All-new 2005 RL gives Acura its strongest, most exciting lineup ever


Acura has issued the following press release:

The all-new RL luxury performance sedan completes the revitalization of the Acura sedan lineup that began with the introduction of the TSX sports sedan. Acura now offers three benchmark-setting sedans, the TSX, the class-leading TL performance luxury sedan and the all-new RL, which has been completely redesigned and re-engineered to compete with models from BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi and Lexus. (Editor's note: The Acura RL will be known as the Honda Legend outside USA)

With a 300 horsepower VTEC(TM) V-6 engine, a revolutionary all-wheel drive system, dynamic styling and breakthrough technology, including the first North American application of satellite-based real-time traffic information, the all-new 2005 Acura RL is designed to redefine the luxury performance sedan category.

The RL showcases an assortment of Acura firsts including the Super Handling
All-Wheel Drive(TM) System (SH-AWD(TM)), the first and only all-wheel drive platform that distributes the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear wheels but also between the left and right rear wheels for breathtaking handling and optimum stability on all road surfaces.

The RL's 3.5-liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum VTEC engine is the most powerful engine ever in an Acura, generating 300 hp at 6200 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. A 5-speed Sequential SportShift(TM) automatic transmission enables gears to be shifted using a shift lever on the center console or paddle-shifters located on the steering wheel.

To complement the high performance powertrain, Acura gave the RL a highly rigid yet lightweight unit body, that, as part of Acura's commitment to providing Safety for Everyone, includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure. By dispersing collision forces over a larger frontal area, the ACE structure helps to provide even better protection for vehicle occupants while at the same time reducing aggressivity toward other vehicles in a frontal collision.

The RL's lightweight chassis and 4-wheel independent suspension components are tuned to complement the SH-AWD system and deliver a linear cornering feel, optimum traction and a smooth ride. The 17x8-inch alloy wheels are fitted with P245/50R17 98 V-rated Michelin all-season high performance tires. Large 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with 4-piston front calipers, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist provide optimum stopping power.

The RL's exterior styling reflects the abundant power under the hood. A sleek cockpit, forward sloping beltline and short deck lid accent the RL's pronounced wedge shape, making it look fast from any angle. While it is almost three inches shorter than the current RL, it is over an inch wider and offers more passenger volume than the RL it replaces.

Inside, the new RL features rich leather, genuine wood trim, an assortment of leading-edge technology including a satellite communications system called AcuraLink(TM) that provides the latest in in-car communications including, for the first time in North America, standard real time traffic information

Source:Autoindex.org

http://autoindex.org/news.plt?no=912#