Acura dealers admit RL flagship needs some work, update planned for '08

Acura is planning to inject some life into the slow selling RL flagship saloon by giving the car a major overhaul in time for next year’s summer sale period. Several dealers were given information about the update but no specifications or details about the car’s final styling were revealed.

One dealer in Pittsburgh said the car will receive “a major facelift in the front and back.” Dealers across the U.S. have requested several major changes as another Los Angeles salesmen explained. “Dealers have said they want three things: They don’t like the styling, there is not enough rear-seat legroom and it needs a turbocharger or V8.”
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Lem1972 - 11/19/2007 1:14:59 PM

+1 Boost

In addition to a reworked exterior, and a V8, I would say Acura needs to go (RWD) rear wheel drive on not only the RL, but on all their models.

EnnNorak - 11/21/2007 4:35:53 PM

+2 Boost

Good thinking Lem1972, and please add LSD to a RWD version without Honda's AWD system. I do not trust Honda's AWD system because it has the front and realr axels deliberately turning at slightly different speeds which wear out the clutches that accomodate this speed difference. Honda claims that these clutches are designed to last the life of the car but what does that mean in terms of actual years?

EnnNorak - 11/21/2007 4:39:46 PM

+1 Boost

BTW Honda, make that a normally aspirated V8 and harmonize the Canadian MSRP with the U.S. MSRP. Auto makers should stop ripping off Canadian consumers, especially now that the C$ is slightly over par with the U.S.$

ceric - 11/19/2007 3:13:44 PM

+1 Boost

Acura already used turbo chargers on RDX. Using it on RL would make senses at least as an option. The rear legroom is hard to fix for current model. A turbo RL with 350hp certainly will kick up the sales a bit while keeping the MPG in check.
It also needs a 6-speed tranny for a better gear spread.

EnnNorak - 11/21/2007 4:43:46 PM

+1 Boost

I don't want Honda's turbo. I read somewhere that Honda located the turbo further downstream in the exhaust system because it could not otherwise take the high temperature environment in which it operates. I would gladly consider a normally aspirated RL with a DOHC V8, RWD, and LSD. Then I would consider it a true competitor to the coming Hyundai Genesis sedan.

BMW995 - 11/19/2007 5:36:01 PM

0 Boost

I second Lem1972..RWD on ALL models! Otherwise Acura will be in a constant state of trying to catch up with the others. With RWD, Acura will be the Japanese BMW.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/19/2007 11:00:40 PM

+3 Boost

No, that's already Infiniti.

EnnNorak - 11/21/2007 4:45:26 PM

+1 Boost

Infiniti YES. I just hope Infiniti does not end up with the dreaded CVT like other Nissan products.

bobus - 11/19/2007 6:52:01 PM

+2 Boost

For the price, the RL needs to be quieter and handles better.

SpicyMikey - 11/20/2007 7:34:20 AM

+1 Boost

Quieter? The RL is one of the quietest cars I've ever driven in. Hard to even drive in manual without watching the tach. You can hardly hear the engine from inside.

bobus - 11/20/2007 1:38:08 PM

+2 Boost

Try going 65-70 MPH on the freeway, compare it with other cars in the same price range, then the RL's road noise and tire noise will be very noticeble.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/20/2007 6:28:59 PM

+3 Boost

That's similar to the Lexus RX. Quiet engine, and most would assume that it's quiet in all conditions, because it's a Lexus. But then you go on the highway, and realize that it has terrible wind noise.

bobus - 11/19/2007 6:58:39 PM

+1 Boost

For the price, the RL needs to be quieter and handles better, and what's up with the passenger seat? It is just a 4 way power seat, no height adjustment, while other cars in this price range has at least a 8-way power seat.

EnnNorak - 11/21/2007 4:48:47 PM

+1 Boost

I'm glad bobus brough up the subject of seat height adjustment. I've lost count of the number of vehicles, including the large Buick Enclave, where I banged my head on the roof getting into the front passenger seat because I could not lower the seat prior to entry.

gsh23 - 11/20/2007 1:35:16 PM

+2 Boost

honda obviously doesnt care that much about acura. i mean come on, if they wont even bring a type r over, theres no way acura is getting anything sporty.

EnnNorak - 11/21/2007 4:50:34 PM

+2 Boost

Apparently Acura is strictly for North America -- it is not a global brand. If it bombs here it will likely die off.

bobus - 11/21/2007 10:09:51 PM

+1 Boost

Well, in Japan, the RL is badged as Honda, as is the MDX, RDX and the TSX is an Accord.

mikeydred20 - 11/21/2007 11:24:27 PM

0 Boost

Acura will never die off wait until next year SH-AWD is the shit and the auto industry will bow down. The TL will once again introduce several first like it did in 03 as an 04 model? Get ready to "Advance" haters

S4cabriofoxone - 11/22/2007 1:55:37 AM

+1 Boost

Okay... whatever you say.