Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[More <i>Best Car</i> speculation: V8 Acura RL]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/27/more-i-best-car-i-speculation-v8-acura-rl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/27/more-i-best-car-i-speculation-v8-acura-rl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/27/more-i-best-car-i-speculation-v8-acura-rl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When we had the current-generation Acura RL in the Autoblog Garage, we thought that its understated design was attractive enough, but opined that it looked rather anonymous in the face of competitors such as the BMW 5-series, Infiniti M35 and especially the new Cadillac CTS. What may be a bigger problem to consumers is the lack of a V8 engine option, especially considering that even Hyundai has seen fit to offer its top-level sedan with V8 power. Additionally, the current RL is based on a front-wheel-drive chassis architecture, and although we found that the Super Handling-All Wheel Drive system worked rather well, the new RL might get an AWD system based on a rear-wheel-drive chassis.

If rumors from Japan's Best Car agazine hold true, expect to see a new 4.5 liter V8 in Acura's recently redesigned flagship sporting over 400 horsepower. The rendering shown above appears to be a current-generation Accord, which is already quite large, stretched out in every direction. A U.S. version for Acura would surely get a grille more in-line with its current angular design theme which was shown off at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this month. Since this is just a rendering, we won't judge its looks much, but we would hope that a production version of Acura's RL flagship would look significantly different than their mainstream sedan, the Accord.

Gallery: 2009 Acura RL

[Source: Best Car via Winding Road]

More Best Car speculation: V8 Acura RL originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 acura rl2010-acura-rl2010AcuraRlacuraacura rlacura-rlAcuraRlWed, 27 Feb 2008 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Acura RL]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/12/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-acura-rl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/12/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-acura-rl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/12/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-acura-rl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the Acura RL for a high-res gallery

Being first to the party is often not a guarantee that you'll be the most popular. Diamond Multimedia was one of the first to introduce a portable MP3 player with the Rio 500, but it wasn't until some other company brought out a device called the iPod that the market broke wide open. Similarly, Toyota's Lexus division is currently the big dog among Japanese luxury car brands, but it was by no means the first. In 1986, Honda opened up 18 new stores with a brand called Acura.

Over the years, the Acura Legend evolved into the RL as Acura changed its nomenclature. Honda seemed to struggle, however, with what its top sedan was supposed to be. It went from what looked like a fancy Accord to a soft and underpowered Lexus wannabe and finally took a sharp left turn with this latest iteration. The current third generation RL first appeared back in 2005 when it was reintroduced as a luxury sport sedan.

We were actually first exposed to the RL in late summer when Acura held its 2008 model preview at the Waterford Hills race track just north of Detroit. Immediately following that session of thrashing the RL on the track, we asked Acura if we could spend more time with an RL and got one for a week shortly afterward.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Acura RL


All photos (C)2007 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Acura RL

In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Acura RL originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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