And to ensure that course is brightly lit, the RL's high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights are capable of swiveling up to
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| The RL's high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights are capable of swiveling up to 20 degrees in conjunction with the front wheels. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
20 degrees in conjunction with the front wheels. Acura has labeled this technology, 'Active Front Lighting System' (AFS). I was quite astounded by its effectiveness, especially when combined with the car's very bright, bumper-mounted front fog lights. With this combination in operation, the driver's field of illuminated side vision is exceptional and unlike anything I have experienced in a sedan. This attribute would be very useful to folks navigating narrow, winding, unlit roads in the dead of night.If lighting, crash avoidance technology and driving skill aren't sufficient to avoid an impact, occupants will become immediately appreciative of the numerous airbags supplied as standard safety gear in the RL. The list begins with driver and front passenger dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags followed by a driver and front passenger side-airbag system, and over-arching all outboard occupant positions are side-curtain airbags in case of a rollover.
With the RL carrying the flag for Acura, Honda's premium car division, it arrives just one way - loaded to the headliner.
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| In spite of being V8-less, the Acura RL SH-AWD is a tremendously satisfying, premium sport sedan. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Prospective purchasers won't need to ruminate over which boxes to tick on an option sheet; all they need do is pick a colour and enjoy the RL's plethora of amenities, including voice activation and keyless operation. They may also enjoy knowing that more V6 power is on tap in the RL SH-AWD than in the Lexus GS 300 AWD and the Infiniti M35x AWD. However, the RL falls 20 pound-feet short of the M35x torque rating of 280. It also falls short if the extra clout of a V8 is desired, which is available in both the Lexus and Infiniti lines.
