Acura: RLX News
02-21-2006 | 05:44 PM
#1041
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
Acura/Honda for years has been fighting the V8 RWD. The more they fight it, the more it will bite them in the ass again, and again.Acura, put a V8 in it, make it RWD, and don't make it look like a "bigger" Accord.
Put some good designers on the exterior....the interior is great, the exterior is
02-21-2006 | 06:10 PM
#1042
The sizzle in the Steak
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 71,436
Likes: 1,877
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by TSX69
[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode] [COLOR=Purple] I have come to expect bland exterior styling from Honda/Acura as well as Toyota/Lexus. They seem to focus more on the interior which is fine by me bc that is what I will see most of the time. Germans, on the other hand, seem to have the opposite philosophy as I find their interiors rather bland.
Maybe you should take a look at Audi. They have the best if not one of the best interior designs in the auto industry.
02-21-2006 | 06:13 PM
#1043
Burn some dust here
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,709
Likes: 13
From: Atlanta
Originally Posted by charliemike
Because the NSX is a badass motherf'n car that looks like it's going 200mph when it's parked.
Yes the Z06 is an unbelievable car. But if you're a West Coast yuppie wanting to make an impression on a budget, do you roll up in a Z06 or a NSX? The NSX has exotic cachet ...
Is that even up for debate?
Yes the Z06 is an unbelievable car. But if you're a West Coast yuppie wanting to make an impression on a budget, do you roll up in a Z06 or a NSX? The NSX has exotic cachet ...
Is that even up for debate?
02-21-2006 | 07:02 PM
#1044
Mile High
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,104
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
Its kinda lame that Honda is building cars that they want to build, not what consumers want. It's sad that they can't admit to themselves that a V8 RWD sedan would be a hot seller. This isnt the 1980s, this is the 2000s, in luxury flagships its V8 RWD or bust.
02-21-2006 | 07:11 PM
#1045
The sizzle in the Steak
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 71,436
Likes: 1,877
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by charliemike
Because the NSX is a badass motherf'n car that looks like it's going 200mph when it's parked.
Yes the Z06 is an unbelievable car. But if you're a West Coast yuppie wanting to make an impression on a budget, do you roll up in a Z06 or a NSX? The NSX has exotic cachet ...
Is that even up for debate?
Yes the Z06 is an unbelievable car. But if you're a West Coast yuppie wanting to make an impression on a budget, do you roll up in a Z06 or a NSX? The NSX has exotic cachet ...
Is that even up for debate?
I'll take the Z06...as would most car enthusiasts. The NSX is too old. Past it's prime.
02-21-2006 | 07:15 PM
#1046
Pinky all stinky
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,665
Likes: 191
Originally Posted by neuronbob
Why can't they get the RL right the way they did the TL?
In related news, Honda will now have separate R&D for Honda and Acura. Maybe we will see some changes after all.
Honda to restructure R&D in bid to speed decision-making
TOKYO (MarketWatch) -- Honda Motor Co. (7267.TO) said Tuesday that it will introduce in April a new organizational structure for its research and development subsidiary in order to give researchers more authority and speed up decision-making.
The Japanese car maker aims to more smoothly handle the increasing complexities of technology and of the growing number of vehicles under development.
The restructuring is part of Honda President Takeo Fukui's efforts to strengthen the company's core elements, including R&D, production, and sales and service.
Under the new scheme, Honda will set up separate development branches for the Honda and upscale Acura brands. This is a reflection of the company's strategy to enhance the two brands' identities ahead of its plan to introduce the Acura in Japan for the first time in 2008.
The automaker's subsidiary, Honda R&D Co., will have five centers, with each focusing on specific areas such as automobile development and motorcycle development.
Currently, regional R&D centers operate under Honda R&D.
The new centers will have separate offices for planning, product development, technology development and administration with clearly defined roles.
The heads of those offices will have primary authority to make operational decisions, which are currently the responsibility of the regional R&D center heads.
-Edited by Tomoko Hosaka
TOKYO (MarketWatch) -- Honda Motor Co. (7267.TO) said Tuesday that it will introduce in April a new organizational structure for its research and development subsidiary in order to give researchers more authority and speed up decision-making.
The Japanese car maker aims to more smoothly handle the increasing complexities of technology and of the growing number of vehicles under development.
The restructuring is part of Honda President Takeo Fukui's efforts to strengthen the company's core elements, including R&D, production, and sales and service.
Under the new scheme, Honda will set up separate development branches for the Honda and upscale Acura brands. This is a reflection of the company's strategy to enhance the two brands' identities ahead of its plan to introduce the Acura in Japan for the first time in 2008.
The automaker's subsidiary, Honda R&D Co., will have five centers, with each focusing on specific areas such as automobile development and motorcycle development.
Currently, regional R&D centers operate under Honda R&D.
The new centers will have separate offices for planning, product development, technology development and administration with clearly defined roles.
The heads of those offices will have primary authority to make operational decisions, which are currently the responsibility of the regional R&D center heads.
