pimpin-tl

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/auto...fest-cars-2007

GoHawks

Every bit of positive press helps!

Touge

That's some great praise for the RL. Actually when I was buying the car last year this was one of the factors in my purchase. Also I recall Honda said this was there 1st car to use there ACE supercomputer for safety. Looks like it paid off.

SpicyMikey

ACE supercomputer? Any idea what ACE stands for and what that really means? Anyone have a URL to that? I'd really be interested in knowing what then means or if it might just marketing bable.

SpicyMikey

ACE supercomputer? Any idea what ACE stands for and what that really means? Anyone have a URL to that? I'd really be interested in knowing what then means or if it might just be marketing bable.

Chas2

ACE = Advanced Compatibility Engineering

I could well believe that you need a supercomputer for the structural analysis and design work.

I was too lazy to go the Acura site and search, so the first thing that came up for me was the CRV write up, below.

Body construction now includes Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure that enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load bearing structures in the front of the vehicle. This newly developed front-end frame structure (similar to the ACE Body Structures on the Civic and Odyssey) incorporates newly-shaped upper and lower frame members to significantly enhance energy dispersion in a frontal collision throughout more load bearing channels in the body. The ACE concept differs from traditional crash designs that guide a high percentage of collision force through a vehicle's two lower channels in a collision.

Chas2

OK, I felt guilty about the last statement.

Here is the RL write up...it is way down towards the bottom of the article

http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/3766

ADVANCED COMPATIBILITY ENGINEERING™ (ACE™) BODY STRUCTURE

The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure on the 2007 Acura RL is designed to take vehicle front frame construction beyond conventional safety protocols such as the NHTSA NCAP 35 mph frontal barrier test or the IIHS 40 mph offset frontal crash. Its goal is to deliver significantly enhanced occupant protection in a variety of real-world crash conditions. These may include a frontal collision between vehicles of differing heights, weights and frame construction.
The ACE structure uses the engine compartment to efficiently absorb and disperse collision energy during a vehicle-to-vehicle collision. It features a new frame structure composed of a highly efficient energy-absorbing main frame, a bulkhead (upper frame) which absorbs the upper part of the collision energy, and a lower member that helps prevent misalignment of the frames of the vehicles involved. This design disperses collision forces over a larger frontal area, which enhances energy absorption of the engine compartment, reduces the chance of deformation of the passenger compartment and results in enhanced occupant protection. At the same time, the structure reduces the chance of vertical or lateral misalignment between the RL and other vehicle's safety structures.
During a frontal collision, a conventional body structure generally concentrates the loads from the impact through two pathways running longitudinally through the lower portion of the frame. The ACE structure's front-mounted polygonal main frame is designed to prevent cabin deformation by distributing forces through multiple major load bearing pathways - and away from the passenger compartment.

CRASH TESTING
The RL has received the highest ratings given (5 Stars) by NHTSA in frontal and side impact testing as well as rollover resistance. In addition, projected impact test results for the RL are excellent for Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests.

SpicyMikey

Thanks Chas. You didn't need to do all that, but, it's much appreciated.

Now I feel like a proud father. ACE baby

jcbridges

This link is bad

neuronbob

The link above is indeed bad. However, here's a similar article/slideshow from this week's Forbes that says the same. The link takes you directly to the RL page.

http://www.forbes.com/2007/05/11/car...s_slide_3.html

pimpin-tl

Well the link was working since i did email others with it and they saw it and others here saw it. Wonder what happened.

SpicyMikey

yep, I saw the article using your link. They must have moved it. Too bad, it was a nice article that talked about the RL specifically. It linked to yahoo but it was clearly a Forbes article. Howver, the link Bob just gave is not the same thing.

TampaRLX-SH

Although I was aware of the RL's acclaimed safety attributes, I hope I never have to experience them.

What I did notice was a significant drop in my insurance premium from my TL to the RL. I did not expect that considering the overall cost of the vehicle being > TL.

neuronbob

No biggus! It was probably a time-linked article. I looked on the Yahoo Autos site and couldn't find it myself, so they proabably just pulled it.

Chas2

The Forbes link eventually gets you to the article that was featured in Yahoo.

http://www.forbes.com/2007/05/11/car...4safecars.html

SpicyMikey

Your right! I didn't see the "Read Full Article" hotspot. That's the original article indeed.

Godwhacker

I think this is like the 2nd or 3rd time the RL has ended up in Forbes 10 safest. In any event, if Acura does not use this in their advertising and/or promotion materials, they need to slap themselves heavily about the head and shoulders.

HELLO!?? Is this thing on? Safer than Volvo, IMHO looks better, and cheaper, too....Acura needs to fire their promotion/advertising staff and hire some of us. Jeez...how hard can it be? Stop the stupid computer generated baloney commercials and show what this car is really about!

Galls me that some guys at Acura or their ad agency are making tons of dough and falling miserably at promoting this outstanding vehicle when one of us could probably do a better job.

Then again, probably wouldn't get the nice dealer incentive if the RL sold. Maybe I should be taking these guys out to dinner somewhere for saving me a ton of money....

TampaRLX-SH

Indeed. The irony is that I read somewhere that Acura wants to align brand image somewhat with Volvo for safety attributes. In essence a Japanese Volvo. And it appears they already have products rated safer than Volvo?

Geez...

VOdoc

Five-star safety was one of the major drivers for getting me to pull the trigger on the TL-to-RL upgrade. I drove Volvos and then Saabs for many years. I had to figure out the Acura safety thing for myself. HELLO!? Get a clue and fire your ad agency, Acura!! Agree we could do far better.

gdevine

Actually when I looked at the RL and test drove it my excitement level was there. When I read on my own about the safety features and ratings, that sealed it in my mind. Safety has always been a primary driving factor in my car buying decisions. Last car and still have is an Audi A6. BTW Acura blows it away in every aspect. I love this car like a fine wine.

neuronbob

Sigh...marketing again....can't comment on a dead horse.

romojoto

I just got my car back yesterday after it was in the shop for 2 day to replace the back bumper. In a hwy. crash with 3 other vehicles; rear ended at 35 mph. Only damage was the bumper moved 1/4" to the side on a straight on impact. Cars 2 thru 4 had extensive damage with #3 having it's axle snapped. Had some soft tissue injuries but otherwise came out OK.

SpicyMikey

Glad you came out ok. 35mph rear end it pretty serious stuff. Can't believe you had such minimal damage! You (and your car) were fortunate.

Did you see it coming and able to brace for it? how did your neck do with the headrests?

romojoto

I too was amazed that there was only minimal damage. After I stopped I looked in the rearview mirror and braced. Headrest and seat did fine but my neck took a slight beating.

calvin_hobbes

the article talks about ACE in 07 RL... do you know if 05 and 06 RL also carried the design elements from it?

Chas2

Absolutely the same. The RL/Legend was the kick off vehicle for ACE across the Honda line. There have been no substantive changes between 05 and 07, it is all content elements like OnStar, back up camera, mp3 port, and various repackaging of technology items. Mechanically and structurally the are about the same.

calvin_hobbes

thank your chas for confirming my inclination :-)