Acura RL: Difference between revisions

| name = Acura RL
| image = 2005 Acura RL -- NHTSA.jpg

| caption = 2005 Acura RL (US)

|name manufacturer = [[Acura]] RL([[Honda]])

| aka = [[Honda Legend]]

The '''Acura RL''' is ana executive[[mid-size|full size]] [[luxury car]] that was manufactured by the [[Acura]] division of [[Honda]] for the 1996–2012 [[model year]]s over two generations. The RL was the [[flagship]] of the marque, having succeeded the [[Acura Legend]], and was replaced in 2013 by the [[Acura RLX]]. All models of the Legend, RL and RLX lines have been adapted from the [[Japanese domestic market]] [[Honda Legend]]. The model name "RL" is an abbreviation for "Refined Luxury."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hondanews.com/categories/755/releases/4413 |title=Acura Media Newsroom: 2009 Acura RL - Introduction |publisher=Hondanews.com |access-date=2010-10-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090729062824/http://hondanews.com/categories/755/releases/4413 |archive-date=2009-07-29 }}</ref>

| name = First generation (KA9)

| image = 1st Acura RL.jpg

| caption = 1996–1998 Acura 3.5RL (base)

| aka=Acura 3.5RL<br= />[[Honda Legend]]

| production = December 15, 1995—2004<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vadengmpp.com/recalls/acura/1996/rl/nhtsa-10307.html |title=GM Recalls - 1996 Acura Rl 10307 |publisher=Vadengmpp.com |year=1996 |access-date=16 June 2014 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234315/http://www.vadengmpp.com/recalls/acura/1996/rl/nhtsa-10307.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

| model_years = 1996–2004

| engine = 3.5 L [[V6]] [[Honda C engine#C35A|C35A1]]

| wheelbase = {{convert|114.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length = 1996–1998: {{convert|195.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br />1999–2001: {{convert|196.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br />2002–2004: {{convert|196.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| width = 1996–1998: {{convert|71.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br />1999–2001: {{convert|71.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br />2002–2004: {{convert|71.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| height = 1996–1998: {{convert|54.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br />1999–2001: {{convert|56.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br />2002–2004: {{convert|54.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

| image1 = 20021998 Acura 3.5 RL inSpecial Shoreline Mist MetallicEdition, frontrear left, 09-10-2022.jpg

| caption1 = 1999–2004Rear Acura 3.5RLview (USApre-facelift)

| image2 = 19972002 Acura RL 3.5 rearRL 5.18.19in Shoreline Mist Metallic, front left.jpg

| caption2 = Rear1999–2004 viewAcura 3.5RL (pre-faceliftUSA)

In late 1998, the 1999 3.5RL received a front and rear facelift with integrated foglights, revised bumpers and hood, as well as driver and front passenger side-impact airbags. The suspension and chassis were stiffened, and new alloy wheels were offered.

In 1999, a larger navigation system screen was added for the 2000 model year. Along with that larger screen came the conversion to easy-to-replace DVD map databases. In 2001, the 2002 model year 3.5RL received painted lower trim and mudflaps along with redesigned alloys and a newer, sportier suspension setup. The revised engine produced {{Convert|225|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|231|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque. More insulation was added in the engine compartment for 2002. In 2004, RL's received clear turn signal lenses in the rear lights, another new alloy wheel design, and various interior upgrades including new color schemes. For the 2004 model year 2004, the 3.5RL offered as standard equipment a revised navigation system and integrated satellite radio in addition to a redesigned center console and chrome door lock pulls. The 2004 3.5RL was the first production saloon car to offer satellite radio as standard equipment.

| name = Second generation (KB1/KB2)

| image = 05-08 Acura RL.jpg

| caption = 2005–2008 Acura RL

| aka = [[Honda Legend]]<br />Acura 3.5RL

| production = August 2004–2012

| model_years = 2005–2012

|width wheelbase = 2005-09: {{convert|72110.72|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}

|engine width = 2005-0809: 3.5L J35A8 V6 {{convert|29072.7|hp|abbr=on}}<br />2009-12: 3.7L J37A2 V6 {{convertin|300mm|hp0|abbr=on}}

The first-generation RL washad been powered by athe 225&nbsp;hp (168&nbsp;kW) 90-degree [[Honda C engine|C-series]] V6 non-[[VTEC]] V6 engine. The second-generation RL usesused a newer design 60-degree [[Honda J engine|J-series]] 3.5&nbsp;L V6 [[SOHC]] VTEC engine delivering {{cvt|300|hp|kW|0}}; this was, (later revised to {{cvt|290|hp|kW|0}} due to newamended SAE testing procedures). To give the car a more sporty feel, the car featured drive-by-wire throttle control and a five-speed sequential sport shifting [[automatic transmission]] with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. As with the first-generation Acura RL, the second-generation Acura RL usedrequired premium unleaded fuel rated at 91 (R+M)/2 octane.

