2011 Acura RL Reviews

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Old 03-14-2011, 08:29 AM
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By the sales figures alone, Acura's RL appears to be a model not long for this world. In 2010, sales of the company's premier sedan amounted to only 2,037 cars, making the sedan its slowest-selling model in the U.S. Despite that meager total, Acura remains committed to the nameplate

Although plans for a larger RL and an 8-cylinder engine were eschewed during the global financial meltdown, the company still plans on rolling out an all-new model in the next few years. Until then, it's blessed the 2011 RL with a few modest tweaks designed to tide buyers over.


An Evolutionary Exterior
Those buyers, we're told, are typically much more conservative than those who spring for the popular TL. Perhaps that's why the sedan's design has changed so little over the past 7 years. Despite receiving a makeover in 2009 to bring the car in step with Acura's current design language, the majority of the RL's exterior form dates back to the 2005 model year.

Angular fenders and the so-called Power Plenum grille design have invoked controversy on other Acura models, but the RL manages to wear them in a handsome -- if not forgettable -- manner. That doesn't change for 2011, as designers have limited exterior revisions to a new grille insert, along with a revamped trim piece for the trunk. New 15-spoke, 18-inch wheels also incorporate Helmholz resonators within their outer edges to help counter road noise.

In photographs, the RL may look larger than the TL, but the 2 are almost dimensionally identical. At 195.8 inches long, the RL is only 3/10s of an inch longer than the TL, and its 110.2-inch wheelbase is almost an inch greater.


The Techno-Cabin Continues
Remarkably, the 2 are almost identical when it comes to interior space. The RL offers nearly 99.1 cubic feet of passenger volume, eclipsing the TL by a sole cubic foot. Front and rear head, leg, and shoulder room are also within a 1/2-inch of one another.

That said, the 2 cabins couldn't be any more discrete. While the TL offers an edgy, geometric, and perhaps futuristic cabin, the RL's passenger space uses softer, more traditional forms. Dark burlwood dash trim -- new for 2011 -- cascades into a rectangular center stack, which presents its controls in clean, well-arranged manner. An 8-inch screen displays information tied to audio and (if so equipped) navigation systems, but some settings -- primarily those tied to the climate control system -- are also shown on a slim LCD display located at the top of the dashboard.

In typical Acura fashion, our fully loaded RL was jammed with all sorts of technological goodies. Standard features include heated front seats, XM satellite radio, a Bose 260-watt, 10-speaker surround-sound system with noise cancellation, HID headlamps, 6 airbags, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. Opt for the Technology Package, and Acura throws in navigation, adaptive headlamps, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, and ventilated front seats. The Advance Package goes 1 step further, throwing adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigating brake system, and power-folding side-view mirrors into the mix.


Farewell 5-Speed; Say Hello to 6 Gears
Mechanically speaking, the 2011 RL is virtually identical to 2009 and 2010 models. Honda's 3.7-liter DOHC V-6 is still nestled underhood in a transverse manner, and is still rated at 300 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 271 pound-feet of torque at 5000 rpm. That power is channeled to all 4 wheels via the company's advanced SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system. Not only can the driveline send up to 70% of the engine's torque to the rear axle, but it also can channel power to a single rear wheel, optimizing traction and helping rotate the car through fast corners.

The big news for 2011 lies with the transmission. Long dogged for retaining an antiquated 5-speed automatic when competitors were switching to 6, 7, and 8-speed designs, the 2011 RL finally receives an extra gear, bringing the grand total to 6. The transmission is as smooth and well geared to the V-6's power range as the previous 5-speed, but the additional cog helps bolster fuel economy. The EPA rates the 2011 RL at 17/24 mpg (city/highway), and improvement of 1 and 4 mpg, respectively. Driving conservatively, we saw a 23-24 mpg average over a 60/40 split of highway and city driving.


A Supple Ride, With A Dash of Sporty
Acura claims the RL moniker stands for refined luxury, but that doesn't mean the car can't provide the driver with a little fun while behind the wheel. Ride quality is softer than that of the TL, and turn in isn't quite as sharp, but body roll is kept to a surprising minimum, and the SH-AWD's torque-vectoring skills further help the car stay planted when pushed in corners.

Push you certainly can. The 3.7-liter V-6 never lacks the grunt needed to toss around the RL's 4110 pounds. Shift times of the 6-speed improve slightly when in sport mode, but drivers who insist on selecting their own gear can do so with the new steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Even when flogged to its limits, the RL delivers a civilized ambiance to those seated within. The 3.7-liter is smooth even as it approaches its redline, and the cabin is impressively insulated from wind, tire, and road noise.


A Fine Foundation, But What's Next?
The RL is a stylish, solid package, and at $48,000 for a well-equipped base model, it's reasonably affordable. Load it up to the $56,000 mark, however, and it's up against several other worthy competitors, including the Infiniti M, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, many of which offer a little extra panache and prestige.

Ironically, the car's biggest competitor may come from within Acura's own lineup. The RL looks, feels, and drives like a mature spin on the TL, an impression bolstered by the two models sharing powertrain, dimensions, and content. This may have allowed the RL to cultivate its own small niche of followers, but as the TL itself moves slightly upmarket for 2012 while retaining a smaller price tag, the RL's already small customer base may quickly shrink.

Acura has all the foundations of a true premium luxury sedan in place with its 2011 RL, but in order to revert the nameplate's recent sales slide in an increasingly competitive segment, the next-generation needs to pack the visual pizazz and unique personality today's model lacks.
2011 Acura RL

Base Price: $48,060 (including destination)
As-Tested: $56,870

Powertrain: 3.7-liter DOHC, 48-valve V-6
Horsepower: 300 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 271 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive: All-wheel

Measurements:
L x W x H: 195.8 x 72.7 x 52.7"
Legroom F/R: 42.4/ 36.3"
Headroom F/R: 38.5/37.2"
Cargo capacity: 13.8 cu ft
Curb weight: 4112 pounds
EPA Rating (city/highway): 17/24 mpg
Old 03-14-2011, 11:28 AM
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"the next-generation needs to pack the visual pizazz and unique personality today's model lacks."

