is it just me or does this look all goppy and sad? ...like a severly depressed individual trying to crack a smile

Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow.

I really hope the next TSX doesn't look like this.

Still no V8. *yawns* Oh that's right, they're going right to a V10.

That grill is terrible. The rest is just okay. Where did Acura's styling mojo go?

Ugh, that's hideous.

SH-AWD from what I understand is as good as it gets when it comes to FWD-biased AWD, but why not go to RWD with optional RWD-biased AWD, like every other luxury manufacturer?

An RL with new sheetmetal doesn't solve Acura's biggest problem, which is standard FWD on most of their models.

The two luxury brands in the biggest trouble are Acura and Lincoln. They are also the two luxury brands that still cling to FWD for most models. I don't think it's a coincidence.

that grill reminds me of this guy [www.thelastminuteblog.com]

SH-AWD isn't front-biased any more than Quattro.

Most of Acura's models are SH-AWD, not FWD. Acura and Lincoln aren't the only two luxury brands that cling to FWD, either. So do Saab, Volvo, and Audi.

This is still hideous. It's a Lincoln MKS with a mouthpiece.

"Double Plenum Power Grille"

Yeah. No.

The rear is nice. Why didn't they just keep the existing front grille? It was the rear end that made it look like an Accord anyway.

I can't explain the grill, but as for the rest of it, this is a mid-cycle refresh NOT a whole new RL.

@Brian E: I don't consider Saab and Volvo to be really "luxury". I would throw them in a category with Buick, sort of near luxury. Acura is supposed to be aiming higher than that.

Also, the best selling Acura model is the TSX, which is only available in FWD.

I did forget Audi. Their not exactly a barnburner when it comes to luxury sales though, although certainly in better shape than Acura and Lincoln.

@JHJVJR: Damn lack of an edit button. "Their" should be "they're".

That grill is fugly.

Nice Photoshop. Now where's the real grill?

@JHJVJR: The best selling Acura model is the TL, actually.

The best selling Lexus model is the RX, followed by the ES. The RX is FWD with optional AWD. The ES is FWD only. By my count that's two FWD Lexus models to two FWD Acura models. The difference is that Lexus offers RWD-only models, and has a lot more variety than Acura.

That grill's the stuff nightmares are made of!

@JHJVJR: It's a bit of a stretch to say Lincoln clings to FWD when their two core products are the Town Car and the Navigator.

And I like this. I'm not going to say it's great design, or beautiful, or anything. But it's distinctive, and it looks uniquely Japanese - they've reached the point where they don't have to copy

Is this car on anyone list of 50k+ sedans? This thing in downright ugly.

Wow, after being stunned by the Traverse not sucking, I am stunned by how much (styling-wise) this RL does suck (I am sure it still drives nicely enough).

First the fugly new Accord and now this thing. What the hell is going on over at Honda?

@Maymar: the Germans.

At first glance it looked like a Saturn with that 'power grill'.

@Maymar: I don't know that I'd include Acura in the "they don't have to copy" category. Every time I catch a newer TSX or TL out of my peripheral vision, I think it's a 10-year-old BMW or another German car. Mabybe that's just me.

This definitely looks different, though

I have to say, looking at it a second time, it's even more awful. The problem is it draws attention to the big styling issue with all of Acura's products - the giant, transverse engine, 90's style front schnoz overhang. It makes the car look really dated.

I would like to know just how much horsepower is too much horsepower for these economy sedans? I just saw a toyota ad for something like a Carolla that had 390hp which is Viper territory from a decade ago.

Huh? Power hood scoop... get it. Power dual exhaust... get it. Power grill... ? Is this another example of Japanese having no idea about the English language? Your point so well excellent. Super extra happy fun time article, yah!

They ruined one of the most handsome cars on the road. I was looking forward to the redesign for awhile... I think I'll get an '08 now.

@Brian E: That depends on which "Quattro" you're talking about.

The SH-AWD systems (plural, there are at least two separate systems) are front-wheel drive with a clutch-based power-take-off unit powering an electronically controlled clutch-based limited slip rear diff with or without a planetary gearset in between the PTU and the rear diff. There is no center differential in either system.

