An Engaging High Technology Vehicle by Kelly Foss - www.car-data.com
The previous Acura RL was a very solid but somewhat plain vehicle. Though Acura is famous for some of the best engineered, most reliable vehicles available, the public has been asking for more engaging cars. Can’t they be high quality and “fun” too?
The new RL is an exercise in technology and styling that has totally transformed the car. The desirable attributes of precision engineering, quality and reliability remain. But now it’s like the corporate management has put strawberry jam on the plain toasted whole grain wheat bread. It’s still good for you, but now it’s tastier and more enjoyable to eat.
Clearly the styling on the new RL is a standout. It is ahead of the curve and literally makes some recently introduced models in its class look awkward by comparison. The interior also gets “A+” grades. The combination of the futuristic shapes, the real wood trim and the functionality of the controls is excellent. Acura, the pioneer of in-car navigation systems, still has the technology to beat. Acura is also a leader in voice command vehicle controls. The Bose audio system is superior and the RL even has a noise cancellation technology. The seating is luxuriously comfortable and the interior is roomy enough.
Acura’s philosophy is not to isolate the driver from the driving experience, but rather to include him in it. Correspondingly, the RL communicates to the driver all the necessary bits of vehicle feedback to keep him informed of what’s currently going on. The feedback is never intrusive or grating, but rather it’s presented in a refined and muted way. Whereas in a Lexus you may feel isolated, in the Acura you’re involved.
The RL is powered by a 300 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission that allows manual shifting with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The unique technology is their Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive System which alters the speed of individual wheels to push the car through corners. Vehicle stability control and traction control help give you that glued-to-the-road feeling. By using a high strength steel body and aluminum underpinnings fore and aft, the vehicle provides a strong safety cage with reduced weight.
The RL is a fun car to drive. Its content and technology are superb, but it does not present itself in a pretentious way. Its owners are less likely to be “crowd followers” and more likely to have chosen this vehicle because of its features and attributes and just because they liked it the best.
