2009 Acura RL To Surface at the Chicago Auto Show Next Week?

Over the past few days, more and more '09 Acura info has been trickling out of the pipe. First off, we have heard an on-sale date of April 24 for the '09 TSX. Secondly, the '09 RL should be appearing in showrooms in a similar timeframe. Now, what are the '09 RL and '09 TSX all about? Maybe this communique from Acura will help:

Source: Temple of Vtech

This MOVE allocation will include March production with March arrival of the 2008 TL, 2008 RDX and 2008 MDX and March production with April arrival of 2009 TSX and 2009 RL models.

2009 TSX

Designed and engineered to reaffirm its place as a desirable and affordable entry point for the Acura sedan range, the all-new redesigned second-generation 2009 TSX will be offered in two different packages

Standard Package:

· The standard model will be similar to RDX’s and 08MY TSX’s standard features with new luxury amenities and audio capabilities that all contribute to the new TSX’s added appeal.

Technology Package:

The technology package is similar to the RDX’s technology packaging and will continue to “Advance” the image of Acura. The Technology Package includes:

· Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition with new functionality

· AcuraLink Satellite Communication System

· Acura/ELS Surround Premium 10 Speaker Sound System

2009 RL

The substantial redesign of the 2009 Acura RL combines added performance, improved technology, more aggressive exterior styling and even greater safety to a top-tier luxury performance sedan.

Three packages will continue to be offered:

Standard Package:

· Improvements include better functionality for the HVAC, HandsFreeLink and audio system

Technology Package:

· The Technology model will be similar to the 08MY RL with new luxury amenities. The Technology Package will continue to “Advance” the image of Acura by adding more functionality to the Acura Navigation System.

CMBS Package:

· CMBS will be available as a stand-alone option.

KillBot - 1/28/2008 8:39:46 PM

+3 Boost

This car looks very very Audi-ish.

ThierryHenry14 - 1/28/2008 9:38:09 PM

+2 Boost

yea, the exterior lines remind me of Audi designs

pacotacolol - 1/29/2008 6:43:17 AM

+2 Boost

its the concept 4 that agent75 lied about and said it was the next hinda civic. haha

EnnNorak - 1/29/2008 11:21:02 AM

0 Boost

The navigation system should always be a stand-alone option and I will not buy any package that includes it. I hope the V6 will finally get DOHC and that RWD with LSD will be an option as I do not trust Honda's AWD system with its constantly slipping (and wearing out) clutches to accommodate a deliberate small speed difference between front and rear axels.

stash84 - 1/29/2008 12:52:38 PM

+2 Boost

i dont agree..i think maybe youve looked at so many audis that everything is starting to look like 1 to you

stash84 - 1/29/2008 12:53:13 PM

+4 Boost

or MAYBE..its the sprint blue color !

DaHarder - 1/28/2008 8:51:26 PM

+4 Boost

I just don't see this 'rendering' being the next Acura RL, as the proportions are simply not those of a larger sedan, but more something closer to Civic/TSX size...

TSX - Maybe?

RL - Never!

DaHarder - 1/28/2008 8:58:14 PM

+4 Boost

Ok... My Mistake

I guess it IS supposed to be the next TSX.

It does make one wonder if it (the 2009 TSX) is Civic Based this time around given the fact that the Accord platform is now rather large, and not really befitting of a sport sedan.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/28/2008 8:58:47 PM

+1 Boost

+1

http://www.diseno-art.com/images/Honda_Sports_4_side.jpg

Hyundai - 1/28/2008 10:07:46 PM

+2 Boost

That's because it is a Sports4 = Next Gen TSX

0to60 - 1/28/2008 9:23:56 PM

+1 Boost

I saw this a long time ago. This was suppose to be the 2003 Honda Accord. Wish they would have went this route.

acuramike - 1/28/2008 9:58:54 PM

+3 Boost

Oto60, the sport4 concept debuted at the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show, so I think you saw something else...

zorbeeze - 1/29/2008 8:37:52 AM

+2 Boost

The last gen TSX was the accord everywhere except NA.
I'm wondering what direction they're going this time around. They can't make it the same size as the new accord, it's too big.

henbmw - 1/28/2008 10:02:40 PM

+3 Boost

I hope this "added performance" in the RL means a V8. It dearly needs one

IhavearedS2000 - 1/28/2008 10:15:29 PM

+2 Boost

This was rumored to be the next TSX/EURO Accord, but recent spy pics have cast a serious shadow on this rumor. The Accord Tourer Concept, while having some general traits of this Sports4 concept, will no doubt be the true replacement of the TSX (unfortunately)...