A first for the RL was the use of aluminum 4-piston front brake calipers over 12.6-inch cast-iron ventilated front rotors. These multi-piston calipers, derived from racing applications, are extremely rigid. In the rear, 12.2-inch cast-iron ventilated discs attached to their hub with lightweight aluminum collets and were gripped by one-piston aluminum brake calipers.<ref name="hondanews.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/2079 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103180818/http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/2079 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-03 |title=Acura Media Newsroom: 2005 Acura RL Chassis |publisher=Hondanews.com |date=2004-08-31 |access-date=2009-04-28 }}</ref> The RL was equipped with unique five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot HX MXM 4 245/50-R-17 98V<ref name="hondanews.com"/> all season grand touring tires. These wheels were one inch larger in diameter, and the tires 20&nbsp;mm wider in section, than those found on the first-generation Acura RL.

New features on the 2005 RL included a [[advanced key|keyless entry system]] whichthat allowed the driver to both lock and unlock the car by touching the door handle, without having to use the remote control, and a keyless start system. A new 260 watt, ten speaker [[Bose Corporation|Bose]] DVD-Audio [[5.1]] sound system equalized for the RL cabin featured several Bose technologies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/2720 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103024208/http://www.hondanews.com/categories/757/releases/2720 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-03 |title=Acura Media Newsroom: 2006 Acura RL - Interior |publisher=Hondanews.com |date=2005-08-17 |access-date=2009-09-19 }}</ref> Bose AudioPilot is a noise compensation technology which analyzes background environmental cabin noise and uses an algorithm based on cabin acoustics to boost certain portions of the musical signal so that it may be heard more clearly above environmental sound "clutter" without any apparent change in volume.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIEW_STATIC_PAGE_EVENT&url=/automotive/innovations/audiopilot.jsp |title=AudioPilot - Innovations - Bose Automotive Systems Division |publisher=Bose.com |access-date=2009-09-19}}</ref> Bose Centerpoint processes stereo and matrix surround sound recordings to allow play through the 5.1 sound system even though the source may only be a stereo sound track. Bose Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) rounded out the suite. AlwaysThe ANC was always on, whether the stereo was on or not,. The ANC took input from two microphones placed in the cabin to analyze drivetrain-related low-frequency sound waves entering the cabin. The ANC sent information to the sound system to create a precisely shaped and timed reverse-phased audio signal from the door speakers and the subwoofer. The result was a dramatic reduction in perceived engine and exhaust noise.

For 2006, the Acura RL was also offered in a second trim level, the optional 'Technology Package' which included three new features: [[adaptive cruise control]] (ACC), [[Precrash system|Collision Mitigation Braking System]], and [[Michelin PAX System]] [[run-flat tire]]s on unique PAX 235&nbsp;mm x 460&nbsp;mm A ("A" for asymmetric) aluminum alloy wheels with unique 245-680R460A Michelin Pilot HX MXM 4 all-season Grand Touring type radials designed for the [[Michelin PAX System]]. The metric sized, run-flat Michelin PAX System wheels and tires are equivalent to {{convert|18" |x |9"|in|abbr=on}} wheels and 245/45-R18 conventional tires. The previously standard color-matched mud guards were removed in 2006. All 2006 models had a slight change to the navigation system that allowed the installation of an optional [[backup camera|rearview camera]]. MSRP increased by $200 over the equivalent 2005 model.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hondanews.com/categories/761/releases/3056?archive=2006 |title=Acura Media Newsroom: 2006 Acura Pricing |publisher=Hondanews.com |access-date=2009-04-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213033636/http://hondanews.com/categories/761/releases/3056?archive=2006 |archive-date=2010-02-13 }}</ref>

For 2007, the Acura RL was offered in three trim levels, detailed in the table below: a "standard" or "base" package,; a newly defined "Technology Package,;" and the highest level trim, the "Technology Package with CMBS/PAX."

