2012 Acura RL Gets 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
First there were rumors that Honda would axe the Acura RL, and then came the official word that it wouldn’t, but here is the first sign that the RL continues to carry on – even if the car has become irrelevant.
While it’s not official for North America, Honda in Japan has announced that the Acura RL (still sold as the Legend there) will get a refresh for the 2012 model year that includes a new 6-speed automatic transmission. This may help the RL pick up a few extra buyers as the added gear should help improve both fuel economy and acceleration. Then again, perhaps its just a bigger sign of how irrelevant the RL is when the supposed luxury car is only now getting a 6-speed transmission – something Ford offers on the $13,000 Fiesta.
A selection of other upgrades and trim changes for the RL are made for 2012, plus it gets a unique new invention: an in-wheel silencer that is designed to absorb road imperfections.
No changes are slated for the 300-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine.
If anyone at Honda is listening, we’re certain the addition of a more Honda-like grille (rather than the Acura beak) would help sell a few extra cars here as well.
[Source: TOV]
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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The robotic chicken beak was a result of Acura moving design studio to So Cal. Acura is behind the times.
i currently am driving my 7th acura RL (2004 last of the big ones)and 10th honda product and have to say i love the cars, BUT...the current RL has NO flavor! it looks just like the rest. the front end is horrible. the size is a TL brother, horrible for a flagship!! I just bought my wife a 2012 BMW 550 and it rocks. great flare, great face, rockn V8, excellent technology! COME ON ACURA, PULL IT OUT AND MAKE A BIG ACURA THAT ROCKS. or...i guess i'll have to switch to the bravarian guys. get it together or die in the luxury market~