Acura RL
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The Acura RL is the top-of-the-line sedan in the range of Honda's North American luxury brand Acura. It replaced the Acura Legend in 1996.
All Acura RLs were built in Saitama, Japan. The very first Acura RL rolled off the assembly line on January 4, 1996.
1996-1998
In 1996, Acura introduced the KA9, the replacement for the Acura Legend. Officially, RL originally stood for "Road Luxury," however some suggest that it stood for "Replaces Legend." Whatever its meaning, the 1996 Acura 3.5RL was introduced to lackluster reviews. The automotive world had been expecting a true competitor to the Lexus LS to emerge. The RL fell short in all categories. Laying to rest predictions of a VTEC V8 powerplant, the 3.5RL was powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine, derived from the previous Legend's 3.2 liter unit. The engine provided just 210 horsepower. Handling was soft and ponderous. Interior space was adequate, but still tight.
Despite all the compromises, the RL was still a competent vehicle. Few could find fault in it and it provided a serene, almost silent highway ride. The transmission, a 4-speed automatic, was smooth and silky. Reliability and fit-and-finish were excellent. Still, a lot was lacking in the car and sales suffered in the first three years.
1999-2004
In 1999, addressing those concerns, the RL received a front and rear facelift that included the addition of Xenon headlights and newer, more stylish headlights. The difference in styling, while seemingly subtle, gave the car an entirely new look. Suspension and chassis were stiffened. The Acura RL was back in the fold and sales increased.
The 1999-2004 RL was, indeed, a substantially improved vehicle over the 1996 counterpart. In 2000, a larger navigation system screen was added. Along with that larger screen was the conversion to easy-to-replace DVD map databases. OnStar was added in 2002 as well as XM Satellite Radio in 2003. Absent a major redesign in 8 years, however, the RL's sales slipped to their lowest levels in the 2004 model year. Acura as well as dealers provided generous incentives on the final models.
It is noteworthy that the 2004 3.5RL's engine was the last in the Honda and Acura lineup not to use VTEC, Honda's variable valve timing system. The 2004 RL was also the last Acura to use the numeric designator for its engine displacement.
2005+
A revised car was launched in late 2004 for the 2005 model year. It features a sophisticated all wheel drive system Acura calls "Super Handling All Wheel Drive". It integrates active differentials with the all wheel drive system and traction control to improve handling, similar to the "ATTS" system featured on the 1997 Honda Prelude SH.
The 225 hp (168 kW) 90° C-series V6 engine was replaced with a new 60° J-series 3.5 L motor delivering 300 hp (224 kW). To give the car a more sporty feel, the car features a five-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel in the current, racing-car derived fashion. Pricing is up to US$49,100 without destination.
The second-generation RL appeared on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2005. Template:Acura