Acura: RLX News
#722
is Pretty Much a Moron
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
any word if acura is gonna make a car to go against the LS, S, 745?
Scroll down to the bottom third of this page: http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/show...t=12705&page=5
#725
Originally Posted by TypeSAddict
Funny you should mention that:
Scroll down to the bottom third of this page: http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/show...t=12705&page=5
Scroll down to the bottom third of this page: http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/show...t=12705&page=5
I really don't see why they would all of a sudden need a v8 when the tsx hybrid made more hp than a mercedes s500.
#727
goldmemberererer
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Originally Posted by heyitsme
I really don't see why they would all of a sudden need a v8 when the tsx hybrid made more hp than a mercedes s500.
#728
Safety Car
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
any word if acura is gonna make a car to go against the LS, S, 745?
#729
Drifting
Edmunds' 2005 Acura RL First Drive
I didn't see this posted so...
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadt...irstdrive.1g.*
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadt...irstdrive.1g.*
#731
Drifting
Yeah that's a pretty happy reviewer right there. I have to believe this car will change everything for Acura. If they can come up with the engine, this car could serve as the launching pad for a car called GL, a true 7-series/LS430/MB S-Class competitor.
What if they fused two V-6 engines together? Took two 3.2L V6's and combined them to make about 500 HP and 150 Lb-Ft of torque? That thing would rock man. Price it at $60-70K.
What if they fused two V-6 engines together? Took two 3.2L V6's and combined them to make about 500 HP and 150 Lb-Ft of torque? That thing would rock man. Price it at $60-70K.
#732
Obnoxious Philadelphian
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Originally Posted by Jason
Yeah that's a pretty happy reviewer right there. I have to believe this car will change everything for Acura. If they can come up with the engine, this car could serve as the launching pad for a car called GL, a true 7-series/LS430/MB S-Class competitor.
What if they fused two V-6 engines together? Took two 3.2L V6's and combined them to make about 500 HP and 150 Lb-Ft of torque? That thing would rock man. Price it at $60-70K.
What if they fused two V-6 engines together? Took two 3.2L V6's and combined them to make about 500 HP and 150 Lb-Ft of torque? That thing would rock man. Price it at $60-70K.
The more I think about it, the more I think they should've changed the name of this model. It's all new and shares nothing with the sales loser it's replacing, why not start anew??
#735
Not so sure I'd want a V8 in the RL...it's already heavy enough. Anyway, seems like the RL does 0-60 in the lower 6's...pretty impressive considering its weight and V6-only power.
#736
Drifting
Originally Posted by jcg878
I think the torque output of your W12 is a little wanting though
By no means do I disagree with your comparison to the Phaeton, but with an Acura you're talking about a legitimate luxury brand for far less money than that dog. The car would sell.
#737
Race Director
If you look at the other makes' models that offer both a 6 and 8 cyl engines, the 8 cyl is something like 10-20% of the total sales. It just doen't make sense financially to offer something for such a small segment - kind of like the logic being used to not offer an MT.
If some full sized sedan is being developed above the RL then I can see the need for a V8.
If some full sized sedan is being developed above the RL then I can see the need for a V8.
#738
Senior Moderator
Another Take,
Acura plays up standard awd on new RL in effort to build sales traction
HARRY STOFFER | Automotive News
Posted Date: 9/8/04
WASHINGTON -- Acura Division is escalating the competition among automakers that use all-wheel drive to boost sales, especially of sporty luxury cars.
Acura is making awd standard on its 2005 RL. It is the first completely new version of the division's flagship sedan since 1995.
Acura will promote its awd system's ability to improve handling on firm, dry surfaces, instead of just ensuring better traction on wet or slippery surfaces.
The automaker made up for the added weight of awd - and other expanded vehicle content - with greater use of aluminum.
Acura is counting on Super Handling-All Wheel Drive, as it calls its system, to give the RL traction in the marketplace. It faces competitors such as the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars.
The RL is "a very important new model for Acura," said Thomas Elliott, executive vice president of auto operations for American Honda Motor Co. Acura is Honda's performance and luxury division.
Acura direction
The RL establishes the brand direction, Elliott said at a press event here. The awd system likely will migrate to other Acura lines, he says.
The vehicle goes on sale in mid-October. Acura says it will be priced under $50.000. A comparably equipped 2004 RL is $46,145.
