The Acura RL is the Japanese luxury automaker’s flagship vehicle for the North American market. The RL was originally introduced in 1996 and underwent a complete redesign in 2005. It is currently in its second generation. The current Acura RL was the first offering from Honda to use the automaker’s Super Handling All Wheel Drive system, a unit that can not only split torque between the front and rear axles, but from side to side as well. For the 2009 model year Acura has exclusively outfitted the RL with a larger 3.7 Liter gas burning V6 that develops a maximum output of 300 HP and 271lb.-ft. of torque, propelling the Acura RL into a category of high end luxury sedans.
Don’t get confused, this 2009 TSX is actually a mule for the 2011 RL. Rumors say the future RL will come with an FR drivetrain layout and V8 power.
The V8 engine will have a displacement of 4.8 liters and will deliver around 420 hp. SH-AWD will almost certainly be a part of the equation. A 300hp V6 version will also be available.
In 2007 at the Los Angeles Auto Show Acura launched the Acura Advanced Sedan Concept, a preview version of the next generation RL that will debut in mid-2010 at a price of $70,000.
With exterior design inspired by the Honda Accord, the 2010 RL will be powered by a V8 engine, to help it compete with strong rivals in the U.S., including Audi, BMW and Lexus.
Honda is currently working on a 420-horsepower 4.8-liter V8, and will employ the same cylinder deactivation technology we see on the current Japan-spec Inspire V6, thus generating class-leading fuel economy figures.
Acura redesigned the RL last time in 2005. A new redesigned version will be unveiled next week at the Chicago Auto Show. Sales will begin on April 24th, same time with the 2009 TSX.
The 2009 RL will be offered in three different packages: Standard Package, Technology Package and CMBS Package.
Acura has announced that the RL will get a makeover in summer 2008. Dealers do not have many details on changes coming for the brand’s flagship model, but they believe the changes will be dramatic. "I hear it will be a major facelift in the front and back — new sheet metal," says Jim Smail, an Acura dealer in Pittsburgh.
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The Acura RL is sporty and fun to drive. The Acura RL combines a free-revving, 290-horsepower V6 engine with all-wheel drive for improved grip and superior stability. The RL delivers the responsive handling of a sports sedan yet rides smoothly. It offers the latest in technology, including a system that can help you avoid rear-ending someone in stop-and-go traffic.