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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 243 of 739

#2418 of 7385 hunter001 by robertsmx

May 24, 2004 (8:36 am)

I don’t see a point in using a DOHC layout for everything that SOHC does. It would make sense if the redline were to be pushed beyond 7000 rpm, as it would in NSX. For RL, that would be unnecessary. SOHC layout allows Honda to keep the engine package more compact and lighter (don’t be surprised to see if RL ends up having the best power to weight ratio for the engine).
 
The only instance I have seen a mention of Honda 3.5 liter V6 DOHC “I-VTEC” was in the 2001 Honda Dual Note (Acura DNX) prototype. That engine was rated at 300 HP, 260 lb-ft (possibly the same rating as RL’s 3.5 V6). The Dual Note got additional 100 HP from electric motors.

#2419 of 7385 Re: [lexusguy #973] by markcincinnati

May 24, 2004 (12:48 pm)

Replying to: lexusguy (May 23, 2004 2:12 pm)
Try easily passing $60K for the STS AWD with the performace package group. Getting to $58K is like falling off a log.
 
And, yep, I agree, a $40K Chryco car is going to be interesting in the marketplace -- but even the speed channel's gushing review said the car felt like "45K" and could initially compete with an Audi A8 or a BMW 7 series (speaking of performance with the Hemi). I Tivo'd the test drive of the 300C and have played it twice to make certain I actually heard what I just typed.
 
Now, then, have you RECENTLY actually walked into a city 5 star dealer? Wow -- 1976! Even the sales reps are like Herb Tarlick (WRKC in Cincinnati's white belt, plaid suited salesman).
 
Acura sales folks are "how many in your party, may I seat you -- would you care for some tea or coffee while you wait for your product specialist to join you?" -- and this, based on my years buying Audis is High-Zoot German car customer treatment (Audi & Porshce sales reps in my experience are "as if" they are MBA's just there to advise you on the purchase and they even seem to really know their products).
 
Not so at your local 5 Star Pentagon dealer -- where, these days, do they find white belts, anyway?
 
So, yep, dealing with the dealers, so to speak, will be a big drawback -- but $40K LIST fully loaded is, thus far, a bargain for what the thing appears to be.
 
Acura's RL will, conversely, have to be a super product -- and there is evidence that it will -- but at least they seem to have the dealership experience down pat.

#2420 of 7385 by lexusguy

May 24, 2004 (2:56 pm)

If the 300C is stealing sales from the A8 and 745, then I'll, well I wont even qualify that, its just not going to happen. The brand cachet for one, the dealer experience which mark touched on for another. When my wife and I went shopping for her RX, we also went to Acura, BMW, Mercedes, and.. Chrysler. She just wanted to see what the AWD T&C was like. We walked in, and there was maybe 3 people there. We had to go find a guy inside his cardboard cubicle and $30 walmart desk who didnt even bother to stand up to introduce himself or shake our hands. We asked about driving an AWD T&C, and he just said, sorry, there arent any around. We inquired about the price, and when he said $37K, I literally had to try and hold back the laughter. We just turned around and left. There's no way I'm paying $37K for a minivan that will be worth $15,500 a year later.

#2421 of 7385 by hunter001

May 24, 2004 (7:13 pm)

I somehow like the idea of a Honda DOHC engine. It offers a lot more tuning possibilities than a corresponding SOHC engine.
 
As far as packaging is concerned, the Nissan G35 has an AWD drivetrain with a 3.5L DOHC engine. The same goes for a bunch of AWD Audis and even Subarus.
 
Also, since the RL is sold at a higher pricepoint (when compared to the TL/Odyssey/MDX trio), Honda can spend more money in employing lighter/stronger metals to keep the weight of the engine in check, even with the additional componentry of a DOHC format.
 
Barring any info that contradicts this, I have a feeling that this engine could be a DOHC V6 engine. Of course I could very easily be proved wrong, once the vehicle hits the car mags' "first drive" circuits. Wait and see !
 
Later...AH

#2422 of 7385 RL Engine by ceric

May 25, 2004 (12:57 am)

Rumors have been flying around on the net about
"You will be in for surprises...",
"You haven't seen nothing yet...".
I hope the following would come true in September:
- DOHC 3.5L putting out 350+hp (A-spec?)
Now that would make a wolf under sheep skin.
- Hybrid - combined 30mpg, more hps.
- Manual shift (A-spec?)
At least make them options for enthusiasts.

#2423 of 7385 hunter001 by robertsmx

May 25, 2004 (6:05 am)

Based on rumors, Honda has already gone the way of weight reduction, so there seems to be no point in adding some weight and trying to subtract it for no gains.

#2424 of 7385 Re: RL Engine [ceric #982] by legendman

May 25, 2004 (7:29 am)

Replying to: ceric (May 25, 2004 12:57 am)
Ceric:
 
I am hoping that Acura will soon be offering a hybrid powerplant or other fuel saving device. It would also be nice if the engine could effectively operate on lower octane, such as 89 instead of the more expensive 91 octane, but of course that's a pipe dream.
 
With the price of gas what it is now, and what it will be in the future, all that horsepower -- 300 HP -- is moot if you can't afford to fill your tank.
 
Premium unleaded here in the Los Angeles area $2.59 - $2.69 a gallon.

#2425 of 7385 by robertsmx

May 25, 2004 (10:07 am)

Assuming that RL could get 19 mpg or so (city), and a typical driver drives about 1000 mile/month, use of 87/88 grade versus 91/93 grade would barely add $10/month to the cost (assuming $2.50 for 87/88-grade and $2.70 for 91/93 grade. That shouldn't be an issue to those who spend $$$ to get a $45K car.

#2426 of 7385 Re: Go Acura Indeed [shotgun #972] by ksoman

May 25, 2004 (11:22 am)

Replying to: shotgun (May 23, 2004 9:27 am)
The last two lines, "That's the kind of excellence Honda is known for. The problem is, there are a lot of excellent cars on the road these days." are really the kicker here.
 
ksso

#2427 of 7385 i can't believe they still make 87 and 89 oct by ksoman

May 25, 2004 (11:35 am)

hasn't the world moved on to 91, 93 & 95?
anyway, i'd really love to see a few suprises on the RL, because as that businessweek article said, acura has its act together, but everybody else also seems to have their act together.
 
ksso

Messages Page 243 of 739

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