2007 Acura RL Specs

[Acura Info]

2007 Acura RL - Features

09/11/2006 -Torrance, Calif. - Engineering Features

3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, VTEC™ V-6 aluminum alloy engine
Variable Induction System
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Direct ignition system with knock control
Drive-by-wire throttle system
5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, paddle-shifters and Grade Logic Control
100,000 miles or more tune-up interval
Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™)
Electronically controlled, speed-sensing, power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering
4-wheel independent front double-wishbone suspension
Rear multi-link suspension
4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with aluminum rear and aluminum 4-piston front calipers
4-channel Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system with traction control
17-inch alloy wheels with V-rated all-season performance tires
CARB certified LEV2-ULEV exhaust emission control system

Safety And Security Features

3-channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
Brake Assist
Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
Driver's and front passenger's dual-stage, dual-threshold airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Side curtain airbags for front and rear occupants
Driver's and front passenger's side airbags with front passenger Occupant Position Detection System
3-point seat belts at all seating positions
Passenger seatbelt reminder (new for '07)
Front seat belt height adjustment
Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights
Side-impact door beams
Impact absorbing crumple zones front and rear
Child-proof rear door locks
5-mph bumpers (front and rear)
Theft-deterrent system with electronic immobilizer
Keyless Access System
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with location and pressure indicators
Locking trunk pass-through
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
LED mirror-integrated directional signals
Emergency trunk opener

Exterior Features

Fog Lights
Auto-on/off headlights
Heated outside mirrors with driver recognition, reverse gear tilt-down and integrated directional signals
Illuminated front door handle recesses
Rear window defroster with timer
Heat-rejecting green-tinted glass
Speed-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers
Printed radio antenna (rear glass)
Galvanized body panels

Interior Features
Seating And Trim

Perforated leather-trimmed seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
8-way power front seat with power adjustable lumbar support and driver recognition
Front passenger's 4-way power seat with power adjustable lumber support
Two-stage heated front seats
Driver and passenger seat back pockets
4-way adjustable front headrests
Remote retractable rear headrests
Illuminated front center console storage
Illuminated ignition, power window switches, steering wheel controls and door lock switches
Rear center folding armrest with locking trunk pass-through
Carpeted floor mats

Comfort And Convenience

Acura / BOSE® 10-speaker Surround Sound System with 6-disc CD, DVD-Audio and DTS® changer and AM/FM tuner
MP3 auxiliary jack (New for '07)
XM® Satellite Radio (Standard equipment in the 48 contiguous states only)
Active Noise Cancellation
Power moonroof with tilt, auto-open/close, auto-reverse and key-off operation
GPS-linked, solar sensing, dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system
Rear passenger ventilation controls
Electronic tilt and telescoping steering column with driver recognition
Steering wheel-mounted controls (cruise control, audio, telephone, voice recognition and Multi-information display
Multi-information display (MID)
Speed-sensing, variable intermittent windshield wipers
Front and rear power windows with auto-down/up, auto-reverse and key-off operation
Overhead map lights (front and rear)
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
Illuminated driver and front passenger vanity mirror
HomeLink® remote system
Programmable feature customization
Front and rear dual beverage holders
Front door storage compartments
Dual trip meters
Power rear sunshade with manual rear side sunshades
Maintenance Minder
Front-side window defoggers
Remote trunk and fuel door releases

Optional Technology Package

Acura Satellite Navigation System and AcuraLink™ with Real Time Traffic, rearview camera and Zagat Survey reviews and ratings*
Active Front Lighting (AFL)
Upgraded genuine wood interior trim

*Available in the 48 contiguous states and Hawaii only
Optional Technology Package Plus Cmbs™ And Pax® Tires

Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
Michelin® PAX® Run-flat tires

Available Dealer Installed Accessories
Interior

Ashtray (center console mounted)
Wood-Trim Steering Wheel (available in three colors to match interior colors)
Cargo Net
All-Season Floor Mats (choice of Black and Ivory)
Engine Block Heater
Trunk Tray
Wood Gear Selector Knob

Exterior

Underbody spoilers
Acura MusicLink
Back-up sensors
Door visors
Moonroof visor
18" alloy Wheels
Wheel locks
Gold emblems
Ending block heater
Car cover
Full nose mask
Splash guards
Deck lid spoiler

[Acura Info]

2007 Acura RL - Specifications

09/11/2006 -Torrance, Calif. -

POWERTRAIN


Engine Type
3.5-liter, SOHC, 60-degree VTEC® V-6


Horsepower
290hp@ 6200 rpm


Torque
256 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm


Redline
6800 rpm


Bore and Stroke
3.50 in x 3.66 in (89 mm x 93 mm)


Displacement
212 cu in (3471 cc)


Compression Ratio
11.0:1


Induction System
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)


Valvetrain
Variable valve Timing and Lift electronic Control (VTEC™)
with
4-valves-per-cylinder, belt-driven, single overhead camshaft


Engine Block
Aluminum alloy with centrifugally cast iron cylinder liners


Cylinder Head
Aluminum alloy with 4-valves-per-cylinder with pent-roof
combustion chambers


Emission Control
Close-coupled catalytic converter
CARB-certified LEV2-ULEV emission control


