Acura: RLX News

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Old 02-15-2008, 03:11 PM
  #1721  
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Still more information. The new CTS is sitting on a rear-drive-based AWD platform, and engine power is 25/75 to front/rear under normal driving conditions. This ratio is typical for most AWD systems derived from rear-wheel-drive car platforms.
Old 02-15-2008, 05:39 PM
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^ thats how the g35x works also
Old 02-15-2008, 07:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Infamous425
^ thats how the g35x works also
G35x is 0/100 f/r until slip is detected, then a max of 50/50, so it is definitely RWD biased.

I think Audi's system is now tuned for 40/60, with up to 80/20 and 0/100 depending on conditions, so rear biased but able to be front biased.

The only thing that Honda's SH-AWD doesn't address is weight distribution. Even though audi's system is FWD based, the new platforms have longitudinally mounted engines that distributes weight more evenly, like in a RWD platform. Honda's engines are still transversely mounted so the cars are still front heavy.
Old 02-16-2008, 03:40 AM
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All I have to say, is what the hell happened to this Acura? This was the defining grwoth of the brand and it appears after 4 years of solid execution they have once again stepped backwards. FWIW this is probably my all time favorite car commercial, ENJOY!!!!!

The embed link was not working so you'll have to follow the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naPtNSN5r-o

Last edited by The Dougler; 02-16-2008 at 03:42 AM.
Old 02-16-2008, 09:01 AM
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Yes, I remember it well. It's amazing how a powerful commercial can affect your attitude. But in the end, you have to have the right products too. They need to solve both sides of this equation these days.
Old 02-16-2008, 10:58 PM
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saw it in person today at the chicago auto show. the car doesn't look that bad in the graphite color, but in silver or maroon i can see that the grille doesn't fit the car.
Old 02-17-2008, 06:49 PM
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That ad reminds me of the good ol' days...

(Prays that Acura doesn't FUBAR the 4G TL...)
Old 02-17-2008, 08:19 PM
  #1728  
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i was reading the G forum and they say its 25/75 under normal conditions and 0/100 if you slam on the gas from a stop. snow button makes it 50/50 up to 12mph


Originally Posted by mrdeeno
G35x is 0/100 f/r until slip is detected, then a max of 50/50, so it is definitely RWD biased.
.
Old 02-17-2008, 10:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Infamous425
i was reading the G forum and they say its 25/75 under normal conditions and 0/100 if you slam on the gas from a stop. snow button makes it 50/50 up to 12mph
actually, no it won't be 0/100 if you slam on the gas from a stop, quite the opposite. power goes to all wheels when accelerating and 100% to the rear wheels when cruising, and sends power to the front wheels again when slip is detected or needed.

there's descriptions on the infiniti website.

Last edited by mrdeeno; 02-17-2008 at 10:17 PM.
Old 02-20-2008, 08:34 PM
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2009 ACURA RL

Acura unveiled the new 2009 RL sedan today at the Chicago Auto Show. The design, clearly derivative of the previous model, does feature what Acura calls a "new signature look" to the front fascia. A matte-silver finish wide bar across the grille is repeated at the rear end in a lip that goes across the trunk above the license plate.A lighter finish silver trim surrounds the new grille. The tail lamps combine crystal clear lenses with traditional red.

In-dash technology includes an updated version of Acura's AcuraLink satellite navigation system featuring traffic maps and, new for 2009, weather updates via a map. The weather system, called AcuraLink Weather, receives constantly updated weather information from XM. Acura also promises improved voice recognition.

An all-new 3.7 liter V6 engine highlights performance upgrades. The 300-horsepower, 271 lb-ft. of torque SOHC motor features Honda's VTEC system. Unlike on the old 3.5L powerplant, the 3.7L units uses VTEC on both the intake and exhaust. The new V6 meets ULEV-2 emissions standards. A five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission is standard. It includes new "smart" F1-style steering wheel-mounted paddles and a new straight-gate console-mounted shift lever. Also new for the 2009 model year is the availability to use the paddle shifters when the shifter is in drive, not just manual mode. The system allows the driver to up or downshift on the fly — such as for passing maneuvers — but will revert back to automatic mode if it detects the driver is no longer shifting.

Suspension modifications and steering upgrades are also included. The RL continues to use Acura's SuperHandling all-wheel-drive, but has more of a rear-drive bias for 2009. Newly standard for 2009 are 18 inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin tires. They replace 17 inch wheels. Acura says that the 2009 RL will "challenge the most capable German and Japanese sports sedans."

The interior again follows the same basic design themes set by the previous model. A new Active Sound Control noise abatement system is standard. Perforated, heated and ventilated seats are standard and, for 2009, both front seats feature 10-way power adjustability.

On the safety front, active head restraints are also newly standard.