A new rumor has it that the Sports4 will be introduced, as is, as a 4 door coupe as is the latest (dumb) fashion. While the idea sounds silly, I still wouldn't mind seeing this car on the streets rather than the dull things coming out of Honda/Acura lately.

PS: It's called Temple of Vtec

EL34 - 1/28/2008 10:20:13 PM

-4 Boost

Holy snikes! Batman, that looks just like an Audi.


Immitation is the sinceriest form of flattery ;-)

Star - 1/28/2008 10:28:52 PM

-6 Boost

and we all know that Japanese don't do anything else than try to imitate...at least when it comes to cars...

stash84 - 1/29/2008 12:55:11 PM

+2 Boost

just because its sprint blue doesnt mean that it looks like an audi

S4cabriofoxone - 1/29/2008 6:13:32 PM

+2 Boost

It's not Sprint Blue... I have Sprint Blue.

This is Acura blue.

IhavearedS2000 - 1/28/2008 10:48:08 PM

+3 Boost

The RL is pretty much confirmed for Chicago (check on TOV) but don't expect to much in terms of engine options (no V8 till a full model make over, and that's still a big maybe). This mild update of the RL is said to be one of Honda/Acuras biggest and priciest, probably because it's current iteration tanked so spectacularly. I expect to see the engine boosted to 3.7L like the MDX and some repackaging of the interior to get some more room in the rear as well as a exterior update akin to the scope of the previous gen Accord when it got it's droppy butt redesigned...nothing to crazy since the full redesign is just around the corner in 2010.

IhavearedS2000 - 1/28/2008 11:14:34 PM

+2 Boost

It isn't and it won't...unfortunately

lexusis350 - 1/28/2008 11:13:29 PM

+3 Boost

The only thing standing between the RL and a success story is a V8. That is the only thing they don't have that the competition does. Well, that and ventilated seats.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/28/2008 11:19:31 PM

-1 Boost

Nope.

Even if it had a V8, it would bore most buyers to death.

Case in point, Volvo S80.

Dr550 - 1/28/2008 11:33:44 PM

-2 Boost

It has a "H" on grill. Acura using "shield" with A. ?

aeyjay - 1/28/2008 11:48:18 PM

-3 Boost

The first car that popped in my mind was the Pontiac G6 (which isn't original either).

Lexus - 1/28/2008 11:57:50 PM

-1 Boost

This new Honda/Acura look very nice, I love it. Let hope the production will look as good as this.

Good job Honda/Acura

Lexus

IhavearedS2000 - 1/29/2008 12:21:14 AM

0 Boost

oy vey...no one reads anymore.... :-(

Chaos29 - 1/29/2008 2:38:50 AM

0 Boost

the "R" stands for rear! well, atleast everyone wishes it to be. LOL.

Go for the G for the alternative.

Chaos29 - 1/29/2008 2:39:56 AM

+2 Boost

Oh...I give it props for the good look.

A4ORCE - 1/29/2008 4:26:01 AM

+2 Boost

I will never understand why Acura hasn't used a V8 in their RL's to this day. I would have thought that they would have shoved at least a small V8 in the current iteration, but no... I haven't studied up on this or anything so if anyone knows who the Acura people are targeting this car to, I'm all ears.

A4ORCE - 1/31/2008 2:48:15 AM

+1 Boost

Personally, I always thought the Avalon was built to compete with the likes of Buick. And the Maxima that once competed with the Accord and Camry, somewhere along the way, as the cars just grew bigger and bigger, kind of accidentally grew to the size of the Avalon, as the new Altima took its place.

But I digress... I agree, it does leave a bad impression. Being the first of the three luxury brands, perhaps they just never grew out of the Acura Legend stage. And I think the RL is even called Legend over in Europe or Japan, right? They really need a proper full size luxury sedan with a longitudinal V8 and maybe even rename the RL to compete with the GS or something.

ILikeLambo - 1/29/2008 5:15:25 AM

0 Boost

when was the last time we heard from acura?

jsell - 1/29/2008 10:08:12 AM

+1 Boost

The RL slated to be shown will have a totally new design on the outside with more legroom on the inside for the rear occupants. There will also be addtitional power somewhere in the neighborhood of 305hp with 25% more torque directed to the REAR wheels. They want to make more a RWD biased AWD than the current one of FWD bias. I also would like to see at least a v-8 Option. Most of the cars in the RLs class (GS,5 series, A-6) are sold as V-6s. So the lack of a V-8 is not the most pressing issue. IMO the biggest issue is the lack of an UBER-LUXO cruiser. The word is Acura is slated to bring an LS,S class, 7 series competitor in the Very Near future. Bring back the Legend with a v-10 and all the Acura amenities and I think the RL will see a significant jump in sales with a 70k halo car sitting next to it on the ground. This RL MMC is the most expensive in the history of Honda, so this car should look more 50k ish than it does now. Whatever the design brings, the RL is one of the most underrated cars on the market right now. Anyone who has driven on can attest to that.

