What Is It?
Acura RL Prototype
What's Special About It?
Although Acura labeled this RL a not-quite-finished prototype, what you see is a dead ringer for the production model that will debut later this year. The styling is a strong departure from the current model but it sticks with Acura's tradition of safe, understated designs. This new RL also departs from its predecessor with its use of all-wheel drive and a V6 that's anything but underpowered. Producing 300 horsepower, the 3.5-liter V6 is the most powerful engine Acura has ever offered. It's coupled to a new drive system that not only distributes power between the front and rear wheels, it's also able to modulate power between the left and right rear wheels to provide sharper handling. A five-speed sequential shift transmission helps distribute the power and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles give it a more sporting disposition than your average slush box.
Although it's not much larger than the current model, the prototype delivers a more spacious interior along with a few notable electronic enhancements. Most interesting among them is a new satellite-linked traffic data system that can display up-to-the-minute accident reports and other relevant information on the eight-inch navigation screen. The same system is also able to deliver real time vehicle information that can be used to diagnose possible problems as well as allow for hands-free phone calls thanks to its integrated Bluetooth wireless technology.
What's Edmunds Take?
While not as distinctive as the TL on the outside, there's enough interesting new gear underneath the skin of the RL to give it some appeal in a tough segment. We don't expect too many BMW buyers to give up their 5 Series to get one, but there are plenty of buyers who will find the RL's combination of performance and luxury an appealing package.
— Ed Hellwig
Acura RL Prototype
What's Special About It?
Although Acura labeled this RL a not-quite-finished prototype, what you see is a dead ringer for the production model that will debut later this year. The styling is a strong departure from the current model but it sticks with Acura's tradition of safe, understated designs. This new RL also departs from its predecessor with its use of all-wheel drive and a V6 that's anything but underpowered. Producing 300 horsepower, the 3.5-liter V6 is the most powerful engine Acura has ever offered. It's coupled to a new drive system that not only distributes power between the front and rear wheels, it's also able to modulate power between the left and right rear wheels to provide sharper handling. A five-speed sequential shift transmission helps distribute the power and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles give it a more sporting disposition than your average slush box.
Although it's not much larger than the current model, the prototype delivers a more spacious interior along with a few notable electronic enhancements. Most interesting among them is a new satellite-linked traffic data system that can display up-to-the-minute accident reports and other relevant information on the eight-inch navigation screen. The same system is also able to deliver real time vehicle information that can be used to diagnose possible problems as well as allow for hands-free phone calls thanks to its integrated Bluetooth wireless technology.
What's Edmunds Take?
While not as distinctive as the TL on the outside, there's enough interesting new gear underneath the skin of the RL to give it some appeal in a tough segment. We don't expect too many BMW buyers to give up their 5 Series to get one, but there are plenty of buyers who will find the RL's combination of performance and luxury an appealing package.
— Ed Hellwig
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