V8 Powered Acura on the Way
TOKYO — Remember that oh-so-ugly Acura Advanced Sedan Concept we saw at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show?

No prizes for guessing that it was indeed a design study for the next-generation Acura RL. Fortunately, Honda has listened to the criticism and has completely restyled the flagship sedan's exterior and distanced the face from the Accord's.

Actually, Honda has been listening to the word on the street very carefully, because it has finally decided to give the luxury sedan a V8, to help it compete with strong rivals in the U.S., including Audi, BMW and Lexus.

One source tells us that Honda is currently working on a 420-horsepower 4.8-liter V8, and will employ the same cylinder deactivation technology we see on the current Japan-spec Inspire V6, thus generating class-leading fuel economy figures.

But unlike the current RL, which sits on a front-wheel-drive platform and features Honda's SH-AWD four-wheel-drive system, the all-new RL will instead incorporate a rear-drive platform, one necessity that Honda planners have clearly identified in this segment, and a reconfigured SH-AWD system that engages the front wheels when rear traction is compromised.

Slated for a mid-2010 debut, the new RL is expected to land in showrooms wearing a higher price tag of over $70,000.

 

$70k? It better be fully loaded for that price. Because of the previous RL, I dont think it's that easy to restore faith in the RL name. But hey, 4.8L V8 with RWD emphasis is heading in the right direction.

 

15 years too late. Sorry.

And we have also heard this rumor for 10 years. Just bring the car. And don't bring the one they just brought.

 

heard so much rumor, i will just wait

 

If it looks like that and has a V8 it might even be tempting

Acura's biggest problem now is that all their cars look like variations on an
Accord theme...

 

Bring this car already Acura.

 

I loved it until I saw the 70k price tag. I'm sorry, but thats unreasonable at all, thats LS460 territory. Yeah, and skip the RWD part, keep SH-AWD - 420hp with RWD doesn't make much sense.

 

If true, better late than never, & I hope it will not get that grille ...

 

It's about time they gave it a v8.... and that sketch looks 50 times better then the ugly concept car that was posted here not long ago... with that big out of place 3rd grader with crayon designed grill.

 

I agree. We've heard way too many rumours. I won't believe anything until I hear it officially from Honda, or until the car is actually unveiled.

 

Nice!
I always thought that if there is a carmaker that can topple Lexus, that would be Acura. Theyve got the engineering, craftmanship and sport heritage. My current GS feels more balanced and powerful, however I do miss the RL's interior, very ergonomic and upscale..
Hope this one becomes true!!

 

That was a joke, right?

 

I don't think it's ever too late, but will just wait and see.

We KNOW Honda/Acura can do it. The question is will they.

 

Well, if the actually do all they say they will do than that is a good thing. The question is will they actually make what they say they will make? $70K is very expensive, but I do like the sound of 420HP V8, RWD, and cylinder deactivation.

Also if it looks similar to that concept pic above, that is a pretty nice looking car.

 

Technically speaking Honda can do it.. but with that kind of price range maybe they'll need a new name. The Acura badge and name has already been tarnished by years and years of blahness.