Acura: RLX News
#1681
Unofficial Goat
iTrader: (1)
Originally Posted by Edward'TLS
That's why the RL is always doomed.
As I Said in the the TSX discussion, the more and more I keep coming to these threads, the more I'm getting pissed off at Acura.
#1682
Suzuka Master
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Originally Posted by The Dougler
That's why Acura's up shits creak, you can't have 4 products based off the same core chassis and try to call them 4 levels of vehicles, you can't product differentiate enough. (I say 4 because the MDX is off the pilot, which originated from an accord, and I doubt that lineage has been removed quite yet).
As I Said in the the TSX discussion, the more and more I keep coming to these threads, the more I'm getting pissed off at Acura.
As I Said in the the TSX discussion, the more and more I keep coming to these threads, the more I'm getting pissed off at Acura.
#1683
Burning Brakes
iTrader: (1)
There's nothing new about the RL. The design still isn't appealing, and there's no noticeable technology in that car either. Why would one go out and buy this instead of its competitors?
The new RL could've done so much for Acura if they did it right. But they missed their chance..
The new RL could've done so much for Acura if they did it right. But they missed their chance..
#1684
luvs redheads!
well since they are trying to follow in GMs and ford's shoes by building cars all based off the same platform and such. Ford brought back the "Taurus" name...
bring back da LEGEND!(america)
bring back da LEGEND!(america)
#1685
Go Big Blue!
Originally Posted by n3ok318
There's nothing new about the RL. The design still isn't appealing, and there's no noticeable technology in that car either. Why would one go out and buy this instead of its competitors?
The new RL could've done so much for Acura if they did it right. But they missed their chance..
The new RL could've done so much for Acura if they did it right. But they missed their chance..
Last edited by SpicyMikey; 02-11-2008 at 05:04 PM.
#1687
Midnight Marauder
Originally Posted by swift22
well since they are trying to follow in GMs and ford's shoes by building cars all based off the same platform and such. Ford brought back the "Taurus" name...
bring back da LEGEND!(america)
bring back da LEGEND!(america)
Sorry man, doesn't matter what they name that car. Looking like that, its still doomed!
#1689
Senior Moderator
Got an "Discover the just-revealed 2009 RL" email from acura this morning...
Even the marketing people must think the grille is fugly, since this is the photo they used in the email:
Maybe the opinions on the web and forums influenced their decision on what angle to show the RL ??
Link to RL launch site:
http://www.acura.com/index.aspx?init...s_RL2009Launch
Even the marketing people must think the grille is fugly, since this is the photo they used in the email:
Maybe the opinions on the web and forums influenced their decision on what angle to show the RL ??
Link to RL launch site:
http://www.acura.com/index.aspx?init...s_RL2009Launch
#1690
Go Big Blue!
Funny, I was thinking the same thing when I read the email today. You don't usually show an ass shot of a car when you debut it.
I guess they didn't want to shock you until after you had your first cup of coffee. Kind of eeeease you into the new look by starting with the back -- which isn't bad by the way
I guess they didn't want to shock you until after you had your first cup of coffee. Kind of eeeease you into the new look by starting with the back -- which isn't bad by the way
#1693
Originally Posted by GreenMonster
Got an "Discover the just-revealed 2009 RL" email from acura this morning...
Even the marketing people must think the grille is fugly, since this is the photo they used in the email:
Maybe the opinions on the web and forums influenced their decision on what angle to show the RL ??
Link to RL launch site:
http://www.acura.com/index.aspx?init...s_RL2009Launch
Even the marketing people must think the grille is fugly, since this is the photo they used in the email:
Maybe the opinions on the web and forums influenced their decision on what angle to show the RL ??
Link to RL launch site:
http://www.acura.com/index.aspx?init...s_RL2009Launch
Then again, that would be giving them WAY too much credit...
#1694
What Would Don Draper Do?
Originally Posted by Loseit
am i the only one that thinks the rear end is over done? It looks too busy IMO. Not to mention the econo-sedan stance it has.
it looks good, but it does look over-done. i see a bit of an accord, bmw, and s-class too.
but your second point, the econo-sedan stance, is what really bugs me about the car. this is why i keep thinking that the exterior looks nothing of a car with a $50k price tag.
(by the way, i got this email too and thought the same thing: why show the rear? )
#1695
Go Big Blue!
Originally Posted by JediMindTricks
it looks good, but it does look over-done. i see a bit of an accord, bmw, and s-class too.
but your second point, the econo-sedan stance, is what really bugs me about the car. this is why i keep thinking that the exterior looks nothing of a car with a $50k price tag.
