buzzmag

TV ads are calling the TL the most powerful Acura ever. Can't imagine that Acura will let the TL get ahead of the RL in the power department. Does that mean we'll see the 8 cylinder RL in 2010?

vas25tl

2011 I heard there will be a V8 with RWD....hopefully NOT a rumor.

Ballinger

On Power-to-Weight, it surely is.

Chas2

There is a long precedent for the TL having more horsepower than the RL.

The 1G RL had the 90 degree C series 3.5L V6 putting out 215 and 225 hp, while the second and third generations out did the RL with the 60 degree J series 3.2L V6 put out 225/260 (base and S Type) and 260/258 and 286 hp (Base and S Type, plus SAE hp rating change). The 2G RL could claim the most powerful engine at 300/290 hp (pre/post SAE hp rating change), but that was only between late 2004 to 2006. By then the new 2007 MDX with its 300 hp 3.7 L came on the scene.

So the most powerful ever engine moniker, the TL w/SH-AWD boasting 305 hp is not without precedent. But of course, this most powerful label does not apply to all the fwd TLs without SH-AD, which have "only" 280 hp.

Treblig

I suspect the new RL is sure to rectify that.

TampaRLX-SH

Acura is attempting to move the brand into a Tier 1 recognition.

This is part of the plan to move the models up in their respective segments. It started by losing the bottom model, dropping the RSX. Now he new TSX is in size and features slotted closer to the TL segment (aside from the decided 4 cyl engine). The TL has moved up to, overlap and arguably surpass the RL (when the TL SHAWD launches). Since the RL was not eady for a next gen launch, there is this interim period. Many here have argued the RL should have been on hiatus and reintroduced as opposed to the rushed (and sloppy?) MMY design changes.

The next gen RL will likely to respond to criticism as to why it is not a competitive flagship model. But Honda / Acura have been chasing that tail since the retirement of the Acura LEGEND. We can only wait to see if the next gen RL is a V8 RWD / SHAWD (F/R) configuration. And of course, it would be expected to be larger than the TL (and even the Accord). Time will tell.

Of course, with fuel, and the economy in Soap Opera mode, do any of these decisions make sense right now? Perhaps Honda conservatisms have come full circle. I would NOT want to be the Product Manager launching a V8, large $60K+ vehicle right now.

vas25tl

Tampa, I always enjoy reading your posts..

sr4dt

Also the 3G RL launch will coincide with launch of Acura in Japan. so hopefully it won't be another rebadged Honda Legend. This will allow Acura to have a really top of the line automobile as it will be designed grounds up to be in the luxury segment.

TampaRLX-SH

Hey thanks! I offer you to chair my old fart fan club. Total membership: 1

TampaRLX-SH

From what I have read, once the Acura brand is launched in Japan and Europe, the Honda LEGEND will cease and the Acura RL will be the top offering in sedans. This would also coincide with a new generation RL as changing the badge on the exisiting model would only confuse perception of an already under appreciated model. The NSX launch will also serve to bring attention back to the Acura brand, and hopefully a new RL flagship.

Honda recognizes that the Honda brand is perceived to be small, fuel efficient vehicles and a large, heavy, technology laden AWD vehicle does not fit the perception of Honda in most of the world. With some marketing effort, the Acura brand should be able to carry the RL better in the global mindset. This also would align SHAWD as an Acura only feature. But as we often criticize here, Acura marketing has not been the success of Lexus and now Infinity. If Hyundai succeeds with the GENESIS, that only underscores how poorly Acura has done with branding pereption.

vas25tl

From Edmunds:I can't wait! I drove an 02 NSX and I was not impressed....looks like Acura is really stepping up in their performance.

Chas2

This is kind of what I thought when I saw the introduction of the Kia Borrego with the 4.8L V8. But then $38K is pretty darn cheap, and maybe that is where they will have their success. Otherwise I thought it was madness introducing a V8 SUV with gas over $4.00/gal! What a product management nightmare!

RL06tech

The new TL also happens to be the ugliest Acura ever made so its a wash The team that came up with the TL redesign shuld be summarily fired. The best looking Acura ever (3rd gen TL) is now the ugliest Honda in history!!!!

TampaRLX-SH

Chas, I would recommend a Kia BORREGO for you. I'd rather you have a Godzilla sized carbon footprint than taking your RL offroad again.

*ducking*

TampaRLX-SH

*amen*

VOdoc

Word up!! The new TL is butt ugly and then some. I will be driving my '06 RL for a looooong time.

db22

Does anyone think that the beak is going away? It seems that Acura is beaking everything they make - TL, RL, RDX and MDX. Somebody, somewhere thinks it's a good idea but I can't imagine that he/she will own up. It could be that one person or design team has single handedly taken a whole brand and trashed it for the sake of a look that only its mother could love.

neuronbob

Ditto.

The Power Phlegm grille was a bad design move.