TSX69

Acura RL Frankenmule Spotted Again in Torrance

neuronbob

Not much to see, there, but I'm going to give a anyway because the next RL may REALLY be RWD.

Thanks for the link!

Chas2

We can only hope!

DoctorTuna

Bigger sedan with V-8 and RWD is my vote. Leave the six cylinders and SH-AWD to the lesser sedans, unique platforms for the Acura lineup, improve the dealer network and Acura goes upscale and marquee. (marketing wouldn't hurt either)

dwboston

It's a nice wish, but Acura would probably sell a handful of V-8 RWD sedans. It's fine as an option but what they need is a RWD biased SH-AWD system to satisfy the car mags and forum fanboys, who are about the only people who care about a V-8, especially in these energy conscious times. I'm more interested in some hybrid/electric options. I'm surprised that Acura never adapted the Accord hybrid system, which was used to add HP rather than improve mileage.

DoctorTuna

I agree ultimately, just speaking of population perception really. A little off topic but I'm somewhat intrigued by the Chevy Volt, although have never been a domestic car fan. I consider the use of my vehicle and for all intensive purposes I commute 18 miles one way to work everyday on country roads. We have a Honda Odyssey as our family vehicle. The Volt looks pretty good and can run 40 miles on a charge. If I wanted to be environmentally conscious and save gas money, I could theoretically use a vehicle like the Volt, I think a lot of people could. Honda could easily design a vehicle like this and because I garage my vehicles, plugging them in wouldn't be an issue. If they can put some reasonable performance in to them and make them somewhat fun to drive, it could be an interesting option.

ssim3

RWD is a must with awd option, V8 or forced induction 6 as an option, hybrid would not work ffor me at least on current RL, because it would ve like th GS with the battery pack,eating up all trunk space, why have a family sized sedan that cannot hold anything? GS trunk has a hard time fitting golf bags which is rediculous on this class of car.
The rear biases awd is too heavy, complex & inefficient & would cost too many sales in the sunbelt.

RL06tech

Honestly I hope its not RWD. I don't know if neuron agrees, but we have the same cars, SHAWD beats RWD handily in curves. You can push the RL flat out on a curve and take at speeds that would make any RWD car blush with envy. In fact I would say that the RL can match the cornering speeds of the S, notwithstanding that the RL weighs almost 1000 pounds more, has a huge disadvantage in weight distribution, has a "soft ride" and that the s2000 has much stickier rubber (plus the S is a REAL sports car) . Given all those facts its a miracle (called SHAWD) that the RL can take curves anywhere near the s2K's limits. I'm not implying the RL has anywhere near the reflexes that the S has, but no one can argue that the RL can match and in some instances exceed the speed of an s2K on curves.
AS I have stated previously the RL has nothing wrong that another 100HP can't fix, I don't care if it's a v8 v10 or blown v6. A good helping of HP would put any other car in its category to shame.
While they are at it, the MDX sport magnetorheological suspension would also work wonders, they could keep (or improve) the RLs "soft" side while greatly improving its transient moves. The MDX's sport's suspension pretty much puts any other suspension system in the market to shame its extremely comfortable, while offering cornering levels that that are excellent for a "sports sedan" and pretty much unheard of in an SUV. Even the V8 X5 with a rock hard suspension and pastry roller wide wheels strugles to match the MDX with its mediocre all season touring tires.

Chas2

Look at the end of post #26, and then follow 30-32...so that is my unintentional real world support of RL06tech's position...

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...94#post7531594

static808

I can see the new RL having RWD and SH-AWD options. The same as the TL has FWD and SH-AWD.

Lexus is coming out with an AWD LS in 2009. The price difference is like $3k so I am sure Acura will do the same.

To me, I like SH-AWD. I notice it more in the MDX which keeps a HUGE SUV tight on corners, especially in the Jughandle state of NJ.

Chas2

jughandle intersections, gotta love 'em

lumpulus

Here's another vote for no RWD....keep it SH-AWD

Ballinger

Phaw, here's MY vote for another 100 horsepower!

DoctorTuna

Thanks for the read, it was interesting. I love the RL, had one for 3 years, and drove it with enthusiasm, pushed it hard numerous times, to the point where my good friend got a little uncomfortable but later said he had a blast. I don't mean to burst any bubbles, but the G37S will smoke the RL. Undoubtedly, the SH-AWD will allow the RL to do more than an average 4000lb car could do but physics will rule the day, especially with the power it has available at the wheels. Just like I wouldn't post that the G is more luxurious or as supple as an RL, I wouldn't post that the RL can outperform a G.

I do agree with some of the other posts though that a RWD and SH-AWD option would be reasonable, let's just hope that they do infuse the extra power the car will need.