The RL is Acura's flagship sedan. In addition to combining luxury with power, the RL encompasses a tremendous load of cutting-edge performance and safety technology, especially when the Elite trim level is chosen. In either configuration, $65-69K Canadian must be parted with to acquire ownership rights, and that's a fair chunk of coin for a V6-powered ride. Yet, one shouldn't race to the conclusion that the RL lacks spirit.
Unique AWD system meant to enhance handling
The "SH-AWD" badge adorning the vehicle's backend refers to Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive technology. The amazing grip of which, the RL has over the lower-priced TL. I am a fan of the TL in every way except its over-burdened front-wheel drive format. The RL's four-corner grip is exactly what the TL needs, without hopefully, a major price increase.
So how does Acura put "Super Handing" into its AWD? Basically, the technology sends increased torque to the outside rear wheel when powering through a curve. The altered dynamics help push the car around a turn rather than through it. Does it work? In theory -- yes, in practice -- not noticeably. To detect any significant benefit, I imagine the car would need pushing to extreme limits. Within normal driving parameters, the RL handles like most other high-end sports sedans. And that is to say, very well.
No V8 but plenty of punch nonetheless
The 3.5-litre V6 mill giving life to the RL's four 17-inch wheels is a highly-refined unit. Thanks to its DOHC, 24-valve VTEC design, it smoothly spins out 290 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 256 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Although it has yet to crest the magical barrier of 300 horsepower, at 12.9 and 8.4 litres of fuel per 100K for city and highway driving respectively, its fuel efficiency is more in line with an economical V6.
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| Super-Handling AWD is the name of the RL's game. |
Unique AWD system meant to enhance handling
The "SH-AWD" badge adorning the vehicle's backend refers to Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive technology. The amazing grip of which, the RL has over the lower-priced TL. I am a fan of the TL in every way except its over-burdened front-wheel drive format. The RL's four-corner grip is exactly what the TL needs, without hopefully, a major price increase.
So how does Acura put "Super Handing" into its AWD? Basically, the technology sends increased torque to the outside rear wheel when powering through a curve. The altered dynamics help push the car around a turn rather than through it. Does it work? In theory -- yes, in practice -- not noticeably. To detect any significant benefit, I imagine the car would need pushing to extreme limits. Within normal driving parameters, the RL handles like most other high-end sports sedans. And that is to say, very well.
No V8 but plenty of punch nonetheless
The 3.5-litre V6 mill giving life to the RL's four 17-inch wheels is a highly-refined unit. Thanks to its DOHC, 24-valve VTEC design, it smoothly spins out 290 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 256 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Although it has yet to crest the magical barrier of 300 horsepower, at 12.9 and 8.4 litres of fuel per 100K for city and highway driving respectively, its fuel efficiency is more in line with an economical V6.
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| The smooth V6 offers good performance without sacrificing fuel economy. |