anyone see it yet, what you think?

 

Not yet, but planning on checking one out in coming weeks. Hopefully we'll start to see some on the roads in the near future.

 

Saw 1 on the road last firday and is quite eye catching! It is a black and totally out shine the E60 5-series that run beside it, maybe I am bias toward Honda!

 

the car looks siiiiiiiiiick
just saw the commercial a couple nights ago, want to swing by the dealer and check it out, maybe take it for a spin.

 

Sat in one this morning at the dealer... Very nice interior... Just feels too big for me...

Also, the mecanics are not hot about it... Too much gadgets on it... They're affraid of it...

 

Just how big does it feel...I'm reading the same reaction from almost everyone who's sat in the car now. I'm actually surprised, it's not that much bigger than an Accord.

 

I find the TL big as well so I'm not a reference for size comparison...

 

I'm going to check one out this weekend...

Junkster, who heard Steven say that it's in at his dealership

 

I'll see if I can test drive the RL or get the RL as a loaner when I take in my TSX for service

 

oh please when i asked for a loaner they wouldnt even give me a TL.......... got stuck with a damn RSX

 

Well, I got an '03 RL once for a loaner...

 

Yup,

 

Sat in it this morning and I was very impressed...not as big as I had imagined. The interior was very luxurious...got to play with the NAV ...but there were too many buttons.

I ask the sales lady about the 05 TSX, and it seems I knew more about it than her! Oh well , I really want that NAV! But no way am I gonna trade in my IBP.

 

I sat in it as well this morning when the T was in for service. All I could say about the interior is "plush"

It is one hell of a nice car.

I just wish I could get a grab of it for next week-end, I am the driver for the bride on a wedding, and they want to use my TSX, but I think it's waay too blah for a wedding, the RL would be so much nicer...

 

I got an auto base RSX, o the ignominy

 

I test drove the RL on the 16th. First impression is that it has a lot of technology in it. Not all is necessary, but it's definitely nice. Acceleration feels effortless and the engine sound is similar to what you'd hear when accelerating in a 2004 TL. One difference in the driving feel between a TL and a RL that I noticed was that the front wheels didn't spin from overacceleration due to the AWD. The car was quite stable through the turns. The interior design is quite nice. The car would seat 4 people comfortably with a 5th person being about as comfortable as if you had 5 people in a TL.

Rundown of features that were cool:

-Updated traffic reports on the Navi (showing accidents and road construction)
-data displays of torque going to each wheel, air pressure in each tire, misc. other data on dashboard
-auto sunscreen for rear window and manual sunscreens for rear passengers
-auto moving headrests controlled by the driver for rear passengers
-keyless ignition and also driver recognition for the locks
-choice between paddleshifting/autostick shifting

Overall the RL design is nice if you want a car that looks luxurious but not like a boat on wheels. I saw a RL that was being prepped for delivery that had upgraded rims that looked quite nice. There were a ton of buttons on the steering wheel and the center console was quite busy with numerous buttons, which makes using the voice-activation more of a necessity than an option. I would have preferred if the navi screen was not recessed.

As is, if you have 50 grand to spend, the RL would be a pleasurable driving experience. I am however very content with my TSX. (although 300 hp AWD in a TSX would be something)

 

Went to my local Acura dealer today to test drive the RL. The demo car was a NBP with the parchment interior.

Initial feel of the car was that it is definitely on par with the competition. The nav system works extremely well, especially with the incorporation of the XM traffic updates.

Driving impression was quite good. The steering is isolated, but precise and the car drives smaller than it is. Power delivery is smooth and the transmission shifts can barely be felt. Turn-in is crisp, and precise and body roll is nearly non-existant. I pushed the car pretty hard to try to unsettle the VSA, but the SH-AWD did a fantastic job of reigning in the large car and keeping it on track.

After returning to the dealer, I was able to hear the car start up from the outside and was quite impressed by the deep throaty tone the exhaust has on initial start up.

For the money, I don't think any competitor currently has a V6 powered car that can compare. Even some competitors' V8 models would be hard-pressed to match the level of luxury and power that the RL provides. Definitely an excellently designed and built car.

One caveat, however, is that this is a very quick/fast car, but the steering is definitely too light and boosted for hardcore driving. It's definitely tuned towards the luxury side of things. However, the SH-AWD technology applied to a smaller, more power car (like a turbo TSX) would make for a phenomenal factory performance car.

 

Awesome write up and you are so lucky to have had a chance to test drive one. There arent any RLs at any dealerships around me. I did stop by one today and they said that next week they will have one in. Even though I am too poor to get one, definitely a possibility for my next car....like 10 years away. Cant wait to test drive soon.

 

I saw the 05 RL at the dealership today - it's much better looking in real life than in the pictures! I was quite impressed. Anyway, I think that with the TSX, TL and RL, Acura has quite an impressive and great looking fleet of cars for any manufacturer!

 

I saw one, very beatiful, (see my RL thread, )

Rmatic who wonders why this one has more posts then his