Acura RL
A bold looks, a powerful V-6 engine and Acura’s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system, the RL demonstrates that refined luxury is complemented perfectly by advanced technology and performance adrenaline. In addition to delivering luxury, style and performance, Acura’s top-of-the-line sedan keeps drivers more connected to their world, and the world around them, by featuring the latest in intuitive, easy-to-use, state-of-the-art technology.
To handle the output of the 3.7-liter engine, a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission is fitted that can be shifted via an easy-to-use straight gate shifter or by racing-inspired steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
The RL’s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system helps provide an exhilarating driving experience as well as peace of mind— regardless of most weather conditions. There are numerous traction advantages of all-wheel drive, yet SH-AWD™ does a key function that is not available with traditional AWD systems: SH-AWD™ utilizes torque vectoring (the increase the rotation speed of an outside rear wheel) to create a “yaw moment” to help the RL turn more effectively while under power. Such a yaw moment reduces the cornering load on the front tires to minimize understeer, to improve handling balance and to escalate total cornering grip.
The RL’s body is constructed primarily of high tensile strength steel, while the hood, trunk lid, front fenders and bumper beams are made of lightweight aluminum. A sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension system with double-wishbone (front) and multi-link (rear) architecture, isolated front and rear subframes, large diameter stabilizer bars and heavy-duty steering rack components work in concert with the rigid unit body construction to complete the RL’s chassis layout. Subframes and suspension components made of aluminum reduce the RL’s weight for improved performance, more supple suspension action and better fuel economy.
To provide excellent handling and looks, 18 x 8 inch diameter 7 spoke aluminum wheels are matched with performance-minded Michelin Pilot all-season tires. Powerful, responsive and predictable braking action is supplied by a four-wheel disc brake system utilizing aluminum 4 piston front calipers matched with 12.6-inch diameter ventilated front brake rotors and 12.2-inch solid rear rotors with large single-piston calipers. Braking is further aided by the latest advancements in safety technology including a four-channel ABS system with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
The RL with Technology Package plus CMBS™ includes Acura’s Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™). Using millimeter-wave technology, CMBS™ monitors the distance and closing rate between the RL and the vehicle directly in front of it. CMBS™ then uses the information to continuously calculate the likelihood of a frontal collision as well as to alert the driver in different stages of urgency. If the likelihood of a collision significantly increases, CMBS™ will take actions such as to apply the brakes and pre-tension the front seatbelts.
The RL interior features an assortment of leading-edge technologies to enhance driver control and information access. These technologies include Acura HandsFreeLink™ and Bluetooth®-based wireless telephone interface that allows calls to be made utilizing the RL’s steering wheel-mounted HandsFreeLink™ controls. Standard on all RLs is a spectacular Acura/Bose®10-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, Bluetooth®Audio, XM® Radio and USB port/AUX jack connectivity.
A key component of the RL Technology Package is the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™. The advanced system allows for easy control of key systems via voice control (with more than 700 commands) including voice guidance for turn-by-turn directions, over 7 million points of interest, Zagat Survey™ restaurant guide information, along with voice recognition to operate key audio and climate control functions.
The innovative AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System features driver relevant technologies such as AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with continuously updated radar maps.
The ACE™ body structure’s front-mounted polygonal frame design enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes by utilizing a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle— and away from the passenger compartment. To enhance safety the RL employs active head restraints built into the front seats to help improve neck and head protection in the event of a rear impact collision. To further aid in safety, the RL includes as standard six airbags and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
