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The '''Acura RL''' is a [[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>
The first-generation Acura RL was a [[badge engineering|rebadged]] version of the third-generation Honda Legend, and was first introduced to the [[North America]]n market in 1996, to replace the second-generation [[Acura Legend]]. The second-generation Acura RL was a rebadged version of the fourth-generation Honda Legend, introduced to the North American market in September 2004, as a 2005 model. This iteration of the RL received an extensive [[Facelift (automobile)|mid-generational facelift]] for the 2009 model year, and a further update for 2011. The third-generation debuted for the 2014 model year as the '''[[Acura RLX]]'''.
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{{Infobox automobile
| name = First generation (KA9)
| image =
| caption =
| aka =
| 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
| designer = Mitsuhiro Honda<br>Tamotsu Okamoto (1993)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, front-wheel-drive]]
| engine = 3.5 L [[V6]] [[Honda C engine#C35A|C35A1]]
| transmission = 4-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
| 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}}
| weight = 1,654–1,725 kg (3,646–3,802 lb)
}}
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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
The 1996–2004 3.5RL's engine was the last in the Acura lineup not to use Honda's variable valve timing system ([[VTEC]]), This 3.5 L 90-degree V6 engine was internally designated as the C35A, and was the last of the [[Honda C engine]] V6 engines used in Honda and Acura lineups, being replaced by the newer [[Honda J engine]] 60-degree V6 engines. The 2004 RL was also the last Acura to use the numeric designation (i.e., 3.5) for its engine displacement.
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{{Clear}}
==Second generation (
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Second generation (KB1/KB2)
| image = 05-08 Acura RL.jpg
| caption = 2005–2008 Acura RL
| aka = [[Honda Legend]]
| production = August 2004–2012
| model_years = 2005–2012
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===2005–2008 A-Spec Performance Package===
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>
The performance part of the package included the A-Spec sport suspension and A-Spec 18-inch alloy wheels, which allowed the use of more sports-oriented lower profile tires.
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The 2011 Acura RL added new color combinations and new features: six-speed automatic transmission, power folding mirrors, and rear backup/parking sensors.
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
Power folding mirrors had been available in markets other than North America since the 2004 introduction in Japan. Parking/backup sensors had been available in the North American market as a dealer installed option since the second generation Acura RL's introduction in late 2004. A host of other features had also been available since the car's introduction in late 2004, some of which are detailed in the Safety section below.
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While critically acclaimed, sales did not meet expectations. Despite the mid-generational update in 2009, only 2,043 cars were sold in the U.S., a 55 percent drop from 2008. Among Japanese luxury flagships marketed in America during the first six months of 2010, Acura sold only 872 RLs, compared to 5,650 [[Lexus LS]] and 6,602 [[Infiniti M]] sedans.<ref name="Leftlanenews.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-to-end-acura-rl-production.html |title=Acura RL to remain brand's flagship car |publisher=Leftlanenews.com |access-date=2010-11-24}}</ref><ref name="wheels.ca">{{cite web|url=http://www.wheels.ca/article/784179 |title=John LeBlanc's 10 worst redesigns |publisher=Wheels.ca |access-date=2011-06-17| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110716143901/http://www.wheels.ca/article/784179| archive-date= 16 July 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref> Only 379 RLs were sold in North America in 2012.<ref name="blogs.wsj.com">{{cite news| url=https://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2013/03/30/review-2014-acura-rlx/ | work=The Wall Street Journal | title=Review: 2014 Acura RLX | date=2013-03-30}}</ref>
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>{{
===Safety===
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[[Category:2010s cars]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1996]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 2012]]
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