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. The benefit for carving a smooth path through the air is reduced wind noise and elevated fuel efficiency.
The overall package took on a "taut and wide" theme, with the new RL measuring three inches shorter than the '04 3.5RL, an inch wider, and 2.6 inches taller, yet the overall wheelbase is 4.4 inches shorter.... Read full article