NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Acura RL

The Acura RL is the flagship car of Honda's North American luxury brand Acura. The current generation RL is a rebadged version of the fourth-generation Honda Legend and replaced the Acura Legend in 1996. All Acura RLs are built in Saitama, Japan. The very first Acura RL rolled off the assembly line on January 4, 1996. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (1024 Ã— 768 pixel, file size: 420 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) A 2007 Acura RL (US Model) with optional CMBS and PAX package. ... Industrial robots welding a car body in the white section of a production line. ... This article is about the Japanese motor corporation. ... Saitama ) is the capital and the most populous city of Saitama Prefecture in Japan. ... The Acura Legend, sold as the Honda Legend outside the U.S., Canada, and parts of China, was a sporty luxury vehicle sold from 1986 to 1995 as both a sedan and a coupÃ©. It was one of the first vehicles sold under the Acura nameplate, and was the top... Car classification is subjective since many vehicles fall into multiple categories. ... A mid-size car, frequently referred to as an intermediate, is an automobile with a size between that of a compact and a full-size or standard-size car. ... A luxury car is a relatively expensive car. ... Cars can come in a large variety of different body styles. ... A notchback full-size luxury sedan. ... A flagship vehicle is the most prestigious vehicle in the line-up of an auto marque. ... This article is about the Japanese motor corporation. ... North American redirects here. ... Acura (Japanese: ã‚¢ã‚ãƒ¥ãƒ©, Akyura) is the luxury vehicle brand of Japanese automaker Honda Motor Company. ... Badge engineering is a term that describes the rebadging of one model of car as another. ... It has been suggested that Acura Legend and Acura RL be merged into this article or section. ... The Acura Legend, sold as the Honda Legend outside the U.S., Canada, and parts of China, was a sporty luxury vehicle sold from 1986 to 1995 as both a sedan and a coupÃ©. It was one of the first vehicles sold under the Acura nameplate, and was the top... Saitama ) is the capital and the most populous city of Saitama Prefecture in Japan. ... is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ...

1996-1998

In 1996, the replacement for the Acura Legend was introduced. Known internally as "KA9", officially, RL originally stood for "Refined Luxury." ^[1] The 1996 Acura 3.5RL was introduced to lackluster reviews. The automotive world had been expecting a true competitor to the Lexus LS to emerge. The RL fell short and was continuing to drop in sales until it was finally redesigned for the 2005 model year. The main problems holding back the car seemed to be the lack of an option of a V8 powerplant and rear-wheel drive. So in 1996, laying to rest predictions of a VTEC V8 powerplant, the 3.5RL was powered by a 3.5 L V6 engine, derived from the previous Legend's 3.2 L unit. The engine provided 210 hp (later 225 hp).^[2] In automobile design layout is the place where both the engine and driven wheels are. ... Sketch of FF layout In automotive design, a FF, or Front-engine, Front-wheel drive layout places both the engine and driven wheels at the front of the vehicle. ... A colored automobile engine The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of fuel and an oxidizer (typically air) occurs in a confined space called a combustion chamber. ... The Ford Essex V6 engine V6 and V-6 redirect here. ... Gearbox redirects here. ... The automatic gear selector in a Ford Five Hundred vehicle An automatic transmission (commonly abbreviated as AT) is an automobile gearbox that can change gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves, thus freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually (similar but larger devices are also used for railroad... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. ... The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders. ... The Ford Essex V6 engine V6 and V-6 redirect here. ...

Despite all the compromises, the RL was still a competent vehicle. Few could find fault in it and it provided a serene, almost silent highway ride. The transmission, a 4-speed automatic, was smooth and silky. Reliability and fit-and-finish were excellent. The automatic gear selector in a Ford Five Hundred vehicle An automatic transmission (commonly abbreviated as AT) is an automobile gearbox that can change gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves, thus freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually (similar but larger devices are also used for railroad...