For the 2005–2008 models, Acura offered an [[Acura A-Spec and Type-S models|A-Spec]] package for the RL. The dealer-installed package consisted of a body kit, badging, revised suspension and different wheels. The package was first announced at a late 2004 [[SEMA (association)|Specialty Equipment Market Association]] (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hondanews.com/channels/corporate/releases/507bb9ac-d672-8ee1-cc4e-f0004c34c2c1?query=acura+rl+a-spec |title=Honda Media Newsroom - Corporate - Acura Announces RL A-SPEC Package At SEMA |publisher=Hondanews.com |access-date=2010-10-03 |archive-date=2011-07-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723020859/http://hondanews.com/channels/corporate/releases/507bb9ac-d672-8ee1-cc4e-f0004c34c2c1?query=acura+rl+a-spec |url-status=dead }}</ref> The A-Spec package for sale was distinctly different from the Acura RL A-Spec Concept Vehicle announced and shown as a striking dark red one-of-a-kind custom creation in early 2005 at the [[Detroit Auto Show]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hondanews.com/channels/corporate/releases/d094a92d-ea6b-4f7a-dc34-48004c34c29e?query=acura+rl+a-spec |title=Honda Media Newsroom - Corporate - Acura RL A-SPEC Concept Vehicle Displayed at North American International Auto Show |publisher=Hondanews.com |access-date=2010-10-03 |archive-date=2011-07-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723020928/http://hondanews.com/channels/corporate/releases/d094a92d-ea6b-4f7a-dc34-48004c34c29e?query=acura+rl+a-spec |url-status=dead }}</ref>

As of the 2009 mid-model change, A-Spec options were no longer offered. However, Acura moved to a firmer standard suspension for 2009, plus larger and wider {{convert|18" |x |8"|in|abbr=on}} inch standard wheels and lower-profile 245/45-18 size tires. More aggressive "aero" look body work was also standard, and a revised trunk decklid spoiler was made available as a dealer installed option.

The six-speed automatic transmission, first introduced on the 2010 [[Acura ZDX]], finally replaced the RL's five-speed automatic, long criticized by the press as outdated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1002_luxury_sport_sedan_comparison/2009_acura_rl.html |title=2009 Acura RL - Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison |publisher=Motor Trend |access-date=2011-06-17| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629113015/http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1002_luxury_sport_sedan_comparison/2009_acura_rl.html| archive-date= 29 June 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref> The transmission upgrade was credited for an EPA gas mileage improvement to {{cvt|17/|mpgUS}} city, {{cvt|24/|mpgUS}} highway, and {{cvt|20|mpgUS}} (City/Highway/Combined)combined, an increase of 2 mpgmiles per U.S. gallon in highway driving.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://hondanews.com/channels/acura-automobiles-rl/releases/2011-acura-rl-delivers-more-refinement-and-improved-performance |title=Acura Media Newsroom - RL - 2011 Acura RL Delivers More Refinement and Improved Performance |publisher=Hondanews.com |date=2010-12-21 |access-date=2011-06-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723021204/http://hondanews.com/channels/acura-automobiles-rl/releases/2011-acura-rl-delivers-more-refinement-and-improved-performance |archive-date=2011-07-23 }}</ref> In addition, 0-60 times were said to decrease by 0.5 seconds, to 6.0 seconds.<ref name="caranddriver.com"/> There have been reports that the 2009 Acura RL Mid Model Change was originally the introduction candidate for the six-speed feature within the Acura lineup, but that the transmission was still undergoing testing and was not yet ready at that time.

Unique new {{convert|18" |x |8"|in|abbr=on}} diameter 15-spoke aluminum wheels included a new noise quieting technology: a polypropylene "Helmholtz resonator" that encircled the center portion of the inside of the wheel. The resonator served to suppress specific frequencies between 100 and 500 hertz, and in combination with increased floorboard insulation, decreased interior noise by 1.3&nbsp;dB, or 15%.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> The [[Helmholtz resonance|Helmholtz resonators]] in the wheels were touted as a "world's first" for a passenger vehicle. The new wheels appeared to be conventional alloy wheels modified to incorporate an internal noise reduction device. A diagram showed an elastomer-type ring with multiple hollow chambers surrounding the center line of the wheel circumference. This resonator was designed to absorb the resonances generated by rough road surfaces such as highway seams.

