“If a customer is looking for the perfect blend of luxury, performance and safety, then look no further than the 2010 Acura RL”,
said
Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “It would be hard to find a
production car at any price that offers more advanced technology or
drive system sophistication.”
The
2010 RL is available in three variations: RL, RL with Technology
Package and RL with Technology Package Plus CMBS™. All RL’s feature as
standard a potent 3.7-liter VTEC® V-6 engine, Super Handling All-Wheel
Drive™, leather trimmed interior, power front seats, dual-zone automatic
climate control system, power moonroof, power windows, leather-wrapped
multi-function steering wheel, Multi-Information Display (MID) that
allows access to multiple electronic functions, Acura/Bose® Surround
Sound audio system and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity.
The
available Technology Package includes the satellite-linked Acura
Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic
with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™, rear view back-up camera,
Active Front Lighting System (AFS), ventilated front seats, and a
simulated wood accented steering wheel and shift knob. The top RL
package is the Technology Package with CMBS™ which adds Acura’s
acclaimed Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) and genuine maple wood instrument panel trim.
Powertrain
The
technology built into the 2010 RL includes a highly refined 3.7-liter
V-6 engine that develops 300 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque thanks
to an innovative VTEC® valvetrain system for both the intake and exhaust
valves, a high compression ratio, along with a special dual-stage
magnesium alloy intake manifold
that enables the intake to function as a single- or dual-plenum manifold
design based on engine operating parameters. In addition to generating
excellent power and torque, the RL engine meets the latest EPA TIER 2 –
BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV emissions standards.
To
handle the output of the 3.7-liter engine, a Sequential SportShift
5-speed automatic transmission is fitted that can be shifted via an
easy-to-use straight gate shifter or by racing-inspired steering wheel
mounted paddle shifters.
The
RL’s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system helps
provide an exhilarating driving experience as well as peace of mind—
regardless of most weather conditions. There are numerous traction
advantages of all-wheel drive, yet SH-AWD™ does a key function that is
not available with traditional AWD systems: SH-AWD™ utilizes torque
vectoring (the increase the rotation speed of an outside rear wheel) to
create a “yaw moment” to help the RL turn more effectively while under
power. Such a yaw moment reduces the cornering load on the front tires
to minimize understeer, to improve handling balance and to escalate
total cornering grip.
Body and Chassis
To
complement the high-performance powertrain, Acura engineers gave the RL
a rigid yet lightweight Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body
structure. A strong body was critical for achieving the engineers’ high
targets for steering and handling precision, outstanding ride quality,
isolation of undesirable road inputs along with excellent safety.
The
RL’s body is constructed primarily of high tensile strength steel,
while the hood, trunk lid, front fenders and bumper beams are made of
lightweight aluminum. A sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension
system with double-wishbone (front) and multi-link (rear) architecture,
isolated front and rear subframes, large diameter stabilizer bars and
heavy-duty steering rack components work in concert with the rigid unit
body construction to complete the RL’s chassis layout. Subframes and
suspension components made of aluminum reduce the RL’s weight for
improved performance, more supple suspension action and better fuel
economy.
To provide excellent handling and looks, 18x8-inch diameter 7-spoke aluminum wheels are matched with performance-minded Michelin
Pilot all-season tires. Powerful, responsive and predictable braking
action is supplied by a four-wheel disc brake system utilizing aluminum
4-piston front calipers matched with 12.6-inch diameter ventilated front
brake rotors and 12.2-inch solid rear rotors with large single-piston
calipers. Braking is further aided by the latest advancements in safety
technology including a four-channel ABS system with Electronic Brake
Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
The
RL with Technology Package plus CMBS™ includes Acura’s Collision
Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™). Using millimeter-wave technology,
CMBS™ monitors the distance and closing rate between the RL and the vehicle directly in front of it. CMBS™ then uses the information to continuously calculate
the likelihood of a frontal collision as well as to alert the driver in
different stages of urgency. If the likelihood of a collision
significantly increases, CMBS™ will take actions such as to apply the brakes and pre-tension the front seatbelts.