The systems without the planetary gearset use a mismatched rear differential ratio to "overdrive" the rear wheels relative to the front when the PTU is engaged (and, by selectively operating the clutches, overdriving the outside rear wheel). The system with the planetary gearset allows either overdrive or a 1:1 ratio between the rear axle and the front.

Both systems are "part-time", in that the rear wheels are only driven when the computer closes the clutch in the PTU, but the system with the planetary gearset can be activated more frequently.

"Quattro" is a brand name applied to multiple AWD systems and includes front-drive based haldex brand systems similar to the SH-AWD setup (but without the overdriven rear axle/Rear LSD feature) on the A3, rear-drive based haldex brand systems (the R8) and systems with a true center differential (usually torsen-brand), such as the A/S 4/5/6/8.

VW sells both haldex-based (R32, Euro Golf) and torsen-based center differential systems (Passat) under the "4-Motion" brand name.

While the SH-AWD systems have their advantages (like full front-to-rear lockup), systems with a center differential or systems like the R8 (or the Porsche, or the Veyron) which are rear-drive-based are generally considered superior from a "sporty driving" standpoint.

Impreza headlights, a previous-gen Lancer rear end, and a grille thats..."unique". Yikes.

As much as I like Acura; this thing went from boring to fugly. Ew.

@TheAstronot: 390HP in a Corolla? That sounds like the wishful thinking of a 17 y.o. with access to Dad's tools and no common sense. That couldn't have been factory, could it?

The grille should be this colour:

You know, for maximum effect.

I guess acura will be going out of business pretty soon... otherwise they would really try with their designs.

The once mighty Legend has been reduced to this. Ugh. I wish they could just remake the 91 to 96 Legend again. But make it rear wheel drive and stick that 3.7L in it. Get your head outta your ass Acura (Honda).

@Benson2175: That, and call it the Legend again!

It must be a trick of my eyes, but the tail lights look all awkward. Do they droop down towards the corner? I don't really like the TL/TSX overly squinty look.

Anyways, I thought the previous RL looked kinda nice in a bland sort of way.

It really really looks like a Bangle'd new Accord. It even has 7 series Bangle-butt.

Possibly the ugliest grille I've ever seen.

@crevans: Well yeah, in profile the rear quarter of the new Accord looks a lot like the current 5-series. As for this new TL, yikes.

Nothing says "I made it all the way to middle management" like a near luxury sedan.

@georgejetson: It vanished when Acura started calling the Integra and Legend an RSX and a TL. And "Vigor" was without a doubt THE best name for a car by Honda.

Wow. I am trying hard to like the current RL. It'll take at least 2 OE 800's before this one starts to look pretty.

What is a Double Plenum Power Grill? Isn't a plenum an enclosed space in which the air pressure is higher than outside? They're going to pressurize their grill? eh?

The SH-AWD RL that I test drove (wife's idea) wasn't very impressive - the body roll didn't help. The sales guy (who owns one) told me that this was the most superriffic & awesomest AWD system ever. He explained why, but I nodded off. I asked him to drive his '07 RL behind my '02 S6 Avant and keep up in the corners. He couldn't do it. I kept my S6.

Looks like Honda bought themselves a Bangle!

@johnnyichiban: RIGHT ON!

but seriously, is this "refresh" supposed to help or hinder sales?? that grill looks like something from PepBoys sold in the fake-spinner-wheel-cover and neon-license-plate-surround aisle

Impreza headlights, Altezza taillights and a Bangled-butt. Pppplttt

Thank you, come again.

Uglier than a bowling shoe

what and ugly accord

@Brian E: The RX is an SUV, so that's a whole different beast altogether.

The TL is FWD only as well, unless that has changed recently.

As for the ES, point taken.

it's funny, because the article after this talks about the porn 'stache... methinks there was an error in article titling.

I threw up a little in my mouth there. You should warn a dude before showing an Acura image these days.

This looks like that Buzzard that was always trying to catch Bugs Bunny. Hopefully it's not as stupid.

To continue beating the dead horse, that grill stands out as looking cheap - like something meant for an entry level hatchback.

What exactly is the point of Acura? Honda seem to do pretty well in other countries without a supposed premium brand.