(by the way, i got this email too and thought the same thing: why show the rear? )
#1696
What Would Don Draper Do?
Originally Posted by SpicyMikey
I think that was not the most flatering shot for the rear end. It does look like it's ass is in the air. The video on TOV from the press conference looked much different. Besides, it the same body and frame. It probably doesn't stand much different then the current one, which looks very good in that department IMO
eh. maybe the car will look better in person.
#1697
Go Big Blue!
Originally Posted by JediMindTricks
i think you're right in that's not a very flattering shot.
eh. maybe the car will look better in person.
eh. maybe the car will look better in person.
After posting that last comment I did remind myself they did some suspension tweeking. However, they said they made it stiffer (or at least implied it). I would think it might get a bit lower if anything.
I'm not interested in buying one since I own an 07 RL. But I really can't wait to take one for a drive and see how much differently it handles with the new SHAWD, suspension, and J37
#1699
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by dom
Looks even more like an Accord in that pic GM posted.
#1700
Chloe @ 17mo
Originally Posted by titan
The rear's not bad. I just hope the improved they interior and front fascia.
#1702
6G TLX-S
Originally Posted by F23A4
Then again, every Legend/RL generation looked like an Accord at one point or another.....I still recall the first generation Legend looking like a larger version of the 3G Accord sans flip-up head lights.
#1703
Go Big Blue!
Originally Posted by Edward'TLS
The sole purpose of the new multi-million $ Acura design center in California is to differentiate Acura products (especially the look) from the cheap Honda products. Looks like all these money has gone down the drain, together with the investments spent on the new F1 wind tunnel.
I think it's still too early to be writing the obituary for the new Acura design center. In another couple years when they've released all the new models and their variants we can pass judement. Strong rumors have them releasing another SUV, a convertible (maybe off the TSX), and a coupe off the TSX. They are supposed to be planning for 9 distinct products by 2010
#1704
6G TLX-S
Originally Posted by SpicyMikey
But all we've seen is an MMC tweek on the RL and a few photos of the base TSX. To me the new TSX looks good.
I think it's still too early to be writing the obituary for the new Acura design center. In another couple years when they've released all the new models and their variants we can pass judement. Strong rumors have them releasing another SUV, a convertible (maybe off the TSX), and a coupe off the TSX. They are supposed to be planning for 9 distinct products by 2010
I think it's still too early to be writing the obituary for the new Acura design center. In another couple years when they've released all the new models and their variants we can pass judement. Strong rumors have them releasing another SUV, a convertible (maybe off the TSX), and a coupe off the TSX. They are supposed to be planning for 9 distinct products by 2010
#1705
What Would Don Draper Do?
Originally Posted by Edward'TLS
I agree with you, but isn't the new TSX the new European Accord designed elsewhere. All that is visually difference is that ugly Acura-specific grille very likely comes out from the new US design center. I'm just too eager to see some real work coming from that design center.
but i think it was dom that brought a good point. is it just a design center or will it be responsible for everything bottom up?
if' it's just a design center, then we'll still be stuck with the accord platform.
#1706
Senior Moderator
From what I can tell, besides the grille, the new TSX and Euro Accord are identical (exterior). I doubt the new design center played any role in the new TSX.
At least on the current gen TSX Acura had the good sense to give the TSX unique wheels. Too bad they didn't have that same good sense this time around.
At least on the current gen TSX Acura had the good sense to give the TSX unique wheels. Too bad they didn't have that same good sense this time around.
#1707
Go Big Blue!
Originally Posted by dom
From what I can tell, besides the grille, the new TSX and Euro Accord are identical (exterior). I doubt the new design center played any role in the new TSX.
At least on the current gen TSX Acura had the good sense to give the TSX unique wheels. Too bad they didn't have that same good sense this time around.
At least on the current gen TSX Acura had the good sense to give the TSX unique wheels. Too bad they didn't have that same good sense this time around.
I wonder if the new RL will break ranks somehow with the legend and become a full size NA market product. if so, that would probably be fully designed in CA. Unforunately, it also means it will probably won't be made in Japan anymore.
#1708
6G TLX-S
Originally Posted by JediMindTricks
i guess we're just gonna have to wait for the new design center to really get going.
but i think it was dom that brought a good point. is it just a design center or will it be responsible for everything bottom up?
if' it's just a design center, then we'll still be stuck with the accord platform.
but i think it was dom that brought a good point. is it just a design center or will it be responsible for everything bottom up?
if' it's just a design center, then we'll still be stuck with the accord platform.
