TSX69

http://vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=901928

RL A new RL is overdue, but don't look for it before MY '12. The next flagship has been described as "amazing", but it has also been said that it won't offer a V8 nor a proper FR chassis. There is a lot of talk about the next RL (Legend?) debuting a new hybrid drivetrain system for Honda. This new hybrid system is said to be more optimal for application on larger vehicles, so expect to see it applied to Honda's other larger models at some point. Update 09 June: It has been recently confirmed at a very high level that the FMC will be happening next year.
Summary: Minimal changes for 2011.
Watch For: FMC in MY 2012, debuting new hybrid technology.
Available: Autumn

Entry-Level Model UPDATE 09 June: We have confirmed that this vehicle will be entering the lineup in 2011. While we couldn't get a specific date on the introduction, we received confirmation that this vehicle and the next generation RL are coming next year, with the RL intro trailing this model by approximately 6 months.Based upon Acura's past history, logic would dictate that this model would very likely be based upon the upcoming replacement for the Civic.
Summary: A new more affordable Acura is coming (again) to the lineup. Will it sufficiently differentiate itself from the Civic upon which it will presumably be based?
Watch For: Civic hardware, Acura styling?
Available: Next year?

Ballinger

And here's the coupe version...

neuronbob

So the update from yesterday is that an FMC is next (2012) MY, eh?

Will be paying attention to the auto shows in early 2011, then....

I sure hope it looks amazing...in a good way.....

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

But don't get your hopes up.

23109VC

given that the new TL is a LOT Like the current RL in size - I'm wondering if this next RL will be even bigger - Lexus LS / BMW 7 series in size?

Hey, if Hyundai can break into the luxury car segment with a car like the Genesis and get amazing reviews...there is no reason why Acura can't break into tha top end luxury sedan market too - they just have to make a car that actually competes...

Acura seems to offer cars that are similar to what the more premier brands offer, but they are cheaper, loaded with more gadgets. that has been their formula since I have been buying them. usually however, the Acura model is never as fast or sporty...hte Acura model is a better value than the "regular" car ffom the competition, but falls short of matching the higher end version... for example,, my RL (to me) is a much better car than the 525/530 that woudl have cost abou thte same or more...but it's NOT as good in the performance category as the V8 5 series...

so if the new RL is really meant to compete with the bigger cars... i'm expecting to see somethign that is very luxurious, very spacious, quiet, lots of tech, but it won't have the big V8 or V8 power levels of the 750 or S500/S550.. i'll bet acura puts in the 3.7L from the existing car and adds some hybrid motor that gives extra power to boost output... somethign like that which they have mentioned before..

we will see... oh yeah..it will cost a lot less than the competition... I hope Acura can pull it off. if Acura can pull off some wins with certain models - then they may bring back the NSX in the future... that would be cool!

phishfood

Not sure if I'm a fan of a cheap/small Acura.

I can't imagine Lexus taking a Corolla and turning it into a Lexus.

dwboston

The Integra and RSX were pretty good little cars for their day.

Lexus takes Camry's and rebadges them as ES300's. And isn't the IS built on the Corolla platform? What's the difference?

TSX69

The IS is RWD & based off the same platform as the GS (I think); the Corolla is FWD.

Now many have said that their HS250h looks like a Corolla ... not sure what platform that is from but it is FWD. Also, they are going to launch another hybrid that is supposed to be smaller & cheaper.

Acura making something smaller/cheaper does seem like a step backwards but @ least this time around, the other luxury brands are doing it also.

Chas2

The HS is supposed to be based on the European Toyota Avensis, the base platform is FWD. The Scion tC is supposed to be also based on shortened Avensis platform.

buzzmag

Sorry Acura but I just couldn't wait until 2012. Just leased an Infiniti M37x and sold my 2006 RL to my son. If the 2012 RL is a looker and a relatively good performer, I'll be back.

Chas2

So how do you like the M37x compared to your 06 RL...guess we should start a different thread.

buzzmag

So far I do like the M37x but as good as the car is, to me, it doesn't have the 'driver' feel of the RL. There are of course pros and cons too numerous to mention here so I'll make a list as the differneces come to mind.

neuronbob

At least the RL stayed in the family and your son gets a very safe, reliable, fun-to-drive car.

TSX69

Next Generation Acura Legend/RL a Go

There were reports that development of the next-generation Acura RL was postponed, but Honda president Takanobu Ito has confirmed that it’s all go for Acura’s next full-size luxury car. Many have pointed to the current RL’s V-6 engine as the weak point in the car’s equipment lineup, saying V-8-power and smoothness are necessary to compete in this segment. Therefore, the next RL will feature Honda’s large displacement hybrid powerplant under its hood. Also, as you can see from this drawing, the front grille will look much different than the “shield” design used on today’s Acura cars. That said, don’t be surprised to the “shield” still be used on U.S. cars. As for me, I’ll take this grille, thank you.

VTEC Racer

It looks like they photo-chopped an Audi front-end onto a Lexus LS body.

neuronbob

Wow, Road and Track really needs to pay its artists more (or less). What an ugly photochop!

Pint

Great news!!! Looking forward!!!

