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Acura RL - Body Side
2009 Acura RL car Review
The Acura RL is the flagship car for North America luxury brand Acura. In Japan, it is sold as the Honda Legend, a largely identical vehicle save for different badging and trim. All RLs and Legends are built in Saitama, Japan.
The Acura RL is the flagship car for North America luxury brand Acura. In Japan, it is sold as the Honda Legend, a largely identical vehicle save for different badging and trim. All RLs and Legends are built in Saitama, Japan.
The first-generation Acura RL was a similarly rebadged version of the third-generation Honda Legend, and was first introduced into the North American market in 1996 to replace the second-generation Acura Legend. Previous to the 1996 introduction of the first generation Acura RL was the second-generation Acura Legend (1991–1995), equivalent to the second-generation Honda Legend, which in turn was preceded by the first-generation Acura Legend (1986–1990), equivalent to the first-generation Honda Legend.
The current second-generation Acura RL is a rebadged version of the fourth-generation Honda Legend and was introduced into the North American market in September 2004 as a 2005 model. The 2009 model year of the second-generation Acura RL is the product of an extensive Mid Model Change (MMC), reputedly the most extensive refresh in the 20+ year history of the marque.
News and rumors from early 2008 indicate that the fourth-generation RL/Legend will be introduced in late calendar year 2010 as a 2011 model and may receive a V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. With the 2008 economic downturn, however, some have said that the rumored rear-wheel drive Acura specific platform, which would likely debut with the Acura RL, and extended down the Acura line, has been shelved.
Acura RL Bottom Right
and 2009 EXTERIOR COLOR | INTERIOR COLOR 1 | INTERIOR COLOR 2
Alberta White Pearl replaces Premium White Pearl
Alberta White Pearl | Parchment | Ebony
Crystal Black Pearl replaces Nighthawk Black Pearl
Crystal Black Pearl | Parchment | Ebony
Opulent Blue Pearl | Ebony | Taupe
Redondo Red Pearl/Parchment/Ebony
Grigio Metallic replaces Carbon Gray Pearl
Grigio Metallic | Parchment | Ebony
Platinum Frost Metallic | Ebony | Taupe
Silver Jade Metallic replaces Lakeshore Silver Metallic
Silver Jade Metallic | Ebony | Taupe
Tuscan Beige Metallic replaces Desert Mist Metallic
Tuscan Beige Metallic | Parchment
Alberta White Pearl replaces Premium White Pearl
Alberta White Pearl | Parchment | Ebony
Crystal Black Pearl replaces Nighthawk Black Pearl
Crystal Black Pearl | Parchment | Ebony
Opulent Blue Pearl | Ebony | Taupe
Redondo Red Pearl/Parchment/Ebony
Grigio Metallic replaces Carbon Gray Pearl
Grigio Metallic | Parchment | Ebony
Platinum Frost Metallic | Ebony | Taupe
Silver Jade Metallic replaces Lakeshore Silver Metallic
Silver Jade Metallic | Ebony | Taupe
Tuscan Beige Metallic replaces Desert Mist Metallic
Tuscan Beige Metallic | Parchment
- 2009 RL $46,680
- 2009 RL with Technology Package $50,300
- 2009 RL with Technology and CMBS/ACC Packages $54,100
The 2010 Acura RL appears to continue with few changes, in the US market from the 2009 model, as indicated on the current Acura.com website for the RL. Colors were added and deleted. MSRP increases $150 in each trim:
- 2009 RL with Technology Package $50,300
- 2009 RL with Technology and CMBS/ACC Packages $54,100
The 2010 Acura RL appears to continue with few changes, in the US market from the 2009 model, as indicated on the current Acura.com website for the RL. Colors were added and deleted. MSRP increases $150 in each trim:
2009 Acura RL Engine View
When it’s time for you to step out of the smaller entry-level premium sedans, the 2009 Acura RL doesn’t really stand out among the excellent competitors it faces. It’s probably because the Acura RL is V-6 powered and uses all-wheel drive. There are some sedans that match its drivetrain; the Cadillac STS is more crisply styled, but its rear seat is truly cramped. The Volvo S80 is light and airy inside, with a Scandinavian look to the cabin and a light touch to the controls. The Audi A6 suffers from the same overwrought styling up front as the Acura RL, but its backseat seems roomier.
While the interior of the 2009 Acura RL meets with general praise, the restyled exterior offends the aesthetic palate of most reviewers.
Edmunds is vociferous in its condemnation of the new RL’s exterior appearance: “In the luxury segment, styling more than anything is what moves cars off the showroom floor, and that’s where the RL falls on its buck-toothed face. …the whole big-and-bold grille thing has done the new RL no favors. Fang-face is not exactly an endearing descriptor.” Autoblog is just as damning: “Acura has implemented a new front end design for its sedans that has seemingly gone over with pundits like the proverbial lead balloon.”
