Acura RL: История и Эволюция Роскошного Седана (1996–2012)

The Acura RL is a mid size luxury car that was manufactured by the Acura division of Honda for the 1996–2012 model years over two generations. The RL was the flagship of the marque, having succeeded the Acura Legend, and was replaced in 2013 by the Acura RLX. All models of the Legend, RL and RLX lines have been adapted from the Japanese domestic market Honda Legend. The model name "RL" is an abbreviation for "Refined Luxury." The first generation Acura RL was a rebadged version of the third generation Honda Legend, and was first introduced to the North American market in 1996, to replace the second generation Acura Legend. The second generation Acura RL was a rebadged version of the fourth generation Honda Legend, introduced to the North American market in September 2004, as a 2005 model. This iteration of the RL received an extensive mid generational facelift for the 2009 model year, and a further update for 2011. The third generation debuted for the 2014 model year as the Acura RLX. TOC

In 1996, Acura introduced the Acura 3.5RL, known internally as "KA9," to replace the Legend. Acura dropped the Legend name when market research showed that consumers referred to Acura products by their model names, "Legend" and "Integra," and did not necessarily associate the names with Honda's "Acura" brand. The 3.5RL's longitudinally mounted V6 engine had its center line mounted in line with the car's axis, and not transversely (i. e., 90 degrees offset from the vehicle axis) like most other front wheel drive cars. This longitudinal placement allowed for a smaller turning radius and easy in town maneuverability, as well as 56/44 front/rear weight distribution. In late 1998, the 1999 3.5RL received a front and rear facelift with integrated foglights, revised bumpers and hood, as well as driver and front passenger side impact airbags. The suspension and chassis were stiffened, and new alloy wheels were offered. In 1999, a larger navigation system screen was added for the 2000 model year. Along with that larger screen came the conversion to easy to replace DVD map databases. In 2001, the 2002 model year 3.5RL received painted lower trim and mudflaps along with redesigned alloys and a newer, sportier suspension setup. The revised engine produced and of torque. More insulation was added in the engine compartment for 2002. In 2004, RL's received clear turn signal lenses in the rear lights, another new alloy wheel design, and various interior upgrades including new color schemes. For the 2004 model year, the 3.5RL offered as standard equipment a revised navigation system and integrated satellite radio in addition to a redesigned center console and chrome door lock pulls. The 2004 3.5RL was the first production saloon car to offer satellite radio as standard equipment. The 1996–2004 3.5RL's engine was the last in the Acura lineup not to use Honda's variable valve timing system (VTEC), This 3.5 L 90 degree V6 engine was internally designated as the C35A, and was the last of the Honda C engine V6 engines used in Honda and Acura lineups, being replaced by the newer Honda J engine 60 degree V6 engines. The 2004 RL was also the last Acura to use the numeric designation (i. e., 3.5) for its engine displacement.