Ignition System
Direct ignition system with knock control


Alternator
130 amp max


Battery
12V, maintenance free


Recommended Fuel
Premium Unleaded


Layout
Transversely mounted, front engine, Super Handling All-Wheel

Drive™ (SH-AWD™)


Transmission
5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift, paddle-shifters

and Grade Logic Control


Ratios (:1)
1st
2.697


.
2nd
1.573


.
3rd
1.071


.
4th
0.694


.
5th
0.481


.
Reverse
1.889


.
Final (secondary)
1.283


.
Final Drive
4.600


CHASSIS


Body Type
Steel and aluminum unit body


Front Suspension
Independent double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer
bar


Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link with coil springs and stabilizer bar


Shock Absorbers
Nitrogen-filled, telescopic, gas-pressurized with Progressive

Valve technology, front and rear


Stabilizer Bars


Front
1.14 in. (29 mm) diameter


Rear
0.67 in.(17 mm) diameter


Shock tower bar
1.26 in x 0.87 in (32 mm x 22mm) diameter
0.09 inch (2.3 mm) wall thickness


Steering Type
Electronically controlled, speed-sensing, variable power-assisted,

rack-and-pinion


Steering Ratio
16.2:1


Steering Wheel Turns (lock to lock)
2.98


Turning Circle (curb to curb)
39.7 ft (12.1 m)


Wheels
17 x 8.0 aluminum alloy


With Optional Technology Package:

18.0 x 8.0 aluminum alloy



Tires
P245/50R17 98V Michelin high performance all-season


With Optional Technology Package:

P245/680R 460A 102V Michelin PAX Run-Flat high performance
all-season



Braking System
Power-assisted, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS


Front Discs
Ventilated 12.6 in (320 mm) diameter


Rear Discs
Ventilated 12.2 in (310 mm) diameter


Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
3-channel system with 4-wheel speed sensors and electric/hydraulic
control


Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system
Throttle control and 4-channel brake control utilizing yaw,
lateral g, speed and steering sensors


CAPACITIES


Crankcase
5.3 US qt (5.0 L) Total


Cooling System
9.1 US qt (8.6 L) Total


Fuel tank
19.4 US gallons (73.3 L)


Volumes


Passenger
99.1 cu ft:
55.3 front, 43.8 rear


Cargo
13.1 cu ft



Total
112.2 cu ft


FUEL ECONOMY


City/Highway
18 / 26


EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS


Wheelbase
110.2 in (2800 mm)


Track, front
62.0 in (1576 mm)


Track, rear
62.4 in (1585mm)


Overall Length
193.6 in (4917 mm)


Overall Width
72.7 in (1847mm)


Overall Height (unladen)
57.1 in (1452 mm)


Minimum Ground Clearance (non-load)
5.7 in (145 mm)


WEIGHTS


Curb Weight
With optional Technology Package
4012 lbs (1820 kg)
4074 lbs (1828 kg)


Weight Distribution (% front / rear)
58/42


INTERIOR DIMENSIONS


Front Head Room
38.5 in (977 mm)


Leg Room
42.4 in (1076 mm)


Hip Room
55.1 in (1400 mm)


Shoulder Room
58.5 in (1487 mm)


Rear Head Room
37.2 in (946 mm)


Leg Room
36.3 in (923mm)


Hip Room
54.0 in (1372mm)


Shoulder Room
56.1in (1426 mm)


WARRANTY


Vehicle
4-year / 50,000-mile limited warranty


Powertrain
6-year / 70,000-mile limited warranty


Outer Body Rust-Through
5-year / unlimited-mile limited warranty


Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC) with
roadside assistance
4-year / 50,000-mile

[Acura Info]

2007 Acura RL - Introduction

09/11/2006 -Torrance, Calif. - OVERVIEW
The 2007 Acura RL combines performance, technology, style and safety in an athletic luxury package that pushes the boundaries of automotive design on multiple fronts. No production car at any price has ever offered more advanced electronic technology or drive-system sophistication. And none has made its driver more connected-with real-time traffic information, personal assistance, phone communication and audio entertainment. True to form for Acura, the many advanced systems of the RL are engineered to function smoothly, efficiently and intuitively.
As part of its commitment to providing Safety Through Innovation, Acura debuts two all-new optional Technology Packages on the RL:

RL with Technology Package includes Acura Satellite Navigation System and AcuraLink™ with Real Time Traffic, Active Front Lighting (AFL) and an upgraded wood interior
RL with Technology Package plus CMBS™ and PAX® Tires include Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) and Michelin® PAX® Run-flat tires

CMBS uses a millimeter-wave radar unit mounted inside the front grille to detect vehicles ahead and monitor potential rear-end collisions, alert the driver when the likelihood of a collision increases, and help reduce the impact on front occupants by tightening the seatbelts and applying the brakes should a collision prove to be imminent.
The Michelin PAX System run-flat tire technology helps provide enhanced mobility and security with continuous mobility of up to 125 miles at 50 mph following a tire puncture.

