Acura RL- a stormer
Acura | November 13, 2010Honda’s luxury division, Acura Motors wants to storm the US as well as European markets with its new launches. It wants to eliminate the thought that Acura cars live in the shadow of Honda cars. Adding fuel to its growing ambitions is the Acura RL, a car which competes with the likes of BMW 5 series, Audi A6, Mercedes E-class and some of the Lexus ones. The Acura RL is Acura Motors flagship model and combines luxury, performance, safety and fuel efficiency.
The Acura RL’s styling may not be to every one’s liking. It looks too much like the TSX sedan or rather the other way round. Its rear end seems more like the last generation Honda city found in third world countries. It is mounted atop the rigid yet equally lightweight Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) chassis. The exterior design is aerodynamic and like other Honda and Acura cars feature highly functional interiors. The interiors are also rich and premium. The Acura RL has perforated leather seats with heating function. They are also 12 way adjustable with memory functions. As with any other Acura, it has lots of hidden storage places and many visible cubby holes. The steering wheel as well as the gear knob are made up of genuine maple wood trim. Acura trademarks like the Acura HandsFreeLink, Acura/Bose 10-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio and Bluetooth-based wireless telephone interface. The latter allows for seamless calls to be made/received via the steering mounted controls. An acoustic laminated glass screen, use of lots of sound deadening material inside the bonnet of the car make for a plush, non-intrusive ride quality.
Use of plenty of lightweight steel and aluminium makes the Acura RL an easy car to pilot around. It also uses Acura’ famed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) feature. This is mated with a 3.7-liter VTEC V-6 engine giving out 300 Bhp and 271 Nm of torque. It is designed to meet Euro 6 emission norms. A Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission does duties and combined with the lethal engine, races from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Braking is handled by all wheel disc brake system with safety dragnets like ABS,Brake Assist, EBD and Collision Mitigation Braking System thrown in for good measure. Safety is also taken care by the many crumple zones in the ACE structure, cornering head lamps, adaptive lighting, 6 airbags, 3 point ELR seat belts, TPMS and active head restraints. Fuel efficiency is also taken care of by the iVtec engine. It is a combined 19 mpg as per EPA. All this makes the Acura RL a worthy alternative to the others in its class plus the exclusivity factor thrown in for good worth.
Acura RL Specifications
Wheelbase: 111.2 inches
Brakes: CBMS, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist
Wheels: 18×7-inch, 7-spoke cast aluminum alloy
Front Suspension: Independent double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: Independent double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar
Layout: Transversely-mounted front engine, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive
Transmission: Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic with Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold
Type: 3.7-liter, SOHC, 60-degree VTEC® V-6
Bore X Stroke: 92 mm x 97 mm
Displacement cu in (cc): 3664
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 300 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 271 Nm @ 5,100 rpm
Tires F-R: Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 P245/45R18 96V M+S
Body Type: Advanced Compatibility Engineering {ACE}
Length: 194.7 in
Width: 73.7 in
Height: 59.2 in
Mileage combined: 19 mpg
The Acura RL is available in three packages, the RL base, RL with Technology Package and RL with Technology Package Plus CMBS.
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