Safety
Obviously, at this price it has just about everything: Standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, stability and traction control. Its headlights actually turn up to 20 degrees when turning the steering wheel to improve visibility when turning a corner. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the RL 5 stars (a Perfect result) for both front passengers in a frontal impact and 5 stars for both front and second row passengers in a lateral impact. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not yet rated the RL.
Conclusion
The RL does not know whether it should be a sports or a luxury sedan.
Acura calls it their "Performance Luxury Flagship". I think this is the RL's major flaw. Its chassis and SH-AWD system could easily cope with extra grunt. The question is whether this is what the RL is about. Its abilities and capabilities are simply not properly exploited and taken advantage of. On the other hand, if this is a luxo-cruiser like the old one, then they should soften up the ride and ease off the SH's skills. Should we expect a 350 hp RL A-Spec in the next year? There was a nice prototype on display at the Detroit Auto show. I think this would solve the RL's quest for a proper identity.
No other luxury car will give you $70,000 worth like this Acura can. You really get what you pay for, not a fancy name or logo. For those that want the luxury, like a beautifully appointed interior, but not the prying eyes, the RL will deliver the goods to even the most demanding customers. An extra 40 to 50 hp and, more importantly, 60 to 70 lb/ft of torque, would simply elevate it above and beyond every other car even into the $100,000 range. It is an Acura so it should be reliable, and maintenance costs (once the first three years of free scheduled maintenance are over) should be reasonable.
Good stuff:
Top quality craftsmanship
SH-AWD system
Not so good stuff:
Needs a little more power
Lethargic tranny
Obviously, at this price it has just about everything: Standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, stability and traction control. Its headlights actually turn up to 20 degrees when turning the steering wheel to improve visibility when turning a corner. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the RL 5 stars (a Perfect result) for both front passengers in a frontal impact and 5 stars for both front and second row passengers in a lateral impact. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not yet rated the RL.
Conclusion
The RL does not know whether it should be a sports or a luxury sedan.
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No other luxury car will give you $70,000 worth like this Acura can. You really get what you pay for, not a fancy name or logo. For those that want the luxury, like a beautifully appointed interior, but not the prying eyes, the RL will deliver the goods to even the most demanding customers. An extra 40 to 50 hp and, more importantly, 60 to 70 lb/ft of torque, would simply elevate it above and beyond every other car even into the $100,000 range. It is an Acura so it should be reliable, and maintenance costs (once the first three years of free scheduled maintenance are over) should be reasonable.
 |
Top quality craftsmanship
SH-AWD system
Not so good stuff:
Needs a little more power
Lethargic tranny
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