2010 Acura RL Rumors
#61
Lexus Fanatic
#62
There is definitely quite a lot of untapped potential for the fmr Acura Legend, IMO...it was the car which launched the brand, and the first Japanese branded luxury car for the US. I think that a V8 option is a good start.
It could work out for Acura to shift into a TSX/TL/RL clear tiered system like the C/E/S, 3/5/7, and IS/GS/LS, whereas now the 3 vehicles are much closer to one another.
However, it strikes me that there is a lot more flexibility at the top end for Acura to define their flagship. Aiming straight for LS/S-Class territory may be a leap too far, despite what their PR claims indicate of being "Tier 1 in 5 years" etc. OTOH, if Honda puts good emphasis on technology, styling, etc., they could conceivably pull off a winner.
That said, I more realistically still see a V6 powered Acura flagship sedan, larger, and with a V8 option. It could be a similar chart-topper as Infiniti's M, Lincoln's MKS, etc. The Acura flagship could straddle the midsize price range while being somewhat larger than the norm and a bit pricier; not starting at the 70K territory but potentially reaching there with options.
The new TSX still has a 4-cylinder engine, so I think Acura is not going to lose the value luxury card. However I question Acura's direction to drop touchscreens; the new TSX is stated here: http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2...close-tsx.html
"For 2009, Acura has replaced the TSX's touch-screen navigation system with a more-in-vogue ****-based system that uses a large dial in the middle of the dash to control navigation functions."
It used to be the TSX/TL that had the touchscreen, now the TSX joins the RL and the rest of the lineup in having a dash ****. I wish that weren't the case. Acura is now the Japanese luxe make with ***** only; Infiniti offers both touch and ****, Lexus uses touch. I question the idea of the **** 'in vogue.'
Finally, I do think the 'RL' moniker can be replaced. But I'm not sure by what.
It could work out for Acura to shift into a TSX/TL/RL clear tiered system like the C/E/S, 3/5/7, and IS/GS/LS, whereas now the 3 vehicles are much closer to one another.
However, it strikes me that there is a lot more flexibility at the top end for Acura to define their flagship. Aiming straight for LS/S-Class territory may be a leap too far, despite what their PR claims indicate of being "Tier 1 in 5 years" etc. OTOH, if Honda puts good emphasis on technology, styling, etc., they could conceivably pull off a winner.
That said, I more realistically still see a V6 powered Acura flagship sedan, larger, and with a V8 option. It could be a similar chart-topper as Infiniti's M, Lincoln's MKS, etc. The Acura flagship could straddle the midsize price range while being somewhat larger than the norm and a bit pricier; not starting at the 70K territory but potentially reaching there with options.
The new TSX still has a 4-cylinder engine, so I think Acura is not going to lose the value luxury card. However I question Acura's direction to drop touchscreens; the new TSX is stated here: http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2...close-tsx.html
"For 2009, Acura has replaced the TSX's touch-screen navigation system with a more-in-vogue ****-based system that uses a large dial in the middle of the dash to control navigation functions."
It used to be the TSX/TL that had the touchscreen, now the TSX joins the RL and the rest of the lineup in having a dash ****. I wish that weren't the case. Acura is now the Japanese luxe make with ***** only; Infiniti offers both touch and ****, Lexus uses touch. I question the idea of the **** 'in vogue.'
Finally, I do think the 'RL' moniker can be replaced. But I'm not sure by what.
#63
Lexus Test Driver
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As for the RL, I do think it matches up well against the 5/and GS, just not in actual sales.
#64
Pole Position
We all know the Accord is no RL but calling the Accord crappy? Even at half the price of an RL, the Accord is one of the highest precision crafted automobiles built today and has always been the benchmark to which all others cars in its class are compared. IMO, an EX-V6 Accord is 9/10's of an RL for 20k less.
#65
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
We all know the Accord is no RL but calling the Accord crappy? Even at half the price of an RL, the Accord is one of the highest precision crafted automobiles built today and has always been the benchmark to which all others cars in its class are compared. IMO, an EX-V6 Accord is 9/10's of an RL for 20k less.
When I sat in and drove the new Accord, I was very disappointed. When the pictures first came out on the internet, I too along with many thought it looked very Acura like. When I checked it out in person I could tell it belong in the Honda class. Everything about the Accord looked good, but the entire fit, finish, and general feel of the car definitely felt a step down to even the TSX, and in drivability and over all quality and feel was nowhere near Acura RL level. At least for me.
#66
Pole Position
I partially agree. I wouldn't call the Accord crappy ever. I also don't think the Accord (Even the latest one) is near 9/10s the current RL. I would say maybe 6/10 on my scale. When I drove the RL I was very impressed with it. Handling is very neutral and RWD like, and interior fit, finish and feel were IMHO better than the 06+ GS. Not as good as the new LS460, but very comparable and better in some ways than my 99 LS400 in terms of quality and comfort feel.
