talked to a salesman at the dealer the otherday (and i know they don't know ANYTHING), but he mentioned that the 05 RL would be available with AWD (using the MDX platform) and a 300+ HP engine. can anyone confirm/deny this, and does this leave any room for a 05 TLS with similar specs???

 

There's a massive amount of back and forth speculating going on wether a TLS will come or not.. and that's all it is.. speculating.

On the 05 RL, it's very well possible if the car is to compete with it's class mates.. All i have seen is a drawing of the car and i must say that it looks VERY nice, as for engine size, power train, hp, etc.. who knows...

Tracer

 

AWD is a definite yes, Dealerships at there Honda/Acura Meetings have been told that the new RL will come with AWD, if its VTM-4 (like MDX) or IMA (Electric power to rear wheels), we dont know..

but AWD is a yes.. and 300+ HP is mostly a yes, might even reach 400 HP because of IMA!

but it will still be a V6

 

V6 combined with IMA would be like a V8 without the V8 gas consumption. Heck if they put cylinder deactivation, so that the valves for 3 cylinders close while at a steady speed, it would be like 30 mpg or more. When you're at a steady speed you only need 40 or 50 hp for a 3750 pound car.

Go to www.thecarconnection.com, they have RL spy pics.