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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

Messages Page 224 of 739

#2229 of 7385 Interesting "claim" by markcincinnati

May 06, 2004 (10:59 am)

The new 300C engine 340HP 390 foot pounds of torque.
 
And, as we all know diesel engines often have massive torque even if they have relatively normal HP.
 
Acura and Honda are both currently (rumor) contemplating the complaints about their products -- which I have been told include "lack of fresh product" -- leading to the mean age of Honda buyers approaching the "danger" zone (and that would be what over 35?) in terms of the future.
 
Of course this concern hits Toyota and Honda both and I'll wager that there will be some serious catch up from these Japanese mfgrs.
 
The Cadillac example -- near extinction, i.e. -- is apparently well known by these manufacturers and they are fulminating remedies to this situation.
 
I suspect that while a V8 is certainly within Honda's capabilities to develop, that the need to refresh the Acura RL in content and style exceeded the need for the bragging rights of a V8 -- price could have been a factor too. And, besides, when you can legitimately publish 300HP in your marketing literature, you can more or less downplay the source of that power. No lies, mind you, but let the people assume.
 
I had a fellow in my A6 4.2 and I needed to merge on an interstate with some alacrity, so I floored the car and it surged forward with "grace, fury and power (and a wonderful sound)" and my passenger said, "wow that is great for a V6" -- as he assumed my 2001 Audi A6 just HAD to be so equipped.
 
If the test drive of the new RL is as I suspect it will be, the need to disclose the number of cylinders (unless asked of course) will be rendered moot. Or as my friend says, "mute."
 
Whatever.

#2230 of 7385 vtec by jeff88

May 06, 2004 (11:05 am)

Roertsmx, was using the mdx stats for my earlier comment about hp v torque for acura vtec.
 
Good points all about hp v torque v weight for comparison puposes. the last component of the formula is gearing (which is why I like a 6 sp v 5 sp for with the chance for a higher top end for highway mileage, yet enough gears from 1st on to maximize power usage.) the rl with 5 should be plenty for most driving. pure greed on my part; "moichendizing" differentiation for acura leads me to want more. & why shouldn't one want 0-60 under 7 seconds with an achievable mileage range of 20 - 30 mpg city/highway. especially with projected gas prices continuously rising due to refinery limitations.

#2231 of 7385 Theoretically... by robertsmx

May 06, 2004 (11:08 am)

...if Honda developed a 3.5 liter version of its 2.2 liter commonrail turbo-diesel (Euro Accord), it would deliver 220 HP, and 390 lb.-ft 2000 rpm. The Accord 2.2-liter CTD-i is rated at 140 HP/245 lb.-ft.

#2232 of 7385 Re: HP & Torque [markcincinnati #786] by shotgun

May 06, 2004 (2:36 pm)

Replying to: markcincinnati (May 06, 2004 8:43 am)
Mark,
Thank you for the education on HP and Torque, it's beginning to crystalize now...Revealing was your insight given on the quickness of a 2.7T V6 vs a 4.2 V8 Audi. After having read your initial post and reviewed a few others I've discovered that it's not unusual at all for the HP figures to be eclipsed by the torque numbers. Given that Acura boldly claimed at the 04' NY Auto show that the new RL will offer performance that "...cars in its class simply cannot match..." leads me to believe that the torque curve and overall performance will indeed be phenomenal! Anything less will severely bruise Honda's reputation for engineering prowess and make them the laughing stock of the automotive industry. However, having been a loyal and satisfied customer of Honda/Acura for many years, something tells me they will deliver the "goods" - there's simply too much at stake for them not to...

#2233 of 7385 by varmint

May 06, 2004 (2:44 pm)

When Acura says things like "performance the others cannot match", they are not making a specific claim. They could be talking about 0-60, or the 1/4 mile, or 50-70 mph passing, or track lap times, or cornering, or lateral grip, or... well.... just about anything.

#2234 of 7385 Kudos to discussion participants!! by kirstie_h HOST

May 06, 2004 (3:24 pm)

I have so enjoyed reading this discussion for at least the past week. You guys are really well informed, debate civilly, and are willing to learn from each other. This line of conversation is a great example of the atmosphere we love in Town Hall. Cheers!

#2235 of 7385 Re: markcincinnati [saugatak #780] by rtpnetguy

May 06, 2004 (3:49 pm)

Replying to: saugatak (May 05, 2004 3:29 pm)
Ah, on the Supra you have to realize that it IS heavy, but blessed with a wonderfully durable/strong engine. Supras are the choice for SERIOUS engine mods and turbo upgrades due to this strength, as 6-700 HP can be made fairly easily, and there are numerous examples of 1000hp+ specimens.

#2236 of 7385 rtpnetguy by saugatak

May 06, 2004 (5:56 pm)

1000HP? Wow. As someone whose left ear feels partially deaf by the noise of a modded Supra blowing past me, that makes a lot of sense.
 
I had no idea they were that heavy or that powerful.
 
I can see now why my bro was looking for an old Supra engine to put into the shell of an old, really light car (MG I believe).
 
That combo would blow just about anything away.

#2237 of 7385 Re: HP & Torque [markcincinnati #786] by shotgun

May 06, 2004 (8:56 pm)

Replying to: markcincinnati (May 06, 2004 8:43 am)
One more thing...Can you elucidate on the nuance of a "torque curve"? Exactly what is it and what qualifies such a curve to be, as you state, "impressive"?

#2238 of 7385 shotgun by saugatak

May 06, 2004 (10:32 pm)

you want a flat torque curve. a "curvy" torque curve means that you get power at certain rpms but not at others.
 
generally, a straight 6 or I6 provides the flattest torque curve because the engine is inherently balanced, i.e., the natural vibrations caused by cylinders on one side are cancelled out by equal and counterbalancing vibrations by the cylinders on the other side.
 
it's why BMW prefers straight 6's for the 3 and 5 series. it's also why Chevy Trailblazer/GMC Envoy have the best engines in their class even though just about everything else on those SUV's is not quite up to par.

Messages Page 224 of 739

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