-Edited by Tomoko Hosaka
02-21-2006 | 07:19 PM
#1047
Senior Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35,218
Likes: 15
From: Swansea, MA
Originally Posted by dom
The only thing they share is a similar HP rating.
This thread is about the RL, and I was just trying to show how H/A sometimes competes against it self...
Maybe the CLS 6spd vs. the Accord EX V6 6MT coupe would have been a better comparison to illustrate my point
02-21-2006 | 08:04 PM
#1048
Outnumbered at home
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,334
Likes: 1
From: MD
Originally Posted by GreenMonster
Maybe the CLS 6spd vs. the Accord EX V6 6MT coupe would have been a better comparison to illustrate my point
or the tsx and accord 6 speed (a la C&D)but we digress
02-21-2006 | 09:48 PM
#1050
hail to the victors
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 1
From: chicago
Originally Posted by 95gt
You are comparing a very small sales vehicle that is a sports car to a mainstream luxury sedan. Not really comparable. I mean what were they selling like 50 NSX's a year for the last few years? People that are looking for 100k sports cars have fewer choices to make, normally care more about the vehicle performance than the name plate, etc.
I don't think the RL is an absolute home run but compared to the cars in its price bracket I think it stands up very well in comparison. Styling wise I think it is dead on if not better than most, feature wise, performance wise it is right there. The only thing I can think of for its sales performance is people buying 50k cars don't think of Acura when they think of premium luxury sedans. They think MB, BMW, Lexus, etc.
I don't think the RL is an absolute home run but compared to the cars in its price bracket I think it stands up very well in comparison. Styling wise I think it is dead on if not better than most, feature wise, performance wise it is right there. The only thing I can think of for its sales performance is people buying 50k cars don't think of Acura when they think of premium luxury sedans. They think MB, BMW, Lexus, etc.
02-21-2006 | 10:29 PM
#1051
Lola
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,985
Likes: 257
From: Toronto
Originally Posted by chungkopi
RL does look good to me, but in a very cheap kinda way. it just doesn't look like a 50K car.
02-21-2006 | 10:34 PM
#1052
The sizzle in the Steak
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 71,436
Likes: 1,877
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by 95gt
I don't think the RL is an absolute home run but compared to the cars in its price bracket I think it stands up very well in comparison. Styling wise I think it is dead on if not better than most, feature wise, performance wise it is right there. The only thing I can think of for its sales performance is people buying 50k cars don't think of Acura when they think of premium luxury sedans. They think MB, BMW, Lexus, etc.
Acura can design great exteriors...see TL and MDX, but the rest of the line-up is
02-21-2006 | 11:01 PM
#1053
Mile High
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,104
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
Style wise it's a dud. It looks like a 18,000 japanese midsize sedan to most people. The reason why people don't look to Acura when it comes to 50k luxury sedans, is because Acura has not given consumers a reason to look at them. Vanilla exterior, no V8, no RWD...the car has 3 stikes against it right out of the gate. The interior is excellent, but the interior design is not going to bring in people off the street and into the dealership. If you pass an RL on the road, you wouldn't even do a double take...it blends right in with the vanilla of the car world.
Acura can design great exteriors...see TL and MDX, but the rest of the line-up is
Acura can design great exteriors...see TL and MDX, but the rest of the line-up is
The interior is awesome but the exterior is meh. The TL, TSX and MDX all have edgy exteriors with sharp lines. Why couldent Acura keep with the trend and make the RL look like an exciting car? Honda/Acura is really being stubborn with this whole V8 and RWD thing. I just don't get it. V8 and RWD = $$$$.
02-22-2006 | 12:45 AM
#1055
The hair says it all
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,566
Likes: 0
From: Manhattan, NYC
The styling is not up to my expectations for that class. I feel most people agree with that and its reflected in their sales due to little things such as the rimms. They also really need a cheaper version but if its fwd that will be terrible. I dont understand why they didn't put a powerful hybrid system standard at the current price.
02-22-2006 | 03:52 PM
#1056
6G TLX-S
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10,202
Likes: 1,162
From: YVR
It sort of reminds me of the VW Phaeton. Is Acura not ready to sell such an high-priced car ? It seems car buyers are not willing to pay such a price for a V6 car or for an identical car which is sold as HONDA Legend in Europe and part of Asia. Now it reminds me of the Jaguar X-type (Ford Mondeo) situation.
02-22-2006 | 04:14 PM
#1057
Pinky all stinky
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,665
Likes: 191
The VW Phaeton is a fine car. The problem is that for the same price, you can get an Audi A8, which is equally (and maybe even more) compelling. If the Audi didn't exist, I don't think VW would be having as much trouble.
The RL, on the other hand, is like an 8/10 attempt. They got the most part right, but could've gone further. The V6 isn't really a problem. But considering that the outgoing RL was the only Honda/Acura product for the last few years whose engine did without the company's ubiquitous VTEC system, you'd think the new RL's V6 would be a technological tour de force to compensate for those years. But instead, no direct injection, no i-vtec. They pretty much used the engine from the MDX and bumped up hp. Seems like they spent most of their time focusing on the SH-AWD.
