are exactly where Acura can demonstrate they are above the mass brands. In the quest to be Tier 1, how they address these issues are likely to demonstrate they are capable of being Tier 1 in substance and not in talk.

So far I see little demonstrating Acura is addressing this proactively. Like a mass market brand, they seem to be waiting until enough owner outcry and media attention is worth preparing a solution.

Tier 1 brands would identifying an issue, address it and inform their customers even if the solution is not yet in place. With PAX and AcuraLink issues, I see them sweeping them under the carpet in hopes few will notice.

Honda has always been tight lipped with introductions and new products. But the same methodology for known issues cultures distrust and evaporates loyalites.

 

Same here.....

 

It's beyond comical how they give lip service to being a Tier 1 brand and then nickel and dime (and deny) their customers.

It's not just PAX and the abomination that is the 09 RL. It's the crappy dealership experience and the issues that I had with my 2003 TL-S and 2005 RL. The 2 Hondas that I owned previously (1993 Prelude Si and 2001 Accord V6) were bulletproof - the recent Acuras much less so (though the 06 has been fine for the 6 months that I've had it). It just seems like Acura is trying to throw the existing customer base out to chase....something.

Acura has bungled its opportunity through mismanagement and bad marketing. In a year or two, all of the competitors will have a version of torque vectoring, rendering Acura's first mover advantage (not that they did anything with it) useless. Acura is in a very precarious position right now as the "new" RL and TSX haven't been well received. If the TL gets a similar reception, this company is toast. The NSX, if it ever sees the light of day, won't be enough to save it.

 

Don't you think it is a little early to conclude that the new "RL and TSX haven't been well received?" Neither is actually in the showroom yet and we have no idea how they will sell. The only indication I can see is lots of complaining on the net about the RL's nose, and few (more mild) objections to the TSX's 4-cyl engine.

Well, there has been complaining abou the TSX's engine from the day it hit showrooms, but the car has still sold like hotcakes. It seems that what enthusiasts on the internet think does not have immediate relevance for sales to the general public.

And, IMO, no chance to the RL is going to be likely to make the car a hotseller in the US. For one thing, AWD cars do not sell all that well outside the snowbelt. Out here in LA, probably the biggest car market in American, you can't even find AWD cars on most dealer's lots. The upside is that the RL is a low volume car and NOT critical to Acura's success.

Meanwhile, the MDX is a run away hit.

Acura should do fine with the MDX, TL, and TSX. And, that will keep them doing well.

I doubt the RL will sell, and I think longterm sales of the RDX will be disappointing. However, Acura's product line is in good shape otherwise.

 

Actually, the TSX has been well-received by the motoring press and Acuraphiles other than quibbles about the power. Basically, they want V6 power out of an I4 engine and were kinda hoping for twin turbos, if I understand the situation correctly. The styling is pretty good--the grille was obviously made for that car's design and it looks good in that milieu.

I agree that the MDX is a big hit--it's Acura's biggest seller right now. The TL is off, but only because people are awaiting the 4G TL.

As far as Tier 1 service.....if Acura makes its dealers all act like mine treats me, that will go a long way toward that type of reputation. I actually ENJOY going to the dealer, something I couldn't say about any other dealer experience I've had in my nearly 20 years of purchasing autos. As long as Acura makes decent cars, I'll keep going to this particular dealer to buy my cars.

I say I'm ready to move to Cadillac for the CTS-V....but I'm waiting to see how Acura deals with its challenges first. I'm not ready for a new car for a few years and I'll likely be around to see what the RL FMC brings. Besides, the dealership experience at Cadillac sucks as a whole.

 

I don't know if the MDX's success is sustainable with oil at $110/barrell. The next TL will make or break Acura.

My experience hasn't been the same as yours in regard to dealers. This is one of Acura's bigger markets as well - Honda products have always sold well in New England. It's just sad to see most of the Honda dealers around here with nicer facilities and amenities than the Acura dealers.

 

My experience is the same as Bob. Service at my Acura dealer is very very good. However, like DW said, the Honda dealership up the street is newer and nicer then my Acura dealership. Time for a facelift at Fountain Acura in Orlando.

 

I'll chime in on my dealership as well. It is not the newest, slickest, ammenity laden dealership I have been to, but it is neat, clean & professional. A practice I personally experience and witness with many owners is the Techs actually come into the lounge to speak to the owners. I have a specific Tech that works on my RL and we have a 'history' as to what has been done to the car. It is much more personalized than any dealership I have previously experienced. The Tech often emails me directly and he always keeps the Service Advisor in the loop. Communication is great. I realize very few people are that fortunate, but I also make an effort to build a relationship. One way is to treat to occaisional happy hours.

I had left my RL in for service, and one of parts they decided to replace is the Acuralink unit since my Acuralink messaging seems to have ceased. The unit sent has to be replaced (NavTraffic went *poof* with the replacement unit) so they have the car for the weekend an hope to have me back in it on Monday. I got a new MDX with 548 miled on it to 'play' with this weekend. (Perhaps the 52'' LCD from Best Buy may be on my wall before the weekend is over! ) I also got some complimentary tickets to the Honda / Acura sponsored St Petersburgh Grand Prix for April 4th! NICE!