Yup. Get rid of Power Phlegm and make it hot-looking (though leaving a little blandness for those who demand it). Then people will notice it more.
Old 03-24-2011, 02:28 PM
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The good: The 2011 Acura RL's standard all-wheel-drive vectors torque for improved cornering. Forward-facing radar allows adaptive cruise control and emergency automatic braking.

The bad: Acura has not implemented the same navigational and audio system improvements in the RL that it has in other models.

The bottom line:
With only moderate tech updates over the years, the 2011 Acura RL lags behind the cutting-edge competition, and has trouble justifying its over-$50K price.
While other automakers push the technological edge with their top sedans, Acura remains strangely resistant to change. The 2011 Acura RL shows some improvement in its drivetrain and driver assistance features, but the company installs more advanced cabin tech features in its TL and TSX models. And the RL falls far short of top sedans from European manufacturers.

Of course, the RL has never exuded the prestige of the Audi A8 or the Mercedes-Benz S-class. And it keeps a comparatively low price tag, suggesting Acura does not really want to compete in that big, executive sedan segment. The RL keeps its aspirations lower, offering reasonable comfort rather than plush luxury.

In the cabin, the RL sports as much plastic as it does wood trim, and thin strips of metal coexist with leather seats. Luxury tech touches include heated and cooled seats and a smart-key system that unlocks the doors with a touch of the handle. But instead of a push-button start, the RL uses a sort of fake key handle on the steering column, as if the company merely retrofitted a standard ignition lock.


Add-on tech

Similarly, and a consistent problem with Acura, is the way some of the cabin tech features feel shoehorned into the car. With the Technology package, the RL gets a navigation system with an interface that does not feel well-integrated with the rest of the cabin electronics. And the voice command system for navigation and other car functions is grafted on, sitting side-by-side with a separate voice command system for the phone.

The RL's button-covered center stack will appeal more to tech aficionados than luxury buyers, with a functional but protruding primary control dial that also acts as a joystick. This controller manipulates an onscreen interface that is uniquely Acura, intuitively laid out but in need of a graphic makeover, saddled as it is with ugly gray buttons.

The car's navigation system only shows maps in 2D, but integrates traffic data, making it about average among the competition. Of course, the RL has had the same feature set for years, up to and including the Zagat restaurant listings in the points-of-interest database. The system includes weather forecast data, its most modern feature.

Standing out as a more up-to-date feature is the Bluetooth phone system, which easily downloads contact lists from paired phones to make them available on the car's LCD. The car includes a search function for those with overly full contact lists. The call quality is very good, aided by the active noise cancellation in the cabin.


Audio orphan
Although Acura has installed its ELS audio system in just about every other model, the RL remains neglected in this regard, carrying on with its 10-speaker Bose system. This system produces good audio quality, but it doesn't shine with the kind of audiophile goodness found in other cars.

Acura has upgraded the audio sources with Bluetooth streaming audio and iPod integration, adding those on to the existing satellite radio and DVD changer. But unlike the TL and TSX models, there is no internal hard-drive storage for music, another instance where Acura's lesser models beat the RL in tech.

Browsing an iPod library on the car's main screen is a little slow, as it takes a moment to refresh artist, song, and album lists. Acura puts a pigtail with a USB port in the console, convenient for plugging in an iPod cable or USB drive. The console itself is a good place to hide an attached iPod.

The RL gets a couple of driver assistance features using its forward-facing radar, such as adaptive cruise control and what Acura calls its Collision Mitigation Braking System, or CMBS. The adaptive cruise control offers the usual three following distances, and worked without fault during highway testing.

CMBS works in a few different stages. When the car is rolling toward stopped traffic, it will first sound off an audible beep if the driver doesn't touch the brakes. If the brakes remain untouched it flashes a bright message on the instrument cluster reading, "Brake!" If these warnings have been given and the driver still hasn't touched the brakes, the car will initiate its own emergency braking. CMBS won't stop in time to prevent a collision, but its automatic braking should lessen the effects of an accident.


6 gears
As a drivetrain improvement, Acura fits the 2011 RL with a 6-speed automatic transmission, a long overdue update. This transmission offers sport and manual modes along with its standard drive mode. Paddles on the steering wheel make manual shifts easy, but this transmission shows the usual torque converter sluggishness during gear changes.

The sport mode for the transmission keeps the average engine speed high, around 3,000rpm, but it doesn't aggressively downshift during hard braking. It does its best work holding a low gear when you're giving it gas coming out of a turn.

Acura upgraded the RL with a 6-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 5-speed gearbox.

But the RL isn't really a high-stepping sports car. Acura's 3.7-liter V-6 gives it 300 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, numbers appropriate for the engine's variable valve timed tuning. But it lacks direct injection, engine technology rapidly coming into vogue as a way of improving efficiency. Transmission and engine do a good job of making the power available, offering easy acceleration and contributing to drivability.

The result of this engine tech is an EPA rating of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. In our testing over mountain highways, freeways, and in city traffic, the 2011 RL turned in an average of 18 mpg. Those numbers are not particularly impressive.

Also to improve efficiency, Acura equips the RL with an electric power steering unit, one of the highlights of its performance tech. The steering feels responsive and offers decent road feedback.

Another of the car's advanced features is the all-wheel-drive system, Acura's Super Handling All Wheel Drive, or SH-AWD. This system actively distributes torque between the front and rear wheels and vectors it across the rear axle to aid in cornering. SH-AWD inspires handling confidence in the RL, letting you take corners at speed. However, the suspension is tuned more for comfort, allowing a lot of travel in the dampers. The car doesn't bounce over bumps, but you can feel it stretch when pulled through a fast corner.


In sum
The Acura RL was ahead of the curve in 2005, but the competition has since caught up and passed it. Its engine tech only qualifies as average these days, although the new 6-speed automatic transmission helps it at least stay in the race. Its real high points are the all-wheel-drive system and electric power steering.

