Complementing the low levels of road and wind noise is perhaps the silkiest V6 powerplant I have ever experienced (why this
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| Complementing the low levels of road and wind noise is perhaps the silkiest V6 powerplant I have ever experienced. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
level of refinement is so elusive to the domestic manufacturers, I can't answer). Curing the former RL of its anemia is a 3.5-litre (212 cu in) mill producing 300 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Quite noticeable under hard acceleration is the extra kick generated by Acura's Variable Valve Timing technology, which steps up to the plate post-4,500 rpm or so. Most of the RL's V6 bravado comes at rpm levels higher than in most V8s turning out 300 horsepower, so off-the-line snap feels less than its power rating would suggest - but not by much. Look for 0 to 100 km/h times of seven seconds or so.
Thanks to Acura's all-wheel drive technology, wheelspin is non-existent. When slippage is detected, the system diverts power to the wheels with greater grip. A unique feature of this system, referred to by Acura as 'Super Handling All-Wheel Drive,' is its
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| A unique feature of Acura's 'Super Handling All-Wheel Drive' system is its ability to accelerate the outside rear wheel during a turn. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
ability to accelerate the outside rear wheel during a turn. The resulting mechanical advantage generates additional turning force, pivoting the car around a corner with greater stability and less front-end plow. Without track testing the RL, it's difficult to praise this technology, other than to say that it is beautifully balanced and wonderfully composed when pushed in corners. Despite trying to induce it, I didn't encounter the front-end plow often inherent in front- and all-wheel drive vehicles. Even on wet pavement from a standing start, the RL fused itself to the road while rounding a sharp bend under maximum acceleration.