V-10 NSX

theoptimisticpessimist - 1/29/2008 12:50:33 PM

+1 Boost

" the RL is one of the most underrated cars on the market right now. Anyone who has driven on can attest to that."

Couldn't disagree more. After putting several miles on the car it was easy to see why it didn't sell. Smaller than the Accord on the inside. Interior material reeked of Honda, not at the level of competitors in the class. The engine, a Honda problem, has to be wrung out to get any torque out of it, unlike the competition. The worst part is the handling and ride, both fragile. If pushed hard it dives terribly and is at best unsophisticated. the Super-Handling AWD isn't.

The RL is just mediocre, but mediocre at the $35K price point not the $50k.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/29/2008 6:16:59 PM

0 Boost

"...the RL is one of the most underrated cars on the market right now. Anyone who has driven on can attest to that."

I also disagree. What are its redeeming qualities?

Let's think about it in the perspective of its competition.

Exterior:

BMW 5 Series (IMO), Lexus GS, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Infiniti M and Jaguar XF are all better-looking.

Interior:

Lexus GS, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Jaguar XF and a well-equipped BMW 5 are more luxurious.

Dynamics:

BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Infiniti M and Jaguar XF are all more fun to drive.

So what is it then?

acuramike - 1/30/2008 4:22:07 PM

0 Boost

"...the RL is one of the most underrated cars on the market right now. Anyone who has driven on can attest to that."

I'm assuming many of you have not even been inside the car. Because if you did you would have noted that materials is way better then the infiniti M and room is better then the Lexus GS.

The RL is a great car it just lacks the "cool" factor the other guys have. This is Acura's fault for not promoting their car.

Look, you guys who talk trash are just talking trash just for the sake of it. Slap a lexus badge on it and it will sell like hot cakes, because it's cool to have a lex..

The problem is brand image not the product.

stash84 - 1/29/2008 1:02:54 PM

+3 Boost

undependable? i beat up my 91 integra for years..raced everyone i saw and now it has 225,000 miles, a new owner, and its still running strong.

Whelan - 1/29/2008 10:50:55 AM

-1 Boost

Umm, Looks too small to be a RL, I would put this more as the new upcoming TL than anything.

autopro - 1/29/2008 12:09:58 PM

+2 Boost

Big mistake not putting a V-8 in the RL,but at least their doing something.Honda acts like they don't have any money.

Obliv - 1/29/2008 12:10:03 PM

+1 Boost

I dont see Audi in this at all. All I see is a touted up civic.

richard112360 - 1/29/2008 12:13:27 PM

+2 Boost

Picture shown is the next generation Acura TSX. This pic has been circulating around the internet for quite a long time.

Whelan - 1/29/2008 12:52:49 PM

+1 Boost

The TSX is the Honda Accord overseas, and Acura in Canada has a smaller model called the CSX which is a luxury version of the Civic with leather and the trimmings. The TL is solely for the NA markets and is based off the US platformed Accord. I believe the RL is also based off that frame too.

Maybe they should start offering AWD, wouldn't be hard. The TSX 2.4L engine is the same used in the Honda Element with AWD, so shouldn't be hard to mount up one in there.

answer - 1/29/2008 2:10:41 PM

+4 Boost

The RL needs something unique.

A-list audio system?

Fully LCD display for gauges?

Crazy interior lighting?

Give us something Acura!

There isn't anything wrong with the current RL (other than so-so fuel economy). But there is nothing truly desirable either.

And bring back the damn "Legend" name!

S4cabriofoxone - 1/29/2008 6:18:40 PM

+2 Boost

"There isn't anything wrong with the current RL (other than so-so fuel economy). But there is nothing truly desirable either."

EXACTLY!!!

S4cabriofoxone - 1/29/2008 6:26:14 PM

+2 Boost

For example...

With the BMW, you get the inherent driving dynamics, super-smooth engines, free maintenance, all of the latest technology and distinctive styling, whether you love it or hate it. I personally love it.

With the Lexus, you get a luxurious interior, a unique array of engines to choose from, eye-catching style, top-notch service and a relative exclusivity that can't be had with the 5 Series or E-Class.

With the Merc, you get classic Benz style, an elegant interior, the option of an innovative diesel engine, plenty of drivetrain configurations, and a very pleasant, capable sedan overall.

