Acura: RLX News
08-08-2003, 03:42 AM
#86
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The V-6 RL will compete with the E320, 530 etc but even though it has 300hp, it still is missing 2 cylinders which is a MUST to be taken seriously in this class. That is why the 1st gen GS sold like 50 cars.
If it's styled right, it will give TL/CL owners something to jump up too but I doubt any cross-shopping will occur.
If it's styled right, it will give TL/CL owners something to jump up too but I doubt any cross-shopping will occur.
08-08-2003, 07:19 AM
#88
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally posted by Loseit
08-08-2003, 08:42 AM
#89
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Originally posted by Nashua_Night_Hawk
I told you so.. the 300HP ivtec 3.5L in the dualnote will power an Acura!... That is great news.. It means a Hybrid RL will be a reality in few years...
I told you so.. the 300HP ivtec 3.5L in the dualnote will power an Acura!... That is great news.. It means a Hybrid RL will be a reality in few years...
exactly
08-11-2003, 07:21 AM
#93
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Spy Shots: ’05 Acura RL
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6284
Recently spotted at the Nürburgring is this prototype sedan, identified by the European press as the next-generation Honda Legend — sold in the U.S. as the Acura RL.
The current Acura RL has conservative, upright styling with a tall front grille, flat roofline, and a traditional boxy shape. Even though the prototype is heavily disguised, one can clearly see the all-new, stylish shape of the new RL. Note the low front hoodline and the very rounded shape of the front end. Also note the very short trunk lid, giving the car a sporty “long hood, short trunk” style. The low-profile tires on large aluminum wheels hint at a transformation from conservative to sporty for the new RL.
There is speculation that the new RL may upgrade from V-6 engines to V-8, or that it may go from front-wheel drive to four-wheel drive, but these are just unconfirmed rumors at this time. The new model is expected as a 2005 model.
Recently spotted at the Nürburgring is this prototype sedan, identified by the European press as the next-generation Honda Legend — sold in the U.S. as the Acura RL.
The current Acura RL has conservative, upright styling with a tall front grille, flat roofline, and a traditional boxy shape. Even though the prototype is heavily disguised, one can clearly see the all-new, stylish shape of the new RL. Note the low front hoodline and the very rounded shape of the front end. Also note the very short trunk lid, giving the car a sporty “long hood, short trunk” style. The low-profile tires on large aluminum wheels hint at a transformation from conservative to sporty for the new RL.
There is speculation that the new RL may upgrade from V-6 engines to V-8, or that it may go from front-wheel drive to four-wheel drive, but these are just unconfirmed rumors at this time. The new model is expected as a 2005 model.
08-11-2003, 08:30 AM
#94
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The current Acura RL has conservative, upright styling with a tall front grille, flat roofline, and a traditional boxy shape. Even though the prototype is heavily disguised, one can clearly see the all-new, stylish shape of the new RL. Note the low front hoodline and the very rounded shape of the front end. Also note the very short trunk lid, giving the car a sporty “long hood, short trunk” style. The low-profile tires on large aluminum wheels hint at a transformation from conservative to sporty for the new RL.
08-11-2003, 12:22 PM
#96
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why are u calling him a STFU NOOB? He quoted that directly from here: http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6284
08-11-2003, 07:28 PM
#97
Moderator Alumnus
Originally posted by MJMeucci
why are u calling him a STFU NOOB? He quoted that directly from here: http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6284
why are u calling him a STFU NOOB? He quoted that directly from here: http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6284
Just ignore it.
08-12-2003, 06:08 PM
#101
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Let me remind you of this thread:
http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...hreadid=101645
Just in case the front is acurate, we now get an idea of what it might look like.
http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...hreadid=101645
Just in case the front is acurate, we now get an idea of what it might look like.
08-13-2003, 01:18 PM
#103
The Acura Granddaddy
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Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
Yes, no more newbie hunting, stop getting your panties in a bunch ladies.
New RL= does anyone really care? What about the new NSX?
Yes, no more newbie hunting, stop getting your panties in a bunch ladies.
New RL= does anyone really care? What about the new NSX?
08-13-2003, 07:41 PM
#104
Moderator Alumnus
Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
Yes, no more newbie hunting, stop getting your panties in a bunch ladies.
New RL= does anyone really care? What about the new NSX?
Yes, no more newbie hunting, stop getting your panties in a bunch ladies.
New RL= does anyone really care? What about the new NSX?
Hopefully it's 4wd or has a V8
08-14-2003, 10:26 AM
#105
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I'd like a kickass replacement for the Legend.....very interested in what they are planning on doing with the Acura top dog.
So your willing to spend 50k for a RL?
08-14-2003, 12:38 PM
#106
The Acura Granddaddy
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Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
The Legend GS (the best one) was 44k out the door. An equivlent model will cost 50k, considering how much technology has advanced since then and it is a low volume model.
So your willing to spend 50k for a RL?