Pricing hasn't been announced for the 2009 RL, but popular model cars will be priced similar to current offerings. However, Acura will offer a new base model car that should lower the price of entry into an RL. The 2009 Acura RL will hit dealer showrooms in April.

Old 02-20-2008, 08:36 PM
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Old 02-20-2008, 08:38 PM
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Old 02-20-2008, 08:40 PM
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Old 02-20-2008, 08:41 PM
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Gotta say, as I post these pics, I'm underwhelmed...
Old 02-20-2008, 08:42 PM
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gosh that center console looks really busy
Old 02-20-2008, 08:44 PM
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Old 02-20-2008, 08:46 PM
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Old 02-20-2008, 08:49 PM
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Old 02-20-2008, 08:50 PM
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Not a car I wanted to see in high-res unfortunately...
Old 02-20-2008, 08:50 PM
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Old 02-20-2008, 08:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Dan Martin
Not a car I wanted to see in high-res unfortunately...
LMAO
Old 02-20-2008, 08:53 PM
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Old 02-20-2008, 08:56 PM
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Old 02-21-2008, 12:20 AM
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a few thoughts after seeing more pics of the RL:

1. it still doesn't look good.
2. it really looks bad in silver. looks better in darker colors (black, dark grey), but that's not saying much.
3. the interior looks very good.
4. at first, i thought the front made it look like a camry SE. but while driving, i started seeing this grille EVERYWHERE on camrys and saturns.
Old 02-21-2008, 03:30 AM
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yep, it's been ok to disconnect for QUITE some time now.
Old 02-21-2008, 06:47 AM
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how do you get the acura logo wallpaper on the ipod? i want to do that.
Old 02-21-2008, 07:59 AM
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Yes, silver is extra ugly!

Originally Posted by JediMindTricks
a few thoughts after seeing more pics of the RL:

1. it still doesn't look good.
2. it really looks bad in silver. looks better in darker colors (black, dark grey), but that's not saying much.
I totally agree with you! Weeks later, this monster still looks very ugly. Also, the top photo showing the grille and the silver body is the UGLIEST of them all! Apart from that ugly grille, the silver color against that pale background also makes the car look so generic and boring. It was totally bland and those rims make it look even worse.

Somehow it starts to remind me of my landscaper's snow plow...
Old 02-21-2008, 08:02 AM
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I forgot to say that one of the biggest problems with the Kitchenaid grille is that it over-emphasizes that already overgenerous overhang of the front of this vehicle, making it very out of proportion.

I don't know why, but apart from my landscaper's snow plow, it now also reminds me of some puppets on Sesame Street...!
Old 02-21-2008, 08:13 AM
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The grill doesn't look good to me, but I have to remind myself that it's "different", and different is usually interpreted as ugly the first time your eye see's it. I'm not sure if it's all the grills fault or how it's just out of proportion and/or alignment with the headlight package. Move the lights up OR enlarge the whole housing to be in better proportion with the grill, and it starts to look better (not great, but better)





Someone else did a photochop that moved the hood down and balanced the grill better. That also looked worlds better. Bottom line; the grill is only part of the problem. It can be salvaged if it's implemented better. Let's hope the TSX and TL integrate it better.
Old 02-21-2008, 08:36 AM
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Originally Posted by SpicyMikey
The grill doesn't look good to me, but I have to remind myself that it's "different", and different is usually interpreted as ugly the first time your eye see's it. I'm not sure if it's all the grills fault or how it's just out of proportion and/or alignment with the headlight package. Move the lights up OR enlarge the whole housing to be in better proportion with the grill, and it starts to look better (not great, but better)
see, i tried telling myself that too. but then i just kept seeing the same/similar grille on the camry and saturn.

but i tell you. since this car's been released, i've developed a greater appreciation for the MDX and the 05-08 RL. i saw an 05-08 RL on the road the other day and though "what a classy looking car. it doesn't excite you or really stand out, but it's a classy looking car."
Old 02-21-2008, 09:10 AM
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Originally Posted by SpicyMikey
The grill doesn't look good to me, but I have to remind myself that it's "different", and different is usually interpreted as ugly the first time your eye see's it.

Gotta disagree with you there, considering we've been seeing this grille over and over now. When Bangle "bangled" the 7-series, it wasn't ugly, it was just very different from the previous boxy model. When the 5-series was "bangled", it wasn't ugly either, it was just very different from the previous boxy model.

Even the current MDX was much different from the previous gen. No one would say it was ugly, just that it's very different from what they're used to. In fact, I'm looking into a used '07 MDX towards the 4th quarter of this year to replace my M.

Now the RL...you can keep telling yourself it's only different, not ugly, but that doesn't change the fact that it is different AND ugly.