When I sat in and drove the new Accord, I was very disappointed. When the pictures first came out on the internet, I too along with many thought it looked very Acura like. When I checked it out in person I could tell it belong in the Honda class. Everything about the Accord looked good, but the entire fit, finish, and general feel of the car definitely felt a step down to even the TSX, and in drivability and over all quality and feel was nowhere near Acura RL level. At least for me.
When I sat in and drove the new Accord, I was very disappointed. When the pictures first came out on the internet, I too along with many thought it looked very Acura like. When I checked it out in person I could tell it belong in the Honda class. Everything about the Accord looked good, but the entire fit, finish, and general feel of the car definitely felt a step down to even the TSX, and in drivability and over all quality and feel was nowhere near Acura RL level. At least for me.
Last edited by IS350jet; 03-20-08 at 01:48 PM.
#69
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I don't know what this article is talking about but the new restyled 2009 RL has already been introduced (and talked about on CL).
Unfortunately, it takes a step in the wrong direction.
Here it is below so we're not going to see this "all new 2010 model". The facelifted '09 will probably go on for 3 years.
Unfortunately, it takes a step in the wrong direction.
Here it is below so we're not going to see this "all new 2010 model". The facelifted '09 will probably go on for 3 years.
#72
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But they're are not going to run the 2009 model I posted above for only a year or two. The earliest we'll see an all new RL is the 2012 model year. Otherwise, Acura wouldn't have completely restyled the front and rear of the current RL, they would've just waited another year for an all new one.
#73
Lexus Test Driver
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But they're are not going to run the 2009 model I posted above for only a year or two. The earliest we'll see an all new RL is the 2012 model year. Otherwise, Acura wouldn't have completely restyled the front and rear of the current RL, they would've just waited another year for an all new one.
#74
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You guys also believe in the tooth fairy, unicorns and Star Wars REALLY will happen.
Seriously, I can take your same posts today, match them with posts from 5-10 years ago and you are singing the same old tired song.
Stop reasoning/rationalizing/defending and let it go. Take a deep breathe, drink some prune juice, let the brand go.
They don't seem to care about you, so why care about them?
Lexus when they have failed or done poorly, doesn't send us the next that is identical to the last, or WORSE than the last so it can FAIL again.
Look at the GS. First gen was 6 cylinder only, big and long an failed. Did they send us another GS with only a 6 cylinder and some marketing B.S? NOPE. THey brought the 2GS which shocked the segment and now the 3GS has evolved with Hybrids, 8 speed autos, etc.
Lets look at the IS 300. Again, after the first couple years, a sales miss. Did Lexus send us the IS 250 only, and then say "oh, its truly better than the IS 300" and lie to us? HELL NO. We got the IS 250, IS 300 in the middle east, IS 220d in Europe, IS 350 most everywhere and now IS-F.
In Comparison, Acura sends us basically dud after dud b/c they know Honda fanbois will buy them irregardless once the marketing spin is expceptional.
See the difference? Its actually pretty easily spelled out over the past 18 years.
Acura is full of crap. They blamed the RSX for image issues and it offers a 4 clinder. What do thaty do after it? Bring us a 4 cylinder TSX, a 4 cylinder SUV (with turbo) and Canada has a Civic rebadge.
Good day to you all!
Seriously, I can take your same posts today, match them with posts from 5-10 years ago and you are singing the same old tired song.
Stop reasoning/rationalizing/defending and let it go. Take a deep breathe, drink some prune juice, let the brand go.
They don't seem to care about you, so why care about them?
Lexus when they have failed or done poorly, doesn't send us the next that is identical to the last, or WORSE than the last so it can FAIL again.
Look at the GS. First gen was 6 cylinder only, big and long an failed. Did they send us another GS with only a 6 cylinder and some marketing B.S? NOPE. THey brought the 2GS which shocked the segment and now the 3GS has evolved with Hybrids, 8 speed autos, etc.
Lets look at the IS 300. Again, after the first couple years, a sales miss. Did Lexus send us the IS 250 only, and then say "oh, its truly better than the IS 300" and lie to us? HELL NO. We got the IS 250, IS 300 in the middle east, IS 220d in Europe, IS 350 most everywhere and now IS-F.
In Comparison, Acura sends us basically dud after dud b/c they know Honda fanbois will buy them irregardless once the marketing spin is expceptional.
See the difference? Its actually pretty easily spelled out over the past 18 years.
Acura is full of crap. They blamed the RSX for image issues and it offers a 4 clinder. What do thaty do after it? Bring us a 4 cylinder TSX, a 4 cylinder SUV (with turbo) and Canada has a Civic rebadge.
Good day to you all!
#75
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I agree completely. Honda over all these years hasn't learn much and continues with their stubborn and ignorant attitude. Will they change? That remains to be seen.