JeRKy 8 Owner

What doyou guys thinkabout the new 2005 Acura RL? I got a brochurefrom Acura on Saturday that had allthis information about the RLs handling. I dont know if Ibelieve it but the brochure says the 300hp sedan pulled 0.89g on the skidpad. They have some super duper DSC-like system installed on the RL called SH-AWD -
(from their website) It helps compensate for understeer (push) or oversteer (the rear end feels loose), when cornering. The RL feels agile and nimble and tracks smoothly through turns without unnecessary steering correction. It sends up to 70% of the engine's torque to the front or rear wheels, but it can also send up to 100% of that same rear-wheel torque to either the left or right outside-rear wheel when cornering. It will even accelerate the outside rear wheel to enhance handling while cornering.

Its also supposed to havesome new HID technology that pivots the headlights for upcoming turns - steering wheel paddle shifters like the automatic Rx8s and all that other Acura convenience fluff. Runs for about 50grand though.

On a sidenote the brochure also mentioned out that the theyve upgradedthe RSX TypeS for 2005 to put out 210hp @ 7800 RPM..

BlueEyes

I really like this car. I haven't seen one yet, but it seems like a nice change from the typical luxo car. Kinda chasing the BMW market with a driving machine luxury sedan. I don't doubt it preforms well, it certainly looks great. I'll have to reserve final judgement until I can drive or atleast ride in one, but i'm hopeful.

RX8-79

The RL gets a lot of hate because of its looks and its price. People diss it because, though it looks better than the old model, it's still pretty conservative and because it's $50k. I personally don't think that's so unreasonable, considering what you get for the money. The only AWD sedan that can touch it on features for the money and power output is the upcoming Infiniti M35x. It'll come in a little cheaper with a few features the RL doesn't have, but its AWD system isn't as advanced.

As for the handling, its skidpad and slalom numbers look good on paper, but all reviews say it doesn't FEEL all that sporty since at the end of the day it's a luxury car first.

And about the cornering HID lights, that's actually not all that new. Lexus and BMW have used those for about 2 years now.

Ike

The new AWD system is supposed to be incredible and I don't doubt it handles very well. However it also weighs in at 2 tons.

Ike

I don't know, C&D said this, but I haven't driven one nor will I ever most likely.

"Our 0.87-g skidpad performance reveals a system working miracles to keep 4030 front-heavy pounds aimed in the right direction, especially on the RL's standard 17-inch wheels and 245/50 Michelin all-season tires—pretty tame shoes by today's standards (an 18-inch wheel and summer-tire package will be sold by dealers). Out on the road, the RL glides through bends without a trace of plow, the steering wheel a taut linkage that is lightly weighted but alive with information. The more stupid the corner speed, the more the system shows its stuff. Stomp the gas, and the back end starts pushing, the rear rotating, the smiles widening. It's not silly oversteer—it's Super-Handling!"

JeRKy 8 Owner

Hmm it makes 60 in 6.7 seconds and runsthe 1/4 in low 15s. I was expectinga little better than that

TODreamer

its a heavy luxury car, what do you want?

love that AWD sys when i heard about it.... always count on honda to crank out a good luxry car.... I preferred the styling if the previous RL though

RevTo9K

Hopefully we'll see Honda working SH-AWD into sports cars in the near future.

DreRX8

Not for $50K--if it was priced at $40K maybe--but its looks are too bland and the lack of a V8 in this price segment are still gonna hurt its sales. Its a competent package but rather smallish and bland for the money.

TODreamer

thought I was the only one that thought that.... still nice though... you're looking at 70Gs CDN before any sort of option or tax

dmp

skid pad numbers have very little to do with handling....

Gambit

Now there's a good idea...

RX8-79

This is just what I was talking about above. People keep bringing up the V8 issue, but not everyone WANTS a midsize V8 sedan. When you look at ones that offer both a 6 and 8 cylinder option, the 6 usually sells more.

I don't see them having a problem moving 20k RLs a year. Acura buyers are pretty loyal to the brand, so they'll probably win repeat customers when people are ready to move up from the TL. They and Lexus are considered the most reliable luxury car companies, so there will be buyers who'll pick it over the 5 series and E-class just because those two aren't known for reliability. Also, luxury buyers like toys and gadgets, and the RL has plenty of those, for less money than its German competition.

cas2themoe

Yeah I like the new RL but I dont know about it taking the 0.89g on the skidpad. But that would be hella great if it did.

dmp

.89 is a function of tire and surface. If your RX8 doesn't pull 1G, try stickier tires, and a sticker surface.

:D

BlueEyes

You want 1 G, do this

that's a WIIIIIIIIIIIIDE BODY 8

Riggs

Where can I get me one of those?

JeRKy 8 Owner

All thats needs is the two rear wings on the rear fenders and its a friggin batmobile

RX Renesis

back on topic.... isn't acura's SH-AWD something similar to Lancer Evolutions AYC? what's the difference? they both shift between left and right....

Batmobile1

in regards to the pic above....holy Sh*$! I likee. in regards to the acura...4000 pounds? Man! thats luggin around quite a bit of weight. Need like, 400 horsepower to make that thing feel sporty..

RX8-79

RX Renesis-

From Acura.com: SH-AWD distributes torque between the front and rear wheels, as well as the left and right rear wheels. It's the only all-wheel drive system capable of accelerating the outside rear wheel in a turn for enhanced handling and additional turning force. The system optimizes acceleration traction by sending power to the wheels with the most traction for increased control.

Edit: SH-AWD works at all times like the Evo, but the Evo's torque split is either 100:0 or 50/50, while the Acura's system can send up to 70% to the rear, and then distribute that torque between the left and right rear wheel.

m477

Hey, the Mclaren F1 only got 0.86 skidpad. So I guess the RL and the RX-8 both handle better than a F1.

Or we could be intelligent and realise that skidpad != handling.

trophymaker

I used to frequently drive my friend's Prelude Type-SH and what that system did to the car was amazing. It really reduced the understeering feel. I am glad Honda is continuing to innovate.

Swagman

The RL is a great handling car, maybe the best in its class. I almost bought one a few weeks ago, but it's new and the dealer is still greedy! Picked up an 05 6s instead.

PoorCollegeKid

I believe that the AYC in the overseas Evo can't transfer 100% of the available torque to the outside wheel, but can transfer any amount within a certain range. All four wheels in that car are always receiving some amount of power, unlike the Acura where one of the rear wheels can receive up to 70% of the engine's current output while the other rear wheel receives no power.