The new generation car, known internally as "KB1," was launched in late 2004 for the 2005 model year. Without the rumored V8 engine, it featured an all wheel drive system marketed by Acura as "Super Handling All Wheel Drive" (SH AWD). It integrated active differentials with the all wheel drive system and traction control to improve handling, similar to the "ATTS" system featured on the 1997 Honda Prelude SH. At the time of its introduction, the Acura RL's SH AWD was the first all wheel drive system to vary the distribution of power not only from front to back, but also side to side in the rear using a technique called torque vectoring. The RL can direct up to 70% of available torque to the rear wheels, and up to 100% of that available rear torque can be directed to just one wheel. In combination with a specially designed planetary gear set which can over drive the rear wheels at up to 5% greater speed than the front wheels, the torque directed to one wheel, or torque vectoring, can have a steering effect. As the car speeds around a curve, torque vectored to the outside rear wheel will push the rear end around the curve faster, just as paddling the outside oar of a row boat faster than the inside oar will cause the row boat to turn, to minimize the understeer common in front heavy vehicles. The first generation RL had been powered by the 225 hp (168 kW) 90 degree C series non VTEC V6 engine. The second generation RL used a newer design 60 degree J series 3.5 L V6 SOHC VTEC engine delivering , (later revised to due to amended SAE testing procedures). To give the car a more sporty feel, the car featured drive by wire throttle control and a five speed sequential sport shifting automatic transmission with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. As with the first generation Acura RL, the second generation Acura RL required premium unleaded fuel rated at 91 (R+M)/2 octane. A first for the RL was the use of aluminum 4 piston front brake calipers over 12.6 inch cast iron ventilated front rotors. These multi piston calipers, derived from racing applications, are extremely rigid. In the rear, 12.2 inch cast iron ventilated discs attached to their hub with lightweight aluminum collets and were gripped by one piston aluminum brake calipers. The RL was equipped with unique five spoke 17 inch alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot HX MXM 4 245/50 R 17 98V Bose AudioPilot is a noise compensation technology which analyzes background environmental cabin noise and uses an algorithm based on cabin acoustics to boost certain portions of the musical signal so that it may be heard more clearly above environmental sound "clutter" without any apparent change in volume. Bose Centerpoint processes stereo and matrix surround sound recordings to allow play through the 5.1 sound system even though the source may only be a stereo sound track. Bose Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) rounded out the suite. The ANC was always on, whether the stereo was on or not. The ANC took input from two microphones placed in the cabin to analyze drivetrain related low frequency sound waves entering the cabin. The ANC sent information to the sound system to create a precisely shaped and timed reverse phased audio signal from the door speakers and the subwoofer. The result was a dramatic reduction in perceived engine and exhaust noise. XM Satellite Radio, integrated Bluetooth hands free technology for wireless phone use, voice recognition technology with over 560 voice commands to control navigation system and displays, wireless phone, audio system, heating and ventilation controls rounded out the cabin's technological features. Heating and air conditioning systems were tied into a solar sensor and GPS positioning so that cabin temperature remained constant in a mixed sun and shade situation. Based on sun position and cabin orientation, the system could automatically send additional cooling air to the sunny side of the car to keep that occupant comfortable, while not freezing out the occupant on the shady side. The Alpine Electronics DVD based navigation system was integrated with an 8 inch LCD display and a multi use Interface Dial, which could move up, down, left and right like a mouse, turn like a knob, scroll through preset menus, and click when pushed to act as a selector button. Unlike many in car navigation systems, the Alpine DVD based navigation unit allowed the driver to change destinations and routes "on the fly" while driving, rather than being locked out unless the car was in Park. The tightly integrated voice recognition system worked with the navigation system and could recognize spoken city and street names. Also unique at the time was two way communication via AcuraLink satellite communication. Using a facility of XM Radio service, the system could send a variety of messages to the car, including service appointment reminders (appointments first made via Internet) or important messages such as recall notices. The use of OnStar was carried over from the previous generation RL. Use of digital/analog trimode (two digital bands and one analog band) technology allowed the 2005 RL OnStar technology to survive the planned 2007 phase out of the analog OnStar to fully digital OnStar service. Other new RL features included the Active Front Lighting System, in which the high intensity discharge headlamps swiveled in concert with the steering up to twenty degrees, for improved night cornering vision. Light emitting diodes (LED) replaced traditional incandescent bulbs in the tail and brake lights, the turn signals integrated in the side mirror housings, and many interior cabin lights. The 2005 RL was also the first Honda vehicle to use the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which has since proliferated throughout every newly introduced Honda and Acura vehicle design. The ACE structure features extensive use of high tensile steel and lightweight aluminum components in a front mounted polygonal main frame, designed to engage vehicles of differing size and weight in a frontal collision and spread the forces through multiple structural pathways, while preventing or minimizing cabin deformation. In practical terms, this means in an SUV versus ACE structure car collision, there is a greater chance that the ACE body structure will engage with the SUV's frame and dissipate collision forces around the passenger compartment. In more conventional non ACE car structures, the SUV frame has a much greater chance of missing or over riding the conventional car's major structural components and a greater chance of deforming the passenger compartment. The 2005 RL car structure used aluminum alloy in the hood, front fenders, trunk lid and frame, front and rear subframes, suspension arms, front knuckles and bumper beams. Magnesium was used in the intake manifold, and the two piece center drive shaft was made of a carbon reinforced composite. The new RL featured extensive aerodynamic design treatment including details such as flush side glass, plus underbody covers and diffusers to reduce lift, resulting in a very low drag coefficient of 0.29. For 2006, the Acura RL was also offered in a second trim level, the optional 'Technology Package' which included three new features: adaptive cruise control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System, and Michelin PAX System run flat tires on unique PAX 235 mm x 460 mm A ("A" for asymmetric) aluminum alloy wheels with unique 245 680R460A Michelin Pilot HX MXM 4 all season Grand Touring type radials designed for the Michelin PAX System. The metric sized, run flat Michelin PAX System wheels and tires are equivalent to wheels and 245/45 R18 conventional tires. The previously standard color matched mud guards were removed in 2006. All 2006 models had a slight change to the navigation system that allowed the installation of an optional rearview camera. MSRP increased by $200 over the equivalent 2005 model. For 2007, the Acura RL was offered in three trim levels: a "standard" or "base" package; a newly defined "Technology Package;" and the highest level trim, the "Technology Package with CMBS/PAX." Base model cars were well equipped, but deleted certain features such as the navigation system and Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), and substituted plastic simulated wood for the dashboard maple wood trim. Technology Package cars were essentially the same as the 2005 and 2006 standard models, coming with navigation and AFS, while adding as standard equipment a rear backup camera and a 3.5 mm stereo input jack for Apple iPod and other MP3 type devices. The Technology Package plus CMBS/PAX trim level had no 2005 equivalent, though it was most similar to the 2006 Technology Package that had also included ACC/CMBS and PAX technologies. While the label "CMBS/PAX" might appear to indicate ACC was dropped as a feature, in reality, ACC was an extension of the CMBS system, and so was included. As noted above, the MP3 audio player feature (usable for any device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack) was added to all trim levels. An integrated rearview camera was added to the top two trim levels. An integrated rearview camera could be added to the non navigation Base model as a dealer installed option. The Base model optional rearview camera was installed in the same manner and position as on the 2006 models, mounted dead center in the trunk trim, with the trunk release button displaced to the right of center (passenger side). The difference was subtle, but the factory rearview camera installation on the Technology Package and the Technology Package with CMBS/PAX is to the left side (driver's side) of the center mounted trunk release. In 2005 and 2006, all models came standard with "genuine curly maple wood dashboard trim." With the introduction of three trim levels, the genuine curly maple wood dashboard trim now only appeared on the two higher level cars: the Technology Package and the Technology Package with CMBS/PAX. OnStar was deleted as a feature from all trim levels. Colors were added and deleted. MSRP increased by $100 from the roughly equivalent 2006 trims. The 2008 Acura RL continued unchanged in the U. S. market from the 2007 model, with three trim levels. Colors were added and deleted. MSRP increased $500 for each trim:

