yes, i highly doubt it as well. but an unknown source in terms of reliability on honda-acura.net has been predicting a lot of what is in store for the car since 2002. Actually, he himself was told by a "very reliable source" in torrieno (or whatever it's called), CA that the special AWD system AND a v8 would be developed, tested, and finalized for its release in only 1 more week. I don't know, the awd was understandable, but they've kept shut about this for too long, the designs look too not-conservative, and Honda always impresses when it unleashes its new stuff ( trade-off being it's not as often as others) i wouldn't be suprised if a V8 was there. just remember another good reason for a V8 is the new NSX with "no competition" after it's done according to Honda. Any thoughts?

 

NO! V8

 

If Honda puts a V-8 in the RL, I'll eat my key fob.



















And then I'll be really happy!

 

I just don't think it would be financially sound for Honda to be developing a V8, hence my guess that a V8 is a long ways down the road.

Developing a road-worthy V8 would take huge amounts of capital to achieve. Everyone thought that Honda would bypass this problem by tapping GM for their V8 in exchange for the V6s they are selling them. But since this rumor/deal turned out to be sour, that would mean that Honda would have to invest its own capital to the cause. This would take at least 2~3 years, minimum, with more like 5 years being realistic. To adapt the platform shared thoughout the Acura and Honda line to a V8 would also take some cash as well. Than think of designing a transmission to match, along with working out all the other details... and you got yourself a whole big project.

And this V8 would be solely developed for the US market (no one's going to buy a V8 Honda in Europe, lets be honest). Even if they plan to utilize this engine in other products (pick up, full-sized SUV), they wouldn't be able to produce all the products off the V8 for a long time due to production plant limitations (and I've heard of no new engine assembly plants nor another car assembly plant from Honda as of late).

The dagger to this V8 rumor would finally have to be the announcement of the V6 hybrid. We now know that this hybrid thing isn't just for 'saving the environment', the RX400h is showing that the hybrid can make a 6 power like an 8. Honda has the same/similar technology on tap, without further investment. They have the Accord hybrid ready to go. It wouldn't be hard at all to adapt the hybrid system into the RL which shares the same global platform as all it's siblings. Plus, it wouldn't cost them half of what it would cost to develope a V8 from scratch.

At least that's how I see it...

But all we need to do is wait a week to get our answer.

Junkster, who thinks a V8 power is necessary, not a V8.

 

Honda thinks V-8s are gay. The thing is, everyone else thinks not having a V-8 in your "luxury" premium sedan is gay. U make the call.

 

yeah thats what i was thinking, because honda is honda. they dont let other's thinking get to them. this thing is going to be great, and i just can't wait.