Was provided a 2008 TL loaner today and was struck by how similar it was to the 2002 RL we owned. It seemed to be an updated 2002 RL with a five speed transmission but in a narrower body. In thinking this over it came to me the 09 TL is similar to the 2nd generation RL because this is Honda's natural conservative orientation. Bear with me a moment here because while this seems so obvious and has been discussed here before, it does seem like Honda has a cultural strategic game plan that is frequently repeated. Sell a few RLs at a higher price, get the bugs worked out with a low volume seller and then X number of years later make that the mid-range volume seller. We RL owners kind of get nailed for being party to this plan as our cars depreciate perhaps faster as a result of the down market technology transfer but nonetheless this is Honda/Acura's product development and marketing formula.

It does seem Honda is playing the game a bit wider this time with the TL. The TL is becoming two or three models depending on how you view the packages. The SH-AWD is the car for Northern climes. The FWD is the car for the rest of the nation. The manual transmission car is for the performance enthusiasts. I think it is a smart move to offer these obviously market and price point specific choices using the same platform.

So if the 04 TL is essentially the 02 RL and the 09 TL is essentially the 07 RL, my presumption is we can logically look forward to a new platform/new approach 11 or 12 RL. I echo the thinking that since the 09 TL has moved up to the RL's platform size, the next RL will be about the size of a MB E series and will have 335 hp be it a V6, V8 or some new hybrid combination.

One other thing, the TL loaner moved quicker than my 06 RL and got 4 mpg better on the highway, too. The greater weight and SH-AWD energy losses were apparent in the acceleration and gas mileage. As much as I loved our 02 RL and enjoyed the 02 RL deja vu experience of the 08 loaner today, I was glad to get back into my 06 RL. By the way, my 02 RL was a highway gas hog and could really have benefitted from the 5 speed transmission. I bet we see a six or eight speed tranny for the next generation RL. Here again, the RL will be the low volume test horse for a new transmission, possible new motor series, new electronics, etc., etc.

Bill in NC

 

3G TL in comparison to the 1G RL?

 

Blazing GT, the 2nd gen TL loaner reminded me of the 1st gen RL we owned.

 

I am also a bit confused by your post. How can a 3G TL remind you of the 1G RL? The cars are very different, IMO, except for the Acura logo.

 

if so thats crazy, I would have never expected that.

 

You mentioned that a 08 TL loaner was very similar to the 02 RL in the first sentence, then you said that "So if the 04 TL is essentially the 02 RL and the 09 TL is essentially the 07 RL," in the 3rd paragraph.

It is indeed very confusing as to what you are trying to say.

 

i understand completely...the reality is the 04 TL is almost exactly the same as the 08TL.

 

thats true but I doubt thats what the OP was trying to state.

 

I believe he's just trying to point out "trickle down" engineering as it is practiced at Honda/Acura as well as other manufacturers. The 2009 (4G) TL basically has many of the same features, minus a few, of our 2G RL. The 2004 (3G) TL had basically many of the same features, minus a few, of the late 1G RL.

RL owners have been paying to have all the tech goodies first and this covers the cost of development such that they can be passed down to lesser models at lesser cost. The 2G RL, for example, was essentially a test model for SH-AWD and we have been the guinea pigs.

 

I agree completely. Also the live traffic, XM, voice command, etc..

 

Thanks Neuronbob! Your concise explanation was exactly what I was attempting to say. You are da man!
Bill in NC