In Canada, the 2008 Acura RL was available in two different models, Base and Elite Package. The Elite Package added Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Active Front Lighting System (AFS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), heated and cooled ventilated front seats, and burled maple wood trim.

For the 2005–2008 models, Acura offered an A Spec package for the RL. The dealer installed package consisted of a body kit, badging, revised suspension and different wheels. The package was first announced at a late 2004 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas. The A Spec package for sale was distinctly different from the Acura RL A Spec Concept Vehicle announced and shown as a striking dark red one of a kind custom creation in early 2005 at the Detroit Auto Show. The performance part of the package included the A Spec sport suspension and A Spec 18 inch alloy wheels, which allowed the use of more sports oriented lower profile tires. The A Spec sport suspension changed out the four spring and damper (shock absorber) strut assemblies. The A Spec suspension featured lowering springs (approximately 0.75 inch) and revalved dampers. The ride was stiffer, but not overly so, and handling was improved with less body roll, more controlled cornering and enhanced feel. Reportedly Acura chose to make the RL's A Spec suspension more compliant than the very stiff A Spec sport suspension upgrade for the Acura TL, in keeping with the two different missions of the cars: luxury for the RL, luxury sport for the TL. Acura RL A Spec retained the same suspension geometry as the stock Acura RL suspension alignment specifications. The other A Spec performance upgrade was A Spec 18x8 inch alloy wheels, a 10 spoke lightweight design (about the same weight as the 5 spoke 17x8 inch OEM wheels). Recommended tires were either 245/45 18 sized Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ultra high performance summer tires or Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ultra high performance all season tires. Alternatively, less sport oriented Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 Grand Touring All Season tires were also available in the same size. Typical of Acura optional wheels, the 55 mm offset of the stock 17x8 inch wheels was maintained so that suspension geometry could remain untouched. The A Spec appearance package consisted of a front air dam, side skirts, rear bumper air diffuser and a subtle trunk decklid lip style spoiler, all designed to give the car a more aggressive "aero" look. The parts came pre painted from the factory to match factory colors. All parts were dealer installable. If the dealer installed the A Spec parts at the time of purchase, the original new car warranty of four years/50,000 miles would apply. If installed after purchase, the normal one year/12,000 mile parts warranty would apply. As of the 2009 mid model change, A Spec options were no longer offered. However, Acura moved to a firmer standard suspension for 2009, plus larger and wider inch standard wheels and lower profile 245/45 18 size tires. More aggressive "aero" look body work was also standard, and a revised trunk decklid spoiler was made available as a dealer installed option.

