Jalopnik: rl

Acura NSX V10 May Get Cylinder Deactivation, Acura RL May Get V10

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:20:00 EDT

According to 7Tune, Honda is concerned about their environmental image with the new 5.5-liter V10 they plan on dropping between the rails of the new 2010 Acura NSX. We're now told Honda plans to employ "Variable Cylinder Management" to deactivate an entire bank of cylinders in the V10 in cruising situations to greatly improve fuel economy. That's all well and good, but what do the prospective power numbers look like on this new engine? And what of other rumors for the big V10?

The speculation on power is unconfirmed at this point, but sources are placing the figures at around 590 HP and 430 lb-ft of torque. Considering the original got up to about 290 HP and 240 lb-ft of twist, this represents one hell of an upgrade. Speaking of upgrades, the other rumor we're hearing points to the possibility of some form of special 2009 Acura RL fitted with the same NSX V10. Obviously such a car would bend our fragile little minds to the breaking point and cause droplets of sweat-like dew to form on every other performance sedan's hood. Although this'll certainly help potential RL buyers interested in performance, unless it comes to market with a less-toothy grille, it won't do much for those looking for something better to look at. [7Tune.com]

Where Did Acura's Dynamic Power Plenum Grille Come From?

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST

When we saw the 2009 Acura RL and it's less than spectacular "Dynamic Power Plenum" grille at this past Chicago Auto Show, not only did we think it was a photoshopping joke (we swear we saw pixels), we wondered where the hell it had come from. It's been a while since Acura dropped a styling stinker in our laps — although Wert says he likes the look of it on something a bit smaller — this mid-cycle refresh can generally be called befitting of that description. Since nutty styling elements usually come from somewhere, we dug into the archives and came up with a pretty good candidate.

Released at the 2006 LA Auto Show, the Acura Advanced Sedan Concept seems like it's telegraphing the pending power shield pretty well. We panned it pretty well when the Postfather ran the concept, and as would be expected we panned it again when it showed up this year. Hopefully it feels more at home when Acura drops the styling element on the new CLS.

Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Acura RL Revealed, Gets Bigger Engine

Ray Wert — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST

We told you a couple of weeks back Acura would be revealing the 2009 model of Acura's lovely top-of-the-line sedan, the RL, here at the Chicago Auto Show. Just as we predicted, so was it revealed, in all its mid-cycle refreshment glory. The new 2009 RL gets almost entirely new sheet-metal (apparently everywhere but the doors) as well as a new engine to replace the ol' and busted 290 HP 3.5-liter V6. That's right, the 2009 model's getting a bigger 3.7-liter V6 to match the "Double Plenum Power Grille" and of course the Super-Handling All Wheel Drive or (SH-AWD). We'll have more up momentarily — but we think you get the gist of it.

2009 Acura RL to Debut at Chicago Auto Show

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:45:00 EST

The Acura RL never found much love in the mainstream luxury market, due partially to the lack of a V8 and FWD/AWD setup. Though the car offers a lot of technology and good power, it's not something often mentioned in the same breath as the competitive offerings from Lexus or Mercedes. We've heard some rumors that this new model will debut at the Chicago Auto Show and carry the newly designed diesel engine. Someone also intercepted a communiqué from Acura about the new RL (and updates to the TSX), which is below the jump.

From Temple of VTEC:

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.

[Temple of VTEC]

Honda Recalls 165,000 Vehicles From 2005-06 Because Someone Leaked Stuff On Other Stuff

Ray Wert — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:00:25 EDT

HoMoCo reported earlier today it's recalling around 165,000 vehicles including 2005 models of the Acura TL, TSX and RL sedans (pictured above, probably stalled), 2005 Honda Accord coupes, sedans and hybrids, 2005 Odyssey minivans and 2006 Ridgeline trucks. Apparently it's part of a globe-wide recall due to sealer material leaking onto a coil wire inside the fuel pump relay on some of the vehicles that can cause it to become brittle and snap — and that could cause the engine to stall or fail to start. Honda's received "multiple complaints" but no injuries or crashes have been reported due to the "leakiness" of sealer material. If you've got one of the above models, head over to your dealer for your replacement fuel pump. Tell them Jalopnik sent you and I'm fairly certain they'll give it to you free — we pulled some strings. – Ray Wert

Acura RL: Endurance Racer

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 09:35:53 EST

The Acura RL isn't exactly, whatchucall, a natural-born racer. The only 24-hour run we'd imagine the RL on is if grandpa went off his meds and made for Oklahoma thinking he was Cherokee Bill. But Spoon, a Honda motorsports tuner in Japan, saw potential for greatness in the superengineered luxosedan and worked up a version specifically to compete in the longest endurance race in the US, 25 Hours of Thunderhill. Actually, the entry is also a highly sophisticated test mule with which Spoon and Honda will test the RL's powertrain durability. While nearly every other part of the car is refigured for racing, the powertrain is unusually stock. Just like grandpa's.

Spoon Sports Acura RL Endurance Racecar [Edmunds]

Honda to Sell Acura Brand in China

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 13:18:05 EDT

Honda is taking its Acura brand to China, in an attempt to attract status-seekers to its luxurious self. China, the world's fourth largest car market, will be the first outside North America in which the Acura brand is sold — following efforts by Mercedes and BMW to lure wealthy Chinese into their leather-lined luxo-sedans. Honda's first-year sales goal (2006) is 3,000 RL sedans, which will be sold through a forthcoming in-country dealer network, with the first 10 dealerships focusing on the largest cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and broadening to 30 in outlying areas in three years, according the company.