Driving down the GSP I was near what must have been a new model RL. As it was approaching, I first thought it was a TL but as it got closer it could have been a cross between a TL and a TSX...TL size with a TSX grill. I like what they've done to the rear and overall it's not a bad look. I'm surprised how similar it is to the TL, but not in a good "keeping the family lines" way. They really need to do a lot more with that car to bring it up with the cars it should compete with. But what do I know, I own a 4G TL

 

No 3G RL's around yet, but what you saw was probably the heavily MMC'd 2G RL that debuted in 2009.

 

It might have been but the nose looked so different. I only got a pic of the rear.

 

^^ that is a 3rd Gen RL

 

No it isn't.

It's the 2009+ 2G RL, which went through a mid-model change in 2009, adding a 3.7L V6, the new grill, updated rear-end, and some new features.

The 3G RL (or RL replacement) won't be out until Fall 2011, most likely.

 

The 2009 RL introduced the power phlegm grille and some of the keen edge dynamic design debacle before the 4th generation TL was launched. So how could it not be in keeping with family lines? The TL followed the current RL styling.

An having beaten the 2009+ RL with Acura's ugly stick, it did absolutely nothing for sales of the RL. It was an investment in futility.

I can only hope and pray the 3rd generation RL (or replacement) does not resemble the TL. Inbreeding ugly siblings is not know to produce beautiful malformities.

At least the Acura styling committee is likely to age from 12 to maybe 15 years of age by the time the next RL is upon us. But my hopes of a 15 year old determining styling of taste and sophistication are about as hopeful for a 15 year old with interpersonal skills beyond text messaging capabilities.

 

760 posts? must be new to the RL forums, welcome

 

As the others have already said that car IS NOT a 3rd generation RL.

The photo shows a mid-product cycle styling refresh of the 2nd gen RL. Acura did the same thing with the 1st gen RL as well as the NSX.

I don't think that we have even seen any concept art for the 3rd gen yet let alone any prototype cars...

That being said one of my colleagues at work as the "refreshed" 2nd gen RL and I must say that the looks are growing on me just like the "refreshed" NSX.

 

Thus the question mark on the thread title... As I didn't hear anything about 3d gen, it didn't seem feasible. It also didn't look like any RL I had seen before. I think the look of the rear is an improvement over the 2nd gen.

 

Making friends at Acura USA. I agree with you, Tampa! Silly design team at Acura should put the crack pipe down and start listening to people on this forum!

 

 

yeah that is a 2G RL...just a MMC

 

This whole time i thought that was a 3rd gen RL and other forums considers it as 3rd gen. Just checked it on the internet its consider 2nd gen mmc. Which i found it odd cause there other cars that looks way more similar but its a different gen. Like the lexus RX 2nd and 3rd gen.

 

FWIW, the 2009 RL MMC was considered the most extensive MMC ever performed by Acura. In truth, the addressed just about every concern 2G owners had except the V8 and a 6 speed transmission, within the confines of the current platform. All body panels supposedly changed, except the doors, and they even managed to eke out more rear leg room by sculpting the front seats differently. Performance increased by biasing the SH-AWD to more rear drive like balance, and having it work in first gear. The new 3.7 implemented VTEC on the exhaust side, and they increased the available torque, gave it a wider band. Of course suspension was tightened up and larger wheels and lower profile tires became standard. However, most will remember it for the introduction of the new power plenum grill that has become the hallmark, or albatross, of Acura design.

Rumor had it that the 6 speed tranny introduced with the ZDX was targeted for the RL MMC, but there were too many pre-production issues to work out before the RL MMC

And the most extensive MMC, that is until maybe we see the MMC 4G TL which looks like it is coming a year and a half early!

 

I guess many people had concerns their cars weren't ugly so this issue got addressed too!

 

did the car look a bit similar to this one from the front?







if so...2.5G

 

Hard to say for sure. His grill is painted, the other satin. For those that don't think it's a big difference, go over to the 4G section.

His tails look similar, but can't tell with that add on trim, and the spoiler.

Cant say on the wheels as theirs were always turning, but I don't remember saying those wheels are hot (like those).

So it could be, but that one seems to modded to say.

 

how about now?

 

Thought I would weigh in on this discussion as I see one design problem/flaw in this model. That grill is not stylish at all. The rest of the car still looks like a Honda, current Acura and all the other copies on the road. You can do all you want under the skin, but the outside is all people see. The RL is one awesome car and should be the flagship of the Honda/Acura cars not only in mechanical design but also in styling. It should have styling that not only looks aggressive, but cutting edge where the others will want to follow. I don't know who is leading the pack here, is it Acura and others are copying, or is this just some way to reduce costs by sharing parts because some of the parts look like they came off of something else? The car should be a stand alone is what I am saying. Yeah, I know some of this is facetious, but some one has to stir the pot right? The RSX is going the right direction, but it still looks like it rolled off the Honda line with different name plates and mechanical s. *guess I better start ducking*

 

i like the 2.5 gen a lot, if i can afford it i would upgrade in a heart beat.

 

Thanks 037, That is the car!