For the 2009 model year, the RL received an extensive mid model change (MMC), and made its introduction at the Chicago Auto Show on February 6, 2008, billed as "the most extensive Acura MMC ever". The new sedan was designated KB2 in the VIN codes, differentiating it from the 2005–2008 KB1 chassis VIN code. The revised sedan was released on July 1, 2008, to dealerships. The engine is upgraded to 3.7 liters with While on paper, the engine may seem to be the same unit as shared with the Acura MDX, it is actually a variant that introduces, for the first time ever on an SOHC Honda V6, an implementation of the Honda VTEC variable valve train technology on both intake and exhaust for improved horsepower and torque. Heretofore, all previous SOHC Honda V6 engines with VTEC used the technology on the intake side only. Engine emissions were reduced to meet the stricter U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) TIER 2 – BIN 5 and California Air Resources Board ULEV 2 standards. Implementation of the SH AWD was adjusted for earlier intervention and a greater rear wheel bias for better handling dynamics. The MMC RL suspension was upgraded with higher rate coil springs, larger diameter anti sway bars and stiffer bushings all around. The MMC RL was equipped with a new larger front anti sway bar of hollow construction, 30 mm diameter overall with a 6.5 mm wall thickness, and a larger rear solid anti sway bar, 19 mm in diameter. The pre MMC models sported a solid 29 mm front and 17 mm rear sway bar. Standard 18 x 8 inch seven spoke alloy wheels with 245/45 18 tires replaced the previous years' 17 x 8 inch five spoke offerings for not only the Base and Tech package models, but also for the highest trim level, the ACC/CMBS equipped model. Previous years' ACC/CMBS equipped models were equipped with [Michelin PAX System] run flat tires on 18 inch equivalent (460 mm diameter) five spoke wheels. Inside, the front seats were revised for greater comfort and to allow a slight increase in rear leg room. The passenger front seat received the same full 10 way power control as the driver's seat. Both front seats featured active head restraint systems, and the existing seat heating feature was supplemented by six levels of cooling ventilation. Controls for heating and air conditioning were simplified, and additional individual vent controls were added for the driver and passenger. The shift gear no longer had a gated sequence, but moved straight fore and aft like the ones in the Acura TSX and Acura TL. Simulated woodgrain trim was added to the steering wheel and the top of the shifter, to emphasize the RL's upscale aspirations compared to its less costly TL and TSX siblings. Additional insulation, improved acoustic isolation windshield design, and a new implementation of the Active Noise Cancellation system (ANC) combined to make the 2009 RL's interior quieter in a variety of conditions. Whereas the former ANC was set to cancel out only low frequency boominess from the engine and exhaust, the MMC system, called Active Sound Control, was expanded in its range to cancel some higher frequency road and tire noise as well. Unlike its predecessor ANC, Active Sound Control was now linked to throttle position and engine RPM to provide a quieter cockpit during normal cruising, yet allowed more of the new 3.7 L engine's "muscular sound" to be heard at higher engine speeds and higher velocities. An additional microphone as well as some switchable directionality was added to the HFL (Hands Free Link) and Voice Activated Navigation and Convenience controls. When the system was in "accept commands" mode, the new microphone system provided more accurate system "understanding" of the driver's voice. Extraneous sounds, such as other voices in the cabin and wind noise, were better distinguished and filtered out by the dual microphone system. Directionality was removed when an HFL voice call was established, so that all passengers could still participate in a phone call as in the pre MMC model. The new dual microphone system used real estate in the overhead console that was previously used in the 2005 and 2006 models for OnStar control electronics. The number of voice recognition commands was increased to over 700, up from 560 previously. The DVD based navigation system improved on previous XM satellite linked traffic flow reporting, adding continuously updated real time weather reporting and the capability to reroute based on current traffic conditions. The DVD Audio capable 10 speaker sound system remained, but integration with the audio system was improved with the addition of Bluetooth stereo and a USB port that allowed integration and operation of Apple iPod and other MP3 type devices. Also new was the ability to display iPod or other MP3 device (such as a USB flash memory device) folder and playlist information on the car's 8 inch central navigation display screen. New shifter and center console arrangements were added, including a Sport mode. The steering wheel paddle shifters were reprogrammed for faster response, and the paddle shifters could be operated in both Drive and Sport modes. In pre MMC models, the gear selector had to be put in manual mode for the paddle shifters to operate. In exterior length, the 2009 RL grew slightly by The height grew by a scant , while the width, track and wheelbase remained the same,. The equivalent 2006 pre MMC Technology Package had weighed 4012 lbs, and the pre MMC with ACC/CMBS/PAX weighed 4074 lbs. MSRP for the 2009 Acura RL increased by $500 over 2008 model for each of its three trim levels. For 2009, the Michelin PAX Run Flat Tire system was no longer offered in combination with the CMBS/ACC package. ACC was now featured alongside CMBS as part of the package name, after a two year hiatus. In reality, ACC was always included as a part of the CMBS. Colors were also added and deleted. The 2010 Acura RL continued with few changes in the U. S. from the 2009 model, as indicated on the Acura. com website for the RL. Colors were added and deleted once again, and MSRP increased $150 in each trim:

