Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Acura
Rumormill: Redesigned Acura RL coming to Chicago Auto Show
by Damon Lavrinc on Jan 28th 2008 at 5:14PM 
Our friends over at the Temple of VTEC got a hold of a communiqué from Acura regarding the automaker's plans for the 2009 TSX and RL. While it doesn't divulge the rumored drivetrain upgrades, both vehicles are apparently going to receiving several enhancements inside, including the AcuraLink Satellite Communication System and a premium sound upgrade on the TSX, while the RL will get an improved HVAC system and a few other bells and whistles.
TOV's forum members have been posting about the '09 RL's future, specifically a 300+ hp, 3.7-liter V6 and a revamped SH-AWD system that will shovel more torque to the rear wheels. The body of the RL will supposedly undergo a massive refresh, with only two body panels carried over from the outgoing model, along with a new interior that boasts more room. We know that changes are coming to the TSX, which, in addition to some new sheet metal, is likely to include some new drivetrains, with the possibility of a V6-powered variant with SH-AWD being considered.
Thanks for the tip, Jay!
[Source: TOV]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
eric 5:21PM (1/28/2008)
what about the TL they need to refresh that one too, which im looking forward to
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Robbie Paramor 5:47PM (1/28/2008)
I know that Honda make great cars, unfortunately I believe Acura lost it's way, when they started calling them letters and numbers, AND NOT NAMES, trying to follow MBZ, BMW, Jag, Lexus and the rest, is a daunting task. Acura started off with Legend and Integra over 20 years ago, seems to me to really be a luxury car you can't call your cars by NAMES, just code numbers ... what crap ... I bet Acura would've sold more cars if they hadn't tried reinventing themselves. These days they are such an ALSO RAN.
Last thing ... Names work for Rolls Royce and Bentley!
SOhp101 7:15PM (1/28/2008)
re: Robbie
... except for the fact that Americans like their luxury cars to have alphanumeric names--it's been shown time and time again that it's perceived as more technical/performance oriented, and in the luxury division this is particularly important since the majority of customers are more willing to pay for extras.
Names may work for Rolls Royce/Bentley, but they are in an entirely different market segment. Good thing you're not part of an automotive marketing company.
And for the record, all those people who claim that Acura needs to create a "S-class competitor" or a V8 know nothing. Try studying Acura as a company and you will see that they've done pretty darn well without those costly R&D projects. Now is not the time for Acura to put a V8 in their sedans, and they definitely do not have the perceived 'prestige' to make a full size luxury sedan.
A V10 (if it happens) in their future NSX will be interesting, however.
icu812ru469 9:44PM (1/28/2008)
Truth be known, rich people are retarded. They're number counters and only know numbers, so throw in something like Legend or Integra and they're lost. You have to have numbers like 300, 550, 750, etc.
Also, Acura lost their way when they didn't keep up with market trends and though a V6 for a "flagship" vehicle would suffice. Until the RL (or larger vehicle, maybe XL) is given a V8, they'll just be an after thought to the rich. Just throw a V10 in something, call it the MM650 (mucho money 6.5 liter) and they'll be set.
Fernando 9:55AM (1/29/2008)
Yes, the TL and TSX are all new, and the RL is merely going through a Mid-Cycle Refresh (although it seems like more).
TL will be available at dealers in March and TSX in April.
Seoultrain 5:44PM (1/28/2008)
Acura needs to start over. 6-7 years ago, they were up and coming, kicking ass and taking names. Then they started to rely on their name instead of pushing the envelope. The result? stagnant models and refusal to adopt RWD or V8's.
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davido 5:55PM (1/28/2008)
Given the ability to build rear biased AWD systems, why go RWD? And in a world that's moving away from V8's why adopt them?
While I understand the preference for RWD, this V8 thing puzzles me since I've never read any post on this site that complains about the fact that BMW's come standard with 6cyl engines and cost more model for model than Acuras do.
One of the most popular cars in the world among enthusiasts is the BMW 3 Series that didn't have an available V8 until this year and then only on the M3. And Porsche of course doesn't build any V8 sports cars. So why do so many people complain about the lack of V8's from Honda?