Enthusiasts and dealers said that the RL was not competitive because it lacked the full-size dimensions (the back seat was regarded as tight for a car of this size),<ref>{{cite web|first=Eddie |last=Alterman |url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2014-acura-rlx-fwd-test-review |title=2014 Acura RLX FWD Test |publisher=[[Car and Driver]] |date=June 2013 |access-date=16 June 2014}}</ref> a V8 engine performance option, and the better handling and balanced rear-wheel drive of its larger rivals in the mid-luxury segment.<ref name="Leftlanenews.com"/><ref name="wheels.ca"/><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/02/automobiles/autoreviews/eyes-on-the-prize-gadgets-at-the-ready.html | work=The New York Times | first=Lawrence | last=Ulrich | title=Eyes on the Prize, Gadgets at the Ready | date=2013-05-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1104_2011_chrysler_300c_hyundai_genesis_comparison/viewall.html |title=2011 Chrysler 300C vs 2011 Hyundai Genesis Comparison |publisher=Motor Trend |access-date=2012-08-11 |archive-date=2012-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730222756/http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1104_2011_chrysler_300c_hyundai_genesis_comparison/viewall.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The 2009 refresh and 2011 update did not keep the RL competitive enough in acceleration or fuel economy, considering that other marques had released new generations of their mid-size luxury sedans, and as the 2009-10 RL retained a five-speed automatic transmission while other rivals had automatics with six or seven gears. Other competitors that were midway through their model cycle, such as the 2004-07 BMW 530i and 2005–08 Audi A6 3.2 FSI (with naturally-aspirated 6-cylinder engines that were less powerful than the Acura RL's 3.5L V6) received updated engines with turbocharging/supercharging; the resulting 2008 BMW 535i and 2009 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI proved more powerful and fuel-efficient than the 2009 Acura RL (with a 3.7L V6).<ref name="caranddriver.com"/><ref name="wheels.ca"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1002_luxury_sport_sedan_comparison/index.html |title=Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison - Acura RL vs Audi A6 vs BMW 535i vs Cadillac CTS vs Infiniti M35 vs Jaguar XF vs Lexus GS 350 vs Mercedes-Benz E350 |publisher=Motor Trend |access-date=2011-06-17| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629112652/http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1002_luxury_sport_sedan_comparison/index.html| archive-date= 29 June 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref> The RL's styling, while generally considered handsome, was not viewed as inspiring or passionate enough to alert buyers to its technological features or stand out in a crowded field, and the 2009 model was criticized for its "power plenum" grille, a bright horizontal pentagon of chrome that formed a shield across the upper center.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.carlist.com/newcars/2006/ncr1215.html |title=2006 Acura RL on |publisher=Carlist.com |access-date=2011-06-17| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110708121253/http://www.carlist.com/newcars/2006/ncr1215.html| archive-date= 8 July 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="John LeBlanc's 10 worst redesigns">{{cite web|url=http://www.wheels.ca/article/784179 |title=John LeBlanc's 10 worst redesigns |publisher=Wheels.ca |access-date=2010-08-13}}</ref>

