2010 Acura RL

Press release

Acura’s flagship, the RL sedan, again proves that refined luxury need not be without performance adrenaline. The RL’s combination of performance, technology, aggressive styling and safety ensure that Acura’s premier sedan maintains its competitive position among top tier luxury performance sedans. Plus, the RL allows the driver to be well connected to the world—through improved connection with the road along with electronic connectivity to the world around them. In short, it would be hard to find a production car at any price that offers more advanced electronic technology or drive system sophistication.

The 2010 RL offers an abundance of consumer friendly technology for the driver and passengers including satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® cellular phone connectivity, DVD-Audio stereo entertainment, Active Noise Cancellation and GPS-linked solar-sensing automatic climate control. The RL also features numerous high-tech items as standard including Active Sound Control, Smart Entry, Bluetooth® Audio and HandsFreeLink®. Technology abounds in the drivetrain in the form of a 3.7-liter V-6 engine (with the first ever SOHC use of VTEC® valvetrain actuation for both the intake and exhaust valves) that teams with Acura’s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system.

For 2010, Acura will again offer three different trim packages on the RL:

• RL: in addition to the potent 3.7L V-6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, the RL is equipped with a standard Bose® Surround Sound audio system, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity and solar sensing climate control.
• RL with Technology Package includes: AcuraLink® Satellite Navigation System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™, rear view camera, Active Front Lighting System (AFS), ventilated front seats and a wood/leather steering wheel and shift knob.
• RL with Technology Package plus CMBS™: in addition to the Technology Package items, the CMBS™ equipped model includes Acura’s Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and genuine wood instrument panel trim.

The innovation built into the RL begins with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that develops 300 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque thanks to an innovative VTEC™ valvetrain system for both the intake and exhaust valves, a high compression ratio, along with a special dual-stage magnesium alloy intake manifold that enables the intake to function as a single- or dual-plenum manifold design based on engine operating parameters. In addition to developing excellent power and torque, the RL engine meets EPA TIER 2 - BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV emission standards and delivers good fuel economy. The RL’s engine bay appears upscale thanks to a surround panel assembly that reduces visual distractions and focuses attention directly on the 3.7-liter V-6 engine.

To handle the high power of the 3.7-liter engine, a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission is fitted to the 2010 RL. Featuring racing-inspired steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and a straight-gate console mounted gear selector, the RL driver has more gear control than ever before.

The RL’s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system remains standard equipment for 2010 and provides outstanding handling and excellent inclement weather capabilities. There are numerous traction advantages of all-wheel drive, yet SH-AWD™ does a key function that is not available with traditional AWD systems— SH-AWD™ utilizes torque vectoring to increase the rotation speed of an outside rear wheel during spirited cornering to help the car turn more effectively while under power. This "yaw" function reduces the cornering load on the front tires to minimize understeer, to improve handling balance and to escalate total cornering ability.

The 2010 RL exterior styling is not only aggressive, but delivers excellent aerodynamics and reduced rear lift at high speeds. The RL’s athletic style foreshadows the power beneath the blow-formed aluminum hood. The RL’s shape is taut and athletic, and its acceleration and cornering performance allow it to challenge the most capable luxury performance sedans. Comfort, quietness and ride quality are also on a par with performance sedan competitors. For 2010, six exterior colors are available.

To further enhance handling and ride comfort, the RL retains a fully independent suspension system with front double-wishbone and rear multi-link architecture. To improve handling and looks, 18-inch diameter 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels matched with performance minded all-season tires.

Inside, the 2010 RL features an elegantly styled interior that includes ample room for rear seat passengers, front door-mounted pull pockets, soft arm rests, easy-to-use vents, large/clear lettering for HVAC controls, and easy actuation of climate control functions. The steering wheel, genuine wood dashboard trim (included with the CMBS™ package) and metal-look accents are fitted to the RL along with a transmission shift knob with simulated wood trim. Complementing the steering wheel are gauges that incorporate brushed metal accents for enhanced appearance.

The RL’s perforated leather front seats incorporate six levels of heated/cooled ventilation. Moreover, just like the driver’s seat, the passenger front seat has 10-way power adjustability. The interior is complimented by advanced electronics that include a satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Activation™ along with the innovative AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™. The RL was the first vehicle on the market to feature in-dash integrated, continually updated weather information in a single-screen format. The spectacular Acura/Bose® 10-speaker Sound System with DVD-Audio includes Bluetooth® Audio, a Note function for XM® Radio and USB port and AUX jack connectivity.

The 2010 RL retains Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE™ design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.

Front seats with active headrests enhance neck and head protection in the event in a rear impact collision. To further aid in safety, the RL includes as standard a passenger seatbelt reminder, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and six airbags.

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