Cabin tech suffers from a stale navigation system. The Bluetooth phone system at least keeps up with the latest tech offerings, and the stereo offers advanced sources such as Bluetooth streaming. The Bose audio falls a little short of the ELS system in Acura's other models, but not by much. Driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control help keep the RL a viable tech car.

The sedan format has the usual practicality, and it offers a surprising amount of trunk space for a medium-size car. Acura's grille has a unique look, but the profile of the RL is bland. The cabin tech interface is very usable, but ugly, and the center console has as many buttons as the cockpit of a 747.

Old 03-31-2011, 11:21 AM
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Was looking around at some RL reviews and came across these videos.

This one got on my nerves, but had some good shots of the exterior:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eGH639zmlA

I think this is just a video version of the review posted above:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orxTjEg7fME

Last edited by carver2011; 03-31-2011 at 11:27 AM.
Old 04-06-2011, 06:07 PM
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Lightbulb CNET Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA4p7N5Emj4
Old 04-06-2011, 06:47 PM
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Unhappy Response to CNET Vid

I watched the CNET video for the 2011 TSX Sport Wagon right after this & I can see what they mean by the screen ... that looks really dated & pitiful compared to Acura's newer vehicles. That is pretty bad for a flagship; hopefully 2012 will be better ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF7sx8wTJRQ
Old 04-06-2011, 07:15 PM
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I thought this was a pretty good read:

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews...nce/index.html
Old 04-06-2011, 07:35 PM
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Yep, much like the '04 RL it has major improvements and is a nice car but zero marketing or promotions. It'll be discounted and soon we'll have another generation in its stead.
Old 04-06-2011, 09:11 PM
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Still an RL fan. Desperately want to see the next generation, though. The CNET review was quite honest. The nav tech has not kept up and is showing its age.

Hopefully Acura will step up.
Old 05-14-2011, 11:42 AM
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EXECUTIVE EDITOR--AUTOWEEK.COM BOB GRITZINGER: It seems as if Acura has almost disappeared from the radar, but it remains 1 of my favorite premium brands for its mix of luxury, refinement and Honda-engineered sporty driving character. For instance, the steering wheel's mix of wood and leather is a work of art, and the connection the wheel provides to the road is Honda-direct in every way. The seats are plush and comfortable but are adjustable to create a perfect driving position.

I like the understated appearance of the RL, along with the sure grip of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. I like being able to make the transmission more engaging by dropping into sport mode and working the paddles. The engine runs sewing-machine smooth but likes to run and rev to redline, making the car much more engaging than its styling might suggest.

This is a good car, one that seems as if it ought to be on more buyers' lists if they like a car to drive rather a nice car to ride around in.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR JONATHAN WONG:
I wouldn't say that Acura has disappeared off the radar, Bob. It still moves a bunch of MDXs and a fair number of TLs and TSXs. However, I will say that the RL has become a forgotten member of the Acura family. It's still suffering from the "how can a flagship sedan not have a V8?" disease.

The truth is, this car isn't equipped to be in the conversation with cars such as the BMW 7-series, the Audi A8, the Mercedes-Benz S-class and he Lexus LS 460. It's not big enough and lacks a brute engine. Acura not having a vehicle to play in that area has more or less kept Acura from being considered a top-tier luxury brand. We know that Acura did intend to step up its game a few years back and develop a V8, but those plans (along with the V10-powered NSX) were binned for cost-cutting reasons during the recession.

So as far as we know, the RL as we know it soldiers on but receives some improvements for 2011. The biggest upgrade is a 6-speed transmission in place of the old 5-speed. That helps bump fuel economy ratings from 16/22 mpg city/highway in 2010 to 17/24 mpg city/highway for 2011.

To further quiet the ride, Acura installed polypropylene Helmholtz resonators in the center of the new 18-inch, 15-spoke wheels. Acura says the resonators significantly lower middle frequency noise, which along with increased use of floorboard sound insulation yield a 15% reduction in cabin noise.

Besides the wheels, the front grille was revised, power-folding side mirrors were added and backup sensors are available as an option but are standard on our Advance test model.

There's no question that the RL is a solidly constructed piece. The doors close with a pleasing thud and the interior is beautifully built with quality materials. The front buckets are both comfortable and supportive and the cabin is well insulated from wind and road noise to make enjoying the rich-sounding, 10-speaker Bose audio system easier.

On top of that, the RL is a pretty darn good driver. The suspension definitely veers on the sportier side of the equation, which means every little road imperfection isn't going to be smoothed out, and I don't mind that. Even with the RL weighing in at more than two tons, the RL feels relatively light on its feet and responds to all commands in short order.

The 3.7-liter V6 is smooth in operation, doesn't mind to rev and provides a linear powerband. Of course, it's not going to light the world on fire, but there is enough power to get things rolling quick without any fuss. As for the SH-AWD system, I think it's one of the best ones out there. With the ability to route torque from side to side, it helped the RL rotate around corners nicely to reduce understeer tendencies--common in many AWD vehicles--a lot. Steering is responsive with nice weight tuned into the wheel, and the brakes are also strong with good, solid pedal feel.

Even with the RL being a great underlying car, packed with oodles of technology, most people ultimately will still be turned off by the price of admission for a car this size with a V6. In this Advance model's case, it's $56,010. Personally, I would forget about the collision-mitigation brake system and adaptive cruise control standard on the Advance model and go for the RL with Technology package instead. That lops off $3,800 from the price to bring it down to $52,210. That's a little easier to handle.

2011 Acura RL with Advance Package

Base Price: $56,010

As-Tested Price: $56,010

Drivetrain: 3.7-liter V6; AWD, six-speed automatic

Output: 300 hp @ 6,300 rpm, 271 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,099 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 20/19.3 mpg

Options: None
Old 05-27-2011, 08:47 PM
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What makes the RL distinct or alluring among luxury cars? How is it much different than the same-sized TL? And shouldn't a brand flagship feel a little more exclusive, a little less mainstream-lux?