Exterior/Interior
The
2010 RL’s exterior styling is not only distinctive and upscale, but
delivers excellent aerodynamics and a stable feel at higher speeds. The
RL’s athletic style gives indication of the power concealed by the Acura
signature front grille. The RL’s shape is taut and athletic, and its
acceleration and cornering performance allow it to challenge the most
capable German and Japanese sports sedans.
Comfort, quietness and ride quality are also on a par with performance
sedan competitors. For 2010, six exterior colors are available and a
special pearl pigment process improves paint luster and shine.
RL
models equipped with the Technology Package also feature the Active
Front Lighting System (AFS) for the Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID)
headlights that swivel up to 12 degrees laterally in response to
vehicle speed and steering wheel input. When cornering, the inboard
headlight swivels to illuminate a larger area of road surface throughout
the corner, improving visibility and minimizing blind spots.
Inside,
the 2010 RL features an elegantly styled interior that includes
leather-trimmed heated front seats, comfortable space for rear seat
passengers, plenty of storage areas and easy-to-use functionality.
Moreover, just like the driver’s seat, the passenger front seat has
10-way power adjustability. Generous use of insulation, an acoustic
glass windshield and an Active Sound Control system team to further
reduce noise in the RL’s already quiet cabin. As part of the Technology
Package, the front seats incorporate six levels of ventilation and
steering wheel and shift knob are trimmed with simulated wood trim (the
CMBS package adds genuine maple wood trim).
The
RL interior features an assortment of leading-edge technologies to
enhance driver control and information access. These technologies
include Acura HandsFreeLink™ and Bluetooth®-based wireless telephone
interface that allows calls to be made utilizing the RL’s steering
wheel-mounted HandsFreeLink™ controls. Standard on all RLs is a
spectacular Acura/Bose®10-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, Bluetooth®Audio, XM® Radio and USB port/AUX jack connectivity.
A
key component of the RL Technology Package is the Acura Navigation
System with Voice Recognition™. The advanced system allows for easy
control of key systems via voice control (with more than 700 commands)
including voice guidance for turn-by-turn directions, over 7 million
points of interest, Zagat Survey™ restaurant guide information, along with voice recognition to operate key audio and climate control functions.
The
innovative AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System features driver
relevant technologies such as AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic
Rerouting™ and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with continuously updated
radar maps.
Safety
The
2010 RL utilizes Acura’s rigid Advanced Compatibility Engineering™
(ACE™) body structure that features extensive use of high-tensile steel
and lightweight aluminum components to take vehicle construction beyond
conventional safety protocols— all while keeping overall vehicle weight
in check.
The
ACE™ body structure’s front-mounted polygonal frame design enhances
occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes by
utilizing a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash
energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle— and away from
the passenger compartment. To enhance safety the RL employs active head
restraints built into the front seats to help improve neck and head
protection in the event of a rear impact collision. To further aid in
safety, the RL includes as standard six airbags and a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS).
The
RL earned 5-Star ratings (the best possible) from the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA*) for frontal and side-impact crash
tests, and for rollover resistance.
In
addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the
RL its top rating of GOOD in Side Impact Collision Evaluation (SICE)
testing, a GOOD rating for IIHS’ Frontal Offset crash test and (thanks
in part to active head restraints for front seat passengers) the RL
receive a GOOD rating in IIHS Rear Crash Protection evaluation.
Like
all 2010 Acura models, the 2010 RL is covered by a comprehensive
4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000
powertrain limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include
Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®), which provides free 24-hour roadside
assistance, concierge service and trip routing.
Acura
Acura
offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury
vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The
2010 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL
luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX
sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, the
award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the all-new ZDX
four-door sports coupe.
For additional information and photos of the 2010 RL (or information on any Acura vehicle), please visit www.acuranews.com.
*Government
star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov).
Model tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs).