1999-2004

In 1999, the RL received a front and rear facelift that included the addition of newer, more stylish xenon HID headlamps and integrated foglights along with new bumpers and hood. The difference, while seemingly subtle, gave the car a new more assertive stance. Suspension and chassis were stiffened and the alloys featured a new look. For safety, driver and front passenger side airbags were added. The Acura RL was back in the fold and sales increased. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1140x697, 110 KB) [edit] Summary [edit] Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Acura RL User:Bravada/Honda Legend Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added... It has been suggested that Acura Legend and Acura RL be merged into this article or section. ... In automobile design layout is the place where both the engine and driven wheels are. ... Sketch of FF layout In automotive design, a FF, or Front-engine, Front-wheel drive layout places both the engine and driven wheels at the front of the vehicle. ... A colored automobile engine The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of fuel and an oxidizer (typically air) occurs in a confined space called a combustion chamber. ... The Ford Essex V6 engine V6 and V-6 redirect here. ... Gearbox redirects here. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Xenon HID headlamps are the bright automobile headlights that use xenon short-arc lamps to produce the light rather than ordinary incandescent light bulbs (including quartz halogen lamps). ...

In 2000, a larger navigation system screen was added. Along with that larger screen was the conversion to easy-to-replace DVD map databases. In 2002, another subtle change was given to the RL with painted lower trim and mudflaps along with redesigned alloys and a newer, sportier suspension setup. Perhaps more importantly was the engine which now was upgraded to produce 225 hp (168 kW) and 231 lb·ft (313 N·m) of torque along with more insulation in the engine compartment as well as the fact that OnStar was added in 2002 as well as XM Satellite Radio in 2003. The 2003 and 2004 RL's received clear turn signals in the rear lights, another new wheel design as well as various interior upgrades including new color schemes. For 2004, the navigation system came as standard as well as a more modern looking, redesigned center consol and chrome door lock pulls. Absent a major redesign in 8 years, however, the RL's sales slipped to their lowest levels in the 2004 model year. Acura and dealers both provided generous incentives on the final models. OnStar Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors which provides subscription-based communications, monitoring and tracking services throughout the United States and Canada. ... â€œXMâ€ redirects here. ...

The 2004 RL's engine was the last in the Honda and Acura lineup not to use VTEC, Honda's variable valve timing system. The 2004 RL was also the last Acura to use the numeric designator for its engine displacement. VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) is a valvetrain system developed by Honda to improve the volumetric efficiency of a four-stroke internal combustion engine. ...

2005-2010

A revised car, known internally as "KB1", was launched in late 2004 for the 2005 model year, and is much reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Still without the much-rumored V8 engine, it features a sophisticated all-wheel drive system Acura calls "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive". It integrates active differentials with the all-wheel drive system and traction control to improve handling, similar to the "ATTS" system featured on the 1997 Honda Prelude SH. This all-wheel drive system was lauded by Popular Science as one of the best automotive innovations of 2004, and earned the 2005 "Tech car of the year" from cnet.com^[3]. The third generation RL will be sold through the 2010 model year. It has been suggested that Acura Legend and Acura RL be merged into this article or section. ... In automobile design layout is the place where both the engine and driven wheels are. ... A front-mounted engine describes the placement of an automobile engine in front of or on the front axle. ... Front-wheel drive is the most common form of engine/transmission layout used in modern passenger cars, where the engine drives the front wheels. ... This article is about the class of vehicles. ... A colored automobile engine The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of fuel and an oxidizer (typically air) occurs in a confined space called a combustion chamber. ... The Ford Essex V6 engine V6 and V-6 redirect here. ... The Ford Essex V6 engine V6 and V-6 redirect here. ... Gearbox redirects here. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Mercedes E280 CDI Mercedes E280 CDI The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a mid-sized luxury automobile sold by the Mercedes-Benz branch of DaimlerChrysler. ... The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration, although modern automotive versions use a 90 degree block angle. ... Four wheel drive or 4x4, is a type of four wheeled vehicle drivetrain configuration that enables all four wheels to receive power from the engine simultaneously in order to provide maximum traction. ... In an automobile and other four-wheeled vehicles, a differential is a device, usually consisting of gears, for allowing each of the driving wheels to rotate at different speeds, while supplying equal torque to each of them. ... The Honda Prelude was a sport compact manufactured by the Japanese automaker Honda from 1978 through 2001. ... Issue of Popular Science Popular Science is an American monthly magazine founded in 1872 carrying articles for the general reader on science and technology subjects. ...

