Jason

www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=219695]05RL[/URL]

dom

Jason

I'm actually a little underwhelmed by the exterior. The interior is KILLER!

Vans

looks nice, but is that thing any bigger than the new tl? kind of looks like the old tl in some ways. but overall - very clean design.

dom

I think I'm in Love, that thing is gorgeous. Its almost perfect IMO. Nicer than the TSX and TL easliy. Now if I only had 65K CAD.

Now we need some specs.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Admittedly, standing still, the car doesn't seem to look that impressive, but those shots of it in motion somehow just make it come alive. I'm not sure if I like the exterior, but it definitely looks much better than the BMW. The interior is amazing. I love the new gauge cluster.

C_TSX_Go

Not sure how I feel about it, it looks nice, but the back end is kinda eh... and it really reminds me a lot about the current Camry... but the interior looks hot!

turn signals on the mirrors, just like the TSX, why o why didn't acura put those on my TL

dom

Thanks TOV.

phile

Sort of nice, but it looks like a big Civic to me.
The original sketches looked a lot better.

Sorry, I'm not feeling the interior at all..."stunning" is hardly the word I'd use to describe it. "Trying too hard" is more like it, I'd even say it's "incoherent." The interior design just doesn't flow. That center stack looks cluttered. I hate the position of the Nav screen. The Acura designers didn't come through, I do not like the interior at all.

fdl

I'm probably on my own here, but I'm not impressed. It loosk OK, but nothing special. It looks like a refreshed version of the old TL. Even a bit like the new accord IMO (but better). I also see some toyota avalon or camry in the front. Acura really needs to get rid of the 5 point grill and the milk mustache. On the TSX its not too bad, but the RL deserves better.

Overall its clean, non-threeatening and safe. A little unispiring but given the target market it should be fine.

dom

You guys are damn hard to impress. What out there looks better? The A6?, 5 series? What the LS?

It looks perfect IMO.

and 20 inch wheels !! I wonder if those will be standard?

Jason

Where is the ventilated seats? Where is the radar cruise control? Where is the sunshade? What else is this thing missing? Or do those things go on the car above the RL? The new STS has them.

Jason

I would think highly doubtful.

Junkster

Not very impressed with the exterior design... looks like they copped out and went soft with the design instead of staying with the sharp edge look carried by both of the other sedans.
Vans makes a good point, the front end reminds me of the previous gen TL, just with larger headlight housing and more expressed grill. Kinda reminds me of the last get Camry front end as well. The rear end reminds me of a cross between the 7 series and the Accord coupe.
Overall, the exterior is not the best part of this car. The interior is spectacular, IMO. Love the clusters, looks sporty. The wood (Plood?) across the dash working to the doors really creates a good design flow through the interior. The center stack looks kinda busy, but not as much as the German stacks. The interior looks very special in this car.

I just wish they were more brave in accomplishing more edgy styles on the exterior. But since a car of this price range is more for the conservative, older types, I would say the marketing department won out on the subdued styling.

Junkster, who really likes the interior.

Dan Martin

:wackit:

phile

A6 - besides the oversized grille, yes.
5-Series - from certain angles, it does look good.

Dan Martin

The better question is, how soon will it be before someone wants to know if they'll fit on the TSX!

dom

http://hondanews.com/CatID3046

Way more info.

fdl

dom

phile

Old vs. new

Dimensions (new RL)
1. Length - 193.5 inches, 4915mm
2. Width - 72.6 inches, 1845 mm
3. Height - 57.1 inches, 1450 mm
4. Wheelbase - 110.2 inches, 2800 mm

(old RL)

Length: 196.6 in.
Width: 71.6 in.
Height: 54.5 in.
Wheelbase: 114.6 in.

So it grew in height and width, but shrunk in length and wheelbase.

Nice, um, rear vents.

Vans

Atleast it is a little bit longer than the new TL. The new TL is 189 inches. Only 4 inches longer.... And yeah, what is up with those rear vents...

dom

I will admit that this car looks nowhere near as agressive as the sketches, which after the TSX skectches was expected.

