Hey guys. In studying the interior photos of the 2009 RL I noticed something that just might be of interest to some of us -- something from the '09 that might be retrofitted to our RLs.

If you study the top of the shift console on the new car (where the shift lever and seat climate control swithches are) it looks like these now wood veneer covered portions of the console could be a direct replacement for what's currently in our cars.

Would have to check further to see if it really is a direct replacement and if the wood color and grain match. I like the look, though, and would seriously consider replacing the vinyl on my console if the parts prices aren't out of this world.

See what you think?

 

I don't think the shifter console trim swap would work since the "cigarette lighter" port has swapped sides from the passenger to the driver side of the shifter plate.

 

Have to check the shop manual, but if the power port (cigarette lighter) is simply attached to the top section it can be simply relocated.
Will check.

 

I thought about aftermarket wood for the shift console area before the 2009 came out. The problem I see with the new woody comsole is that the seat heat/cool buttons look larger than the current buttons. The power port could probably be moved if the wiring harness is long enough. Its probably easier to go with an aftermarket wood applique than to take out the console and replace the parts (even though it would be "stock-look" with the new parts).

I'd consider upgrading to the more padded center armrest. I've already got a dimple in the console where my elbow sits.

Rob144

 

Checked the shop manual. The switches and power port are simply attached to the bottom of the console top with screws -- so the power port could simply be relocated to the new opening. Would, however, require a new power port cover with the new veneer (maybe entire assembly to get the veneer)

Near as I can tell from eyeballing photos and relative switch positions, the seat climate switches appear to be the same exact size.

 

it looks to me that the seat controls and the shifter opening are different sizes than the 08. I think they would design it to not fit so you can't just upgrade your 05 to the 09. I'd love to have the booted shifter and cooled seats on the current RL.

they had the booted shifter in Japan on the 05-08 but it was right drive designed..

 

I'm not even sure I like the look. To much fake wood. Looks cheap

 

They had it in Europe, too. Qatar got his from a forum member in Hungary with access to Honda parts.

I like it!

I'll say it again as I've repeated this in several threads....The biggest bright spot in the redesign is that they added all the goodies we, actual RL owners, said were missing from the RL. At least they listened to us, maybe they will about the front styling.

 

What would be nice is for Acura to sponsor a Acura RL - Acurazine visit to their Acura Design Studios. Lets be the focus group since we all dropped over $40K on these machines.

Then we can echo neuronbob's sentiment and get on with the redesign of the exterior of the vehicle..

 

Now there's an idea. Maybe not an actual visit to the studios, but some access to the design process with appropriate NDAs signed, etc.....especially since we are the crazy few who actually bought a 2G RL.

Believe me, I don't want to be drooling over Caddys (though I am) and BMWs. I want Acura to really "Advance".

 

They most likely get much 'free' information here. It would be nice to be more interactive, however.

I say "Torrance Road Trip".

 

Only if you don't kick Dick Colliver's butt. Promise to be good?

 

"Excuse me....Mr. Colliver. May I have a word...."


"Oh,,,,and sorry about that damage in your office. But I don't think you will be needing it anymore...."

 

I noticed that when you originally mentioned it and agree wholeheatedly. Allow me to to throw another wrench into the machinery...After having done all of this bitching abou the front end and seeing the "photochoped" version of the blacked out grill which, by the way I like immensely and seeing the new TSX, could it be that the new grill design just might, be growing on me a little?

It is different! Will stand out in a crowd! Will instantly be recognized as an Acura! And who's to say that, when finally seen in the flesh, it might not be so bad after all...

 

Now that I'm used to the gated shifter (with the aftermarket wood knob), I'm not so sure that the pushbutton gear lever is preferred. It seems like it could be a bit awkward. It does look nice in its leather boot, though.

In keeping with the car's multiple control methods, the pre-09 setup does provide 2 choices for manual shifting once you're in the M mode: paddles or lever. I prefer the lever action because you can more easily shift no matter what position the wheel is in.

My vote: The 2009 wins on appearance and computer logic to let you manually shift any time. The 05-08 wins on lever control for manual shifting, and ease of use.

I will definitely check the '09 out in person.

Rob144

 

I got an email from Acura today on the 09 RL. It directed me here:
http://www.acura.com/index.aspx?init...s_RL2009Launch

 

Man I totally agree. That shifter is a step back eventhough it looks better. I hate the button activated shifters (I have it on the MDX). Also, losing the manual gear option on the shifter sucks. I never use the paddles because I never drive with two hands. Left hand on the wheel, right hand on the shifter. If I want to use the gears I can drop it to manual and go with no delay. Now you have to reach down, drop it to shift mode, then reach up and do the paddle thing and hope you can find the paddles quick enough to have it all make a difference in time (not easy when you are in a turn). if they wanted to cut cost, get rid of the paddles, this isn't an F1 car.

 

Sorry I missed your post, Ernie! I started a whole new thread about that email this AM.