Some have suggested that the Acura RL's failure in the market was due to its initial pricing which was perceived to be out of its bracket. Honda Japan believed that the new RL offered more features and performance than the base version of its luxury competitors (i.e., the base six-cylinder [[BMW 5 Series#E60/E61 (2003–2010)|BMW 5 Series]]),<ref name="John LeBlanc's 10 worst redesigns"/> and suggested that it could charge more, though Honda Canada disagreed. The RL's initial MRSP was $69,500 CAD, considerably more than the six-cylinder BMW 525i and close to that of the V8-powered 2005 BMW 545i at $70,000 CAD.[https://archive.today/20130411113358/http://life.nationalpost.com/2013/02/15/preview-reborn-rlx-leads-in-refinement-and-innovation/] At the RL's price point, most consumers expected a V8. Furthermore, they did not perceive the Acura brand as being on par with its German rivals (Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz) and expected more value from the Japanese marque, particularly with Acura's more expensive offerings (as opposed to entry-level offerings like the Acura TL which were much more successful in their price brackets).[http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-rlx-first-drive-review.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217051908/http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-rlx-first-drive-review.html |date=2013-02-17 }} The damage from Honda Japan's alleged hubris was done, perhaps giving the RL an unfavorable image that could not be removed, even though Honda Canada has since reduced the RL's price as well as releasing a decontented trim to hit a lower price point.<ref name="Autos.canada.com">{{cite web |url=http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=ebd3dab9-f974-4fc2-a4e1-d321bdf1bb5b |title=Driving.ca - Road test: 2009 Acura RL |publisher=Autos.canada.com |access-date=2010-10-03 |archive-date=2011-05-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521004336/http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=ebd3dab9-f974-4fc2-a4e1-d321bdf1bb5b |url-status=dead }}</ref> Although other Japanese manufacturers have had limited success in the mid-luxury market which has been dominated by the Germans, the [[Lexus GS]] 350 and [[Infiniti M]]35 (which debuted around the same time as the second-generation Acura RL) sold considerably better than the Acura RL as they followed a strategy of undercutting the German executive cars with lower pricing and/or more standard features.<ref name="Leftlanenews.com"/><ref name="wheels.ca"/> Late in its production lifespan the RL also faced competition from the [[Hyundai Genesis]] which was less expensive yet similarly refined, while featuring rear wheel drive and an optional V8 engine.<ref name="blogs.wsj.com"/>

In 2009, the new generation of the [[Acura TL]] was released. The TL's high performance trim features essentially the same engine (but slightly more horsepower, so Acura advertised the TL as its most powerful car), the SH-AWD system, similar dimensions,<ref>{{cite web|first=Alex L. |last=Dykes |url=http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/05/review-2012-acura-rl/ |title=Review: 2012 Acura RL |publisher=The Truth About Cars |date=13 May 2012 |access-date=16 June 2014}}</ref> and many of the RL's other key features for only $44,900 CAD, causing some to question whether it rendered the costlier RL superfluous in Acura's own showrooms.<ref name="Autos.canada.com"/><ref>{{ cite web | url = http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-rlx-first-drive-review.html | title = First Drive: 2014 Acura RLX [Review] | first = Drew | last = Johnson | work = Left Lane News | access-date = 2013-02-16 | archive-date = 2013-02-17 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130217051908/http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-rlx-first-drive-review.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> An auto journalist remarked of the RL's successor, the [[Acura RLX]], saying "Making the RLX bigger fixes nothing. The RL's problem, and now the RLX's, is that the car looks and feels like an exalted, compulsively over-equipped Honda Accord".<ref>{{cite news| title=Acura RLX: Larger, but It Still Comes Up Small |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324000704578386492171450454 | work=The Wall Street Journal |date=29 March 2013 |access-date=16 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-autos-acura-rlx-review-20130511-story.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609192217/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/may/11/autos/la-fi-hy-autos-acura-rlx-review-20130511 | url-status=live | archive-date=June 9, 2013 | work=Los Angeles Times | first=David | last=Undercoffler | title=2014 Acura RLX fails to impress when compared with its peers | date=2013-05-11}}</ref>

Reasons for discontinuing the PAX run-flat system were several, one big reason probably being the class-action suit against Honda and Michelin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sfmslaw.com/pages/cases.php?id=343 |title=Honda and Michelin PAX System Litigation Class Action Lawsuit |publisher=Sfmslaw.com |access-date=2009-04-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209054506/http://www.sfmslaw.com/pages/cases.php?id=343 |archive-date=February 9, 2011 }}</ref> Other reasons may have been the difficulty in repair and replacement of PAX tires, which are generally special order and require special mount/demount machinery and training, and the paucity of PAX certified dealers throughout the United States. While RLs have reportedly low incidence of complaints with the premium Michelin Pilot MXM4 all season tires, the opposite was true of the top-of-the-line Honda Odyssey Touring model minivan equipped with Michelin Energy LX4 PAX tires that allegedly did not live up to their promise of long tread life and easy replacement. In addition, during this time, Michelin announced that due to the low general acceptance of the PAX technology throughout the industry, new PAX development would be stopped, although tires would be provided for the foreseeable future. Other PAX equipped vehicles include the world's fastest production car, the Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4, and certain Rolls -Royce and Audi vehicles.