j-maverick

yet another refresh for the aging RL. C'mon Acura, you could do better than that. At least give it the 260hp/250lb engine from the MDX, 5 speed Auto, and some 17" wheels. Is that too much to ask at this point?????
__________________________________________________ __
2004 Acura 3.5 RL Debuts at Chicago Auto Show
Acura Flagship Features XM(R) Satellite Radio and Enhanced Navigation System
as Standard

CHICAGO, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2004 Acura 3.5 RL luxury sedan made
its debut at the Chicago Auto Show today. Already one of the most
comprehensively equipped vehicles available, the RL becomes the first luxury
sedan to feature XM Satellite Radio and a navigation system as standard*
equipment. For 2004, the RL also receives many interior enhancements,
including an upgraded sound system and driver's side power lumbar support,
that build on the car's already unparalleled level of craftsmanship and
quality.
"We pride ourselves on selling comprehensively equipped vehicles that
feature the latest technology both under the hood and in the cabin," said
Dennis Manns, assistant vice president, Acura sales. "With the addition of XM
Satellite Radio and the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM) as
standard equipment, the RL sets new standards in the luxury sedan segment."
The addition of XM Satellite Radio lets RL drivers choose from over
100 coast-to-coast digital channels, many of which are commercial-free.
Programming includes 70 music channels, 30 channels devoted to sports, talk,
children's programming and entertainment, and one premium channel, which is
available for an additional fee. XM hardware is embedded in the car's audio
system. When XM is being played, a display shows the current station, song
title or artist's name. A three-month subscription to the XM Satellite Radio
service is included with purchase and customers are able to continue the
service or cancel any time after.
While the RL has offered a DVD-based navigation system as a
factory-installed option on previous models, the 2004 RL features the new,
Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition as standard equipment. One of
the most sophisticated, yet easy-to-use navigation systems on the market
today, the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition provides mapping
coverage of the continental United States, and features an easy to read
7-inch, color LCD display. The 2004 version features a variety of new
features and greatly enhanced capabilities including a newly developed voice
recognition system with 130 commands, upgraded graphics and an expanded
database with more than seven million points of interest.
The RL's elegant cabin environment boasts abundant interior room,
hand-selected leather-trimmed seating, an 8-way power adjustable driver's
seat, which for 2004 adds power lumbar support. Also for 2004, the RL
receives several trim enhancements including a redesigned center console,
meter panel and steering wheel, brushed metal and chrome interior accents and
a wood-pattern shifter knob. Both the instrument panel and the navigation
system screen are trimmed in premium burled camphor wood.
To complement the addition of XM Satellite Radio, the Acura/Bose(R) Music
System receives a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, two additional speakers (bringing
the total number to 10) and retuned amplifiers for even better sound
reproduction. A long list of standard comfort and convenience features
includes an Automatic Climate Control System with air-filtration system, a
HomeLink(TM) system (which allows the driver to operate a garage door or house
lights with a press of a button), heated front seats, an auto-down/up driver's
side window and a power glass moonroof. Pushing a button on the key fob locks
or unlocks the door from up to 30 feet away, while another button activates a
panic feature, which remotely activates a security alarm and flashes the car's
headlights. A standard engine immobilizer system prevents the engine from
being started without the proper electronically coded key.
The handsome exterior of the RL, with a long, sloping front hood and short
rear deck, reflects Acura's attention to detail and craftsmanship. A sharply
chiseled front end, Acura's signature grille and wrap-around headlamps clearly
display an aggressive nature. Subtle chrome trim accents the understated, yet
decidedly elegant styling.
The RL's 24-valve, 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivers 225 horsepower and a
broad, flat torque curve, which peaks at 231 lbs-ft at 2800 rpm for quick
response at any speed. It utilizes a 4-valve-per-cylinder configuration, a
three-stage variable induction system, and a sophisticated Programmed Fuel
Injection (PGM-FI) system to increase fuel efficiency and help the RL meet Low
Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards. Complementing the powerful engine is a
sophisticated, computer controlled, 4-speed automatic transmission with Grade
Logic Control for exceptionally smooth shifts.
The double-wishbone suspension is tuned to deliver maximum handling
responsiveness and stability while maintaining excellent ride quality. For
enhanced cornering grip, the RL features P225/55R16 Michelin all-season tires
on aluminum-alloy wheels. To maximize the driver's enjoyment of the car's
chassis, the advanced, speed-sensing, variable power-assisted steering system
is tuned to provide maximum road feel and handling control.
For enhanced stopping power, the standard front and rear disc brakes are
equipped with a 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Vehicle Stability
Assist (VSA) is also standard.
To provide the latest in safety and driver confidence, the RL is equipped
with OnStar(R)service. RL owners can choose to sign up for any of three
service plans, all of which are available with Personal Calling and Virtual
Advisor Internet at an additional cost. The Safe and Sound Plan service is
included free of charge for the first year.
Like all Acura models, the 3.5 RL is covered by a comprehensive
4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Additional ownership
benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour
roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.
For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit http://www.acura.com .
For media inquiries, go to http://www.acuranews.com .

* XM Satellite Radio and the Acura Navigation System with Voice
Recognition are not installed on RL models sold in Alaska and Hawaii --
service for these states does not exist at this time.

SOURCE Acura

this is me

damn i'm suprise!

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Not sure it makes sense to do that now.... especially since the RL is scheduled for a redesign for 2005 MY. Plus.. the people who buy the RL really aren't looking for 260+HP. It's a decent seller as it is.... so they figured they'll milk another year out of it with "little" changes... then do the redesign and whip out the power

ferrari527

HAA, now thats comedy!

Ruski

so much for NSX engine

power3dfx

whats wrong with everyone. we are fighting for better fuel efficiency and other alternatives to the gasoline engine. just because nissan followed the german "horsepower war" doesnt mean toyota and honda should do the same. I see a bright future for these two companies who pursue efficiency in future cars, not just a more powerful engine.

Tom Blasing

The reason is for this alleged shortage of fossil fuels is from middle eastern countries cutting back on production to keep revenues high. Will fossil fuels ALWAYS be available? Of course not. But it's not as bad as Berkley thinkers would like the country to believe. The world just isn't that close to armageddon.

Don't get me wrong I'm all for a comfortable balance of fuel efficiency and power. I guess that's just where that personal balance favors power just a little bit more.

FTM-1

I had seen in one of my car mags a bout a year ago that the RL was behind in its redesign because they had fired the designer or he quit. This now maybe true because the car should have been redesign 2 years ago.