The Legend GS (the best one) was 44k out the door. An equivlent model will cost 50k, considering how much technology has advanced since then and it is a low volume model.
So your willing to spend 50k for a RL?
08-15-2003, 09:07 AM
#107
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Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
New RL= does anyone really care? What about the new NSX?
New RL= does anyone really care? What about the new NSX?
I'm already saving up to go to Detroit in January for NAIAS, since that should be the first time I could see the new NSX up close. It's supposed to be revealed this fall, right?
08-21-2003, 12:00 AM
#108
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Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
The V-6 RL will compete with the E320, 530 etc but even though it has 300hp, it still is missing 2 cylinders which is a MUST to be taken seriously in this class. That is why the 1st gen GS sold like 50 cars.
The V-6 RL will compete with the E320, 530 etc but even though it has 300hp, it still is missing 2 cylinders which is a MUST to be taken seriously in this class. That is why the 1st gen GS sold like 50 cars.
08-21-2003, 07:40 AM
#110
6 Forward 1 Back
08-21-2003, 10:49 AM
#111
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v8 is a MUST eh? why then, are the majority of GSs on the road v6s?
V-8 is needed as a HALO for the product line.:noob: :noob:
08-21-2003, 02:25 PM
#112
still a Masshole
He does make a good point though about the majority of GSs being 6 cyclinders.
Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
First off, 20 post boy, they are I -6. Second, Lexus tried the just I-6 crap in the first gen from 93-97 and it pretty much failed IMO.
V-8 is needed as a HALO for the product line.:noob: :noob:
First off, 20 post boy, they are I -6. Second, Lexus tried the just I-6 crap in the first gen from 93-97 and it pretty much failed IMO.
V-8 is needed as a HALO for the product line.:noob: :noob:
08-22-2003, 12:59 PM
#113
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And the majority of 5 series and E class are also the 6-cyl versions. Without a truck platform to share a motor with H\A will not be building a V8. Why would you want a V8 when you could have a well done hybrid system instead? That would be much more unique in my mind.
10-15-2003, 09:36 AM
#114
another article on Acura, focus on RL
www.cars.com
Acura Works to Move Product Mix Upscale
Posted 10/13/03 10:43 a.m. CDT
By Kathy Jackson
Automotive News
SEATTLE — Tom Elliott is counting on the new Acura TL to help bring the division out of a sales slump.
Of the six largest luxury marques in this country, Acura was the only one to suffer a sales decline through the first nine months of the year. The TL, which went on sale Oct. 6, can help.
Elliott, who is executive vice president of auto operations for American Honda Motor Co. Inc., predicts that the TL will help Acura set a sales record this year of 180,000 units. That would be an achievement. Acura’s sales dropped 2.9 percent in 2002 and were down 2.2 percent through Sept. 30 of this year.
Some critics say Acura will never be a true luxury marque until it offers upscale rear-wheel-drive vehicles and V-8 engines. The TL runs counter to this theory — it’s a front-wheel-drive car powered by a V-6 engine.
Critics argue that it will compete against vehicles such as the Nissan Maxima and Toyota Camry, rather than, say, the Lexus ES 330.
But Elliott says the market appeal of a V-8 is overblown. “I wouldn’t say we won’t do a V-8,” he says. “It is one of the possibilities.” But he admits that hybrids are the most likely route.
Elliott says Acura will decide how to increase power on each product in the next six months. “We’re really close to making a decision on a hybrid,” he says. Such a vehicle could be powered by a 300-hp engine in the front plus a 100-hp electric motor in back.
He also says the company is considering all-wheel drive, superchargers and turbochargers, but not rwd. But critics say a V-8 is essential.
Consider the slow-selling RL sedan, Acura’s $50,000 flagship. RL sales were 7,557 through the end of September, down 27.8 percent from the same period in 2002.
The vehicle’s 225-hp V-6 engine does not impress consumers, says Jim Wangers, president of Automotive Marketing Consultants Inc. in Vista, Calif.
“It’s not so much the power but the image,” Wangers says. “The price of entry in the luxury segment is a V-8, not a hybrid or a V-6. Hybrids are not accepted mainstream cars yet.”
Says Daniel Gorrell, vice president for automotive of Strategic Vision in Tustin, Calif. “If they’re going to be in competition with Mercedes and BMW, they need a flagship, and RL is not that. I don’t see them being a serious luxury top-rung contender.”
Undeterred by critics, Elliott is gradually moving Acura’s product mix upscale. For example, the company is reducing production of its entry-level RSX, which debuted in 2001.
“The RSX is for young people, but we will limit the sales because we want to bring the brand up,” Elliott says. “What we will do next is fix the RL. We want it to go upscale. It needs more power, more style. It will be totally redone, and part of that will be more power.”
For the moment, Acura dealers are defending the company’s product lineup. “There’s no question that the TL is upscale and doesn’t compete against Hondas,” says Jerry Britain, general manager of Downey Acura in Downey, Calif.