Last edited by mrdeeno; 02-21-2008 at 09:12 AM.
Old 02-21-2008, 09:19 AM
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Originally Posted by mrdeeno
Gotta disagree with you there, considering we've been seeing this grille over and over now. When Bangle "bangled" the 7-series, it wasn't ugly, it was just very different from the previous boxy model. When the 5-series was "bangled", it wasn't ugly either, it was just very different from the previous boxy model.

Even the current MDX was much different from the previous gen. No one would say it was ugly, just that it's very different from what they're used to. In fact, I'm looking into a used '07 MDX towards the 4th quarter of this year to replace my M.

Now the RL...you can keep telling yourself it's only different, not ugly, but that doesn't change the fact that it is different AND ugly.
You could be right. I'm not trying to convince myself it's not ugly, however, I am trying to convince myself to wait and see how they tweek it. Personally, I agree, it's ugly. However, I don't think it looks terrible on the new TSX shot. If sized right and in proportion with the rest of the front, it COULD end up being different without being ugly. Right now, I agree, it's both.

Trading in your m45 for an MDX? What the? Major lifestyle change? Twins?
Old 02-21-2008, 10:10 AM
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I had high hopes for this car, but now I have given up on Acura for now.

I was never a fan of the new Accord design and Acura had to take those cues and implement them on the RL and TSX. Looks like my next sedan will be either a Lexus or Infinite
Old 02-21-2008, 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by SpicyMikey
Trading in your m45 for an MDX? What the? Major lifestyle change? Twins?
nah, just getting sick of having to change to winter tires and back again every winter. And I own an apartment building as a side job, so an SUV is more convenient to transport stuff. It was either switch to an SUV or get a beater 4wd truck. I don't need any more headaches with a 2nd vehicle, so I figure I'd get an SUV and the MDX is the only one on the market that I like for the value/reliability, not to mention a slightly used '07 will be a good value around when i'm ready to buy (I'm estimating $35-40k for a nicely equipped one with low miles, considering they are selling for low $40k's new currently).

and if there is a major lifestytle change, i'll be ready!
Old 02-21-2008, 11:04 AM
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Well, I checked out a bunch of xover SUV's last year. Liked the X5 and the MDX the best. The X5 certainly had more power, but the MDX was better in all other categories, including, interior amenities and 3rd row usefullness. The console is busy with a lot of buttons (like the RL) but I'd still take that over I-Drive. It really ended up being an easy decision. If you get one you won't be disappointed.
Old 02-21-2008, 11:39 AM
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i thought about an x5 but i'm not a fan of the new styling and reliability is a big factor in my book, so no Audi, BMW, or MB. I don't like the RX330 styling (very "plain" considering they are about as common as accords and camries), and the FX is too narrow focused (might as well keep the M) and the interior is last-gen Infiniti, so it sucks.

I'm also considering a used Sequoia or QX56 (reliability sucks i hear), but those are real SUV's with pretty bad gas mileage (which I should be used to now anyway). But MDX is still at the top of my list and i don't see that changing.
Old 02-21-2008, 01:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Lister00169
I had high hopes for this car, but now I have given up on Acura for now.

I was never a fan of the new Accord design and Acura had to take those cues and implement them on the RL and TSX. Looks like my next sedan will be either a Lexus or Infinite


i've seen infinity but never infinite.

liverpool fans...

Old 02-21-2008, 01:16 PM
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Originally Posted by SpicyMikey
Well, I checked out a bunch of xover SUV's last year. Liked the X5 and the MDX the best. The X5 certainly had more power, but the MDX was better in all other categories, including, interior amenities and 3rd row usefullness. The console is busy with a lot of buttons (like the RL) but I'd still take that over I-Drive. It really ended up being an easy decision. If you get one you won't be disappointed.
yea, i remember you posting about the MDX vs. X5.

did you end up getting the MDX? (can't remember...)
Old 02-21-2008, 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by mrdeeno
nah, just getting sick of having to change to winter tires and back again every winter. And I own an apartment building as a side job, so an SUV is more convenient to transport stuff. It was either switch to an SUV or get a beater 4wd truck. I don't need any more headaches with a 2nd vehicle, so I figure I'd get an SUV and the MDX is the only one on the market that I like for the value/reliability, not to mention a slightly used '07 will be a good value around when i'm ready to buy (I'm estimating $35-40k for a nicely equipped one with low miles, considering they are selling for low $40k's new currently).

and if there is a major lifestytle change, i'll be ready!
i thought you were an Infiniti fan mrdeeno?

why not just get an EX35 or M45x?
Old 02-21-2008, 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by JediMindTricks
yea, i remember you posting about the MDX vs. X5.

did you end up getting the MDX? (can't remember...)
yes. Picked it up in october of last year. Got the Tech/Ent package and put the chrome sidesteps on it and the upgraded steering wheel. After 4 months I'm still thinking I made the right choice.


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