The 2011 Acura RL added new color combinations and new features: six speed automatic transmission, power folding mirrors, and rear backup/parking sensors. The six speed automatic transmission, first introduced on the 2010 Acura ZDX, finally replaced the RL's five speed automatic, long criticized by the press as outdated. The transmission upgrade was credited for an EPA gas mileage improvement to city, highway, and combined, an increase of 2 miles per U. S. gallon in highway driving. In addition, 0 60 times were said to decrease by 0.5 seconds, to 6.0 seconds. Unique new diameter 15 spoke aluminum wheels included a new noise quieting technology: a polypropylene "Helmholtz resonator" that encircled the center portion of the inside of the wheel. The resonator served to suppress specific frequencies between 100 and 500 hertz, and in combination with increased floorboard insulation, decreased interior noise by 1.3 dB, or 15%. Price increases US$1,000. The color Platinum Frost Metallic had been dropped in 2011, but appears to be added back in 2012.

There have been two recalls on the second generation Acura RL, based on defects in parts used in both Acura and Honda vehicles. In December 2007, certain 2005–2008 model Acura RLs were subject to a safety recall for the power steering hose. Prolonged high under hood temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely and may cause the hose to crack and leak power steering oil. Oil leaking onto a hot catalytic converter will generate smoke and possibly lead to an under hood fire. Affected vehicles were to be inspected and repaired, as applicable, at no charge. Reportedly, this recall extended to both 2005–2008 Acura RL and 2004–2008 Acura TL models. In December 2010, certain 2005–2007 model Acura RLs were subject to a safety recall for potential leaking of the brake master cylinder seal. A seal in the brake master cylinder may be susceptible to damage following the use of brake fluid other than the recommended Acura or (Honda) Genuine DOT3 brake fluid. If the seal is damaged, it can result in a brake fluid leak under certain conditions. If a leak should occur, the driver might see a low brake fluid indicator light or a BRAKE FLUID LOW or CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM message. If the driver continues to drive the vehicle after receiving this message without refilling the brake fluid reservoir, it could result in a brake pedal that feels soft or spongy, and may eventually affect braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash. Affected vehicles were to be inspected and repaired, as applicable, at no charge. Reportedly, this recall applied to both 2005–2007 Acura RL and 2005–2007 Honda Odyssey models.

In April 2012, the Acura RLX concept was introduced by Honda, and the production model debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The initial available trim of the RLX will be front wheel drive; later the all wheel drive version will be released featuring a 377 horsepower hybrid engine mated to a seven speed dual clutch transmission.