These are all questions shoppers will be wondering, and we couldn't help but be left pondering them even after several days with a 2011 Acura RL Advance. In short: Performance was satisfying enough, and we felt comfortable and at ease, but as soon as we thought about what else we could get with the same money, we couldn't help but think that we'd jump ship for a Jaguar XF, BMW 5-Series, Infiniti M37. Heck, maybe even a Saab 9-5.

Part of it could be that, in a fickle luxury market, the RL's design isn't fresh. While the RL has been given a modest refresh for 2011, in the form of a new front end, revised interior tech and entertainment features, and a number of mechanical changes including a new 6-speed automatic transmission, most of the car is carried over (and is now more than 5 years on).


Design still feels fresh inside, though not outside

For some seasoned luxury car buyers, the anonymity might be appreciated, but as Acura's left it for 2011 this sedan looks derivative and lost from the outside. Stepping around the RL, it just feels flat-out dull for a supposedly glitzy luxury car. Acura calls the RL's exterior styling aggressive, but after hemming and hawing from various angles, we just couldn't see it; it's a very conservative sedan. The snout had been its main talking point, but what replaces it this year is a revised, oddly conservative (and cheap-looking) grille treatment that looks less fluid and integrated than the original (of this generation) 2005 RL.

Inside, it's better, with the familiar Acura instrument panel layout—still close to that used in the TL—which has held up well. While stylistically it's pleasing and complex, with a middle belt that wraps across the dash and around into the doors, functionally it's refreshingly simple, if a bit cluttered, with center-stack controls nicely arranged with climate control up top, audio below that, and nav/trip controls beneath that.

Power is provided by a 3.7-liter V-6, making 300 horsepower and 271 pound-feet. It's not the torquiest off the line, but it builds to a sonorous and impressive power peak, for as quick of a super-legal 2-laner semi pass as we could ever see laid back drivers wanting. 1 longtime problem with all V-6 Honda and Acura cars—lumpy, almost harsh shifts on gentle acceleration—seems to have been completely solved here; Acura says that the 6-speed automatic has a new multi-clutch torque converter, which aids fuel economy and probably has something to do with that smoothness.


Invites being driven fast, but not being driven hard

There's something about the way the RL is tuned (and how well it's isolated, perhaps) that doesn't invite you to drive it hard, but it has no problem being driven fast. The numb, innocuous steering and all-around isolated feel keep you from pushing it hard, but if you do you'll find it's actually quite hard to fluster. Acura's SH-AWD system here simply delivers with composure and grip, whenever you need it. And as for sheer velocity, if you don't watch it, you'll probably end up pushing well past the speed limit; with its quiet, supremely isolated interior and a suspension that keeps body motion very much under wraps yet without giving up comfort, it's a go-fast touring machine for the sorts of trips where you want to cover hundreds of miles a day while catching up with your road-trip companions.

On a cracked, undulating 2-laner in Oregon's Coast Range road we felt nothing of the changes in surface and only heard, faintly, the most jarring impacts, all while we were able to glide around tight, choppy curves very quickly—though again, without much of a thrill factor.

Interior refinement and noise are very, very impressive, even when you're pitching the RL into tight corners, on rough pavement, and nailing the throttle just before apex. The RL also managed to effectively soak up road noise from a stretch of nearby expressway that brings out the boominess in most new vehicles. We didn't hear a hint of wind noise either, and engine noise only was only discernible when accelerating hard. Acura uses Active Sound Control, an advanced form of its Active Noise Cancellation system that actively cancels out an even wider range of background noise and harshness—including most tire noise—meaning that it very easy to carry on a quiet conversation, even at high speeds on a harsh surface.

Aside from being able to order up a little more steering feel, we'd have liked a little steadier brake feedback. The brakes have an initial, almost overboosted bite that seems to fade in longer stops; it can feel almost like fade, but add a little more pedal pressure and you'll find it isn't.


Whisper-quiet, but not all that roomy

The RL's interior, while 1 of the quietest, is far from the roomiest. The RL's front seats are firm and supportive, with ventilated leather striking a good comfort balance; all they're missing are extending thigh supports. In back, though, there's, surprisingly, just enough space for adults; and with the front seats in their rearmost position, 6-footers will find headroom and legroom in back very tight (it really doesn't feel any more ample than in a TL or Accord). Per the pic, the roofline has been awkwardly carved out to get that headroom, even. The trunk feels miniscule for a vehicle in this segment, too; the decklid and opening are quite small, and toward the frontal portion the space tapers inward and upward.


With limited voice-command capability, a sluggish interface, frustrating menus, and seemingly incomplete map sets, the RL's navigation system now feels a full generation behind the systems in most of its luxury-car rivals. And this proved another sour experience with an Acura nav system; at one point the system actually thought that, along U.S. 101, we were 9 miles from where we were—leaving us to resort to an iPhone for navigating. After restarting the engine (and nav system), it silently corrected its position.

Over about 250 miles of driving, a mix of suburban errands and a weekend trip mixing Interstate cruising and two-laners, we managed about 22 mpg overall—pretty respectable for a large-displacement V-6, and about on par with its EPA ratings of 17/24.


Trying to make sense of where it fits in

Sticker price for our test 2011 Acura RL Advance was $56,010 including destination. That's a few thousand more than a comparably equipped Lincoln MKS EcoBoost, or nearly 15 grand more than a Hyundai Genesis V-6 with its available Tech Package. It's also about 10 grand more than a Volvo S80 T6 Turbo, loaded with nav, premium sound, and its Technology Package. Or you could have slightly less well-equipped versions of the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar XF, or Mercedes-Benz E-Class—all of which either have more style and luxury cachet, more driving thrills, or both.

A lot of the current must-have luxury features are here, though: xenon headlamps with Active Front Lighting, adaptive cruise, heated and ventilated seats, Bluetooth and USB interfaces, and a great-sounding Bose sound system. But the design is showing its age in some details, like the little add-on stub on the steering column, to enable 'keyless' ignition.

At this point, let's work in reverse. The RL is definitely not a vehicle for the one who wants the fastest, edgiest, or most distinctive sport sedan, nor for the 1 who must have the most ostentatious or pillowy luxury car. What's left is the person who values understatement and more of a classic, conservative 'executive car' feel, and the 1 who maybe wants some of the latest tech features but not piles of gleaming chrome. Target: A dentist or real-estate agent who wants to enjoy wealth and be seen as successful but not swimming in it (where an S-Class or 7-Series might be too much)?

