Next-Generation Acura RL to Reassert Flagship Position Within Acura Lineup

While attending the first drive event for the Acura ZDX in Los Angeles, I had dinner with several Acura executives and talked quite a bit of shop that had little to do with the ZDX but lots to do with the rest of Acura’s lineup. The most interesting tidbit I gleaned from the meal regards the positioning of Acura’s two larger sedans—specifically the TL’s assumption of the position of the sportiest, most powerful and, to many (especially enthusiasts), most desirable car in Acura’s lineup, a spot that used to belong to the RL and its forebear, the legendary Legend.

That Acura’s “Jan Brady” is talented and sexy is certainly not a problem in and of itself, but what about “Marcia,” the RL? Yeah, remember that, the so-called “flagship” of the brand? The execs on hand recognized that the similarly sized TL, which costs $35,915 for the 280-hp, front-drive version and $44,195 in loaded, 305-hp, all-wheel-drive form, offers a set of product strengths that renders the $47,640 RL—available only with a 300-hp V-6 and all-wheel drive—difficult to market at the very best and all but irrelevant at worst: a prototypical case of elders being eaten by their young.

We are assured by Acura, however, that when the new model arrives, which we expect within two years (Acura is annoyingly tight-lipped about future products), there will be more distance created between the two models. But don’t expect the next RL to emulate the rear-wheel-drive, V-8 formula of most of its competitors, which include the Hyundai Genesis, the Lexus GS460, and the BMW 550i. Rumors that have suggested such a scenario have long been disproved, and Acura spokesmen reaffirmed that at our dinner, asserting that the relatively low take rate of V-8s in the segment and what it sees as shifting sensibilities on the part of luxury car customers will render a larger, more luxury-focused yet still V-6–powered RL right where it needs to be, particularly if gas prices rise over $4 per gallon again. We’re not sure if we’re looking into the same crystal ball as Acura is, but in any case, it will be nice to see a more distinct RL in the future.

Source;
http://blog.caranddriver.com/next-generation-acura-rl-to-reassert-flagship-position-within-acura-lineup/

Honda Motor Co. reportedly denied trademark for "Acura RL"

In what appears to be a classic case of sweating the small stuff, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board have refused to grant Honda a trademark for the term, "Acura RL," which, as we're sure you are aware, is the name of the luxury firm's flagship model. From what we can tell, this means that the Japanese automaker does not hold a trademark for the car's complete name.

The reasons given make sense from a technical standpoint, as the TTAB's response to Honda's appeal states that "we find that the likely impression here is that ACURA is the trademark for a line (or "make") of cars, while RL is a trademark for a particular "model" of that line."Well, yeah. Acura is the make and RL is the model -- we're in agreement on that one. The differing viewpoints stem from the fact that Honda was unwilling or unable to provide proper evidence to the board that the words "Acura" and "RL" appear close enough together on the car, its manuals or its marketing materials to warrant its own trademark. Nitpick much? Thanks for the tip, Kevin! - Source is www.autoblog.com

Link to site;
http://thettablog.blogspot.com/2009/03/finding-acura-and-rl-too-far-apart-on.html

Acura RL to get V8 option within 18 months

Honda’s CEO Takeo Fukui has finally had the epiphany we’ve all been waiting for. He has confirmed plans for Honda to launch its first V8 in its luxury Acura brand. Fukui said that Acura sales are down 15.3 percent for the first nine months of this year and that its flagship RL sedan needs something extra.

“I don’t think that the Acura RL 3.7-liter is sufficient. We can’t compete with other premium brands,” said Fukui.

So when is it going to happen? Acura dealers are saying that they have been told Honda will offer a V8 option in the RL within 18 months. There is no word on output or torque figures as of yet but Fukui confirmed that the V8 will “be completely different from conventional, past-generation ones and have excellent fuel efficiency.”

Source;
http://www.egmcartech.com/2008/10/20/acura-rl-to-get-v8-option-within-18-months/

Rumours on the NSX and RL V10 Getting VCM....

Found a nice piece on Autoblog with an article from 7tune, I am at work now and have 'Fortiguard' which is blocking the site (7tune) stating that it contains explicit material, so I will provide the link to the site. www.7tune.com/2010-acura-nsx/ is the link to some more renderings.

"is news that the 5.5L V10 engine expected under the hood of the supercar will include relatively aggressive cylinder deactivation technology. The V10 will reportedly be able to cut its cylinder count in half by running as a 2.75L inline five-cylinder when its full capacity isn't needed. We would imagine that would be quite often, as the car's expected power output of six-hundred horses attests."

For more....
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/rumormill-honda-nsx-and-acura-rl-to-get-v10-with-cylinder-deact/

Plus, here's a link to the VCM explanation;
http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-vcm-works-in-2008-honda-accord-v6.html