Acura's direction
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From: Wilkes Barre, PA
Acura's direction
hi everyone,
i remember when Acura was the first japanese luxury brand. it raised the bar and garnered many compliments. since then the other japanese manufacturers have stepped into the market.
i have owned Honda's and Acura's and i would love to see them really step up in the market with a V8. it seems as if the Brand that invented an entire new segment of automobiles is letting itself get passed by. i just don't understand why they would let Lexus and Infiniti upstage them!
Acura is my favorite japanese brand. all of there cars feel great and have a nice sporty nature about them. unlike Lexus and Infinity i don't dislike any of their designs. but as a consumer i moved on to another brand.
why don't they manufacture a car that is in the range of an LS430 or even a Q45? i had 2 RL's and like both. but the RL is long over due for a replacement. if Acura made a car in this segement my guess is it would sell like crazy!
i remember when Acura was the first japanese luxury brand. it raised the bar and garnered many compliments. since then the other japanese manufacturers have stepped into the market.
i have owned Honda's and Acura's and i would love to see them really step up in the market with a V8. it seems as if the Brand that invented an entire new segment of automobiles is letting itself get passed by. i just don't understand why they would let Lexus and Infiniti upstage them!
Acura is my favorite japanese brand. all of there cars feel great and have a nice sporty nature about them. unlike Lexus and Infinity i don't dislike any of their designs. but as a consumer i moved on to another brand.
why don't they manufacture a car that is in the range of an LS430 or even a Q45? i had 2 RL's and like both. but the RL is long over due for a replacement. if Acura made a car in this segement my guess is it would sell like crazy!
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I totally agree with you.:thumbup:
Honda needs to step up to the plate and get rid of the aging RL instead of updating it.....ugh. Every time I see an RL I want to :barf:
I was tempted into buying a new 2003 RL cuz they have all these incentives and rebates on that car, but I passed it up cuz that aging car is just ugly, slow, and really outdated, the TSX was much nicer, cooler looking, and NEW.
I can't believe Honda is still selling that damn thing. The same RL has been around since 1996, but updated several times since then, why won't it die!!!
I remember the days when the Legend would outsell both the LS400 and Q45 combined, but those days are long gone.
Definitely the next RL "Legend" has to got to be a V8 with rear wheel drive. This way it can compete more against the Lexus LS430 and Mercedes E500. Even the TL Type S is a better and faster car than their flagship RL. Thats just bad!
Acura needs to make themselves known, like what Infiniti is doing with the G35s and FX45s. Infiniti is trying to change its image and I think Acura should do the same. However, I don't see that Acura or Infiniti has a prestige of luxury of what a Mercedes, BMW, or Lexus has.
thats my two cents
h:
I noticed it says in your profile that you own a S55 AMG, ML500, and GMC 2500HD, where are your Hondas and Acuras and it seems like you have a lot of money to own those nice cars? :dunno:
Honda needs to step up to the plate and get rid of the aging RL instead of updating it.....ugh. Every time I see an RL I want to :barf:
I was tempted into buying a new 2003 RL cuz they have all these incentives and rebates on that car, but I passed it up cuz that aging car is just ugly, slow, and really outdated, the TSX was much nicer, cooler looking, and NEW.
I can't believe Honda is still selling that damn thing. The same RL has been around since 1996, but updated several times since then, why won't it die!!!
I remember the days when the Legend would outsell both the LS400 and Q45 combined, but those days are long gone.
Definitely the next RL "Legend" has to got to be a V8 with rear wheel drive. This way it can compete more against the Lexus LS430 and Mercedes E500. Even the TL Type S is a better and faster car than their flagship RL. Thats just bad!
Acura needs to make themselves known, like what Infiniti is doing with the G35s and FX45s. Infiniti is trying to change its image and I think Acura should do the same. However, I don't see that Acura or Infiniti has a prestige of luxury of what a Mercedes, BMW, or Lexus has.
thats my two cents
h: I noticed it says in your profile that you own a S55 AMG, ML500, and GMC 2500HD, where are your Hondas and Acuras and it seems like you have a lot of money to own those nice cars? :dunno:
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Here's some cut and paste from a post I wrote up about a year ago....
In the late 80's and early 90's, I believe that Acura was slowly establishing itself as a "Luxury car" manufacturer. Acura seemed that they were on the path to be successful and eventually be up to par with its luxury competitors. I believe that Acura struggled to get back on their two feet after their attempt to diversify their lineup. It was a rough start in '96, but I feel they are heading on into the right direction currently. They had to start somewhere, and I believe the new TL was their first. Then the new CL, MDX, and RSX were unveiled. The last two in their lineup due for a completely new refreshening are the RL and the NSX. Of course the introduction of the new TL/CL/TSX and it's many features, closed the gap between these models and the aging RL. The current RL is still based off the 96 chassis with basically the same amenities with a few additions to the present model. This also forced a widening of the gap between the RL and its competitors which have introduced their new models after the 96 RL's inception.