Why Acura continues to do this? Makes no sense to me."Here's what we wanted it to look like, but here's what we're making." Either make the car look like the sketch or don't show a sketch at all.

Either way, I love the new RL, gorgeous, classy, powerful and AWD. What more could one want?

I'm hoping for at least 275lb-ft, which should be easy considering the MDX makes 250 something.

phile

LOL, I didn't even notice that...where's the torque rating?!

dom

Its still a concept so nothing but a few things are official.

ClutchPerformer

Man, that button in the middle of the center stack has got to GO! It's worse than the M45 button. Sheesh!

C_TSX_Go

it's to build hype

dom

Build hype for 3 days? Why bother releasing sketches 3 days prior to the launch.

jlukja

My very first impression was that I was a little underwhelmed. The sketches had me expecting a more radical design. But, the more I look at the pictures, the more I like it. Yes, it does remind of the old TL, but then the hood line and front remind me of the new TL also. Acura pays homage to the success of the TL but then upgrades the look to be more dynamic. Also, lets not forget that this IS Acura and they do things a little understated.

Interiorwise, it works for me ... except

That big dial has got to go.

So the specs seem right and the pics look good. Next step, lets see how it drives.

jcg878

Looks like it has DRLs - middle lights are illuminated during driving shots, outer HID lights in the headlight cluster shot

phile

To soothe those who'd rather eat Spam than wait another day...

Anyway, I'll see it on Friday, I'm sure it'll look better in person. Although I'm not expecting to get blown away.

Jason

check www.acura.com for more info and more photos. It's already starting to grow on me. It will never be as visually exciting as the TSX or TL, but I don't think the target customer of the RL really cares. The interior IS that good though. I'm a little concerned about the lack of a touch-screen nav system, but I feel a little better after seeing a pic of the input system on Acura's site. It's also nice to see pics w/o the stupid red lettering plastered all over them.

jlukja

From Acura.com

"5-speed Sequential SportShift Automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted F-1 - style paddle shifters"

fdl

The TL needs this more than the RL.

Jason

Never the same as a manual unless you're in a Ferarri.

ClutchPerformer

The Acura website says it's real! Good choice, Honda. It also confirms 20" wheels even though I still find that hard to believe....

TMQ

Exterior does remind one of the current Camry/ES330 - the headlights and the hood. The lights aren't nearly as sharp looking as TSX or TL, and don't integrate with the grille as well. Rear end wise, does the trunk lid look like it's not fully shut?

Interior is nice. Not as clean as TSX/TL, but with all the new technologies, things will get crowded.

I'm sure it will attract more buyers, performance/handling wise.

ABP-CL9-TSX

It kinda looks like a new Accord and previous TL mated from the looks of the side and rear, but the front looks like an Infiniti I35 IMO.

jlukja

I sure like the sound of this ....


New York 04/07/2004 -- The Acura Prototype RL luxury performance sedan made its world debut today at the New York International Auto Show. With a 300 horsepower VTEC V-6 engine, a revolutionary all-wheel-drive system, dynamic styling and breakthrough technology, including real time traffic information, the RL Prototype is designed to redefine the luxury performance sedan category. The RL Prototype provides a preview of the direction in which Acura is taking the all-new 2005 RL luxury performance sedan, which will be introduced this fall.

"The RL Prototype really makes a statement about Acura's focus on performance," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. "When you combine the high output engine, the sport tuned chassis and Acura's revolutionary all-wheel-drive system, you get a driving experience that other cars in its class just cannot match."

The Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive System' (SH-AWD') is the first and only all-wheel-drive platform that distributes the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear wheels but also between the left and right rear wheels. During straight line cruising and moderate cornering, up to 70 percent of torque is at the front wheels. During full throttle acceleration or spirited driving, up to 70 percent of available torque goes to the rear wheels for increased acceleration and enhanced cornering. In addition to varying the torque front to rear, SH-AWD varies the amount of torque to the left and right rear wheels. When cornering, this ground-breaking technology overdrives the outer rear wheel, sending up to 100 percent of rear torque to that wheel to dramatically enhance the RL's cornering, steering feel, handling and stability. The result is class-leading cornering performance and cornering stability as well as enhanced traction on dry or wet surfaces.

The RL Prototype's 3.5-liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum VTEC engine generates 300 horsepower and meets LEV2-ULEV emissions standards. It is mated to a 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission that enables gears to be shifted using the shift lever on the center console or with the F1"-type paddle shifters located on the steering wheel.

To further complement the high output engine and all-wheel-drive system, Acura gave the RL Prototype a highly rigid unit body that is lightweight due in large part to aluminum construction of the sub frame, suspension, hood, trunk, and front fenders.

The RL Prototype is the first Acura equipped with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering' (ACE') body structure, designed to enhance passenger safety. ACE uses a new frame structure that helps to disperse collision forces over a larger frontal area than in non ACE-equipped vehicles. The system helps deliver even better protection for vehicle occupants while at the same time reducing aggressivity toward other vehicles in a frontal collision.

The RL Prototype's lightweight chassis and 4-wheel independent suspension components are tuned to complement the SH-AWD system and deliver a linear cornering feel, optimum cornering traction and a smooth ride. The 20-inch alloy wheels are shod with 255/35R20 Michelin high performance tires that fill the wheel wells and add to the RL Prototype's aggressive stance. Large brakes with 4-piston brake calipers and slotted rotors provide optimum stopping power.

The RL's sleek exterior styling reflects the power under the hood. It is shorter, and wider than the current RL with a wide, muscular stance, yet offers more passenger volume than the current model. In front, a dramatically sloping hood leads down to an aggressive front fascia with angular headlight treatments, a signature Acura five-sided grill and distinctive lower air intake openings. A sleek cockpit, a forward sloping beltline and a short deck lid accent the RL Prototype's pronounced wedge shape, making it look fast from any angle.

The RL Prototype features the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) for increased illumination and visibility. The low beams swivel up to 20 degrees in either direction in response to vehicle speed and input from the steering wheel. During straight-line driving the headlights perform like conventional systems by illuminating the road directly in front of the vehicle. When entering a curve, they swivel according to steering input and vehicle speed sensors to illuminate a larger area of road surface throughout the corner, thus minimizing blind spots.

Inside, the RL Prototype is as luxurious as it is sporty. The interior features rich leather, genuine wood trim, an assortment of leading-edge technology and, for the first time in a North American vehicle, standard real time traffic information integrated into a new in-car satellite-based navigation system featuring AcuraLink'. Utilizing the XM NavTraffic service beamed from XM's satellites, the RL Prototype's 8-inch navigation screen can display a variety of up-to-the-minute traffic information where available including flow (traffic speed), accidents, and construction on freeways in 20 major metro areas including Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. Flow and accident information are updated continuously, allowing drivers to take the least congested route to their destination.

In addition to enabling the real time traffic feature, the AcuraLink Satellite-Based Communication System allows for communication between Acura and the vehicle, providing customers with the latest diagnostic information specific to their vehicle as well as vehicle-related messages. Because it is linked to the car's HandsFreeLink' wireless telephone interface, drivers can respond to messages or one-touch-dial Acura dealers and Acura Roadside Assistance (TLC) using their Bluetooth phone.

The RL Prototype also features a premium 10-speaker Acura/Bose(R) DVD-Audio system, tuned to deliver surround sound to all seating positions.

The RL Prototype is the first vehicle equipped with the Acura Keyless Access System', which allows owners to lock and unlock doors, open the trunk, and start the car without using a key.

The RL Prototype incorporates an assortment of the latest safety systems and devices including a full complement of front, side and side curtain air bags, as well as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA').

balata97

I looked at the rear of the car, and I was reminded of the Hyundai Elantra.... did anyone else get this feeling??? But not to sound like a hater on the car, I think it looks a bit bland outside, but like Jason said, I dont think the target customers really care... if they did care theyd get somethin else.

Interior looks great IMO. The instrumental display looks tiiiiiiiiiiiight.

elantra??? wtf