Once we'd reasoned out who the target buyer is, the RL makes a little more sense. It's difficult to make a point for the RL—any point, in fact, when many of the features in the RL are available in the Accord. That said, in some respects the RL is a road-tripping dream; if you have to cover vast distances for work or play and can get a good lease deal on an RL, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend 1.

And that brings us back to the initial point—and it concerns what we see in much of the current Acura lineup, except for the excellent TSX sedan and wagon. Our appreciation of the RL is only lukewarm, and we can't help but attach so many ifs and buts. Ultimately, the RL feels like it's trying so hard to fit in that there's nothing charming or captivating. Which is, after all, a bit part of a luxury brand's cachet, right? By appealing to the least-common-denominator luxury shopper, Acura's not really appealing to anyone.

Old 05-28-2011, 02:38 AM
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Sat in one earlier today at the dealership. Differences are subtle from my '08 but it's basically the same. I seem to be one of the few that actually prefer the '11 headrest though..
Old 06-10-2011, 12:00 PM
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Key Takeaway
The 2011 Acura RL lives up to its flagship status in the Acura lineup with top-notch tech features and long-haul comfort, but charm comes up missing.

The Basics
The 2011 Acura RL is an elegant, conservative sedan—at the large end of mid-size, powered by a strong, high-revving V-6 powertrain and sophisticated all-wheel drive system, and loaded with comfort, tech, and infotainment features. But simply put, compared to nearly any other sport luxury sedans from rival brands, it comes up short.

To start, in a fickle luxury market, the RL's design is simply no longer fresh. While the RL has been given a modest refresh for 2011, in the form of a new front end, revised interior tech and entertainment features, and a number of mechanical changes including a new 6-speed automatic transmission, most of the car is carried over (and is now more than 5 years on). For some seasoned luxury car buyers, the anonymity might be appreciated, but as Acura's left it for 2011 this sedan looks derivative and lost from the outside. Inside, it's better, with the familiar Acura instrument panel layout—still close to that used in the TL—which has held up well, even if it's a bit restrained.

Going by the specs panel, or even by instrumented-testing numbers, the performance credentials for the 2011 Acura RL look great: The powerful 300-hp V-6, a new 6-speed automatic with paddle-shifters, and a sophisticated SH-AWD all-wheel drive system help put the power to the pavement (and smartly manage it from side to side) even on tight, roughtly surfaced corners. But somehow, something's missing in the translation to the driver's seat. This year, a new 6-speed automatic provides smoother, surer shifts, which helps make the powertrain more agreeable than ever, but numb, innocuous steering and all-around isolated feel keep you from pushing it hard. If you do, though, you'll find it's actually quite hard to fluster: Acura's SH-AWD system here simply delivers with composure and grip, whenever you need it.

If you don't watch it, you'll probably end up pushing well past the speed limit; with its quiet, supremely isolated interior and a suspension that keeps body motion very much under wraps yet without giving up comfort, it's a go-fast touring machine for the sorts of trips where you want to cover hundreds of miles a day while catching up with your road-trip companions. Even on the most roughly surfaced, tightest backroads, you'll only hear, faintly, the most jarring impacts, while being able to glide around tight, choppy curves very quickly—though again, without much of the satisfaction or involvement that usually comes with a sport sedan.

The interior of the 2011 Acura RL, while 1 of the quietest and very comfortable for those in the front seat, is far from the roomiest and really only fit for 4 adults. Front seats are firm and fine, but the backseat is surprisingly short on headroom and foot space, and the trunk feels like a compromised afterthought. Again, the RL's strong suit is quietness in the cabin, thanks to a host of true luxury-car measures, including an active noise cancellation system.

The feature list is strong, overall, with xenon headlamps with Active Front Lighting, adaptive cruise control, heated and ventilated seats, Bluetooth and USB features, and a great-sounding USB system all on offer, as well as a navigation system with real-time traffic and weather data. But the design is showing its age in a number of tech and feature details—especially in the overly sluggish, outdated navigation system, which compared to the latest systems in Lincoln and Audi vehicles feels a full decade behind.

Although Honda has yet to confirm a replacement, stay tuned in the Related News section; a fully redesigned RL might soon remedy that and provide Acura with a more competitive entry.

Styling: 6 out of 10

Styling Conclusion
While the interior of the aging 2011 Acura RL is still reasonably stylish and well designed, the exterior feels too careful and conservative to be noticed in the crowd.

Here's What We Think:
For some seasoned luxury car buyers, the anonymity might be appreciated, but as Acura's left it for 2011 this sedan looks derivative and lost from the outside.

Stepping around the RL, it just feels flat-out dull for a supposedly glitzy luxury car. Acura calls the RL's exterior styling aggressive, but after hemming and hawing from various angles, we can't see it; it's a very conservative sedan. The snout had been its main talking point, but what replaces it this year is a revised, oddly conservative (and cheap-looking) grille treatment that looks less fluid and integrated than the original (of this generation) 2005 RL.

Inside, it's better, with the familiar Acura instrument panel layout—still close to that used in the TL—which has held up well, even if it's a bit restrained. While stylistically it's pleasing and complex, with a middle belt that wraps across the dash and around into the doors, functionally it's one of the simpler designs among large luxury sedans, with center-stack controls nicely arranged with climate control up top, audio below that, and nav/trip controls beneath that. The setup, which doesn't rely on the touchscreen for climate or music controls as many other vehicles now do, feels refreshingly simple, even though it's a bit cluttered in appearance.

Performance: 7 out of 10

Performance Conclusion
The 2011 Acura RL is a well-rounded performer, but it's sorely lacking the thrill factor.

Here's What We Think:
If you go by the specs panel, or even by instrumented-testing numbers, the performance credentials for the 2011 Acura RL look great: There's a big, high-revving V-6, a new 6-speed automatic with paddle-shifters, and a sophisticated SH-AWD all-wheel drive system to put the power to the pavement (and smartly manage it from side to side) even on tight, roughtly surfaced corners. But somehow, something's missing in the translation to the driver's seat.

