Acura’s flagship, the RL luxury-performance sedan, has been significantly changed for the 2009 model year. In addition to the potent new 3.7L V-6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, the RL is equipped with standard Bose Surround Sound audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and solar sensing climate control. The RL Elite: adds Acura’s Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), genuine wood instrument panel trim, and ventilated front seats.
Performance has been improved with an all- new 3.7-litre V6 engine. The new engine develops 300 horsepower and 271 lb/ft of torque thanks to an innovative new VTEC valvetrain system for both the intake and exhaust valves, a higher compression ratio, along with a special dual-stage magnesium intake manifold that enables the intake to function as a single- or dual-plenum manifold design based on engine operating parameters.
To handle the higher power of the 3.7-litre engine, a new version of the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission is fitted to the 2009 RL. Featuring new “smart” F1-style steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and a new straight-gate console mounted gear selector, the RL driver now has more gear control than ever before. Fuel economy is rated at 13.1/9.0 L/100km (city/highway) with an ultra low emissions rating.
The RL’s patented Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) has been improved for 2009. The SH-AWD system is now quicker responding and better performing.
RL also receives upgraded coil springs, better performing shock absorbers, larger rear stabilizer bar, and a larger wheel size. The 2009 RL also receives new steering system upgrades that deliver a more responsive, yet more linear steering feel. To further improve the RL’s steering accuracy, engineers changed the diameter of the steering valves, improved the design of the steering rack guide, and incorporated an all-new compact noise isolation steering joint. To further enhance handling and ride comfort, the RL features higher rate coil springs, larger diameter rear stabilizer bar, stiffer sub-frame mount bushings and improved design steering rack components. To improve handling and looks, new 18-inch diameter 7-spoke aluminum wheels are matched with more aggressive tires (replacing the previous 17-inch wheel/tire offering).
