2005 Acura RL Preview
Written By: MyRide.com
Reprinted under license.
Acura gets in drive mode
.jpg "2005 Acura RL")
Continue to more photos from MyRide.com
Introduction
NEW YORK, NY - Front-wheel-drive cars are so last year, so gauche, so passe. It's the automotive equivalent of celebrities dabbling in kabbalah. Everyone is doing rear- or all-wheel-drive, so jump on the bandwagon or be left behind in Evan Marriott-ville. Well, no, not really. For those who live in areas with iced-over roadways, there are plenty of FWD sedan choices that keep better traction in the slippery stuff than RWD and that weigh and cost less than AWD. But there is an unfounded consumer perception, perpetuated by enthusiast publications, that luxury vehicles and front-drive are diametrically opposed. True, it's a matter of physics that rear-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles handle curves better than nose-heavy front-drive cars, but not all luxury cars must be sporting machines. Nevertheless, consumers often choose more favorably reviewed rear- or all-wheel-drive luxury vehicles, and if you're not playing on that field you're in danger of losing sales.
What It Is
As such, that stalwart of front-drive, Honda, is giving its luxury division, Acura, a new 2005 RL sedan with standard all-wheel-drive. Showcased at the 2004 New York Auto Show in what Acura billed prototype format, the 2005 Acura RL's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive System (SH-AWD) distributes torque not only between the front and rear wheels, but also to the right and left wheels. Acura claims to be the first one to offer this system. "Wait a second," you say indignantly, "Hasn't the ATTESA E-TS on the Nissan Skyline GT-R been doing this for years?" Well, yes, but that system can only take away torque from the wheel with the least amount of traction; it can't add power to the wheel with more traction as on the SH-AWD system. Score one for Acura.
Continue to 2005 Acura RL Preview from MyRide.com
© 2008 Autobytel Inc. All rights reserved.
Drifting Articles:
Universal Hyundai-Nissan Partners with Ask Patty to Market to Women Consumers
Universal Hyundai-Nissan, family owned and operated for 17 years, will embrace the Ask Patty concept.
2006 Lexus RX 400h First Drive
Lexus RX 400h -- 2006 First Drive Luxury SUVs have long been loathed by the environmentally conscious. All that leather and space, the big engine, the heavy weight, and abysmal fuel economy to boot.
Laser Leader Nissan Pilest First Dermatologist in Orange County to offer Multi-Effect Skin Resurfacing with Fraxel's New CO2 Repair Skin Laser
Conventional CO2 skin lasers got great results in banishing wrinkles and pigmentation while affording skin tightening, but the "recovery" came at a heavy price. Fraxel's latest skin resurfacing laser utilizes the power of CO2 with the ease and quick healing of microbeam technology. Dr. Pilest is the first dermatologist in Orange County to receive the Fraxel Re:pair.
Mazda 5 Driving Dynamics with the Most Complete Line up of Performance Parts, Replacement Parts
The MAZDA5 is powered by an all-aluminum 2.3-liter, four-cylinder MZR series engine shared with the popular MAZDA3 subcompact, producing 157-horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.
Modern Clear Coats, Auto Detailers and visit to Lexus of North America
We visited Lexus USA, home of the Lexus North America Head Quarters to help us better understand the latest innovations in automotive clear coast. As professional auto detailers we must know our customers cars and finishes.
ACURA Internet Discussion Forum Launched
AcuraForum.com; The Meeting Place for Acura Owners and Enthusiast to Exchange Information.
Mazda Speed 6 - The Ultimate in Midsize Sedans Now Has Ultimate Body Parts at Partstrain
The Mazdaspeed 6 offers the optimal balance between performance and sophistication," said Weldon Munsey, vehicle line manager for Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "The turbocharged engine, with its broad power band, excellent fuel economy and eco-friendly emissions levels, is unmatched in its class, while the sport-minded, luxurious cabin helps deliver a car driver will find hard to exit.
Ourisman Mazda Offering Mazda 3's $1800 Under Dealer's Invoice Cost Until August 31, 2007
Now through August 31st, Ourisman Mazda is offering Mazda 3s $1800 under dealer' invoice cost and 0.0% APR. Call Jeff Kohl at 301-725-4400 x126 for details.
Acura TSX 2004: The Weekly Driver Review
As a new offering this year, the Acura TSX is defined as a near-luxury
vehicle. By some definitions, that means it costs less than $30,000 and
does not feature the refined quietness of vehicles described as
luxurious.
Nissan Sport Concept Debuts as Parts Train Prepares Its Performance Parts
"The story behind the development of the Sport Concept, AZEAL and Actic is that Nissan is thinking big about the small car segment," said Jack Collins, vice president, product planning, Nissan North America, Inc. "With these three design explorations, we're focusing on how we can bring Nissan's heritage of innovation, sportiness and driving pleasure to a category of vehicles that traditionally lack design excitement and strong visual appeal.
2006 Mazda 5 Preview
Logic dictates that there's almost always a direct relationship between an item's size and its worth; as the old saying goes, "the bigger the better." It's especially true with cars.
2004 Mazda RX-8 Review
Mazda RX-8 -- 2004 Review: Fantasy and reality are normally mutually exclusive concepts. Think of the Hollywood stars that comprise your "list," and now gaze over at your significant other.
2007 Acura MDX First Drive
Acura MDX - 2007 First Drive: Stylish Moms and Driver Dads are unlikely to ever find themselves barrel-assing the 2007 Acura MDX down the highway at 90 mph in an intense thunderstorm, but can rest assured that this new luxury SUV is up to that task, and more, based on our first-hand experience.
RocketCity (RCAU) Announces: Nissan and Infiniti Dealers Nationwide Begin Utilizing CompleteAuto Software to List Vehicles on eBay Motors. Contracts w
Rocket City Automotive Group, Inc. (PINK SHEETS: RCAU), announced today that Nissan and Infiniti retailers nationwide have began utilizing the CompleteAuto Listing Software for eBay Motors as nearly 25 of its retailers have finalized software contracts. RCAU's June sales campaign will start ahead of its forecasted week-one goals as the described Nissan and Infiniti contracts yield immediate revenues.
How To Get The Best Price From An Acura Dealer
Your Acura dealer is generally your link between you and that Acura you have your eye on. For instance, you may be able to get a discounted special price using a dealer closer to your location. Before plunking down for a new car, do the research; a car is a huge investment. This is easy if you already know what make vehicle you want. Also, bear in mind that after paying for the car there are other costs involved, registration and licensing being just two.