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Leaf 6:27PM (1/28/2008)
I completely agree. The enthusiast V8 fetish is absurdly overstated.
Also, you mention the M3... funny how popular consensus shows that the car was actually better with a straight 6!
MikeW 7:58PM (1/28/2008)
Honda would never make a crossplane crank V8.
Honda needs to add variable valve timing to their V6 engine, which requires a dual overhead camshafts.
and maybe in five years or so, Honda can get direct injection.
Honda also needs to get up to par on the transmission side, and get 6 speed automatics (or 7/8).
Their desire to do things their own way is laudable, but when a $30,000 Hyundai Genesis is probably going to be faster than the current $45,000 flagship Acura, things need to change.
mk 6:34PM (1/28/2008)
I always thought the RL had a certain understated slickness. Very simple, and not overtly sporting, but not pillowy and fluffy like other luxury cars, either.
It will be interesting to see which way they take the RL.
And I thought the TSX was going to get the RDX's turbo 4 and SHAWD... It could pull a few Legacy GT owners away from Subaru, if they do that, and Subaru doesn't get it's act together on the Legacy nameplate.
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DKB_SATX 6:44PM (1/28/2008)
Yeah, a TSX Tourer with a little more torque would get my attention way more than an Outback XT. I'm afraid the TSX Tourer is about as likely as Subaru bringing back the Legacy Wagon anytime soon, so I'll keep enjoying my '05 and saving up for that flying car...
MadeinDetroit 7:35PM (1/28/2008)
Awww its smiling at us!
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rav3 7:59PM (1/28/2008)
Well, no more complaints about Subaru making ugly cars. McHonda/Acura offer a strong argument as to who the king of ugly cars is. The Excrement, McFit, CRV, TSX and the RDX immediately come to mind.
The front of that Acura Accord makes the new Impreza look like a thing of beauty but it does look as if the hood wasn't shut all the way...
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Xaivier 9:15PM (1/28/2008)
BRING BACK THE RSX! Seriously. Why did Acura kill it? It won awards, sold well enough and everything. There is still a need out there for a nice, sporty coupe that doesn't cost 25 grand +
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dean 9:31PM (1/28/2008)
Wow. I find the TSX the most beautiful of the lineup, followed by the TL. The TSX just is sharp and uncluttered beauty.
I'd love to get one with the 2.4 and a 6spd manual. Great size, good fuel economy, sharp handling. The interior could use some sprucing up, though.
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Jacob 9:33PM (1/28/2008)
The biggest problem with RL is not the lack of V8 engine (most 5-series are sold with 6-cylinders too). The problem is that they priced RL like it is competitive with 5-series. The market obviously doesn't think so. A base RL should have stickered at least 5K below a base BMW 528.
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Fernando Ulloa 10:16PM (1/28/2008)
The current Acura RL was wrong, no offer a V8 with a price of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Lexus GS... and now the cheapest Hyundai Genesis V8 with 380 horses!
Wake up Acura!
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BMWdownshift 12:50AM (1/29/2008)
I love my 08' RL it is a dream to drive on a daily basis. It's got the perfect balance of Luxury/performance/class/economy all bundled in a nice understated package.
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James 1:43AM (1/29/2008)
a V6 in theTSX? That's foolish. It needs the 2.3 DI Turbo from the RDX with the SH-AWD... they would sell them by the boatload. seriously.
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Juan 6:41PM (1/29/2008)
Acura should have NAMES on their cars. There is nothing wrong with that (especially when the names have meaning). The names Legend, Integra, and Vigor were all great names. Then again, it doesn't really matter what you call the car as long as its great, it will sell well.
Acura should have continued to do what they do best: Design spruced up Hondas with more flair and technology. Stop trying to be like BMW and Mercedes. I think that Infiniti and Lexus are doing a good enough job at that already.
Acuras should be the ones with the best combination of style, handling, and luxury. Think BMW type performance, Mercedes type technology, Audi type luxury, with good old-fashioned Honda reliability and Infiniti type pricing. Acura would OWN the market if they did it this way...
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