RL with Technology Package plus CMBS and PAX Tires also adds the convenience of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Adaptive Cruise Control also uses the radar system mounted inside the front grille to measure the distance between the RL and the vehicle directly ahead. To compensate for varying traffic flow, ACC adjusts vehicle speed automatically by applying throttle and braking to maintain a consistent following interval.
The innovation built into the RL begins with the most powerful engine ever offered in a production Acura. The 3.5-liter VTEC™ V-6 engine develops 290* horsepower and 256 lbs-ft of torque. In addition to developing abundant power, the RL engine meets tough LEV2-ULEV emission standards and delivers excellent fuel economy of 18/26 mpg (city/highway).
*For the 2007 model year, all Acura horsepower and torque specifications have been updated to reflect revised Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1349 (Rev 8/04) net calculations that went into affect in January of 2005.
A 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift, F1®-style paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control sends power to the standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system, traction advantages of all-wheel drive, SH-AWD does something no other current AWD system can: increase the rotation speed of the outside rear wheel during aggressive cornering to help the car turn more effectively under power. This reduces the cornering load on the front tires to reduce understeer and improve handling balance and total cornering grip.
The RL exterior's aggressive style foreshadows the power beneath the hood. Its 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 any competitor.
The extremely rigid Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure of the RL features extensive use of high-tensile steel and lightweight aluminum components to take construction beyond conventional safety protocols while keeping weight in check and providing a solid platform. Optimized independent front double-wishbone and independent multi-link rear geometry, large brakes and aggressive 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tires work together to further enhance the reflexes of the RL.
The elegantly styled interior includes perforated leather-trimmed seats, fine wood accents and top-rate materials. These are complemented by the most advanced electronics available, including the Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, the innovative AcuraLink™ satellite communication system with Real Time Traffic, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and a spectacular-sounding Acura/Bose® 10-speaker Surround Sound System. Safety is also enhanced with a standard passenger seatbelt reminder, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and side curtain airbags. These advances-and a lot more-combined in the RL make it the strongest, most powerful, best handling and most luxurious sedan Acura has ever built.
For 2007, the RL, like all Acura models will be covered by a new six year or 70,000 mile limited powertrain warranty in addition to the four-year or 50,000 mile standard bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Powertrain Features

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™)
5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift, paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control
3.5-liter VTEC® V-6 engine
290 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
256 lbs-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
VTEC™ (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) valvetrain
Drive-by-wire throttle system
Variable flow exhaust system
11.0:1 compression ratio
High inertia dual-stage intake manifold
Direct ignition system and detonation/knock control
Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Meets CARB LEV-2 ULEV standard
100,000 miles or more tune-up interval

Body and Chassis Features

Unit body with extensive use of high-tensile steel and aluminum
Lightweight aluminum front and rear subframes
Heated outside mirrors with driver recognition, reverse gear tilt-down and integrated directional signals
Independent double-wishbone front suspension
Independent multi-link rear suspension
Electronically controlled, speed-sensing, variable power-assist rack-and-pinion steering
17 x 8-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
P245/50R17 98V high performance, all season tires
Optional Michelin PAX Run-flat high performance, all-season tires (Included with the RL Technology Package plus CMBS and PAX Tires)
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with traction control
Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights
Active Front Lighting System (AFS) (Included with Technology Package)
LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination
Flush junction between side glass and B-pillars
Power moonroof with tilt, auto-open/close, auto-reverse and key-off operation

Comfort & Convenience Features

Standard rearview camera on models equipped with navigation (New for '07)
MP3 auxiliary jack (New for '07)
Acura/Bose® 10-speaker Surround Sound System with 6-disc CD, DVD-Audio, and DTS® changer and AM/FM tuner
Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ and Real Time Traffic (included with Technology Package)
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Included with CMBS and PAX Tires)
Active Noise Cancellation system
Keyless Access System
HandsFreeLink™ wireless telephone interface compatible with Bluetooth mobile phones
Multi-information display
GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system
Driver's 8-way power seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Front passenger's 4-way power seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Electronic tilt and telescoping steering column with driver recognition
Power rear sunshade
Rear side sunshades
Remote retractable rear headrests
Leather-wrapped steering wheel

[Acura Info]

Safety Features

Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure
Passenger seatbelt reminder (New for '07)
Side impact door beams
Optional Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) (available in the RL Technology Package with CMBS and PAX Tires)
Impact-absorbing crumple zones (front/rear)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with location and pressure indicators
Driver's and front passenger's dual-stage, dual-threshold airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Driver's and front passenger's side airbags with front passenger Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
Side curtain airbags for front and rear outboard seats
3-point adjustable height seat belts with load limiters and front pretensioners
3-point seat belts at all seating positions
Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractors (ALR/ELR)
Front head restraints adjustable for height and tilt
Remote retractable rear seat head restraints
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child-seat mounting system

