I just put down a deposit at my dealer for a '05 RL w/A-Spec package. (Don't worry, still keeping my TL). According to my dealer, the new RL's only option will be the A-Spec package (sports suspension, lowered springs, body skirts, other cosmetic trim and 20" wheels/tires). After reading about how this car beat the Skyline GTS at the track.........I can't wait!! This will be one HOT car!!

 

You mean the Skyline GT-R right?
Does the dealer have a estimated price yet?

 

umm how can that be the only option? that doesnt make sense, unless its loaded with everything else...

 

Yes, the Skyline GT-R. According to my dealer, the new RL will come standard as loaded (Nav, Bluetooth, Onstar, XM, DVD-Audio, etc, etc). The only option on the car will be the A-Spec package. The base price is expected to be between $45-50K.

 

A-spec on the RL? Thats messed up, IMO. Car isn't much of a sports car at all. I love my TL and think its very sporty, but it really pushes into the luxury category too. Thats why Consumer Reports ranked it the third best luxury car available.

 

Hold the presses. Where did you read this? I'm interested in reading that myself.

 

I think the A-Spec will be perfect on the RL......considering it's competition like the new M45, GS430, E500, and the 5 series. You know with SH-AWD, the handling will be awesome and will blow away all competitors, and the A-Spec will give it even more of an edge. We don't need another "old man's" RL.

 

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=230131

 

Still. It isn't a sports car. It can have performance under the hood but its like putting a body kit and spoiler on an ES330.

 

The list you're referring to is in performance order. Though the TL is 3rd on that list, it's actually 2nd if you look at the check marks in the "Recomended" column. That's #2 right behind the finest luxury sedan, the Lexus LS430.....at about ½ the price!

 

Although I "adore" my TL, I would pick up an RL A-Spec in a heartbeat. Well, I currently don't have the finances to, so I'll be sticking w/ the TL for another 5-6 years.

 

If it truly turns faster lap times than a Skyline GT-R, then it's a sports car - OK, luxury sports sedan. That's damn fast.

 

I think looks is very important. The RL is a very nice looking car, but it doesn't look like a sports car. And its big too. Just my two cents.

 

Cool a big luxury car with A spec just Like the BMW M models and AMG benz. Finally getting on the Germans level. All Acura has to do is make 400hp Monster sedans like Mercedes. Sports cars these days cant keep up with AMG 55 and BMW M5s and 760s with V12s and Audis RS6 and S4s.

 

Of course it's not a sports car, the RL is, foremost, a luxury sedan with state-of-the-art technology and sporty handling. It competes with other similar luxury sports sedans lke the M45, GS430, E series and 5 series. What's great is that Acura finally has the ammunition to compete with such world class sedans. The new RL is truly the worthy successor to the Legend.

 

You can also throw in the new Cadillac CTS-V. Similar price as an RL ($50K) but RWD and has 400hp---will give a M5 a run for its money. Lousy interior, though and so-so styling but what an engine!

 

Thank you. I don't know how I missed that, as often as I'm on TOV. All I can say is....WOW. If it can really best a Skyline GT-R in stock form, that's going to be some car.

 

Anyone know if the RL will have climate controlled seats? A/C in the seats...

 

I want this car.

 

yes but i dont know if they will be standard

 

Don't know how the RL can really compete with the M45 or GS430 with it's V6 engine. Honda should've gave the new RL a V8.
Nissan might be giving the M45 AWD also. If both the RL and M45 AWD are the same price, I would rather get the M45. The new M45 is pretty good looking; interior and exterior.

 

Hopefully the RL will have better tires, a droopless headliner, and no squeeks and rattles.
Congrats on the deposit, but I'd wait for the 2006.

 

The M45 will be a great car also but I highly doubt the starting price will be under $50K. (when I asked an Infiniti salesman a couple months ago, he said something around $55K as base). With 300hp and SH-AWD, I'm sure the RL can more than hold its own against the competition. And also since it comes fully loaded (with no options except A-Spec-according to my dealer), it's definately the best value.

 

Well, the new RL will be built in Japan and since it's Acura's flagship, hopefully, quality will be "air-tight."

 

My biggest problem with the RL, is that it looks exactly like the Accord.

 

Fionn..
wow!! that's a good catch... no wonder i don't like the looks of the new RL....

 

The new C&D has an article on SH-AWD. It shares much of it's technology with Volvo's 4C system (http://vcc.volvocars.se/r/chassiframe.asp?which=signal). Biggest differences are Volvo's system includes shock damping control and adjustable suspension settings while Acura's is able to shift rear wheel power from left to right. The Acura system is newly designed and not what's used on the MDX. The electro-magnetic clutch system looks far less sturdy than Haldex, Quattro, and the MDX system. It appears more like a power management system than a traditional AWD set up. The good news is that it looks far less expensive to produce than other systems which means it could find its way in to more Honda/Acura products.

 

.....you could say the same thing about the TL: it's just a pampered-up accord. All Acuras have basically the same Honda "look" about them. The new RL is what the TL SHOULD have been (or maybe in the future?).

 

hmmm pics can be deceiving....might have been the same photgrapher..you know what i mean...we have to wait to see the car LIVE...

 

Once you see the new RL in person you will fall in love. The same thing with the new TL. I didn't really like it when looking at the pictures but once I saw her in person I fell in love.

 

Audi RS6 450 hp all wheel drive. One day I will be able :'( . But the RL will still have better gadgets

 

It competes with the AWD M35, AWD GS 330, 530 and E 320, Volvo S80, Lincoln LS V-6. It still is 2 cylinders short of the cars u mentioned.
We'll have to wait to see the tests for the SH-AWD but 99% of the RL buyers won't care. The RL is going to be a great step up from the current model, which was a dismal failure.

 

If the tests against the Skyline GT-R is any indication, the new RL will be awesome and should give the brand some real boost against the competition. Can't wait for my black/black A-Spec in Oct.! Oh, the agony of waiting!

 

Congrats. Does the new RL will use the J series engine that is also found in the Accord/Oddessy/TL/RL and MDX? So it's tuned for more power, the 300 horses?

 

Wow, the RL does look like the Accord.

 

.......so does the TL and TSX (afterall, they're all Hondas)......you didn't expect it to look like a Mercedes now did ya?

 

I'll stick with my TL for a couple years at least.

Apparently Japanese MFGs have just removed the voluntary 280hp limit.
So I figure give Honda and Co 3-5 years and we may see some new engines.

 

Oh yes, another salesman spreading false information. The M45 will not start at $55k. You can go to Infinitis website and price one as we speak. (The prices vary slightly from day to day and are not set in stone, but should give you a good idea of actual cost). It's also worth noting that Infiniti dealers are notorious for offering great deals. Many G35 and FX35/45 owners got their cars for well under MSRP. Not something easily accomplished at an Acura dealer.

 

That's an interesting observation. I have read previously about the 270 hp voluntary limitation for Japanese automakers in the home market; it included cars sold in this country. I wonder if the limitation was so because of Japanese law, or just custom among the automakers? Perhaps someone who understands this more fully can comment.

In any case, it appears the hp/torque wars are on among Japanese manufacturers. Good for us!

 

Found this flash movie explaining the SH-AWD for the RL. It was linked over at ToV.