I had also ordered a new bumper trim strip to replace the one attacked by a roque shopping cart. I popped the trunk to show the trim piece and asked the Tech if he could advise me if the installation was a simple pop off and replace. He said he would take care of it. Nice. And I bought the part online, NOT from my dealers Parts Department.

But back on topic....

While I was there I talked to the salesrep that sold me both my TL and RL. Nice guy, and he is very well informed. I asked him if there was anything up with the 09 RL. He said Acura seems unaware there is any concern from the enthusiasts OR the dealers concerns on the 09 styling. But we both agreed, that does not mean Acura is not aware, but typically in denial.

So a weekend in the MDX it shall be. Anyone going to the St Pete Grand Prix?

 

I am going to wait for the FMC for the RL. I am keeping my 05 for a few more years. If it continues to be ugly, then I'll probably head to Lexus and deal with their "safe NAV" system that requires stop-n-change your destination.

Throughly disappointed with Acura on the MMC for the RL and their direction.

 

Seems at this rate they should have have discontinued the RL for 2 years entirely, bring out the TSX and hyper-powered (so 300+) TL with Shawd, (assume a TL Type S to have roughly 350-355, with a 3.7),


And then you now have a better point as to where the RL should be placed....

 

+1

Although I love my 06 Rl it is possible I could have been tempted into a MMC RL. After seeing it, there is no way on God's green Earth I would buy that vehicle. That is fine, as I had hoped to hate it so I would not be tempted to trade away my 06 RL.

I will wait until the FMC RL and hope Acura stylists and the approving execs appear on Celebrity Rehap from the crack addiction and losing touch with reality. Should Dr. Drew get them back on track for the FMC launch, peace and harmony will return to my world.

If they choose to continue with Halloween masks and arrogance, h'asta l' bye bye Acura.

 

Acura is really going to have to pull a rabbit out of their hat to get me to consider future models. The MMC for me is beyond disappointing. For the folks who are not turned off by the design, more power to you.

My RL and dealer experience have been great so far. This is my first Honda/Acura product (not counting my Ariens Lawn mower with the Honda engine), and I'm very pleased with my decision and the timing of it. I'll probably keep the car for a couple more years befor trading in. Plenty of time to decide what direction I'll go for my next vehicle.

 

Well, I had a discussion with a co-worker who is a car nut like myself, drooling over nice cars...

Even though we both agreed that we didn't like present generation BMW 5 series exterior when it first came out, it has grown on us. We still liked the previous generation 5 series but he made a very good point, in that even though we like the previous generation design, it was looking dated. Hence, I suspect that even though we may not like the MMC, it will grow on us and the 05-08 style will eventually look dated.... My

Never say never..

 

I think the 05-08 RL style, though not flashy, not trend setting is very timeless. I think it will look hadsome in 10 years as I find LEGENDS still very handsome vehicles.

The MMC 9 RL is a surrender to flash & verve critics, poorly excuted or not, it is Acura's attempt at fashion. Fashion has a shorter lifespan, even if greater initial impact.

Why I think the MMC style more than bad, it is wrong - is due to a well executed, flowing and balanced style, while not trendy, is organic. Then they tarted it up and threw an outrageous clown face on it. Does it get attention? Oh yeah. But it will never be a studied hallmark for taste and style. I think that approach will have a very short shelf life indeed.

 

I absolutely agree with you with the Legend and the present gen RL.. Both designs exemplify understated elegance.

Maybe Acura is trying to pull a Bangle, come out with different. Only time will tell.

I suspect the previous gen BMW 5 and 7 series will still be loved and looked upon as handsome vehicles 10-20 years from now.

Point taken wrt to the MMC. The impact of the "fashion statement" from the existing BMW 5 and 7's remains to be seen..

 

Oh they pulled something all right. It wasn't a Bangle, but it does start with a 'B'.....

 

I liked the previous 5 series generation before the new 5 series got bangled. The one thing that I can say is the new 5 is a very nice car with some serious presence. The flawless execution of BMW's plan to push soooo many leases has virtually made the previous generation extinct. I mean its like a RL sighting to see a previous generation 5.

Acura doesn't have that pull on any of their vehicles, except the MDX.

Time will tell but selling 300/month doesn't do much for bottom line in Acura's sense.

 

I agree. One reason BMW is so successful with the 5 is because they offer such attractive leases. Acura simply doesn't bother with this very often. In the case of the RL in particular, it's simply better to buy/finance than to lease unless Acura offers a special lease deal....which, mysteriously, they simply don't do very often.

 

Might be due to the clientele as well. Perhaps people who get the BMW 5/7 , MB E/S class, etc. are the folks who want bling and can afford to have constant car payments.

 

HA!