MARKET SUMMARY
V-6 powered sedans are the highest volume sellers in the RL's segment. Because they represent the core of the market, Acura decided to build the best V-6 powered luxury performance sedan possible. Hence the 290-hp V-6 powered RL was created. Eschewing a
V-8, which accounts for only 15% of the vehicles sold in this market segment, meant not only that the RL would be lighter and more nimble, but also powerful and balanced.
Key 6-cylinder competitors in the RL segment include the BMW 530i, Audi A6, 3.2 Lexus GS 300, and Mercedes-Benz E350. With its SH-AWD™ system as standard equipment, the RL has a distinct advantage over each of them.
POWERTRAIN
Powering the RL is a compact aluminum-alloy 3.5-liter SOHC VTEC® V-6 that is mounted transversely. It produces 290 hp and 256 lbs-ft. of torque while meeting stringent CARB LEV-2 ULEV emissions targets. Fuel economy numbers are 18 mpg City/26 mpg Highway.
The RL comes standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control. Gears may also be shifted manually via a new multi-gate shifter located on the front center console.
The defining powertrain feature of the RL is Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive™, or SH-AWD™. The system continuously varies the torque split between the front and rear wheels, and left and right rear wheels. To help the RL arc through corners with better chassis balance and more total grip, in a turn SH-AWD™ also overdrives the outside rear wheel at a faster speed, using engine torque to help the car rotate into the turn.
BODY & CHASSIS
The RL body fits its role as a mid-luxury sports sedan perfectly with a muscular appearance and an aggressive, dynamic personality.
The unit body structure is stiff for superior handling precision, and utilizes a variety of steel grades in different areas where maximum strength is required. In addition, the hood, front fenders, trunk lid, frame, front and rear subframes, bumper beams and major suspension components are manufactured from aluminum to reduce weight. Some of these components are formed using an advanced "blow forming" process that allows intricate shapes to be created without increasing the weight of the part.
Careful attention was paid to smoothing airflow over, under and around the body, across the flush side glass and across the windshield wipers. A cowl garnish was installed at the lower part of windshield to reduce air turbulence, while an advanced exterior-mirror design also contributes to improved quietness inside the car.
The independent front double-wishbone and independent multi-link rear suspension use aluminum arms and mount on aluminum subframes. Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®) with traction control, large 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tires set new standards for RL dynamic performance.
The RL features the Active Front Lighting System (AFS) (available in the RL with Technology Package). To help the driver see around corners or intersections, the left or right low beam headlight can swivel automatically up to 20 degrees outboard when certain steering angle and speed conditions are met. Xenon HID low-beam headlights, LED mirror-integrated directional signals in the exterior mirror housings and a Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp dramatically brighten visibility. Daytime running lights are standard, as is the Keyless Access System.
INTERIOR
The interior of the 2007 Acura RL is more than just luxurious, sporty, and fully equipped with comfort and convenience features. That's because its available AcuraLink™ satellite communication system includes the first ever U.S. application of real time traffic information. That means that in 44 U.S. metro areas, the RL driver can to see traffic tie-ups on major freeways in a graphic onscreen representation in real time. This allows drivers to re-route themselves to clearer traffic corridors without relying on ambiguous radio traffic reports.
Other RL interior features are equally appealing. For 2007, the innovative Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is offered as part of the optional RL Technology Package plus CMBS and PAX Tires. When cruise control is activated, this innovative system uses radar to allow the driver to set and maintain a following interval between the RL and the car directly in front of it.
The RL interior features luxurious styling, perforated leather-trimmed seats, and dramatic LED backlit gauges with progressive illumination. Premium technologies define the interior just as it does the powertrain and chassis. These technologies include a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system, an Acura/BOSE® 10-speaker surround sound system with DVD-AUDIO 6-disc changer that provides 500 times the clarity of a typical CD system, MP3 and DTS capability and standard XM® Satellite Radio.
Premium features continue with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which neutralizes low-frequency booming sounds in the interior, and HandsFreeLink™, a hands-free phone interface that is compatible with many Bluetooth® phones for a seamless cellular communication experience-in the car or away from it. Other technologies include a Multi-information display, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with location and pressure indicators, and the Maintenance Minder system.
SAFETY
The RL earned the highest possible ratings (5-star) awarded during frontal (NCAP) and side (SINCAP) crash tests for outboard positions and rollover resistance tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The RL is one of only a handful of vehicles in the history of the program to receive such high ratings in all three categories.
With the RL, Acura embraces active as well as passive safety as essential goals. Active safety features that can help a driver avoid an accident include SH-AWD™, Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®) with traction control, and 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS and Brake Assist also help contribute to greater driver control. HID Xenon plasma-arc low-beam headlights and the available Active Front Lighting System (AFS) contribute to superior nighttime visibility.
For 2007, a new optional RL Technology Package plus CMBS and PAX Tires adds the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and Michelin PAX Run-flat tires. Components of this package and are not available separately.
The RL also features the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. It is designed to help dissipate collision forces in frontal crashes, while enhancing crash protection for occupants and passengers in other vehicles.
The RL features a driver's and front passenger's dual-stage, dual-threshold airbag Supplementary Restraint System (SRS). Side curtain airbags that provide head protection for all outboard seating positions are also standard equipment. The RL also has seat sensors that monitor the weight on the front passenger's seat. These automatically turn off the passenger's front side airbag if they detect an occupant weight less than 65 lbs.