While the RL's 3.7-liter V-6, making 300 horsepower and 271 pound-feet, isn't the torquiest off the line, it builds to a sonorous and impressive power peak, for as quick of a super-legal 2-laner semi pass as we could ever see laid back drivers wanting. And one longtime problem with all V-6 Honda and Acura cars—lumpy, almost harsh shifts on gentle acceleration—seems to have been completely solved here; Acura says that the 6-speed automatic has a new multi-clutch torque converter, which aids fuel economy and probably has something to do with that smoothness.

That said, there's something about the way the RL is tuned (and how well it's isolated, perhaps) that doesn't invite you to drive it hard, but it has no problem being driven fast. The numb, innocuous steering and all-around isolated feel keep you from pushing it hard, though if you do you'll find it's actually quite hard to fluster. Acura's SH-AWD system here simply delivers with composure and grip, whenever you need it. And as for sheer velocity, if you don't watch it, you'll probably end up pushing well past the speed limit; with its quiet, supremely isolated interior and a suspension that keeps body motion very much under wraps yet without giving up comfort, it's a go-fast touring machine for the sorts of trips where you want to cover hundreds of miles a day while catching up with your road-trip companions.

Even on the most roughly surfaced, tightest backroads, you'll only hear, faintly, the most jarring impacts, while being able to glide around tight, choppy curves very quickly—though again, without much of the satisfaction or involvement that usually comes with a sport sedan.

Aside from being able to order up a little more steering feel, the sport-sedan crowd would probably also like a little steadier brake feedback. The brakes have an initial, almost overboosted bite that seems to fade in longer stops; it can feel almost like fade, but add a little more pedal pressure and you'll find it isn't.

Quality: 8 out of 10

Quality Conclusion
The interior of the 2011 Acura RL is whisper-quiet and well assembled, but it's not all that roomy in the back seat or in the trunk.

Here's What We Think:
The interior of the 2011 Acura RL, while one of the quietest and very comfortable for those in the front seat, is far from the roomiest and really only fit for four adults.

The RL's front seats are firm and supportive, with ventilated leather (and heating and cooling) striking a good comfort balance; all they're missing are extending thigh supports. In back, though, there's, surprisingly, just enough space for adults. With the front seats in their rearmost position, 6-footers will find headroom and legroom in back very tight (it really doesn't feel any more ample than in a TL or Accord). The roofline has been awkwardly carved out to get that headroom, even.

The trunk also feels miniscule for a vehicle in this segment, too; the decklid and opening are quite small, and toward the frontal portion the space tapers inward and upward.

The Acura RL's real strong suit is quietness in the cabin, thanks to thicker glass and more insulation than rivals, while high-quality materials, including glossy, rich wood and solid, pleasant-feeling plastics, provide a relaxed, premium feeling. An active noise cancellation system and excellent sealing from wind noise means that even on the highway, at super-legal speeds, you'll be able to carry on a quiet, relaxed conversation.

Safety: 8 out of 10

Safety Conclusion
The safety package looks excellent for the 2011 Acura RL, but it's clouded a bit by a mediocre roof-strength score.

Here's What We Think:
The 2011 Acura RL scores well in most assessments of safety—especially with respect to features and accident avoidance—but a few points keep it from being called one of the safest vehicles in this class.

While the RL hasn't at all been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it's been put through the paces by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in all of its categories, and while it gets top 'good' results in frontal, side, and rear tests, it didn't do well at all in the new roof-strength test. In fact, the 2011 RL has the worst results in the roof strength category of any model tested—indicating a higher-than-typical chance of injury in a rollover, which is, admittedly, less likely in a low sedan like the RL.

But all the standard safety features are here, and more. 6 airbags are standard, plus active front headrests, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes, and radar-based cruise control and automatic curve-following headlights are available. Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System also detects potential rear-end collisions from its location behind the front grille, warns the driver, then initiates automatic braking, using millimeter-wave radar technology to keep track of vehicles ahead. CMBS is bundled with adaptive cruise control (ACC), which adapts speed and distance to the vehicle in front.

Features: 8 out of 10

Features Conclusion
Many of the latest infotainment and tech features are on offer in the 2011 Acura RL, but it's pricey when ordered with them and the interface feels outdated and inelegant.

Here's What We Think:
At 1st glance at all the potential features available in the 2011 Acura RL, it looks like a high-tech bonanza; xenon headlamps with Active Front Lighting, adaptive cruise, heated and ventilated seats, Bluetooth and USB interfaces, and a great-sounding Bose sound system. Other features include a navigation system with real-time traffic and weather data, along with full XM satellite radio integration.

Standard equipment is pretty impressive, with a sunroof and xenon headlamps included, and leather upholstery, power sunshades, and dual-zone climate control further swaddle occupants in luxury. But many of the tech features are bundled together, driving up the price by thousands.

And while the feature list is strong, overall, the design is showing its age in some tech and feature details, like the little add-on stub on the steering column, to enable 'keyless' ignition, and the overly sluggish, outdated navigation system, which compared to the latest systems in Lincoln and Audi vehicles feels a full decade behind. The interface also feels somewhat clunky, with the central rotary knob more time-consuming for input than touch screens. The array of buttons surrounding the main knob are a little puzzling at times, too; for instance, why is the A/C button down with the nav controls rather than with climate controls?

Green: 6 out of 10

Green Conclusion
The 2011 Acura RL is somewhat thirsty for its size, but respectable to other luxury models.

Here's What We Think:
The 2011 Acura RL comes with fuel economy ratings (17 mpg city, 24 highway) that are about average relative to other large luxury sedans.

However, there are a number of other non-luxury-brand mid-size sedans that provide about the same interior space but get much better gas mileage of around 30 or higher on the highway; examples include the Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick LaCrosse.