Acura wants to sell about 20,000 RLs a year in the United States, about 10 percent of the division's total. In 2003, sales of the current model were 6,829.
AWD antes up
The number of car models that offer awd nearly doubled to 23 between 1999 and 2004, according to
CarsDirect.com., an online car-buying Web site.
Sales are rising but remain under 5 percent of the cars sold in 2004, the Power Information Network says.
Sales of awd vehicles seem likely to jump. Automakers seek to satisfy buyers who have been accustomed to SUVs but are considering sport wagons or trendy tall sedans.
Most awd systems operate automatically to shift power between front and rear wheels when it is needed.
Acura says its system uses sophisticated sensors and a rear differential with an electromagnetic clutch.
It shifts all torque in rear wheels to one side or the other, depending on need.
Acura engineers say the system improves handling by reducing understeer while a driver accelerates and oversteer during deceleration.
Mark Bilek, editorial director of ConsumerGuide.com's automotive section, is a critic of awd.
He says awd systems generally encourage drivers to go faster than they should in adverse conditions.
That creates trouble stopping in emergencies, he says.
Automakers like awd as "a marketing ploy to make more money," Bilek contends.
Bilek says he's driven the new RL. It performs better on the racetrack than other awd systems, he says.
But he adds that consumers "don't drive on racetracks."
HARRY STOFFER | Automotive News
Posted Date: 9/8/04
WASHINGTON -- Acura Division is escalating the competition among automakers that use all-wheel drive to boost sales, especially of sporty luxury cars.
Acura is making awd standard on its 2005 RL. It is the first completely new version of the division's flagship sedan since 1995.
Acura will promote its awd system's ability to improve handling on firm, dry surfaces, instead of just ensuring better traction on wet or slippery surfaces.
The automaker made up for the added weight of awd - and other expanded vehicle content - with greater use of aluminum.
Acura is counting on Super Handling-All Wheel Drive, as it calls its system, to give the RL traction in the marketplace. It faces competitors such as the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars.
The RL is "a very important new model for Acura," said Thomas Elliott, executive vice president of auto operations for American Honda Motor Co. Acura is Honda's performance and luxury division.
Acura direction
The RL establishes the brand direction, Elliott said at a press event here. The awd system likely will migrate to other Acura lines, he says.
The vehicle goes on sale in mid-October. Acura says it will be priced under $50.000. A comparably equipped 2004 RL is $46,145.
Acura wants to sell about 20,000 RLs a year in the United States, about 10 percent of the division's total. In 2003, sales of the current model were 6,829.
AWD antes up
The number of car models that offer awd nearly doubled to 23 between 1999 and 2004, according to
CarsDirect.com., an online car-buying Web site.
Sales are rising but remain under 5 percent of the cars sold in 2004, the Power Information Network says.
Sales of awd vehicles seem likely to jump. Automakers seek to satisfy buyers who have been accustomed to SUVs but are considering sport wagons or trendy tall sedans.
Most awd systems operate automatically to shift power between front and rear wheels when it is needed.
Acura says its system uses sophisticated sensors and a rear differential with an electromagnetic clutch.
It shifts all torque in rear wheels to one side or the other, depending on need.
Acura engineers say the system improves handling by reducing understeer while a driver accelerates and oversteer during deceleration.
Mark Bilek, editorial director of ConsumerGuide.com's automotive section, is a critic of awd.
He says awd systems generally encourage drivers to go faster than they should in adverse conditions.
That creates trouble stopping in emergencies, he says.
Automakers like awd as "a marketing ploy to make more money," Bilek contends.
Bilek says he's driven the new RL. It performs better on the racetrack than other awd systems, he says.
But he adds that consumers "don't drive on racetracks."
#739
Frozen Wannabe Oracle
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That's why I think Honda should use the IRL V8. The engine is already developed, and given that the IRL engines are relatively low tech (compared to an F1 V10 or even an older CART Turbo V8), I believe adapting it for the street wouldn't be too hard. Of course, there is the weight issue, but a properly designed V8 shouldn't up weight by that much. A Lexus GS430 weighs 3750lbs, while the GS300 is 3675lbs. But, a BMW 545i is 315lbs more than a 530i, but that might be equipment differences too.
#741
I spend 2 much time here
Originally Posted by Jason
Yeah that's a pretty happy reviewer right there. I have to believe this car will change everything for Acura. If they can come up with the engine, this car could serve as the launching pad for a car called GL, a true 7-series/LS430/MB S-Class competitor.