[Acura Info]

2007 Acura RL - Powertrain

09/11/2006 -Torrance, Calif. - POWERTRAIN OVERVIEW
The RL powertrain features a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, VTEC®, a 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift, paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. The crankshaft of the RL is positioned transversely (side to side) instead of longitudinally (front to rear), which allows the RL to be packaged more tightly for better handling agility, without sacrificing interior comfort.
The advanced VTEC® engine develops 290 horsepower and 256 lbs-ft of torque. Fuel economy is 18/26 estimated City/Highway and meets CARB LEV-2 ULEV requirements.
While it is as powerful as some competitive V-8 engines, the high output V-6 in the RL is lightweight for better acceleration and more nimble handling. To put the power to the ground with a high level of efficiency, smoothness and driver control, the RL comes standard with a 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift and paddle shifters to allow finger-tip manual operation.
To maximize available traction and to provide exceptional handling balance and responsiveness, the RL comes standard with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™), the first and only all-wheel drive system that distributes the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear wheels but also between the left and right rear wheels. The system's direct yaw control makes the cornering character of the RL exceptionally neutral under power.
POWERTRAIN AT A GLANCE
Engine

3.5-liter, SOHC, VTEC® V-6 engine produces 290 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 256 lbs-ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm
VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
11.0:1 Compression ratio
Two-piece, dual-stage intake manifold
Direct ignition system and detonation/knock control
Variable flow exhaust system
Drive-by-wire throttle system
Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Maintenance Minder System optimizes service intervals
100,000 miles or more tune-up interval


Emissions/Fuel Economy

High flow close-coupled catalytic converters plus under floor catalytic converter
High capacity 32-bit RISC processor emissions control unit
Meets CARB LEV-2 ULEV standard
EPA estimated 18/26 mpg (City/Highway)

Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH)

60-degree V-angle for inherently smooth operation
Automatically tensioned, maintenance free serpentine accessory drive

5-speed Automatic with Sequential SportShift, Paddle Shifters and Grade Logic Control

Quick-response Sequential SportShift allows semi-manual operation
Steering-wheel mounted manual-mode F1®-style paddle shifters
Coordination between drive-by-wire throttle system and transmission makes for quicker, smoother shifts
Wide gear ratio spacing for strong acceleration and good fuel economy
Advanced shift-hold control limits upshifts during spirited driving
Advanced Grade Logic Control System reduces gear "hunting" when driving on steep hills

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™)

Fully automatic, full-time traction and handling enhancing system
Distributes torque between the front and rear wheels and between the left and right rear wheels to directly control the yaw moment of the vehicle
Understeer is reduced when cornering
Outer wheel capable of being overdriven during cornering by up to five percent

ENGINE ARCHITECTURE
The 3.5-liter VTEC® V-6 in the RL is the most powerful production engine in Acura's history and incorporates many of the refinements and improvements that have been developed in other Acura powerplants. The RL engine has a smooth-firing 60-degree
V-angle and compact overall dimensions. Aluminum alloy construction saves weight and improves cooling, while free-breathing VTEC® cylinder heads operate four valves per cylinder.
A high inertia intake system, increased compression ratio, close-coupled catalytic converters and high flow exhaust help make the RL engine the most powerful normally aspirated 6-cylinder engine in its class.
ENGINE BLOCK
The lightweight, heat-treated die-cast aluminum-alloy block has cast-in-place iron cylinder liners. These thin-wall, centrifugal-cast iron liners help reduce the block's overall length and weight. With their rough outer surfaces, these liners bond securely to the surrounding aluminum during the manufacturing process, enhancing liner-to-block rigidity and heat transfer. The block also incorporates a deep-skirt design for rigid crankshaft support and minimized noise and vibration.
CRANKSHAFT / PISTONS / CONNECTING RODS
The forged crankshaft of the RL is equipped with revised counterweights to accommodate the weight of higher compression pistons. With their taller, reinforced crowns, these new pistons raise the compression ratio from 10.0:1 to 11.0:1. Part of the reason this elevated compression ratio is possible is an oil jet system that sprays cooling oil on the underside of the piston crowns to keep temperatures in check. New steel connecting rods are forged in one piece and then the crankshaft ends are broken, creating a lighter and stronger rod with a perfectly fitted bearing cap.
CYLINDER HEADS / VALVES
Like the TL, the RL uses cast alloy single overhead camshaft cylinder heads that incorporate tuned exhaust manifolds as an integral part of the casting. Made of pressure-cast, low-porosity aluminum, these lightweight components improve overall packaging, enhance exhaust flow and allow the optimal positioning of a primary close-coupled catalytic converter on each cylinder bank. To ensure positive sealing, the RL has a three-layer type head gasket like that of the TL. A single Aramid-fiber reinforced belt drives the overhead camshafts. The RL cylinder heads have 36mm diameter intake valves and 30mm diameter exhaust valves.
VTEC® (VARIABLE TIMING AND LIFT ELECTRONIC CONTROL)
Acura VTEC® (Variable Timing and Lift Electronic Control) is a major contributor to the engine's large gains in horsepower and torque. The system operates the 12 intake valves in two distinct modes, so that the operation of the intake valves changes to optimize both volumetric efficiency and combustion of the fuel-air mixture. At low engine speeds, the intake valves have low lift and are open a comparatively short period of time during cylinder filling. At high engine speeds where breathing is critical, the valves switch to high-lift, long duration mode to deliver the best volumetric efficiency. The VTEC™ changeover point is undetectable to the driver and occurs at 4950 rpm.
The RL uses a 3-rocker VTEC® system similar to that of the all-new MDX and TL. This configuration allows each of a given cylinder's intake valves to be controlled by its own low-speed cam lobe, allowing for staggered valve opening and lift. (By comparison, with 2-rocker VTEC, a single low-speed cam lobe controls both intake valves for each cylinder). Better mixing in the cylinders improves both combustion speed and combustion stability. When the engine reaches 4950 rpm, the powertrain control module (PCM) triggers the opening of an electric spool valve that routes pressurized oil to small pistons in the intake valve rocker arms. These pistons slide into position to lock together the three intake rockers in a given cylinder, which then follow a single high-lift, long-duration cam lobe. The intake and exhaust valve timing and duration is unique to the RL.

