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| 2006 Acura RL (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
Slip the lever into manual mode and take control of the shift paddles mounted to the steering wheel, and a fantastic split personality comes to life. Some large, asthmatic V8 mills provide tire-liquefying grunt off the line but tend to go reaching for their inhalers at higher revs. This gem of a V6 is the opposite. It becomes positively explosive as the tachometer sweeps past about 4,500 revs, its discreet grunt giving way to a feverish snarl. Its got that hint of sound to it that runs in the family--I can't put my finger on exactly what it is or where it comes from, but all Honda engines with VTEC have it, and it creates an endorphin rush for the lucky soul perched behind the Acura badge and paddle shifters up front. It carries on until you click the right paddle, calling for a quick upshift, at which point the process begins again.
At $69,900 to start, the RL is a bargain to some, and a goal for others. After my time with it, I became aware that the RL not only offers some of the newest technology, a glorious engine, and one of the most comfortable and well-assembled interiors I've ever visited, but also generates a level of satisfaction and emotion which is hard to put a price
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| 2006 Acura RL (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
on. It's a great reward for you and your family, a reliable companion and a great caretaker too. Being peaceful, safe and sensible is fantastic. But above and beyond all of this, with the simple pull of a lever and a few clicks on some paddles, the RL goes completely ballistic in a way that is totally controlled and refined, never losing its composure.
Given Honda's reputation for building a quality product, it's a no-brainer buy for many in this price range. The RL is an Acura first- smart, sleek and sophisticated. It's a Honda second, which means some day you'll pass it on to your grandkids.