Over about 250 miles of driving, a mix of suburban errands and a weekend trip mixing Interstate cruising and 2-laners, we managed about 22 mpg overall—pretty respectable for a large-displacement V-6, and about on par with its EPA ratings of 17/24.
We like
Strong, high-revving V-6
Responsive new 6-speed automatic
Comfy front seats
Awesome SH-AWD system

We dislike
Bland, almost anonymous styling
Numb driving experience
Cramped backseat and trunk
Outdated infotainment
Not much differentiation from the TL
Old 06-10-2011, 10:12 PM
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I really like the new grill. Not a fan of the rims though. As for the rest, kinda surprised they did so little in this refresh.
Old 05-14-2012, 08:00 AM
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Lightbulb Since Nothing Changed for 2012, I Will Put It Here ...


Despite debuting over 7 years ago, extensively refreshed in 2009 and nip/tucked again in 2011, the Acura RL remains a mystery. Flagship products usually sell in small numbers, but the RL is 1 of the rarest sedans in America. This isn’t exactly been a badge of honor for Acura. Overlooked by shoppers who flock to the cheaper Acura TL and largely forgotten by the automotive press (after all these years, TTAC has never fully reviewed the RL) With a full replacement due next year in the form of the RLX concept, I hit Acura up for an RL for a week to see how a flagship product from a major brand could manage to sell just 56 vehicles in Canada and 1,096 in the USA in 2011. For those who like statistics, the TL outsold the RL by 2,850%. Ouch.


Exterior

Like Audi, Acura believes in the “same sausage, different lengths” school of design. The RL’s form combines an angular nose with slab sides, a rounded rear and thankfully, (new for 2011) the most demure Acura beak available. While beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, I find the RL more attractive than the TL (even with the TL’s beak-reduction.) There is a problem however: the RL is only 1.7 inches longer than the TL and rides on a wheelbase that is only .9 inches longer. These identical proportions are only the beginning of the sibling rivalry. Nearly identical proportions aside, the RL has aged well and still strikes an elegant pose that is decidedly more exciting than the sedate Volvo S80.


Interior

Once you sit inside the RL, you begin to understand why the TL gets all the attention. It’s not that there is anything wrong with the RL, it’s just not as flashy. While the TL borrows from the European play book with an interior that could have been carved out of a single piece of black plastic, the RL goes for a more elegant 2-tone approach. The only real feature differentiation between the RL and TL can be found in the optional real-wood trim and radar cruise control neither of which are available in the “smaller” Acura.

Not all is peachy-keen inside however. Automotive interiors age faster than a powder-blue tux and the RL is no exception. Aside from the lack of stitched-dash-love, the fact that faux-tree is standard when even Lincoln gets their trim from the forest is a problem. Acura’s well-known love affair with buttons results in no less than 65 buttons (not including toggle or the joystick controller) within easy reach of the driver. Is that good or bad? I’m torn. Tell us what you think the comment section.


Infotainment

As a statement of how “ahead of the curve” Acura was in 2005, the RL’s 8-inch infotainment system provides all the features a luxury shopper could ask for, from voice control to full USB, Bluetooth and iPod integration. The problem isn’t the functionality, it’s the aesthetics. It’s like un-boxing a new PC only to discover it has Windows XP. It might be just as fast as a model with Windows 7, and it will do everything you need - it just won’t look as snazzy while it’s doing it.

On the audio front, the Bose system is absolutely top-notch with a very natural balance, crisp highs and a wide dynamic range. Acura continues to push the rare DVD-Audio format in all Acura models. DVD Audio’s discrete 5.1 channel recordings do sound fantastic on the RL, but unlike some of the other luxury systems you can’t play video DVDs on the system at all. Good luck finding DVD-A discs as well. The RL uses Bose Active Noise Cancellation technology to cut cabin noise, while it wasn’t really possible to disable the system, the RL’s cabin is very quiet.


Drivetrain

Beating “sideways” under the hood of the RL is Acura’s ubiquitous 3.7L V6, good for 300HP and 271lb-ft of twist at a lofty 5,000RPM. 300HP may have been a selling point back in 2005, but in today’s luxury market, 300 is where things start, not end. The 3.7′s 271lb-ft is practically meager when pitted against the 350lb-ft cranked out by Lincoln’s Ecoboost V6, not to mention BMW’s twin turbo V8. Rubbing some salt on the wound, the TL’s optional 3.7L engine cranks out 5 more ponies. Ouch. Still, the MKS Ecoboost and S80 T6 are on the high-end of the competition’s scale which, more realistically, includes the GS350 AWD and the Cadillac XTS.

For 2011 Acura updated the RL with a new 6-speed transmission. The extra cog cut the RL’s dash to 60 by almost a full 1/2 second vs the 2010 model (5.9 as tested.) Mercedes may advertise a 7-speed automatic and BMW and Audi tout their ZF 8-speed, but let’s be honest here – the E350, 535xi or A6 3.0T don’t compete head-on with the RL. When you scale back the competition to the more natural competitors of the S80, MKS, GS350 and XTS, the right number of gears for this crowd is 6. The 2012 RL is now rated for 17/24MPG (City/Highway) which is 1MPG better than before. Over our 745 miles with the RL we averaged a middling 19MPG. In comparison, Cadillac’s XTS promises to be the most efficient AWD sedan in this size class at 17/28MPG.


Drive

It’s not the acceleration that makes the RL an interesting companion on the road, it’s the handling. Oddly enough, the nearly 4,100lb RL is a willing companion on the twisties thanks to Acura’s “Super Handling All Wheel Drive” system. The AWD system used by Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz employs a traditional RWD transmission with a transfer case sending power to the front. In the GS350 AWD, the end result is massive understeer, excessive for even a large rear-drive luxury car. The XTS, MKS and S80 use a Haldex system, with an open differential in the front and rear and none in the center. Instead of a center diff, there is a clutch pack that can vary the mechanical connection to the rear. When fully engaged, the input shaft of the front and rear differentials are mechanically tied together. Acura’s SH-AWD system on the other hand is far more complicated. By making the rear wheels spin up to 5.8% faster than the front wheels, SH-AWD can essentially shift 70% of the power to the rear, and direct 100% of that rear-bound power to one wheel. If you want to know more about that, check out our video link.