[Acura Info]

TWO-PIECE DUAL-STAGE INTAKE MANIFOLD
The RL uses a dual-stage intake manifold that is designed to deliver maximum airflow, to the cylinders. The 2-piece cast-aluminum manifold is also very light and saves the RL 2.6 lbs.
Working in concert with the VTEC® valve train, the induction system significantly boosts torque across the engine's full operating range. Internal passages and two butterfly valves commanded by the powertrain control module provide two distinct modes of operation.
These valves are closed at lower rpm. In this mode, the three cylinders on each bank draw air from only the nearer half of the manifold's internal chamber, or plenum. The volume of the plenum and the length of inlet passages are tuned to maximize the resonance effect, wherein pressure waves are amplified within each half of the intake manifold at certain rpm ranges. The amplified pressure waves significantly increase cylinder filling and the torque produced by the engine throughout the lower part of its rpm band. Funnel-shaped intake ports-similar to those used on racing engines-are built in at the uppermost end of each intake runner to improve airflow.
As the benefits of the resonance effect lessen with rising engine speed, the butterfly valves open at 4000 rpm to interconnect the two halves of the plenum, increasing its volume. An electric motor, commanded by the powertrain control module, controls the connecting butterfly valves. Now each cylinder draws intake air from the full plenum chamber. The inertia of the mass of air rushing down each intake passage helps draw in more charge than each cylinder would normally ingest. This phenomenon is the same effect produced by a low-pressure supercharger. The inertia effect greatly enhances cylinder filling and the torque produced by the engine at higher rpm.
DIRECT IGNITION AND DETONATION/KNOCK CONTROL
The RL power afforded by the 11.0:1 compression ratio is made possible by a powertrain control module (PCM) that monitors engine functions to determine the best spark timing. An engine block mounted acoustic detonation/knock sensor "listens" to the engine; and based on this input, the PCM retards the ignition timing incrementally to prevent potentially damaging detonation. The RL has iridium alloy-tipped sparkplugs, each with a coil unit positioned above it in the access bore.
PROGRAMMED FUEL INJECTION (PGM-FI)
The Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system monitors the exact state of the exhaust gas and tracks multiple engine inputs including throttle position, intake air temperature, coolant temperature, intake manifold pressure, etc. Based on these inputs PGM-FI continuously adjusts and optimizes the amount of fuel delivered to each cylinder.
DRIVE-BY-WIRE THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM
The RL utilizes a drive-by-wire throttle system that eliminates the need for a conventional throttle cable. The system monitors various parameters like throttle pedal position, throttle valve position, road speed, engine speed and gear position, then adjusts the moment-to-moment relationship between pedal position and throttle opening. By altering the amount of "gain" between the pedal and butterfly valve, significant improvements in drivability and acceleration linearity are possible.
For smooth launches from a standing start the system has relatively little gain, so that engine response is smooth and progressive. At higher speeds, the gain increases to provide responsive acceleration for passing and hill climbing. The Sequential SportShift automatic transmission and Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®) with traction control are fully integrated with drive-by-wire.
CLOSE-COUPLED CATALYZERS AND VARIABLE FLOW EXHAUST SYSTEM
The exhaust manifolds of the RL are cast directly into the alloy cylinder heads to reduce weight and to put the engine's two primary catalytic converters as close as possible to the combustion chambers. The 600-cell per-square-inch, high-efficiency converters mount directly to the exhaust port of each cylinder head for extremely rapid converter light off after the engine starts. By eliminating traditional exhaust header pipes, this arrangement results in a significant weight savings.
A hydroformed 2-into-1 collector pipe carries exhaust gases to a single 350 cell-per-inch secondary converter under the passenger cabin. To balance the engine's need for proper exhaust backpressure at low speed and free flow at high speed, the exhaust system incorporates a variable flow rate feature. An exhaust pressure-operated valve in the system has two operating modes. The low speed mode has a flow rate of 130 liters per second; when the engine reaches about 4000 rpm, the exhaust pressure rises enough to open the valve, which increases the flow to 150 liters per second.
EMISSIONS CONTROL
Although the new RL powerplant has made large power advances, it has also gotten much cleaner. It now meets the tough CARB LEV-2/ULEV emissions standards, and is certified to this level of emissions performance for 120,000 miles (20,000 more than required by the current LEV standard).
Many advanced technologies contribute to this emissions performance. The cylinder head-mounted close-coupled catalysts light off quickly after engine start up, and a 32-bit RISC microprocessor in the powertrain control module (PCM) boosts computing power to improve the precision of spark and fuel delivery. Particularly right after startup, better fuel atomization is provided by high-efficiency multi-hole fuel injectors; these deliver fuel to each cylinder and direct fuel around the intake valve stems.




Current Carb* Emission Standards (gram/mi.)