With the Audi, you get a class-leading interior, contemporary style, very good engines, confident handling and the security of quattro AWD.

With the Infiniti, you get excellent handling, unique style, a plethora of tech features and a great value when it's parked in your driveway.

With the new Jag, you get sensual style, an opulent interior, fantastic eight-cylinder engines, cat-like handling, lots of gadgets and the charisma that comes with a Jaguar.

And with the RL, you get...? What sets it apart? The fact that it has no engine choices?

bmwfan1513 - 1/29/2008 3:46:06 PM

+3 Boost

The picture looks nice.

mikeydred20 - 1/29/2008 7:52:15 PM

0 Boost

S4 I have to disagree with you. The RL offers just about everything that those other cars you mentioned have. I thik the iterior is better than the GS, many custumers actually complain the GS does not have enough wood inside. The XF is nice but if it carries the same reliability as the S class you think it will sell? The RL when it came out had tech that these other cars didn't even know what it was not to mention it was standard. Time will tell, again it does need to be bigger in the rear because some actually look at that. Marketing is the problem with the RL every other vechicle in Acura lineup currently has commercials. I love the MDX commercials where the other suv's disappear ad the MDX remains as C& Drivers pick, things like that will help the RL sales.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/30/2008 10:10:27 PM

+1 Boost

"The XF is nice but if it carries the same reliability as the S class you think it will sell?"

Huh? The XF is a Jaguar. Jaguar is higher than ever before in reliability surveys. The XJ was second in reliability only to the Lexus LS430, and we're not sure about the 460 yet.

Yes, in fact, I know it will sell. It's getting too much good press. It looks sensational, and it drives as good as it looks. Isn't that enough to sell a car?

I'm sorry, but I just don't think marketing is the problem with the RL. Look at the MDX. It's not getting a ton of ads, but it's still selling very well and it's getting lots of great reviews. It is a truly excellent product. The RL is not. Yes, it "had" more tech than the competition, but now it only equals them. The styling... isn't. It's like they forgot to design it. The interior is fine, and well-finished, but again, boring. It doesn't have the charisma of the XF interior, the focus of the 5 Series interior or the elegance of the A6 interior. It drives well, but sometimes "well" isn't good enough.

This is a cutthroat market, and frankly, Acura brought a knife to a gun fight.

LexSucks - 1/30/2008 9:43:14 AM

-3 Boost

RL = Really Lame

Porschinator - 1/30/2008 5:41:53 PM

+2 Boost

Def has Audi influence. The only issue I have with Acura is that fact that the cars do not look luxurious. Sporty = Yes, Reliable = Yes, Good fit & Finish = Yes, compete with BMW/Lexus = No.

This may be a first attempt to concieve a vehicle that will finally compete with the Top Luxury makes. Currently the TL is a good car but still has that Honda feel and ambiance which can be perceived as cheap econo car. Def not considered when buyers are looking at Audi, BMW, MB, Cadi, Lexus.

tattedtwice - 1/30/2008 7:42:23 PM

+2 Boost

There's nothing really wrong with the RL, it just came on the cusp of a midsize luxury sedan explosion and got overlooked. When they introduced it, it looked promising; its 3.5 at the time had the highest HP for a N/A V6 and was comparable to V8's; it came fully loaded and with features that were then new, like Realtime traffic, DVD audio, etc; it had a pretty slick AWD system that helped it keep up with the RWDs.

Doesnt sound like a bad deal, but then even newer and more advanced competition came out and people started looking elsewhere. Sucks for acura, but at least they're responding; maybe this time around they'll get more attention.

LexSucks - 1/31/2008 4:48:48 PM

+1 Boost

The car looked good on paper. But on the road it was an underpowered car that could do no better than 7 second 0-60 times. The handling left more to be desired.

The RL also was small for the type of class Acura Thought it should be in. And a $50k starting price didn't help either.

mikeydred20 - 1/31/2008 8:33:06 PM

+1 Boost

S4 whats so cutting edge about the XF interior? the fact that it looks like it got ripped from a Lincoln. I have already seen one in person at a local car show so this is not opinion it's fact and the steering wheel looks uninspiring. I understand alot of the interior components open as the engine is turned on but it's just something else to brake and the rear seat look just as tight as an RL if not tighter. By the way the S type sold less than the RL so the XF has a hurdle to climb too will the name change be enough time will tell.
Sure Jaguar might be becoming more realiable these days but the S type was horrible in terms of realiability and that is all that I am stating. Jaguars are not what they used to be if Acura was around 50-60 years ago we wouldn't be having this discussion.