Acura RL

7385 messages,  Last post on Apr 18, 2013 at 12:02 PM

You are in the Acura RL Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura RL, Sedan

#1833 of 7385 carguy58 by robertsmx

Apr 08, 2004 (7:39 am)

I’ve seen people comment that it looks like an Accord. Some said… Catera. A few have said Millenia. You say it looks like Infiniti I35. So I assume I35 looks like Millenia, which in turn looks like Catera and the Caddy looked like an Accord (going in reverse of their launch order). Interesting, isn’t it?
 
I see this style as inoffensive, while retaining familiar cues that I have come to expect from Honda/Acura. The tail lamp rear is reminiscent of Acura CL (first generation), the overall rear profile resembles the direction that Acura adopted in the late 90s (first generation TL and RL and carried into last CL), as well as in Honda Accord coupe (in its current form, which I always thought took the cues from 1996+ TL and 2001 CL).
 
The front is a smoother version of the current RL’s (which I happen to like). Updated nicely, without deviating much.
 
THIS VIEW is a better representative of the frontal style, and it has “Acura” written all over it.
 
And while Im at it... a close up shot of the REAR .

#1834 of 7385 The RL has never targeted the LS430 before----lexusguy by andrewtran71

Apr 08, 2004 (8:05 am)

That's your opinion.
To think that the current '04 RL actually competes with any sports sedans is stupid, don't you think?
All the Acura sales people I've talked to says that the RL is aimed at competing with the Lexus LS.
By the way, excuse me for that fatal "L" I accidentally attached to the "i" for the BMW 540i.
Ever heard of mistypes?
Perhaps you spell everything correct 100% of the time, but most of us don't.

#1835 of 7385 merc1 by andrewtran71

Apr 08, 2004 (8:13 am)

I agree.
Nothing about those pics makes me want to even test drive it. Looks like a souped-up Accord.
Tragic and pathetic excuse for a top-of-the-line luxury vehicle.
 
I don't know. Maybe the new RL will be the middle of the line like the BMW 5-Series or GS and a new Acura top-of-the-line will appear as a 2006 model to compete with the LS430 and BMW740.

#1836 of 7385 The WOW Factor by robertsmx by andrewtran71

Apr 08, 2004 (8:21 am)

I for one perfer the looks of the LS430 to any sports car or sedan and the looks of the 04 RL to the new RL or TL or TSX.
 
To me, flagship needs to be pure luxury. Mid models like the GS, 5-series, etc. can go for more styles and sporty.
 
But if the RL now competes with the GS300 and 530, etc., I guess it better have style and sport.
 
Different strokes for different folks.

#1837 of 7385 andrewtran71 by robertsmx

Apr 08, 2004 (8:22 am)

I’m clueless as to why you would even start a discussion regarding 2004 RL being a “sport sedan”. Part of its failure (in recent years anyway) was that it was not, and the other part being that it didn’t get freshened up couple of times like its competition did.
 
2005 RL is different, at least on paper. This RL may be comparable to the LS430 in some ways…
- cabin size
- both are flagships for their respective brands
 
The RL may actually have more standard features than the base LS430, even though it would cost thousands less. It would be ridiculous to expect direct competition at 25% discount.
 
You appear to be a big fan of LS430. Not sure what moves you about its styling. That car does nothing for me.
 
Oh, and the next GS looks like eggplant on wheels to me. Okay, that was a little harsh, but it is too bloated to my tastes.
 
The RL, is tighter. Nothing outstanding about the styling, but that is how flagships are styled. Just think the new BMW 7-series versus the old. What do you think? Understated styling is the key.

#1838 of 7385 by varmint

Apr 08, 2004 (8:31 am)

"I’m clueless as to why you would even start a discussion regarding 2004 RL being a “sport sedan”."
 
I was too, but I think I've figured it out. His logic goes like this. If the '04 RL was not targeted at the LS430, then it must have been aimed at the GS300 (a sport sedan). It's an either/or fallacy, but an understandlable one.
 
FWIW, I think the '04 RL had no true competition. It was in a niche by itself. I expect many of the customers who bought them compared it with fully loaded ES300 sedans. The RL had similar equipment, a similar price tag, but was bigger on the inside.

#1839 of 7385 by rctennis3811

Apr 08, 2004 (8:44 am)

Oh well, I can live with the boring styling as long as all the features are right. SH-AWD is definitely going to bring me into the showroom to testdrive it. Anyways, I think it will compete well against the LS430 since the LS is even more plain.

#1840 of 7385 Styling by varmint

Apr 08, 2004 (9:03 am)

I've written it before and Robertsmx just hinted at it, but perhaps an example is in order.
 
So far, in this thread alone, we've learned that the new RL look like the TL, Accord coupe, Corolla, S-Class, 7 Series, CL-S, old 2.3CL, I35, and the Pontiac GTO.
 
In other forums, I've seen comparisons with most of the above, plus the following: Catera, several Hyundais, Millenia, Accord sedan, Legend, Mazda6, old Camry, Phaeton, Q45, and IS300.
 
It's a bloomin' chameleon!
 
BTW, for all of you trying to describe the taillights, look at the last Aurora. (There's another one!) =)

#1841 of 7385 by varmint

Apr 08, 2004 (9:05 am)

Rctennis - I think you mean, "Anyways, I think it will compete well against the GS430 since the GS is even more plain."

#1842 of 7385 Hi, guys by ceric

Apr 08, 2004 (9:35 am)

I love the new RL. Enough said.
It is targeting the new M35, GS300, 525/530, and E320, A6. Those who said it is targeting LS, you must check your MSRP once again. LS is a floating device. Luxurious, but drives like a boat. Ever try 530 with sports package?
 
I hope let us get by the look, and discuss more on some of the details of RL. I, for one, has a question:
- does it come with LED taillights? Can't tell for sure from picture, and does not mention it anywhere in the news.
 
Finally, I think the silver in photos does not do it justice. A deep blue or jet black would look really nice with the new 2005 RL. And, that is probably what I would order with beige interior.
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