I have no problem with Acura's using the Accord world platform. The TL is already using a stretched Accord platform. As long as the rest of the car is not shared, I bet no outsider can tell which platform a car is built on both by looking and driving the car. My only worry is that the Accord platform is only for FWD applications.
#1709
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Originally Posted by Edward'TLS
My only worry is that the Accord platform is only for FWD applications.
naaah...it just seems that way. the mdx, rdx, rl, ridgeline, and pilot are all on the same accord platform. and they're awd.
someone else eluded to it earlier platform sharing ain't all bad...nissan pimps the hell out of the fm chassis...but they at least can get fwd,awd, and rwd out of the same layout...honda hasn't quite grasped that concept yet.
Last edited by jz-97-c7; 02-13-2008 at 06:38 PM.
#1710
6G TLX-S
Originally Posted by jz-97-c7
naaah...it just seems that way. the mdx, rdx, rl, ridgeline, and pilot are all on the same accord platform. and they're awd.
someone else eluded to it earlier platform sharing ain't all bad...nissan pimps the hell out of the fm chassis...but they at least can get fwd,awd, and rwd out of the same layout...honda hasn't quite grasped that concept yet.
someone else eluded to it earlier platform sharing ain't all bad...nissan pimps the hell out of the fm chassis...but they at least can get fwd,awd, and rwd out of the same layout...honda hasn't quite grasped that concept yet.
Nissan has been building RWD vehicles for years, so it has the fore-sight to design a platform flexible enough for all driving axle applications. Whereas till now, Honda still doesn't acknowledge the importance of RWD cars and trucks. Hence, the result.
#1711
Go Big Blue!
Not quite true Ed. My RL and MDX have SHAWD. If you can believe the MID display, my RL is almost balanced front and rear with torque. My MDX is clearly FWD biased but always has about 30% power going to the rear. It's not a simple slip dif setup. It's "always on" power and it's a very sure footed ride. The "SH' part of the SHAWD is where you get the torque vectoring concept that kicks in on curves.
According to the new literature about the 09 RL, they've enhanced the system to send more power to the rear. If that's the case, based on my experience with an 07, it might truly be a rwd biased system now on the new RL.
According to the new literature about the 09 RL, they've enhanced the system to send more power to the rear. If that's the case, based on my experience with an 07, it might truly be a rwd biased system now on the new RL.
#1712
6G TLX-S
Originally Posted by SpicyMikey
According to the new literature about the 09 RL, they've enhanced the system to send more power to the rear. If that's the case, based on my experience with an 07, it might truly be a rwd biased system now on the new RL.
#1713
6G TLX-S
FYI, copied from the Car&Driver.com website. It says the current generation RL is still using the global front-drive platform for adaptation. Honda still has no rear-drive sedan platform in production up to this moment.
2005 Acura RL
Second Place: Spoilsport Sedans
The Acura RL misses the top slot in this test mainly because of the company's habitual restraint. Acura engineers could have made the RL bigger but instead made it smaller (retaining much of the previous model's interior volume). They could have gone to a V-8, but they used a VTEC V-6. They could have changed to rear-wheel drive but chose to adapt a front-drive platform to a novel all-wheel-drive system known as SH-AWD, which can shift torque fore-and-aft for traction and side to side to generate extra yaw for cornering.
/ ---- SNIP ----/
2005 Acura RL
Second Place: Spoilsport Sedans
The Acura RL misses the top slot in this test mainly because of the company's habitual restraint. Acura engineers could have made the RL bigger but instead made it smaller (retaining much of the previous model's interior volume). They could have gone to a V-8, but they used a VTEC V-6. They could have changed to rear-wheel drive but chose to adapt a front-drive platform to a novel all-wheel-drive system known as SH-AWD, which can shift torque fore-and-aft for traction and side to side to generate extra yaw for cornering.
/ ---- SNIP ----/
#1714
Go Big Blue!
Correct . The system is built on a fwd transaxle setup. Wasn't trying to suggest it wasn't. However, aside from the extra weight bias for that type of setup, I've personally never really felt any characteristics of a fwd vehicle.
Do you own an RL? If not, you should drive one. The steering is light and responsive. It handles fantastic on acceleration and doesn't handle like a fwd vehicle. The suspension is a little soft for my sporty taste, but they also seem to have fixed that with the 09.
With even more power being pushed to the back, and better suspension, I suspect the RL will be even better to drive -- if not look at.
Do you own an RL? If not, you should drive one. The steering is light and responsive. It handles fantastic on acceleration and doesn't handle like a fwd vehicle. The suspension is a little soft for my sporty taste, but they also seem to have fixed that with the 09.