What if they fused two V-6 engines together? Took two 3.2L V6's and combined them to make about 500 HP and 150 Lb-Ft of torque? That thing would rock man. Price it at $60-70K.
What if they fused two V-6 engines together? Took two 3.2L V6's and combined them to make about 500 HP and 150 Lb-Ft of torque? That thing would rock man. Price it at $60-70K.
#742
Team Owner
iTrader: (1)
Originally Posted by Professor Gascan
That's why I think Honda should use the IRL V8. The engine is already developed, and given that the IRL engines are relatively low tech (compared to an F1 V10 or even an older CART Turbo V8), I believe adapting it for the street wouldn't be too hard. Of course, there is the weight issue, but a properly designed V8 shouldn't up weight by that much. A Lexus GS430 weighs 3750lbs, while the GS300 is 3675lbs. But, a BMW 545i is 315lbs more than a 530i, but that might be equipment differences too.
#743
Team Owner
iTrader: (1)
Originally Posted by biker
If you look at the other makes' models that offer both a 6 and 8 cyl engines, the 8 cyl is something like 10-20% of the total sales. It just doen't make sense financially to offer something for such a small segment - kind of like the logic being used to not offer an MT.
If some full sized sedan is being developed above the RL then I can see the need for a V8.
If some full sized sedan is being developed above the RL then I can see the need for a V8.
If Honda really does decide to build a 7-series/S-class/A8 competitor, then I could see the possibility of an optional V8 in the RL, but until then, it doesn't make financial sense.
#747
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by Dan Martin
An IRL or F1 engine is so completely different from a street car that adapting it for street use is just as hard as redesigning a new engine.
Besides Honda in on the record saying they have no plans to ever develop a V8. I think that is a smart move, becuase they should be focusing on IMA instead. Pairing IMA with a good V6 could give you the performance of a V8 -- but with better milage numbers.
#748
Race Director
But for the anti-diesel lobby and public inertia, all of the gains that hybrids provide would be available in the form of diesels. It took them a while, but Honda has just about the best diesel in the business available outside of NA. A diesel equiped Accord would have better milage than the upcoming hybrid - without the extra cost/weight. A bigger diesel would be just as good an idea as a V8.
#749
Originally Posted by jcg878
It worked for VW And by 'worked' I mean they successfully produced a W12 engine for a great car that nobody's buying ....
The more I think about it, the more I think they should've changed the name of this model. It's all new and shares nothing with the sales loser it's replacing, why not start anew??
#750
I'm the Firestarter
Originally Posted by biker
But for the anti-diesel lobby and public inertia, all of the gains that hybrids provide would be available in the form of diesels. It took them a while, but Honda has just about the best diesel in the business available outside of NA. A diesel equiped Accord would have better milage than the upcoming hybrid - without the extra cost/weight. A bigger diesel would be just as good an idea as a V8.
The hybrids really kicked the TDI's butt in real-life fuel economy, especially the Prius. Plus, diesel is not as practical in the US as in Europe, it's a chicken and egg problem. And also, the TDI cost as much as the Prius. I'll take the high-tech Toyota any day.
#751
Bye TSX, hello domestic?
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It's like this: ever notice how one side of the car gets hotter depending on where the sun is? Well, the Acura system uses GPS information from the navigation system and a solar sensor inside the car to determine where the sun is and adjusts air flow and temperature accordingly. Acura literature refers to this as "asymmetrical solar heating."
#752
Originally Posted by xizor
Are you kidding, I hadn't heard of this feature before. I'd love to own this car just to say it uses XM NAV and GPS Heating.
#753
The Accord (and I'm pretty sure the TSX) has this feature also. I definitely know the Accord has it, cause I read it in one of the press releases.
#755
2nd Gear
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RL Ride and Drive
I will be going to White Plains, NY tomorrow to test drive the new RL. I am going to bring a camera if anyone is interested in seeing pictures.
#756
yes, take pics please.
I'd like to see more pics of the rear passengers compartment. Thanks.
I'd like to see more pics of the rear passengers compartment. Thanks.
#758
Automobile Aficionado
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attended...check out my small review
http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14534
no cameras aloud
http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14534
no cameras aloud
#760
Originally Posted by NJtsx
attended...check out my small review
http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14534
no cameras aloud
http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14534
no cameras aloud