dwest1023

Had my usual weekend test drives, which was a new Ford Focus( was a piece of driving crap) and the all new Audi S5 coupe(V8 345hp). I am not gong to do the long winded," what I thought". Unless someone wants to know more, I'll just say when I got back in the RL, it bought a big smile to my face. Let me tell you, the RL DOES NOT need a V8. I will say the Audi is a wonderful piece of automobile craftsmanship. Even with a 6 speed manual, there was no gear I could lug th engine with, and you never need to downshift. At the same time I found the car to be boring to drive. I am convinced you really will never know how good the RL until you drive some of the other cars out there. Dont get me wrong the S5 is a wonderful and head turning car. The one I drove had a msrp of 60K, but if I were only going to have one car, it would be the RL

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Hmm...didn't realize that the S5 had made it to dealer lots. Guess I'm going to have to go see if I can find one to test drive.

TampaRLX-SH

I would agree. But I also would not be shocked if Honda produced a V8 that matches or betters the RL's economy. But how much more HP & torque? That remains to be seen. But I too doubt Honda would abandon it's ULEV and economy standards.

dwest1023

Nope, every car maker has to have niche and honda will Keep the ULEV one. I don't think honda is going to play with the big boys.

midlifecrisis

What if they offered a V8 with the Variable Cylinder Management that is on the new V6 Accord. If they could manage a 340-360 hp or more AWD RL that was able to get 25-27 mpg on the highway--that would be a fantastic combination. Any talk of Honda developing a V8 with VCM?