Like someone else mentioned, the 17 inch wheels look dismal on this car. The RL could've also been a little bigger. It measures up with the competition when it could've outclassed them.
The RL, on the other hand, is like an 8/10 attempt. They got the most part right, but could've gone further. The V6 isn't really a problem. But considering that the outgoing RL was the only Honda/Acura product for the last few years whose engine did without the company's ubiquitous VTEC system, you'd think the new RL's V6 would be a technological tour de force to compensate for those years. But instead, no direct injection, no i-vtec. They pretty much used the engine from the MDX and bumped up hp. Seems like they spent most of their time focusing on the SH-AWD.
Like someone else mentioned, the 17 inch wheels look dismal on this car. The RL could've also been a little bigger. It measures up with the competition when it could've outclassed them.
02-22-2006 | 06:51 PM
#1058
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
From: El Monte, CA
it does not need a v8. everyone keeps saying this over and over again. that will not solve the problem. having a v8 option is just that, to say you have a v8 option. it will not be the bigger seller than the v6. i live in socal, the perfect place for v8 rwd cars, but i hardly see GS430s or M45s. in fact i've seen more new RLs than M35/45s combined. you also have the factor in the people who know nothing about cars and just wanted the most expensive trim.
02-22-2006 | 07:11 PM
#1060
I'm a llama :(
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 0
From: Washington
Originally Posted by Shawn S
The Coupe was more by about 4-Grand.
Remember, these are prices from 1995 !!!
Remember, these are prices from 1995 !!!
The only thing I see wrong with the RL right now is the plain, small wheels and the plain tailights. The tailights are so Hyundai. The rest of it is amazing. Have you guys seen one at night with the headlights and foglights on??? It's so beautiful!!! I think the car looks best in black and silver. The rest of the colors seem to cheapen the look of the car.
02-22-2006 | 07:26 PM
#1062
I'm a llama :(
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 0
From: Washington
Originally Posted by MSZ
IIRC, that was the price for Canadian market. In CND of course.
I was tricked!I don't think they need a V8. Years ago, they were saying the RL would be AWD and V6 IMA. They got the AWD, but no IMA. Maybe they're planning on doing IMA later???
IMA and 18" or 19" wheels, keep same price, update grill and they're set!
02-22-2006 | 10:07 PM
#1066
Midnight Marauder
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 744
Likes: 56
From: San Jose, CA
Originally Posted by 04EuroAccordTsx
That's why Infiniti and Lexus are succeeding as the main 2 Japanese luxury brands, while Acura has sadly trailed.
02-22-2006 | 10:59 PM
#1067
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 20,014
Likes: 0
From: Hellertown, Pa. USA
Originally Posted by MSZ
IIRC, that was the price for Canadian market. In CND of course.
I paid 36,000 for my 5-Speed Legend Coupe back in 1991.
Best built car I ever owned. It was worth every penny.
02-22-2006 | 11:21 PM
#1070
Lola
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,985
Likes: 257
From: Toronto
Originally Posted by Shawn S
No chill pill needed.
Left column is invoice
Right column is MSRP
All USD
Left column is invoice
Right column is MSRP
All USD
02-23-2006 | 01:36 AM
#1071
6 Forward 1 Back
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 312
From: Bay Area CA
Originally Posted by Shawn S
No chill pill needed.
Left column is invoice
Right column is MSRP
All USD
Left column is invoice
Right column is MSRP
All USD
Anyway back on topic. I'm also amazed they were able to sell Legends at that price back then. They were amazing cars though. The fact that Acura dropped the Legend name later was a huge mistake.
02-23-2006 | 03:19 AM
#1072
Banned
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,716
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by MSZ
Oh speaking of the grill...The JDM one looks so much better than the RL one.
says you.yeah and make it look even more close to Ohio-made Accord "Grande"
lol I wonder how many $45+K Honda Legend they can sell assuming they were available here.
Last edited by huckleberry; 02-23-2006 at 03:22 AM.
02-23-2006 | 06:18 AM
#1073
Lola
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,985
Likes: 257
From: Toronto
Originally Posted by huckleberry
says you.yeah and make it look even more close to Ohio-made Accord "Grande"
lol I wonder how many $45+K Honda Legend they can sell assuming they were available here.
Here's a 92 sedan. 
02-23-2006 | 08:49 AM
#1077
Smitty's Moral Police
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 943
Likes: 1
From: Bossier City, LA
Acura can sell a car in this price range, but it has to be worth it. The NSX sold over MSRP at one time...but they just sat on it and it fell behind in the HP wars. Obviously a lower volume vehicle from the get go, but it still sold quite well at first. Of course the reason a 6 is unacceptable in an Acura and an 6 is just peachy in an Porsche is probably more of a nameplate thing...
02-23-2006 | 10:06 AM
#1079
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,349
Likes: 3
From: Lower Nazzie, Pa
Originally Posted by jwong77
Hate to burst your bubble, but Acura outsells Infiniti by a good margin.
And whatever your point is, it doesn't make RL sales #s look any better.