Automobile Magazine’s reviewer offers some perspective on the RL’s design woes, stating, “’I'm not crazy on the new corporate face Acura is attaching to the new vehicles, but I think it looks best on the RL.”
2009 Acura RL - Front Right
Body and Chassis Review
To further enhance handling and ride comfort, the new RL retains a fully independent suspension system with front double-wishbone and rear multi-link architecture. For 2009 the RL features higher rate coil springs, larger diameter stabilizer bars, stiffer subframe mount bushings and improved design steering rack components. To further improve handling and looks, new 18-inch diameter 7-spoke aluminum wheels are matched with more aggressive tires (replacing the previous 17-inch wheel/tire offering).
To further enhance handling and ride comfort, the new RL retains a fully independent suspension system with front double-wishbone and rear multi-link architecture. For 2009 the RL features higher rate coil springs, larger diameter stabilizer bars, stiffer subframe mount bushings and improved design steering rack components. To further improve handling and looks, new 18-inch diameter 7-spoke aluminum wheels are matched with more aggressive tires (replacing the previous 17-inch wheel/tire offering).
Exterior/Interior Review
The 2009 RL’s new exterior styling is not only more aggressive, but delivers excellent aerodynamics and reduced rear lift at higher speeds. The RL’s more athletic style foreshadows the power concealed by the new power plenum front grille and blow-formed aluminum hood. The RL’s shape is taut and athletic, and its acceleration and cornering performance allow it to challenge the most capable German and Japanese sports sedans. Comfort, quietness and ride quality are also on a par with performance sedan competitors. For 2009, eight exterior colors are available-5 of which are new-including a new pearl pigment process that improves luster and shine.
The 2009 RL’s new exterior styling is not only more aggressive, but delivers excellent aerodynamics and reduced rear lift at higher speeds. The RL’s more athletic style foreshadows the power concealed by the new power plenum front grille and blow-formed aluminum hood. The RL’s shape is taut and athletic, and its acceleration and cornering performance allow it to challenge the most capable German and Japanese sports sedans. Comfort, quietness and ride quality are also on a par with performance sedan competitors. For 2009, eight exterior colors are available-5 of which are new-including a new pearl pigment process that improves luster and shine.
Safety Review
The 2009 RL retains Acura’s extremely rigid Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure that features extensive use of high-tensile steel and lightweight aluminum components to take vehicle construction beyond conventional safety protocols while keeping overall vehicle weight in check. The ACE™ structure’s front-mounted polygonal main frame is designed to help prevent cabin deformation by distributing impact forces through multiple load bearing pathways-and away from the passenger compartment. For 2009, to enhance safety a new Active Head Restraint System is built into the front seats to improve neck and head protection in the event in a rear impact collision. To further aid in safety, the RL includes as standard a passenger seatbelt reminder, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and six airbags. These advances team to make the 2009 RL the strongest, most powerful, best handling, safest and most luxurious sedan Acura has ever built.
The 2009 RL retains Acura’s extremely rigid Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure that features extensive use of high-tensile steel and lightweight aluminum components to take vehicle construction beyond conventional safety protocols while keeping overall vehicle weight in check. The ACE™ structure’s front-mounted polygonal main frame is designed to help prevent cabin deformation by distributing impact forces through multiple load bearing pathways-and away from the passenger compartment. For 2009, to enhance safety a new Active Head Restraint System is built into the front seats to improve neck and head protection in the event in a rear impact collision. To further aid in safety, the RL includes as standard a passenger seatbelt reminder, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and six airbags. These advances team to make the 2009 RL the strongest, most powerful, best handling, safest and most luxurious sedan Acura has ever built.
2009 Acura RL - Left Side
The good news is the 2009 Acura RL’s unsightliness ends with the sheetmetal. Edmunds notes, “There’s a pleasing symmetry to the 2009 Acura RL’s interior. It’s plush without being ostentatious and much of it comes off like quality home furnishings.” MotherProof describes the RL’s interior as “a subtle blend of neutral colors and textures that creates a peaceful haven.” According to Automobile Magazine, the 2009 RL’s interior is “well appointed, comfortable, and well crafted.”
Overall, Edmunds sums up the 2009 Acura RL, saying, “The new RL is a Super Accord no more, yet it still lacks style, which is the very thing its competition does best.”
The RL earned 5-star ratings (the best possible) for frontal and side crash tests, and for rollover resistance, from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The RL is the fourth vehicle in the history of the program to earn the top rating of “5-star” in all three test categories. Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the RL its top rating of GOOD in Side Impact Collision Evaluation (SICE) along with a GOOD rating for IIHS’ frontal offset crash test. With a new Active Head Restraint System for front seat passengers, the 2009 RL is anticipated to receive a GOOD rating in IIHS rear crash protection evaluation.
The interior again follows the same basic design themes set by the previous model. A new Active Sound Control noise abatement system is standard. Perforated, heated and ventilated seats are standard and, for 2009, both front seats feature 10-way power adjustability.
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