EL19

iTrader: (4)

Looks like the 08-10 Japanese Inspire/ US Honda Accord Sedan

TSX69

Update on Acura for 2012 & Beyond

Now, we move on to the flagship. In discussions of the upcoming RL, there are said to be consistent comparisons to the 7-series, but it seems the comparisons have mostly been focused on rear leg room. Another source of ours supports this notion that rear seat room is a priority, saying the next RL will be something in the mold of the Mercedes CLS, "a 4-door coupe but with sufficient rear head and leg room for 6+footers". Superior fuel efficiency and new engine technology have been topics that keep coming up as well.

getakey

Where did this come from?

getakey

I searched and found it Temple of VTEC, right?

Chas2

So in combination with another article on Temple of VTEC (TOV), I get the feeling that there may not be a 2011 RL.

The 2012 RL is supposed to be another MMC with 6 speed auto, HDD Navi system and new noise reducing wheels, new colors, etc. There was no mention in TOV of a 2011 RL.

Similarly, I have heard the 2011 TL will be a very short run, configured exactly the same as the 2010, but that in mid calendar year 2011, an early MMC 2012 TL will come out, new toned down beak, 6 speed auto, etc.

So does that mean a 2nd MMC 2012 RL will debut around that time?
Does that mean they will continue to trickle sell 2010 RL's until the 2012 RL debuts?
Or will there indeed be a 2011 model?

This 2012 MMC strategy would give Honda another 1-2 years to pull a rabbit out of the hat and debut an FMC 2013 or 2014 RL with the new large vehicle hybrid system.

Can someone clear up my confusion?

Thanks

wackjum

The link to the article was the headline.

neuronbob

"in the mild of a Mercedes CLS". I am hoping it looks good. I LOVE the CLS, 1st gen more than 2nd. Room for 6-footers in the rear? Sounds like my MIL will be happy as she's NOT 6 feet.

C'mon Acura! Please don't make it fugly and please give it sufficient go-power!

037

can we start a new thread? every time I see it I was like WHERE IS IT? and then blah blah blah MMC blah blah...

This doesn't even ding the resale value of the 2009 and if they tag on a 7 series price tag...I think it will only raise the prices of 09-10.

JeffS

The 2nd MMC is a 2011 model logically it should be coming out just before the 2012 TL MMC since both get 6 speed autos. If your dealer has the 2011 full line Acura brochures, you can see the RL or here at vtec.net too. The new grill looks just like the TSX wagon's grill instead of the Legend grill, all else is the same.

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=931335

Chas2

Yes I saw this, and was questioning because the article says

"We told you back in the spring that the RL would be receiving another mild refresh for the 2012 model year."

And so I was wondering if the 6AT, etc, was for model year 2011 or 2012.

Thanks for the clarification that it is 2011!

JeffS

But of course Acura reserves the right to change their minds and hold off on the 2011 RL. :wink:

VQPower37

im hopin acura will do a throw back legend look for the new RL ... just like the american companies are doing throw backs for the camaro and challenger etc

kssod

the current 2010 RL "Season of Reason" offer runs through January 4, I wouldn't expect any thing new until early next year

kssod

Acura really better hit one out of the park with the redesign, not just play catch up. 2012 Genesis will offer a 5.0l 400+ hp 8 speed AWD version. M37 and 56x are huge improvements over past and the Ford ecoboost engine is amazing technology. I love my 06 Rl, but there is nothing about the current '10 model that is so much better which makes me want to buy it. Now if only Neuronbob could figure out how to adapt the AWD system to his CTS-V..... CTS-V4 anyone?

vybzkartel

We've been disappointed so many times before, we shouldn't be holding our breath!

Chas2

And based on the Smart Luxury direction, I highly doubt they will compete with 8 speed tranny and 400+ bhp. Just won't make the CAFE and the green house gas reduction issues, at least in current technology internal combustion engines, I think they will go their own way, as usual.

TampaRLX-SH

The Honda Dual Note concept has over 400hp (combustion engine + electric motors on each of the real wheels + SHAWD + mileage north of 40mpg). That should satisfy the majority of CAFE, power, handling and technology enthusiasts.

I expect Honda will deliver something in line with the Dual Note (also shown as Acura DNX). I expect I will be impressed with the engineering and technology. What I worry about is the styling wrapper it will come in.

***Greetings from 30 N 27' 78'' 37 W 2' 60'' ***

getakey

OK, I give up, where is 30 N 27' 78'' 37 W 2' 60''

TampaRLX-SH

.....middle of the Atlantic. heading WSW.... and today....

*** Greetings from 30N 75'' 40W 14' 03'' ***

getakey

Cruise?

TampaRLX-SH

Yes, week 5. Toured the Med, then hit Funchal before the crossing. Nothing but open seas now except for some finback whales.

I miss my RL!

*** Greetings from 30N 75'' 40W 14' 03'' ***

christopher1

priced out of todays RL owners?? so selling it is still low..

neuronbob

^^^
Well, Acura is stuck between a rock and a hard place as far as pricing.

MSRP is over $50k but as we all know, the actual transaction price is in the lower $40k's. The market has spoken and people are obviously not willing to pay $50k for an Acura. There are multiple potential reasons for this.....no panache....4G TL basically being the top of the line sedan for Acura....TSX moving up to take the TL's place as the volume selling sedan....not enough differentiation between the 3G TL and the current RL.....awful marketing by Acura....the list goes on.

So if Acura decides to price the next RL at $60k, what happens? I personally don't think many will sell at that price unless Acura markets appropriately (you know....TV placements, rap videos, Robb Report ads, controversy, whatever).

We'll know in about a year.