stagefoursurvivor

I had the good fortune to have a couple hours with a friends friend '14 yesterday who might want to sell it, he's a big Audi fan.
I was very, very impressed and now lusting for a hybrid. Any interest in his, should he decide to sell, is diminished for me cuz it's my least favorite color, white, unless he decides to sell at a crazy low price.
Other than the heated steering wheel, are there any other improvements in the '16? I tried a search but couldn't find any specifics

neuronbob

Faster, more intuitive navi controls
360 degree surround cameras
Redone suspension
Heated steering wheel

That about covers it.

stagefoursurvivor

Thanks Bob! I wasn't sure about the surround camera or the suspension update.
The suspension update seems the most enticing to me, although the '14 suspension seemed good yesterday.
The Navi & camera aren't a big deal, IMO.
The push button drive selector will take getting used to, harkens back to the days of the '60s!

George Knighton

The changes to the suspension were intended to solve two issues.

(1) The clunking problem that some people experienced
(2) The too sporty handling that some people complained about

So let me go ahead and start this fight. :-)

The 2016 suspension includes differently designed dampers, to solve the clunking issue.

But it also includes different spring rates and bushings, and smaller anti-roll bars.

In a close hauled heel, some of us are going to prefer the 2014 suspension, in other words.

: runs for cover :

George Knighton

Something I have not been able to do with a 2016 Sport Hybrid is have one on a traction circle.

With my 2014, if you're at the limit, the two rear motors start switching rapidly back and forth. You have to trust the car and go with it, and know from that feeling that this is the absolute very best that the car can do. Don't push it more, don't let up...you're at 10/10 at that point.

But if you don't know that the car is going to be doing this, it can alarm people into backing off in the middle of a maneuver, which introduces a whole new set of problems and could cause the car to take over and slow you down dramatically, and even point the car straight ahead when you should still be turning.

It's hard to describe, and the fact is that the overwhelming 99.9% of drivers would never countenance driving a huge big honking sedan at the limit anyway.

:-)

But I can't help wondering if they didn't change how the car manages this at the limit.

I've heard that the NSX Sport Hybrid does it.

If you've been on the track with a high HP front drive car like a Honda Challenge H1 car, you will have experienced this but at the other end of the car.

With the Honda Challenge car, the front end starts hunting at the limit and you can feel the steering wheel tug quickly left and right as the LSD hunts for traction, one side then the other.

stagefoursurvivor

"big honking sedan at the limit"? Count me in as a coward as far as pushing it to the limit. I would characterize my driving habits as assertive, not aggressive. BUT, I'd like a car that can compensate for my ineptitude should I approach the limits. Particularly in the event of emergency maneuvers. That being said, I prefer a sportier ride than bouncy luxury like the Lexus products

fsmith

Let me start the cavalcade of former RL owners who have been driving '14 SH-AWDs for over a year now and will offer this advice: BUY THIS CAR!

hondamore

If your buddy is trading in his Sport Hybrid for an Audi, wait to see what they offer him in trade and match that price. He's no worse off and you should get a steal of a deal. You'd have to live with the white color that is not your favorite, but I suspect you'd have too much fun with the car to even notice.
My two cents.

George Knighton

Ooooh.... Good thinking. :-)

neuronbob

Or......just wrap it your preferred color for the money you're saving by making the purchase in that way.

You're welome.

TampaRLX-SH

Depending on local tax laws, trading the car in reduces the new care sale price and saves on the taxable amount. Consider matching THAT price.

pgeorg

George,

Come up to NY, and you can test mine........with me in it:-)

I can tell you that the 2016 SH is softer, and it has more body roll that the 2014s. Initial turn in is also a little slower......But i am used to it now, and i really like it.

George Knighton

;-)

RLX-Sport Hybrid

GK is it me or is the driver in the last video sitting too far away from the steering wheel? Maybe it is the camera perspective but his arms seems to be too straight which means he is not getting optimal leverage and control over the steering input. What do you think?

hondamore

^^ I'm far from an expert on the matter, but I did a performance driving school and the rule of thumb for positioning was...sit back in the seat with your arms straight out toward the windshield and the top of the steering wheel should hit you at the wrist. The guy in the video achieves that position only when he leans forward in the seat. Everyone has their own preference and the guy in the video seems to be getting around the track just fine, so I would have to give him the benefit of the doubt.

My two cents.

stagefoursurvivor

Great idea but, the owner is a friend, of a friend. So it becomes more difficult, MY friend just suggested yesterday to make him an offer.
A quick search on the 'net shows anywhere from $38K to $50K and, quite frankly, it would have to be a helluva deal to go white. I'm a patient man, if/when the right deal comes up on a '14 or '16 Advance, I'll jump on it. Plus, I discovered the '16 Advance also has remote start(in the key fob too). We had that in our old TL, which was handy in winter BUT, a separate fob.

hondamore

Good things come to those who wait. I applaud your patience and wisdom to hold out for a deal that is right for YOU.