The 225 hp (168 kW) 90° C-series V6 engine was replaced with a new 60° J-series 3.5 L engine delivering 300 hp (224 kW; later revised to 290 hp (220 kW) due to new SAE testing procedures). To give the car a more sporty feel, the car features a five-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel in the current, racing-car derived fashion. Other features found on the 2005 RL include DVD-Audio, XM Nav-Traffic (real-time traffic monitoring utilizing XM Satellite radio), as well as extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber. Pricing is up to US$ 49,100 without destination. Hondas first V6 engines are members of a single family, the C-series. ... The J-series was Hondas second V6 engine family, introduced in 1996. ... The automatic gear selector in a Ford Five Hundred vehicle An automatic transmission (commonly abbreviated as AT) is an automobile gearbox that can change gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves, thus freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually (similar but larger devices are also used for railroad... USD redirects here. ...

The third-generation RL appeared on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2005. Cover of Car and Driver from age of psychedelic lettering Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. ... Main article: Car and Driver Car and Driver magazine annually nominates a list of what it considers the Ten Best cars and Five Best trucks. ...

For 2006, the Acura RL was also sold with the optional 'Technology Package' including features such as adaptive cruise control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, and Michelin PAX run-flat tires. The previously standard color-matched mud guards were deleted in 2006. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Cruise control. ... A precrash system is an automobile safety system designed to reduce the damage caused by a collision. ...

In addition to the base trim level, the 2007 Acura RL was available with the Technology Package or the Technology and CMBS/PAX Packages.

The 2008 Acura RL continues unchanged in the US market. MSRP increases $500 in each trim:

In Canada, the 2008 Acura RL is available with two different models, Base and Elite Package. The Elite Package adds Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Active Front Lighting System (AFS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), heated and cooled ventilated front seats and burled maple wood trim.

Facelift

The facelfted 2009 Acura RL luxury sedan made its world debut at the Chicago Auto Show on February 6, 2008. Its engine will be upgraded to 3.7L with 300 hp (220 kW), a powertrain shared with the Acura MDX. It will be on its way to dealerships in July, 2008. Critics have expressed disappointment that the sole transmission will remain a five-speed auto, when six or more speeds is now commonplace among the RL's competitors and even cars competing in lower price classes. The facelifted RL has a grille similar to the new MDX and TSX. A V8 RL may be on its way , to compete with its rivals for the 2011 model year. A notchback full-size luxury sedan. ... The Jeep testdrive hill at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show The Chicago Auto Show is held annually in February at Chicagos McCormick Place convention complex. ... is the 37th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... The Acura MDX (Honda MDX in Japan and Australia) is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Acura since the 2001 model year. ... July is the seventh month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ...

Specs

Standard & A-Spec: Engine: 3471 cc V6 The Ford Essex V6 engine V6 and V-6 redirect here. ...

Safety

From 2005 to 2008, Acura RL has been ranked #1 and has achieved the best car safety score (46.4) in Informed for LIFE's 2003 - 2009 Vehicle risk index SCOREs.^[4]

The Acura RL features Collision Mitigation Braking System, which can alert drivers of objects up to 330' ahead. If the driver gets dangerously close and doesn't take evasive action, the RL brakes slightly and tugs at the seatbelts. If the driver still doesn't react and the collision is deemed unavoidable, the RL retracts and locks seatbelts and brakes hard. A precrash system is an automobile safety system designed to reduce the damage caused by a collision. ...