The system’s ability to “overdrive” the outside rear wheel in a corner makes the RL feel strangely neutral even when pressed hard. While SH-AWD is as close to a miracle worker as Acura can get, sales indicate that the snazzier AWD system isn’t a good reason to spend $6,000 more over the cost of a comparably equipped TL. What a pity.


The RL is perhaps 1 of the most forgotten and misunderstood vehicles of our time. Looking at the sales numbers, you’d think there was something horribly wrong with the RL. In 2011 only 1,096 RLs found a home meaning even the unloved Volvo S80 outsold it nearly 5:1 and the MKS bested it by 12:1. However, the problem with the RL isn’t that the Volvo, Lexus and Lincoln competition is more modern. The problem is the new TL with SH-AWD. With a thoroughly modern interior and electronics, the TL might have a less capable AWD system, but with a lower price tag it is no wonder it outsells the RL 31:1. Still, if you’re shopping for a $50,000 luxury sedan, the RL isn’t a bad choice, but the new RL couldn’t come any sooner.

Acura provided the vehicle, insurance and one tank of gasoline for this review

Specifications as tested

0-30: 2.31 Seconds

0-60: 5.9 Seconds

1/4 Mile: 14.4 Seconds @ 97 MPH
Old 05-14-2012, 09:42 AM
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Rare = Good.


I'm confused how the TL AWD is less capable.
Old 12-27-2012, 07:21 PM
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Lightbulb MotorTrend


Now that the 2014 Acura RLX has debuted at the L.A. Auto Show, the RL has been officially relieved of its duties. With a paltry 361 units sold through November, the former flagship goes down quietly, but not before passing the torch onto its replacement. Before we get behind the wheel of the new RLX, though, we took 1 last whirl in the RL. If Acura really wants a more successful midsize premium luxury sedan, it’ll have to learn from the mistakes of the forgotten RL. So what exactly does the outgoing Acura RL do right and wrong?


Making a stronger 1st impact would be a good 1st step for the front- and all-wheel-drive 2014 Acura RLX variants. After my inamorato rode inside the 2012 RL, he commented that he wasn’t sure what I could write about: “It’s so boring.” Even after driving it all over L.A. for a week, the luxury sedan didn’t leave much of an impression. It looks like a 2005 model year car instead of one from 2011 or 2012 inside and out. The light brown upholstery was drab, and when combined with wood trim on the dashboard and steering wheel, made me feel like I was driving a hand-me-down from my grandma. Neither she nor I would likely be able to easily make out all the letters on the navigation screen. With the high-resolution display available on an 8-inch screen in the 2014 RLX, this problem might be behind Acura.


From the outside, it’s clear Acura tried to spice up the RL’s styling in the 2011-model-year refresh, but the effort may have come too late. Motor Trend online news director Zach Gale described the car’s face as “a mess of a front end.” Around back, I liked the chrome bar on the trunk lid along with its sharp turbine-like wheels, but they couldn’t distract me from the awkward front clip and drab interior. After viewing a 2014 Acura RLX in-person at the L.A. auto show, it’s clear the new midsize entry has a more substantial presence, but aside from the chrome-topped grille, has a noticeably subdued design.


On a positive note, the RL’s cabin was hush-hush, and the ride was silky smooth. Rear passengers also praised the RL for its roominess (37.2 inches of headroom, 36.3 inches of legroom, and 54.0 inches of hiproom). Then again, the cheaper TL has nearly as much headroom and legroom, and slightly more hiproom. The 2014 RLX comes prepared when it comes to rear-seat space, as the car rides on an stretched wheelbase and has a sizeable 38.8 inches of legroom.


The outgoing RL’s bread and butter though, was that it was the 1st to feature Acura’s esteemed SH-AWD handling system, which uses torque vectoring to help improve handling and cornering grip. On a canyon run, the SH-AWD did its job by keeping all 4 tires clawed into the asphalt when entering corners at faster speeds. You can even see the system at work on a small (and dated) screen in the instrument cluster. The 300-hp 3.7-liter V-6 engine also surprised me with its peppiness, especially when put into sport mode. But, for nearly $60,000 as tested, the RL we drove reminded us how it became irrelevant next to the TL.


With the TL set to be replaced in the next few years, Acura needs to make sure the RLX isn’t overshadowed by its less-expensive sibling. With much-improved fuel economy, a more modern interior, and a technologically advanced 370-hp all-wheel-drive hybrid model, the 2014 Acura RLX may be capable of escaping the stigma of its predecessor, but we won’t know for certain until we can fully evaluate the front- and all-wheel-drive 2014 Acura RLX, so stay tuned.

Old 12-28-2012, 07:55 AM
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I need some .
Old 12-28-2012, 02:13 PM
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from that last review above:
"Neither she nor I would likely be able to easily make out all the letters on the navigation screen."

Seriously - they could not see the letters? You can read them from the back seat
Old 12-28-2012, 02:25 PM
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All around it was a very thorough, detailed, and helpful article. Just another nugget from the gold mine that makes up MT's "journalist" group.

I wonder if Yahoo! And MT share the same writers?
Old 12-28-2012, 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by wstr75
My guess is the new RL or its replacement is likely at least two years from now... you've got to assume Honda is making sure the new, state-of-the-art RL replacement will be a muscular, larger SH-AWD hybrid that serves as a low volume platform for getting the kinks out for the rest of the Acura/Honda line-up (especially the TL and MDX)
Props to this guy. Written two years ago, this was an astute prediction.
Old 12-28-2012, 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by TonyCD
Props to this guy. Written two years ago, this was an astute prediction.
but he did not say getting out the kinks for the NSX
Old 12-28-2012, 05:08 PM
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Originally Posted by getakey
but he did not say getting out the kinks for the NSX
I only said he was astute. If he'd also said that, he'd be Nostradamus. ;.)
Old 12-28-2012, 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by TonyCD
I only said he was astute. If he'd also said that, he'd be Nostradamus. ;.)
no kidding, but didn't he get some stuff wrong too
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