Ahead of the Curve
A next-generation grille design and dramatic 18-inch wheels underscore only the beginning of the revisions to the flagship of the Acura fleet. Other visual updates include revised rear lower bumper detailing and the newly available Light Orchid interior.
But it's under the RL's handsomely creased bodywork that you'll find the most dramatic updates. A new 6-speed automatic transmission with low-gear ratios provides improved acceleration performance and enhanced responsiveness; it's a thrilling new partner to the 300-horsepower, VTEC 3.7-liter V-6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The 2011 RL also boasts new resonators at each wheel to help minimize vibrations and road noise.
On the luxury front, a freshened conveniences list includes newly available rear parking sensors and power-folding outside mirrors, making this the most richly equipped RL to date.
...so, no IMA yet. But hopefully, we'll all be "amazed" as promised. This car also needs the ELS sound system which is truly superior to most other luxury makes. HDD nav maybe?
I had personally hoped for a FR-based SH-AWD system coupled to at least the 3.7 liter V6 since V8s and V10s are out of the picture. That alone would finally differentiate the RL from the TL in terms of driving experience. With such a promising system, I hope Acura didn't completely throw out the design specs of the proposed Tier 1 enhancements.
guess so. I don't even know why they would incur any additional costs to try to increase the RL's sales. The RL sells less than 200 cars a month. A 6 speed auto, power folding mirrors, and parking sensors won't make a difference.
who the heck highlights parking sensors? seriously? the accord has back up sensors for $500..
I like the power folding mirrors, they should make it standard on all acuras to provide further differentiation from hondas. These are luxury cars after all right? It would have been great to have my TL's mirrors fold on demand and when i lock the car.
That is part of Acura's problems!!!! Aussie Legend has had the powered rear mirrors since it's introduction in 2006, but missed out on a lot of important other features. The total mis-mash of LUXURY features has been a big minus for the marque both in the US and other markets.
Not sure why they are highlighting the back up sensors since they are already available:
Back-Up Sensors
* The Back-Up Sensors can assist you in difficult parking spots and alert you to obstacles that may be behind you, but out of your line of sight
* The driver is alerted by audible beeps as objects are approached
* Color-matched to original factory paint specifications for a factory appearance
Perhaps it is just a stop gap update for minimal cost.
Another can't win scenario for Honda.
They don't update the RL and add things like 6AT, extra features etc, and they get flamed for "not doing enough."
If they do update things (even with minimal prospect for ROI), they get flamed because it is too little too late, they won't get their money back etc.
Any buzz on the RL is better than none. Besides, if they actuallly do debut a completely new one for 2012 (IIRC it was supposed to be released as a 2012 model at the end of 2011), then it simply adds to the forward momemtum.
Besides, building a few more 6AT's will give them a larger reliability data pool, will garner a bit of momentum, and really costs nothing, since the powertrain is already in the MDX and TL.
aznxthuggie wrote: guess so. I don't even know why they would incur any additional costs to try to increase the RL's sales. The RL sells less than 200 cars a month. A 6 speed auto, power folding mirrors, and parking sensors won't make a difference.
who the heck highlights parking sensors? seriously? the accord has back up sensors for $500..
I like the power folding mirrors, they should make it standard on all acuras to provide further differentiation from hondas. These are luxury cars after all right? It would have been great to have my TL's mirrors fold on demand and when i lock the car.
Acura says;........I think the term is "Smart Luxury"............LEARN IT LOSER Geeeezzzzz why dosn't anyone understand us?! l:-(
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