Sources

External links

Acura (Japanese: ã‚¢ã‚ãƒ¥ãƒ©, Akyura) is the luxury vehicle brand of Japanese automaker Honda Motor Company. ... This article is about the Japanese motor corporation. ... A 2002 Lincoln Town Car, an example of a flagship luxury sedan A luxury vehicle is a vehicle which provides a great abundance of ease and comfort. ... The Peugeot 406 CoupÃ©, designed by Pininfarina 1990 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC coupÃ©, noted for its large, angular design 1997 Rover Vitesse Coupe, club coupÃ© Rover P5 Coupe, a traditional four-door coupÃ© Mercedes CLS, a modern four-door coupÃ© Gala-CoupÃ© of Leopold II, Brussels 1970s Sunbeam Alpine fastback coup... The Honda Integra, a car sold as an Acura in North America and as a Honda elsewhere, was a sporty front-wheel drive vehicle sold both as a sedan and hatchback. ... The Honda Integra, a car sold as an Acura in North America and as a Honda elsewhere, was a sporty front-wheel drive vehicle sold both as a sedan and hatchback. ... The Honda Integra, a car sold as an Acura in North America and as a Honda elsewhere, was a sporty front-wheel drive vehicle sold both as a sedan and hatchback. ... The Acura RSX was an automobile sold by Honda. ... A notchback full-size luxury sedan. ... This page is about this vehicles North American model, see Honda Accord for article The Acura TSX is an automobile manufactured by Honda, introduced in April 2003, it was sold only in the United States and Canada but from the 2009 model year on, will be avalable also in... This page is about this vehicles North American model, see Honda Accord for article The Acura TSX is an automobile manufactured by Honda, introduced in April 2003, it was sold only in the United States and Canada but from the 2009 model year on, will be avalable also in... Acura EL was a small family sedan by Honda based on the extremely popular Civic sedan, and was available only in Canada. ... Acura EL was a small family sedan by Honda based on the extremely popular Civic sedan, and was available only in Canada. ... 2007 Acura CSX Type-S. Note the car door handles look similar to the Honda Civic with standard lining, not the Acura CSX, which has chrome lining over it. ... A contemporary Lincoln Town Car, an example of the traditional luxury car design. ... The Acura CL is a model of automobile manufactured by Honda between 1997 and 2003 and was designed to replace the Acura Legend coupe. ... The Acura CL is a model of automobile manufactured by Honda between 1997 and 2003 and was designed to replace the Acura Legend coupe. ... The Acura Vigor was Acuras mid-size sedan sold from 1992 to 1995. ... The Acura TL is a mid-size luxury car from Hondas Acura brand. ... The Acura TL is a mid-size luxury car from Hondas Acura brand. ... The Acura TL is a mid-size luxury car from Hondas Acura brand. ... A contemporary Lincoln Town Car, an example of the traditional luxury car design. ... The Acura Legend, sold as the Honda Legend outside the U.S., Canada, and parts of China, was a sporty luxury vehicle sold from 1986 to 1995 as both a sedan and a coupÃ©. It was one of the first vehicles sold under the Acura nameplate, and was the top... The Acura Legend, sold as the Honda Legend outside the U.S., Canada, and parts of China, was a sporty luxury vehicle sold from 1986 to 1995 as both a sedan and a coupÃ©. It was one of the first vehicles sold under the Acura nameplate, and was the top... A luxury SUV is a North American term for sport utility vehicles which have features that resemble other luxury vehicles. ... The Acura RDX is Acuraâ€™s first compact luxury crossover SUV. Originally previewed as the Acura RD-X concept car, the production RDX had its debut at the 2006 New York Auto Show and went on sale on August 11, 2006. ... The Acura MDX (Honda MDX in Japan and Australia) is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Acura since the 2001 model year. ... The Acura MDX (Honda MDX in Japan and Australia) is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Acura since the 2001 model year. ... A luxury SUV is a North American term for sport utility vehicles which have features that resemble other luxury vehicles. ... The Acura SLX was a lightly upgraded Isuzu Trooper sold by Acura as a luxury sport utility vehicle beginning in 1996, due to the increasing popularity of SUVs at the time. ... The Honda NSX (Acura NSX in North America and Hong Kong) was a sports car produced between 1990 and 2005 by the Japanese automaker Honda. ...

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