The RL is an excellent car for the amount you pay. In a sense, the RL is an oxymoron as it is Acura's flagship which doesn't compete with the flagships of other companies. The RL is meant to compete with the GS300, E320, and BMW 5. In my opinion, the RL is a competent luxury vehicle for the amount of money you put out. The MSRP for the GS300, 530i, and E320 are relatively the same. All have 6 cylinders with the RL having the lowest peak torque(231@2800), meaning brisk and quick acceleration in the city or when merging onto the freeway. People complain about the horsepower, despite the fact that the RL has 225 when the GS has 220 and the E320 has 221. Features?.. the RL comes standard with heated seat which is optional on the GS, and leather which is also optional on the GS and the 530i. It comes standard with wood trim and xenon lights which is optional on the 530i. Seat memory you ask?..well it's optional on the GS300. The standard stereo system on the GS has only 96 watts when comparing it to the RL's 225 watts. All these options lead to a tremendous increase in the MSRP of a vehicle. Yes, I do realize that the RL lacks dual zone climate control and one touch operation. By the looks of it, I can almost guarantee that the RL will have dual zone as the new Accord and TSX have this feature standard. Interior room is up to par with it's competitors, all having a slight difference by a few tenths of an inch.
Acura has shown it's success with it's new models, and I hope that the RL will eventually be up to par with other flagships in the future. Look at the 2nd Generation TL and Oddessy. What about the SLX replacement? I feel they developed these vehicles first, as more people are able to afford these types of vehicles than say a RL. In a sense, theyre kind of working from the bottom up. The NSX and RL are the two left that need a full redesign. Hopefully the RL will be pushed into the true 'flagship' ballpark in the near future to be able to compete with the 7, S, and LS.(It already outsells the current Q45 2:1)
As for the RL's design....
The pentagram front grill, graceful sloping hood, general shape of body panels/glass/lights all fit in perfectly with the current lineup.
The TSX is a great car but comparing to the RL is an unfair compariosn and vice versa. Despite the fact that the TSX is a new model, each car will have things that are positive and negatve because they are in two totally different classes. Same goes for the TL and RL comparsion. The RL has things the TL dosen't and vice versa.
Yes I realize the RL is aging and it lacks V8 power which justifies some people to think its a horrible car when in fact it isn't. Owning one opens your eyes to things that are often overlooked when just testdriving it or seeing it on the road.
Anyway just my two cents.
In the late 80's and early 90's, I believe that Acura was slowly establishing itself as a "Luxury car" manufacturer. Acura seemed that they were on the path to be successful and eventually be up to par with its luxury competitors. I believe that Acura struggled to get back on their two feet after their attempt to diversify their lineup. It was a rough start in '96, but I feel they are heading on into the right direction currently. They had to start somewhere, and I believe the new TL was their first. Then the new CL, MDX, and RSX were unveiled. The last two in their lineup due for a completely new refreshening are the RL and the NSX. Of course the introduction of the new TL/CL/TSX and it's many features, closed the gap between these models and the aging RL. The current RL is still based off the 96 chassis with basically the same amenities with a few additions to the present model. This also forced a widening of the gap between the RL and its competitors which have introduced their new models after the 96 RL's inception.
The RL is an excellent car for the amount you pay. In a sense, the RL is an oxymoron as it is Acura's flagship which doesn't compete with the flagships of other companies. The RL is meant to compete with the GS300, E320, and BMW 5. In my opinion, the RL is a competent luxury vehicle for the amount of money you put out. The MSRP for the GS300, 530i, and E320 are relatively the same. All have 6 cylinders with the RL having the lowest peak torque(231@2800), meaning brisk and quick acceleration in the city or when merging onto the freeway. People complain about the horsepower, despite the fact that the RL has 225 when the GS has 220 and the E320 has 221. Features?.. the RL comes standard with heated seat which is optional on the GS, and leather which is also optional on the GS and the 530i. It comes standard with wood trim and xenon lights which is optional on the 530i. Seat memory you ask?..well it's optional on the GS300. The standard stereo system on the GS has only 96 watts when comparing it to the RL's 225 watts. All these options lead to a tremendous increase in the MSRP of a vehicle. Yes, I do realize that the RL lacks dual zone climate control and one touch operation. By the looks of it, I can almost guarantee that the RL will have dual zone as the new Accord and TSX have this feature standard. Interior room is up to par with it's competitors, all having a slight difference by a few tenths of an inch.
