Introduction
Few market segments are as competitive as the luxury sedan category, where the world's finest automakers vie for the hard-earned dollars from among the shrewdest consumers. Acura has not been a frontline fighter in this battle, as its respectable RL could not outshine the more powerful, more feature-rich competition from Japan and Germany. Until now.
For 2005, the all-new RL boasts a thorough, ground-up redesign with the engineers focused on styling, power, handling, and leading-edge technology. These key ingredients were essential to move up on the shopping list for well-heeled consumers, and we consider this multi-year initiative to be an unmitigated success. Gone is the vanilla competence of the 2004 model, replaced by new passion-igniting verve and a gadget-lover's dream cockpit. The roster of standard features reads like the options list on more expensive cars, and just as significant, these technical treats are smartly integrated.
Exterior
The fine-lined shape has been honed down to a wind-cheating .29 coefficient of aerodynamic drag, putting it on par with wedge-like sports cars. More than a sleek profile, the RL boasts aero-tuned undercovers for the engine, suspension, exhaust, and muffler. Smoothing every possible edge, the RL even features flush-mounted side glass, rather than the typical slight recess to accommodate the window frame.... Read full article