2005 Acura Rl Review

Is Acura Taking on M, AMG and RS?

Acura has long suffered problems selling its flagship sedan. While well made and inoffensively styled, the previous RL was too inconspicuous. A comfortable ride, luxurious appointments, and bullet-proof reliability were part of the RL package, but it never offered enough emotional appeal to steal sales from high-end Japanese rival Lexus.

The new RL, redesigned from the ground up for 2005, looks set to turn Acuras large car fortunes around. But why stop there? Instead, Acura has chosen to spice up the already spicy stock model, by showing a sport-tuned A-Spec version at this years Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) tradeshow in Las Vegas.

There are a lot of reasons to offer a high-performance version of a car. The top-tier M5, for instance, sheds a positive light on all BMW 5-Series models, not to mention all BMWs. Audi, Mercedes-Benz and other automakers have followed suit with their own top models.

Acura would certainly like its new A-Spec to draw attention to its new RLs, itself an impressive performer. Unlike the M5, or others in the super sedan field, Acura didnt pump up the engine. Like the stock car it features a 300 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, mated to a slick shifting 5-speed automatic transmission with manual-mode, and the pièce de résistance, Acuras Super Handling all-wheel drive.

While not even aiming at BMW M5, Audi RS6 or Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG territory, the RL A-Spec does target a more approachable performance realm occupied by the likes of Lexus GS 430, BMWs 545i and Cadillacs new STS.

The question Acura fans may ask is why no power upgrade? Its not like Acura, or its Honda parent, lacks know-how in engine development. With years of motorcycle dominance, on the street and track, as well as success at the highest levels of motorsport, its strange that the A-Specs powerplant remains unaltered. A simple high-flow exhaust system, freer flowing air filter or ECU modification would have guaranteed a few extra ponies, but alas no such luck.

So, with no engine modifications present what exactly does the A-Spec package offer? As introduced with the previous-generation 3.2 TL Type-S sedan, vehicles equipped with the A-Spec offer a visual and dynamic edge over standard models. On top of what has been reported to be the superb balance, impeccable cornering finesse and downright nimble road manners of the stock RL, the A-Spec adds a track-tuned suspension, incorporating springs with higher rate capacities and stiffer dampers. The upgraded suspension also adds a bit of visual appeal, as they drop the ride height of the RL by nearly an inch. Eighteen-inch light alloy wheels wrapped in 245/45 YR 18 Michelin Pilot Sport tires should give the RL A-Spec the upper hand over the standard model when it comes to tackling twisty roads.

To the all-important suspension and wheel modifications, the RL A-Spec also adds a bit of visual flair through an aggressively styled body kit. It is comprised of a new front valance with defined air intakes and foglights, sculpted side skirts and a revised rear bumper. Gracing the tail is a smoothly integrated deck-lid spoiler, a definite understatement in comparison to the “look at me” units featured on previous A-Spec models. The integrated aero kit significantly boosts the RLs cool factor, but more than just enhancing styling Acura has expended many hours of wind-tunnel testing to ensure that its not just aesthetically pleasing.

At about $5,500 USD (the equivalent of $6,500 CAD), plus the cost of dealer installation, the A-Spec package isnt the hefty upgrade needed to move from a 545i to an M5, for instance. After all, the A-Spec merely consists of is a simple body kit, suspension upgrades and a new wheel and tire package. Also, its important to note that most components, such as the wheel and tire upgrade, can be purchased separately of the aero kit, for instance, or vice versa.

In the end the A-Spec package serves an important purpose for Acura, in moving the RL higher up the premium sedan desirability ladder. The only question that remains is whether the A-Specs improved handling can make up for its engines two-cylinder deficit and resultant lower power rating? Only time will tell.