Acura has shown it's success with it's new models, and I hope that the RL will eventually be up to par with other flagships in the future. Look at the 2nd Generation TL and Oddessy. What about the SLX replacement? I feel they developed these vehicles first, as more people are able to afford these types of vehicles than say a RL. In a sense, theyre kind of working from the bottom up. The NSX and RL are the two left that need a full redesign. Hopefully the RL will be pushed into the true 'flagship' ballpark in the near future to be able to compete with the 7, S, and LS.(It already outsells the current Q45 2:1)
As for the RL's design....
The pentagram front grill, graceful sloping hood, general shape of body panels/glass/lights all fit in perfectly with the current lineup.
The TSX is a great car but comparing to the RL is an unfair compariosn and vice versa. Despite the fact that the TSX is a new model, each car will have things that are positive and negatve because they are in two totally different classes. Same goes for the TL and RL comparsion. The RL has things the TL dosen't and vice versa.
Yes I realize the RL is aging and it lacks V8 power which justifies some people to think its a horrible car when in fact it isn't. Owning one opens your eyes to things that are often overlooked when just testdriving it or seeing it on the road.
Anyway just my two cents.
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From: Wilkes Barre, PA
hi everyone,
i actually like the look of the current RL. it certainly isn't as ugly as say a Q. it is just not enough car. Acura needs to put some serious power in the next model. a minimum of 300 hp has to be the benchmark. Acura used to be the brand that everyone would talk about..now it's Lexus, MB, Infiniti, and BMW.
i had a 99 RL and a 00 RL. both nice automobiles but i wanted more power and a more sporting feeling in my car. that's when i jumped ship to MB. i purchased an 00 E430 sport and an ML430. then 2 years after that i bought a 02 S55AMG and a M500. it seems that the other manufacturers have a broader line and can keep buyers in the family with more choices. Acura has great fit and finish. and i truly believe this.....nobody gets more power out of a small motor than honda. they're the best at it.
as far as the cars i drive....i'm basically a car lover. cars are my favorite hobby. MB is doing some wild things with their engines these days. my 02 S55 only has 355HP. the 03's have 496HP
i drove one at my local dealer.....it was amazing. the new model would leave my car behind like it was standing still. and this is from a 4400lb car!!!!
even with all of the good things MB is doing i would still go back to Acura if they would just move a little more up market and give they're flagship some serious grunt!
i actually like the look of the current RL. it certainly isn't as ugly as say a Q. it is just not enough car. Acura needs to put some serious power in the next model. a minimum of 300 hp has to be the benchmark. Acura used to be the brand that everyone would talk about..now it's Lexus, MB, Infiniti, and BMW.
i had a 99 RL and a 00 RL. both nice automobiles but i wanted more power and a more sporting feeling in my car. that's when i jumped ship to MB. i purchased an 00 E430 sport and an ML430. then 2 years after that i bought a 02 S55AMG and a M500. it seems that the other manufacturers have a broader line and can keep buyers in the family with more choices. Acura has great fit and finish. and i truly believe this.....nobody gets more power out of a small motor than honda. they're the best at it.
as far as the cars i drive....i'm basically a car lover. cars are my favorite hobby. MB is doing some wild things with their engines these days. my 02 S55 only has 355HP. the 03's have 496HP
i drove one at my local dealer.....it was amazing. the new model would leave my car behind like it was standing still. and this is from a 4400lb car!!!!even with all of the good things MB is doing i would still go back to Acura if they would just move a little more up market and give they're flagship some serious grunt!
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From: pgh pa
th 05' rl is going to be redesigned with a v8 in place of the 6 it has in it now. it will include the vtec system. also it is said to have well over 300hp. i dont know much about the rest of the car, only the engine, when i find out i will post
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Hrrms.. I thought that there was a strong hint that there would be a high output V6 to power the front wheels and an IMA engine powering the rear wheels totalling over 300hp....with about 42mpg. The DN-X concept vehicle strongly hints at acuras direction in the near future in terms of technological gadetery.
But only time will tell right?
But only time will tell right?
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Originally posted by 95megalegend
th 05' rl is going to be redesigned with a v8 in place of the 6 it has in it now. it will include the vtec system. also it is said to have well over 300hp. i dont know much about the rest of the car, only the engine, when i find out i will post
th 05' rl is going to be redesigned with a v8 in place of the 6 it has in it now. it will include the vtec system. also it is said to have well over 300hp. i dont know much about the rest of the car, only the engine, when i find out i will post
Also, we don't know what its truly gonna look like, hopefully, it looks better than the current RL. I am tired of seeing photoshopped pictures. I want to see the real deal.
h:
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From: pgh pa
i hear ya 04, but all the information i've seen/read has been from a new acura dealership by where i live. it is also said that the nsx is going to get the bump from a 6 to an 8. i would say i am about 85 percent sure, that all of the info i have given you is correct. once again when i hear more about the cars i will post right away