With even more power being pushed to the back, and better suspension, I suspect the RL will be even better to drive -- if not look at.
#1716
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I may be wrong, but the MID display shows the variation in torque delivery from the norm. The norm is 70-30 split front to rear. So when the MID is showing an even split, the drivetrain is experiencing a 70-30 split.
But I agree with you on the handling. Especially in Legend guise, it never exhibits a FWD set-up until you are REALLY pushing the adhesion envelope. And that is before you activate the SH-AWD by stepping on the gas. Driven properly [knowing how and when to use the SH-AWD] it will out handle ANYTHING out there in it's class, including the BMW 5 series.
But I agree with you on the handling. Especially in Legend guise, it never exhibits a FWD set-up until you are REALLY pushing the adhesion envelope. And that is before you activate the SH-AWD by stepping on the gas. Driven properly [knowing how and when to use the SH-AWD] it will out handle ANYTHING out there in it's class, including the BMW 5 series.
#1717
Go Big Blue!
Originally Posted by sadlerau
I may be wrong, but the MID display shows the variation in torque delivery from the norm. The norm is 70-30 split front to rear. So when the MID is showing an even split, the drivetrain is experiencing a 70-30 split.
But I agree with you on the handling. Especially in Legend guise, it never exhibits a FWD set-up until you are REALLY pushing the adhesion envelope. And that is before you activate the SH-AWD by stepping on the gas. Driven properly [knowing how and when to use the SH-AWD] it will out handle ANYTHING out there in it's class, including the BMW 5 series.
But I agree with you on the handling. Especially in Legend guise, it never exhibits a FWD set-up until you are REALLY pushing the adhesion envelope. And that is before you activate the SH-AWD by stepping on the gas. Driven properly [knowing how and when to use the SH-AWD] it will out handle ANYTHING out there in it's class, including the BMW 5 series.
Bottom line; I've owned a LOT of RWD cars in my life and a few FWD's. The MDX drives a bit heavy in the front end. But the RL definitely doesn't feel like a FWD car at all, not to me. Then again, the FWD TSX and TL don't really drive like a lot of FWD cars either. I have a TL loaner right now while my RL is getting a new tire installed. I'm just amazed how good it drives. They've really got this FWD thing down pat.
Last edited by SpicyMikey; 02-14-2008 at 05:48 PM.
#1718
6G TLX-S
Originally Posted by SpicyMikey
Correct . The system is built on a fwd transaxle setup. Wasn't trying to suggest it wasn't. However, aside from the extra weight bias for that type of setup, I've personally never really felt any characteristics of a fwd vehicle.
Do you own an RL? If not, you should drive one. The steering is light and responsive. It handles fantastic on acceleration and doesn't handle like a fwd vehicle. The suspension is a little soft for my sporty taste, but they also seem to have fixed that with the 09.
With even more power being pushed to the back, and better suspension, I suspect the RL will be even better to drive -- if not look at.
Do you own an RL? If not, you should drive one. The steering is light and responsive. It handles fantastic on acceleration and doesn't handle like a fwd vehicle. The suspension is a little soft for my sporty taste, but they also seem to have fixed that with the 09.
With even more power being pushed to the back, and better suspension, I suspect the RL will be even better to drive -- if not look at.
But it is definitely a good move for Acura to bias power more to the rear wheels than the fronts. Even Audi is starting to retune its Quattro AWD the same way, so as to make the recalibrated cars feel the same as those BMW ix's and MB 4-matic's which are based on RWD platforms.
Unfortunately I only managed to test-drive the SH-AWD RL when it first came out, and didn't quite have the chance to try out the SH-AWD driving fast in the twisties. Largely due to it's high price (I believe it must be heavily discounted now), I ended up buying an A6 3.2 Quattro then.
#1719
Originally Posted by jz-97-c7
naaah...it just seems that way. the mdx, rdx, rl, ridgeline, and pilot are all on the same accord platform. and they're awd.
someone else eluded to it earlier platform sharing ain't all bad...nissan pimps the hell out of the fm chassis...but they at least can get fwd,awd, and rwd out of the same layout...honda hasn't quite grasped that concept yet.
someone else eluded to it earlier platform sharing ain't all bad...nissan pimps the hell out of the fm chassis...but they at least can get fwd,awd, and rwd out of the same layout...honda hasn't quite grasped that concept yet.
#1720
givin the business
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Originally Posted by BuddySol
I thought the current gen MDX was a whole new truck platform? It's what's going to be used for the upcoming Pilot.
negative...honda hath no such chassis