Britain also doesn’t think V-8s are necessary, saying that the Acura V-6s are reliable, reasonably priced and handle well.
“The other luxury brands are dramatically more expensive, and they don’t really have more creature comforts,” he says. “The only problem I have is that I don’t have enough vehicles.”
From Automotive News. Displayed with permission of Crain Communications Inc. Copyright 2003 Crain Communications Inc.;
Image courtesy of the manufacturer
Acura Works to Move Product Mix Upscale
Posted 10/13/03 10:43 a.m. CDT
By Kathy Jackson
Automotive News
SEATTLE — Tom Elliott is counting on the new Acura TL to help bring the division out of a sales slump.
Of the six largest luxury marques in this country, Acura was the only one to suffer a sales decline through the first nine months of the year. The TL, which went on sale Oct. 6, can help.
Elliott, who is executive vice president of auto operations for American Honda Motor Co. Inc., predicts that the TL will help Acura set a sales record this year of 180,000 units. That would be an achievement. Acura’s sales dropped 2.9 percent in 2002 and were down 2.2 percent through Sept. 30 of this year.
Some critics say Acura will never be a true luxury marque until it offers upscale rear-wheel-drive vehicles and V-8 engines. The TL runs counter to this theory — it’s a front-wheel-drive car powered by a V-6 engine.
Critics argue that it will compete against vehicles such as the Nissan Maxima and Toyota Camry, rather than, say, the Lexus ES 330.
But Elliott says the market appeal of a V-8 is overblown. “I wouldn’t say we won’t do a V-8,” he says. “It is one of the possibilities.” But he admits that hybrids are the most likely route.
Elliott says Acura will decide how to increase power on each product in the next six months. “We’re really close to making a decision on a hybrid,” he says. Such a vehicle could be powered by a 300-hp engine in the front plus a 100-hp electric motor in back.
He also says the company is considering all-wheel drive, superchargers and turbochargers, but not rwd. But critics say a V-8 is essential.
Consider the slow-selling RL sedan, Acura’s $50,000 flagship. RL sales were 7,557 through the end of September, down 27.8 percent from the same period in 2002.
The vehicle’s 225-hp V-6 engine does not impress consumers, says Jim Wangers, president of Automotive Marketing Consultants Inc. in Vista, Calif.
“It’s not so much the power but the image,” Wangers says. “The price of entry in the luxury segment is a V-8, not a hybrid or a V-6. Hybrids are not accepted mainstream cars yet.”
Says Daniel Gorrell, vice president for automotive of Strategic Vision in Tustin, Calif. “If they’re going to be in competition with Mercedes and BMW, they need a flagship, and RL is not that. I don’t see them being a serious luxury top-rung contender.”
Undeterred by critics, Elliott is gradually moving Acura’s product mix upscale. For example, the company is reducing production of its entry-level RSX, which debuted in 2001.
“The RSX is for young people, but we will limit the sales because we want to bring the brand up,” Elliott says. “What we will do next is fix the RL. We want it to go upscale. It needs more power, more style. It will be totally redone, and part of that will be more power.”
For the moment, Acura dealers are defending the company’s product lineup. “There’s no question that the TL is upscale and doesn’t compete against Hondas,” says Jerry Britain, general manager of Downey Acura in Downey, Calif.
Britain also doesn’t think V-8s are necessary, saying that the Acura V-6s are reliable, reasonably priced and handle well.
“The other luxury brands are dramatically more expensive, and they don’t really have more creature comforts,” he says. “The only problem I have is that I don’t have enough vehicles.”
From Automotive News. Displayed with permission of Crain Communications Inc. Copyright 2003 Crain Communications Inc.;
Image courtesy of the manufacturer
10-16-2003, 09:00 AM
#116
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Re: another article on Acura, focus on RL
isn't everyone else?
I am getting sick of these upscale moves.
10-16-2003, 09:31 AM
#118
Suzuka Master
I think the issue with the RL is that TL's are cannibalizing its sales. Sure the RL is more luxurious but the TL's have more hp and cost ~ $10K less and have a more contemporary design. In the $40K+ range most V8 powered cars like the M45, DeVille , and the 300C or a low end 5 series offer more content and a slightly more upscale image. If Acura wants to compete in that segment they need a V8. For some reason Acura's oldest designs like the TL & the NSX are tremendously overpriced.
01-12-2004, 09:38 PM
#119
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I thought we were suposed to see this or atleast a lightly disguised concept form of this at Detroit...guess not...maby at the NY auto show...one can only hope.
01-13-2004, 01:01 AM
#120
hail to the victors
current RL is just too ugly and has zero road presence IMO. and i hope that hideous thing isn't the new RL. they better come up with a brilliant flagship sedan, new nsx, awd or rwd cl!! otherwise, acura will never be a top dog!! even Kia is outselling Acura!