Awais

Acura Flagship Features XM(R) Satellite Radio and Enhanced Navigation System as Standard

Chicago, IL. 02/13/2003 -- 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"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.





debut eh? :thumbsdn:

danny25

That looks like a total redesign. I do like the brushed aluminum around the radio and nav though.

Collective27

Just more nothing-ness from acura, its a shame that someone even had to write a press realese for this....they changed about nothing....you would think they would have done SOMETHING to the exterior, but no...and they say that the interior is so much better, the dam thing didnt even get side curtin airbags that the ACCORD has...the powers that be at honda/acura gotta get there head on cause if they think that THIS is going to help the shitty-ass RL sales, they gotta wake up....

amisconception

The RL body is way too early 90's-ish, new styling please?

gavriil

Well, it is its last year, what do you guys expect? They leave it alone this year with just interior changes and hope for the best starting next year with the next generation RL. I am sure it will be a leap ahead.

This engine plain sucks. Even the troque numbers are low for its size. Not only the HP. This is the same displacement as the V6 in the Infiniti cars and look at it. It makes 231 pounds of torque when the Nissan/Infiniti engine makes up to 274 pounds (350Z) and 260 pounds in the G35.

Awais

it sucks they got rid of the chrome from the front bumper when most other cars in the same class have it. i personally like the use of chrome in the bumpers and side body bouldings. if i were to buy this car I'd definitly get the '03 model's front bumper.

DISRUPTV

its sad when a 28K accord v6 is better than the RL in almost everyway that matters

Collective27

I must also rant about the RL's engine... i meen think about it, when the second gen legend debuted in model year 91, that engine made 200 hp 210 torque. In 93-95 when the type 2 engine was available for some trims of the legend, it had 230hp and 206 torque. New RL debuts in 96, gets a bump in displacement to 3.5 and 210hp 224 torque. For 02 it was updated to the current 225hp 231 tourque. So, since model year 91 (14) the total hp increase was only 25 hp and 21 tourque??? Sounds redicuolus and it is. What they need to do is give the 3.5 to the tl and hopefully a future cl and then add v-tech or i-vtech (rl is only car made by honda without vtec) and then we can have faster cars to compeate with the nissan 3.5 leter car's. Then give the RL a completly new engine, maby 3.8 V6 (since we know they wont do a V8) or maby a V6 with the intigrated motor assist as on the dnx show car, and there is 400 hp awd. Why they dont do this i jsut dont know. And i know i saw gavril say its its last year, but they have been trying to get wahtever they can outta this car for so long, i wouldnt doubt it if it stays around atleast 2 more modle years. The interior of this car i think is very nice, esepcialy with the new inhansments, and dont think it needs change, but the exterior is what needs changing, make it sleek, more in line with the rest of the family of cars, make it bold and to stand out, not like the ls430 which is so boring looking of a car that you would never notice even though it is one of the best riding cars in the world, but make it bold like a 745 (just good looking though) cause that thing gets alot of looks (just bad ones though) and if someone would see something like that for an RL then it would draw interest to the entire brand. Like if someone first sees a g35 coupe and thinks its realy cool looking, they say o what is that o its infinity they must have good cars let me check them out, and even if the person doesnt end up likeing the g35, they may say o well i do like the m45 and buy that instead...with acura we dont have cars like that that someone can say o thats nice what is it..., most of our cars are pritty boring looking (to most people) and dont turn an eye except and nsx but you dont see that alot, and this causes people to not go to the dealership to check out the cars....its looks that sell to the general non enthusistat public dam it...so acura, make the cars more bold and eyecatching and you can get more people to buy your cars. whatever ive gotten so off topic i dont even realy know what im talking about anymore but for the few that read this secton of the fourm thanks for listining to my rant....

1killercls

boring.

zigzagzig

standard 10 speaker audio system...*drool*

1SICKLEX

They need to take this car outta it's misery. I got $20 bucks not one person sat or looked at this car at any auto show.

blk_coupe

I must admit this car does look boring. I really think people expect to much out of this car. It's no boring than an GS300 without a Lexus tag.

NightCrawler

When does the 2004 CL-S come out???

Collective27

There wont be an 04 CL-S (were about 99% sure of this)

Red Rider

Press Release, why bother ??

Zoot

pay up troll!

1SICKLEX

jimcol711

what the hell is the point of the 3.5 RL motor when the 3.2 type S motor is better in every way?!?! i dont see what that extra 300cc's is good for? its got 35 less HP and 1 ft lbs less torque..doesnt make sense to me.

proactive

These was released a little over a week ago, but when I searched the forums for "RL" I didn't find them posted yet. It's pretty much the same thing, but I like the stereo. I didn't bother reading the press release, but if you want to, there it is. Should this go in that new news forum?

mattg

this should go in the "old news" forum.

BlackShadow

The interior is awesome but too bad it lacks the power to back it up.

mattg

the stereo does look pretty fat though

JRock

The bowling ball style dark trim is AWESOME-looking, and the new console area looks cool. So how much horsepower and torque did they add in the new V8?

Because I know they wouldn't release a new RL without a V8 and better performance. Right guys? Right? Guys? uh, guys?

Good Ride

Looks so nineties. But nice fall colors.

ItalianStallion

what kind of mods are there for these? some headers or something? that might ease some speed woes.

Crazy Bimmer

yea i saw it at the chicago auto show. The best part is the new cluster they have. Instead of the ugly yellow lights, they have more of a neon look to them. Heres a pic, but it looks much better in person. They also mounted UGLY tweeters in the new RL :o

proactive

Just read the press release, more on the stereo (XM Radio is standard & you get 10 speakers):

The V8 is ghost:

1SICKLEX

:whocares:

Dunbar

*shrug* minor remodel...

Collective27

Check automotive news fourms guys....

devnull

Here here...

chizad1980

Are you sure it's not the 2003?

importtuner

Man, this is what pisses me off about Honda. This car could be selling like hot cakes if it had more hp!! The car is so beautiful, but yet so behind!
-Justin

monkeymato

Those radio knobs look pretty familiar

EdgarFanCLS

Another model year of RL-mediocrity...

Hopefully Edmunds.com's speculation of the redesigned 2005 RL will be on par with what we get:

http://www.edmunds.com/future/2005/a...body..0.Acura*

AWD would be great, as would a signficant bump in HP. If they can give us 260 HP out of our block, then they should be able to give us more with 0.2L more of displacement. I heard some speculation that Honda was going to throw some sort of night vision system into the redesigned RL, but this was a while back and was probably only rumor.

IntegraVT

iTrader: (1)

The headunit has XM radio support, so it's an '04.

Agreed. Another year of the same C-block engine and cheesy 4AT. Why...why..why!?

maximadave

weak.

AcuraFan

To be honest, I've never ridden in an RL but a friend of mine test drove one while his Legend was in for service...his take on it is feels like a nice towncar. So if Acura is trying to compete with Lincoln or Buick...job well done. But it has nothing on the 5 or 7 series or the A6 and A8.

AcuraFan

I mean, look at the last year of the Legend and look at the current RL...Acura dropped 5hp, dropped the 6spd, dropped the coupe, and dropped the handsome yet sporty styling. But hey they added 1mpg Hwy, about 300 pounds, and a couple interior improvements. Heck, I'd spend $15K on a '95 and say "forget you" to the RL...because it is just that, forgetable.
IMHO

devnull

Hey Man,

Fvck you and your unbelievably funny avatar.

-hehe :pfawk: