Acura RL
The Acura RL is the flagship car for North America luxury brand Acura — marketed in Japan as the Honda Legend and manufactured in Saitama, Japan. The alpha call-sign "RL" is an abbreviation for "Refined Luxury."
The current second-generation Acura RL is a rebadged version of the fourth-generation Honda Legend and was introduced into the North American market in September 2004 as a 2005 model. This iteration of the RL received an extensive mid-generational facelift for the 2009 model year.
First generation (1996–2004)
1996 (KA9)
In 1996, Acura introduced the Acura 3.5RL, replacing the Legend. Known internally as "KA9", Acura dropped the Legend name when market research showed that consumers knew Acura products by their model names, "Legend" and "Integra", and did not necessarily associate the names with the manufacturer, Acura.The 3.5RL's longitudinally mounted V6 engine had its center-line mounted in-line with the car's axis, and not transversely (i.e., 90 degrees offset from the vehicle axis) like most other front-wheel drive cars. This longitudinal placement allowed for a smaller turning radius and easy in-town maneuverability, as well as 56/44 front/rear weight distribution.
1999–2004 Acura 3.5RL
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 change was given to the 3.5RL with painted lower trim and mudflaps along with redesigned alloys and a newer, sportier suspension setup. Perhaps more important 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. 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 redesigned center console and chrome door lock pulls.
The 1996–2004 3.5RL's engine was the last in the Honda and Acura lineup not to use VTEC, Honda's variable valve timing system. This 3.5 L 90 degree V6 engine was internally designated as the C35A, and 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 designator (i.e., 3.5) for its engine displacement.
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| Also called | Acura 3.5RL Acura Legend |
|---|---|
| Production | 1996–2004 |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Engine(s) | 3.5 L V6 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 114.6 in (2911 mm) |
| Length | 1996–1998:195.1 in (4956 mm) 1999–2001:196.6 in (4994 mm) 2002–2004:196.7 in (4996 mm) |
| Width | 1996–1998:71.3 in (1811 mm) 1999–2001:71.4 in (1814 mm) 2002–2004:71.7 in (1821 mm) |
| Height | 1996–1998:54.5 in (1384 mm) 1999–2001:56.5 in (1435 mm) 2002–2004:54.5 in (1384 mm |
Second generation (2005–present)
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| Also called | Honda Legend Acura 3.7RL |
|---|---|
| Production | 2005–current |
| Layout | Front engine, all-wheel drive |
| Engine(s) | 2005-08: 3.5L 290 hp (220 kW) 2009: 3.7L 300 hp (220 kW) |
| Transmission(s) | 2005-10: 5-speed automatic with sequential sport shift 2011: 6-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2005-09: 110.2 in (2799 mm) |
| Length | 2005-08: 193.6 in (4917 mm) 2009: 195.8 in (4973 mm) |
| Width | 2005-09: 72.7 in (1847 mm) |
| Height | 2005-08: 57.1 in (1450 mm) 2009: 57.2 in (1453 mm) |
2005-2008 A-Spec Performance Package
For the 2005-2008 models, Acura offered an A-Spec package for the RL. The package consisted of two performance upgrades, which were dealer installed, and several appearance package upgrades. The package was first announced at a late 2004 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas. It should be noted that 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.The performance upgrades came in the form of A-Spec sport suspension upgrade, and A-Spec 18 inch alloy wheels, which allowed the use of more sporty lower profile tires.
The other performance upgrade was the A-Spec 18x8 inch alloy wheels, a 10 spoke lighter weight design (about the same weight as the 5 spoke 17x8 inch OEM wheels). Recommended tires were either 245/45-18 sized Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ultra high performance summer tires or Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ultra high performance all-season tires. Alternatively, less sport oriented, Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 Grand Touring All Season tires were also available in the same size. Typical of Acura optional wheels, the 55 mm offset of the stock 17x8 inch wheels was maintained so that suspension geometry could remain untouched.
The A-Spec appearance package consisted of a front air dam, side skirts, rear bumper air diffuser and a subtle trunk decklid lip style spoiler, all designed to give the car a more aggressive "aero" look. The parts came pre-painted from the factory to match factory colors. All parts were dealer installable.
Interestingly, if the dealer installed the A-Spec parts at the time of purchase, the original new car warranty of four years/50,000 miles would apply. If installed after purchase, the normal one year/12,000 mile parts warranty would apply.
A-Spec options were not offered for the 2009 mid model change. There is a widely held belief that the A-Spec suspension should have been the standard suspension on the Acura RL, and that the stock suspension was too soft, and hampered the very capable chassis and drivetrain. Interestingly the 2009 mid model change incorporated a revised stiffer suspension and 18x8 inch wheels as standard, equipped with lower profile 245/45-18 size tires. More aggressive "aero" look body work was also incorporated as standard, but a revised trunk decklid spoiler was made available as a dealer installed option.
2009 Mid Model Change (KB2)
For the 2009 model year, the RL received an extensive mid-model change (MMC), and made its introduction at the Chicago Auto Show on February 6, 2008, billed as "the most extensive Acura MMC ever". The new sedan was designated KB2 in the VIN codes, differentiating it from the 2005–2008 KB1 chassis VIN code. The revised sedan was released on July 1, 2008 to dealerships. The engine is upgraded to 3.7L with 300 hp (220 kW). While on paper, the engine may seem to be the same unit as shared with the Acura MDX, it is actually a variant that introduces for the first time ever on a SOHC Honda V6, an implementation of the Honda VTEC variable valve train technology on the exhaust side for improved horsepower and torque. Heretofore, all previous SOHC Honda V6 with VTEC used the technology on the intake side onl. The engine emissions has been improved to meet the stricter U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) TIER 2 – BIN 5 and California Air Resources Board ULEV-2 standards. Implementation of the SH-AWD was adjusted for earlier intervention and a greater rear wheel bias for better handling dynamics.
The MMC RL suspension was upgraded with higher rate coil springs, larger diameter anti-sway bars and stiffer bushings all around. The MMC RL sports a new larger front anti-sway bar of hollow construction, 30 mm diameter overall with a 6.5 mm wall thickness and a larger rear solid anti-sway bar, 19 mm diameter solid. The pre-MMC models sported a solid 29 mm front and 17 mm rear sway bar.
Changes to the interior include more comfortable front seats and slightly increased rear leg room. The passenger front seat now has the same full 10-way power control as the driver's seat and both front seats feature active head restraint systems and six levels of cooling ventilation, as well as heated surfaces. Controls for heating and air-conditioning have been simplified and additional individual vent control is available to driver and passenger. The shift gear no longer has a gated sequence, but goes straight down to match the new ones used for the current Acura TSX and Acura TL. The steering wheel and shift gear top are now trimmed with wood to emphasize the RL's upscale luxury feel over its other two sedan siblings.
Additional insulation, improved acoustic isolation windshield design, and a new implementation of the active noise cancellation system (ANC) combine to make the car's interior more quiet over a variety of different conditions. Whereas the pre-MMC models ANC was set to cancel out low frequency boominess from the engine and exhaust, the MMC system, called Active Sound Control, has been extended in range to cancel some higher frequency road and tire noise as well. Unlike its predecessor ANC, Active Sound Control is now linked to throttle position and engine rpm to provide a more quiet cockpit during normal cruising, but will allow more of the new "3.7L's muscular sound" to be heard during higher rpm, higher speed excursions.
The DVD based navigation system improves on previous XM satellite linked traffic flow reporting to include rerouting based on current traffic conditions and new continuously updated real time weather reporting. The DVD Audio capable 10 speaker sound system remains, but integration with the audio system is improved with the addition of Bluetooth stereo and a USB port that allows integration and operation of Apple iPod and other MP3 type devices. Also new is the ability to display iPod or other MP3 device (such as a USB flash memory device) folder and playlist information on the car's 8-inch central navigation display screen.
New shifter and center console arrangements have been added including a Sport mode. The steering wheel paddle shifters have been reprogrammed for faster response, and the paddle shifters can now be operated in both Drive and Sport Mode. In pre-MMC models, the gear selector had to be put in manual mode for the paddle shifters to operate.
Curb weights have increased. The MMC Base weighs in at 4083 lbs, the Technology Package weighs in at 4085 lbs, and the ACC/CMBS with no PAX now weighs in at 4110. The equivalent 2006 pre-MMC Technology Package weighed in at 4012 lbs, and the pre-MMC with ACC/CMBS/PAX weighed in at 4074 lbs.
The 2009 Acura RL continues to offer three trim levels in the US market. MSRP increases by $500 over the 2008 model for each trim. For 2009, the Michelin PAX Run Flat Tire system is no longer offered in combination with the CMBS/ACC package. ACC is now featured alongside CMBS as part of the package name, after a two year hiatus. In reality, ACC was always included as a part of the CMBS. Colors were added and deleted.
| 2009 RL Exterior Colors< | 2009 RL Interior Colors |
| Alberta White Pearl replaces Premium White Pearl | Parchment, Ebony |
| Crystal Black Pearl replaces Nighthawk Black Pearl | Parchment, Ebony |
| Opulent Blue Pearl | Ebony, Taupe |
| Redondo Red Pearl | Parchment, Ebony |
| Grigio Metallic replaces Carbon Gray Pearl | Parchment, Ebony |
| Platinum Frost Metallic | Ebony, Taupe |
| Silver Jade Metallic replaces Lakeshore Silver Metallic | Ebony, Taupe |
| Tuscan Beige Metallic replaces Desert Mist Metallic | Parchment |
| 2009 RL Base Package | US$ 46,680 |
| 2009 RL Technology Package | US$ 50,300 |
| 2009 RL Technology + ACC/CMBS | US$ 54,100 |
The 2010 Acura RL
The 2010 Acura RL continues with few changes, in the US market from the 2009 model, as indicated on the current Acura.com website for the RL. Colors were added and deleted. MSRP increases $150 in each trim:
| 2010 RL Exterior Colors | 2010 RL Interior Colors |
| Alberta White Pearl | Parchment, Ebony |
| Crystal Black Pearl | Parchment, Ebony |
| Opulent Blue Pearl | Taupe, (Ebony is dropped) |
| Redondo Red Pearl is dropped | |
| Grigio Metallic | Parchment, Ebony |
| Platinum Frost Metallic | Ebony, Taupe |
| Silver Jade Metallic | Ebony, Taupe |
| Tuscan Beige Metallic is dropped | |
| 2010 RL Base Package | US$ 46,830 |
| 2010 RL Technology Package | US$ 50,450 |
| 2010 RL Technology + ACC/CMBS | US$ 54,250 |
