2005 Acura RL

In a startling wake-up call, Acura will replace the sleepy, long-in-the-tooth 3.5RL luxury sedan this fall with an all-new RL defined by power, technology, and elegance. Given that the 3.5RL dates back to the early 1990s, the 2005 RL feels two-generations newer, with major structural and component improvements and numerous, high-tech advances.

A more athletic package, the RL measures three inches shorter than the 3.5RL, an inch wider, 2.6 inches taller, and has a 4.4-inch shorter wheelbase. Yet, through packaging efficiencies, the cabin is longer, and several key passenger space measurements are more generous. The new structure makes extensive use of high-tensile and super-high-tensile steel, helping the new sedan boast a 33-percent gain in body rigidity. With the additional technology systems to be added to the RL, weight was a key engineering focus addressed through aluminum hood, fenders, decklid, subframes, and bumper beams. Further pounds were shaved using magnesium for the cylinder head covers and seat frames, with the trickest dietary measure being a carbon-fiber-reinforced driveshaft. In the end, the RL picks up only 100 pounds over its FWD predecessor.

The solid platform is dressed with a slippery body, touting a 0.29 coefficient of aerodynamic drag thanks to numerous wind cheating measures. Beyond traditional wind tunnel-shaped spoilers, the RL employs aero-tuned undercovers for the engine, suspension, exhaust, and muffler. However, the slickest cheat can be seen on the side glass, where the door glass fits perfectly flush, rather than recessed into the door frame.

Eradicating any Buick connotation from the letters "RL," the new flagship sedan boasts the most powerful engine in Acura's history: a 3.5L/300-hp SOHC V-6. Trumping even the NSX's output, this sophisticated six-cylinder is mated with a five-speed automatic transmission, with both manual gear-shift operation and well-crafted steering wheel paddle shifters. With a full 75 more horsepower than the 2004 model, the new ULEV-compliant engine bests its key competitors base offerings by a similar amount and even rivals their step-up V-8s. This newfound muscle comes from a high-inertia, dual-stage intake manifold (15 hp), internal engine efficiencies (40 hp), and variable flow-rate exhaust (20 hp).