Standard
NMOG*
CO
NOx
Vehicle


LEV-I LEV @ 100k
0.090
4.200
0.300
'04 3.5 RL


LEV-I ULEV @ 100k
0.055
2.100
0.300
-


LEV-2 LEV @ 120k
0.090
4.200
0.070
-


LEV-2 ULEV @ 120k
0.055
2.100
0.070
'05-'07 RL


LEV-2 SULEV @ 150k
0.010
1.000
0.020
-


ZEV
0.0
0.0
0.0
-


*California Air Resources Board
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) CONTROL
With its 60-degree V-angle and compact, rigid and lightweight die-cast aluminum-alloy block assembly, the new RL powerplant is exceptionally smooth. Other factors that reduce noise and vibration are a rigid forged crankshaft, die-cast accessory mounts, and a stiff, cast aluminum-alloy oil pan.
100,000 MILES OR MORE TUNE-UP INTERVALS
The RL requires no scheduled maintenance for 100,000 miles or more, other than periodic inspections and normal fluid and filter replacements. This first tune-up includes water pump inspection, valve adjustment, and replacement of the cam-timing belt and sparkplugs.
MAINTENANCE MINDER SYSTEM
To eliminate unnecessary service stops while ensuring that the vehicle is properly maintained, the RL has a Maintenance Minder system that automatically monitors the vehicle's operating condition. When maintenance is required, the driver is alerted via a message on the Multi-information display.
The system monitors operating conditions such as oil and coolant temperature and engine speed to determine the proper service intervals. Depending on the operating conditions, oil change intervals can be extended to a maximum of 10,000 miles, potentially sparing the owner considerable money and inconvenience over the life of the car. The owner-resettable system monitors all normal service parts and systems, including oil and filter, tire rotation, air-cleaner, automatic transmission fluid, spark plugs, timing belt, coolant, brake pads and more.To prevent driver distraction, maintenance alerts are presented when the ignition is first turned on, not while driving.
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC WITH SEQUENTIAL SPORTSHIFT, PADDLE SHIFTERS AND GRADE LOGIC CONTROL
To maximize acceleration performance, fuel economy and driver control, the RL has a standard 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift, paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control. Mechanically related to the extremely compact transmission that made its debut in the 2003 MDX, the RL unit has upgrades and enhancements to suit the greater engine output and higher engine speeds of the RL.
Designed for low maintenance and a high level of durability, the RL transmission requires no scheduled service until 120,000 miles when operated under normal conditions. To provide strong off-the-line acceleration coupled with a relaxed, fuel-efficient cruising rpm, the unit has the widest ratio spread of any 5-speed automatic transmission in the class.
Automatic Mode

[Acura Info]

The Sequential SportShift transmission can be operated in conventional fully automatic mode via a front center console-mounted gated shifter. When in automatic mode, the transmission incorporates an advanced Grade Logic Control System and Shift Hold Control, both of which work to reduce gear "hunting" and unnecessary shifting.
Shift Hold Control keeps the transmission in its current (lower) ratio when the throttle is quickly released and the brakes are applied (as might be the case when decelerating to enter a corner). Shift Hold Control leaves the chassis undisturbed by excess shifting, ensuring that abundant power is immediately available without a downshift.
Grade Logic Control alters the 5-speed automatic's shift schedule when traveling uphill or downhill, reducing shift frequency, and improving speed control. Throttle position, vehicle speed and acceleration/deceleration are continuously measured, then compared with a map stored in the transmission computer. The Grade Logic Control System then determines when the car is on a hill; if this is the case, the shift schedule is adjusted to automatically hold the transmission in a lower gear for better climbing power or increased downhill engine braking.
Manual Mode
The Sequential SportShift transmission can be shifted into manual mode by moving the front center console-mounted selector lever laterally to a special gate to the left of the "Drive" position. The RL offers two ways to change gears when in manual mode: either by a push or pull of the shift lever, or via F-1®style paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. A digital display in the tachometer face indicates which gear the transmission is in. To heighten control and driver involvement, special shift logic in manual mode delivers quicker, firmer shifts than in fully automatic mode.
To help protect the engine and drivetrain from damage, an array of preventative features are active when the transmission is in manual mode. In second, third and fourth, the logic changes, and the transmission ECU cuts off fuel flow to the engine if there is a possibility of over revving.
In the rare situation where the fuel cutoff alone is unable to prevent engine over revving (as could happen on a steep downhill) the transmission will upshift itself to prevent engine damage. And finally, when downshifting, the transmission won't execute a driver-commanded downshift that would send the engine beyond redline in the lower gear. The
Sequential SportShift transmission will automatically downshift to first gear as the vehicle comes to a stop, to prevent lugging away from a stop in a high gear.
5-POSITION SHIFT GATE
The RL benefits from an innovative 5-position shift gate that simplifies the operation of the transmission. It features a quiet linkage and a speed-controlled reverse lockout solenoid to prevent transmission damage. When operated in automatic mode, the transmission lets the driver choose D (1st through 5th gear) or D3 (1st through 3rd gear). Engine braking can be provided easily by moving from D to the D3 position, downshifting from 5th, 4th or 3rd gear, depending on the vehicle speed.
COOPERATION BETWEEN 5AT AND DRIVE-BY-WIRE
Both shift speed and smoothness are improved by cooperation between the drive-by-wire throttle system and the electronically controlled automatic transmission. The engine can be throttled by the engine management system during upshifts and downshifts, the function of the engine and transmission can be closely choreographed for faster, smoother shifting. As a result, the peak g's (or "shift shock") are reduced significantly during upshifts and downshifts.
SUPER HANDLING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM™
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) is an innovative all-wheel drive platform that distributes the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear wheels but also between the left and right rear wheels. SH-AWD™ goes a step beyond conventional all-wheel drive by actively controlling the torque delivered to each rear wheel during corning. The result is neutral, accurate steering when cornering under power that front-drive, rear-drive or conventional all-wheel-drive can't equal.
Torque splits are as follows:

During straight-line cruising and moderate cornering below about half throttle, up to 70 percent of the torque is delivered to the front wheels.
In full-throttle straight line acceleration, up to 40 percent of the power is sent to the rear axle.
In hard cornering, up to 70 percent of available torque goes to the rear wheels for enhanced chassis balance. Up to 100 percent of this torque can be applied to the outside rear wheel and that wheel can be overdriven up to five percent by the acceleration device if the situation dictates.

SH-AWD™ ingeniously varies the amount of torque to the left and right rear wheels. When cornering, a planetary gear set overdrives (or accelerates) the rear wheels while individual right and left clutch packs direct torque to either or both rear wheel, faster than the average of the front wheels to dramatically enhance the cornering, steering feel, overall handling and stability of the RL. The result is class leading cornering precision as well as enhanced traction.
Direct Yaw Control System Theory
SH-AWD™ counters understeer under power with the Direct Yaw Control System. Spinning the outside rear wheel faster than the average speed of the two front wheels allows the system to use engine power to yaw the vehicle while turning. By relieving the front tires of some of the work of turning the car, the system reduces understeer and the vehicle stays balanced and controllable. In addition, with the cornering load more evenly distributed between the front and rear tires, the total cornering grip is increased. In conventional cars, cornering is created almost entirely by the steering angle of the front tires; In the RL, cornering is created by steering angle of front tires combined with the extra drive torque supplied by the outside rear tire.
This is a significant advance over conventional drive systems. To deal with high power output, front- or rear-drive systems generally use some type of limited-slip device to maintain traction under power. The linking effect of the inside and outside drive wheels in these systems resists turning, however. This is a factor that works against the front tires as they attempt to turn the car. Conventional AWD systems have a similar linking effect between the inboard and outboard tires and front and rear axles, causing a similar resistance to turning. This is part of the reason why traditional AWD systems typically lack the more nimble feel of the best two-wheel drive systems. By using drive torque to actually help turn the car, the RL can be more responsive, neutral and predictable, while simultaneously offering all of the usual benefits of all-wheel drive.
Electronic Controls and Parameters
The logic and control of SH-AWD is integrated with the RL Engine Electronic Control Unit (ECU), and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) ECU. The Engine ECU provides engine rpm, intake manifold pressure, and transmission gear ratio data. The VSA ECU provides data on lateral g, yaw rate, wheel rotation speed and steering angle. The SH-AWD ECU monitors the status of the acceleration device and the right and left Direct Electromagnetic Clutch torque. Traction is calculated based on the information from the engine ECU. During an acceleration situation, lateral g and steering angle are used to set the torque split between the right and left rear wheels. At the same time, this data is used to control the acceleration device.

[Acura Info]

SH-AWD™ System Layout
SH-AWD™ is a full-time all-wheel drive system that requires no driver interaction for operation. A torque transfer unit is bolted directly to the front-mounted transaxle. Attached to the front wheel differential's ring gear is a helical gear that provides input torque to the transfer unit. A short horizontal shaft and a hypoid gear set within the case turn the propeller shaft ninety degrees and move it to the vehicle center line. A lightweight carbon fiber reinforced composite propeller shaft carries power to the reardrive unit.
The rear drive unit of the RL contains three planetary gear and clutch sets. Torque from the propeller shaft passes through the first clutch/planetary gearset, which is as a unit called the Acceleration device.
Output torque from the Acceleration device is carried a short distance rearward to a hypoid gear that turns the output 90-degrees and drives the rear axle shafts. A matched pair of Direct Electromagnetic Clutch systems, one on each side, send power to each rear wheel. These clutch systems can be controlled as a pair to alter the front/rear torque split; depending on the situation, the rear wheels receive between 30 and 70 percent of the total engine output. The right and left Direct Electromagnetic Clutch systems can also be controlled independently, to allow up to 100 percent of the total rear axle torque to go to only one rear wheel.
Acceleration Device
Positioned at the front of the RL rear drive unit, the Acceleration device typically passes torque rearward to the rear axle at very close to a one-to-one ratio. In cornering, however, the Acceleration device's output shaft spins faster than its input shaft.
The Acceleration assembly uses a compact planetary gearset to achieve its speed increase. Hydraulic actuators operate clutch packs that control the planetary gearset. When the input shaft is locked with the planetary gear carrier, there is no ratio change (this is the straight-line mode). During cornering, the carrier is coupled with the case, and the output shaft speed increases up to five percent. A speed sensor at the hypoid gear, downstream of the Acceleration device provides a feedback loop to the SH-AWD Electronic Control Unit to ensure that the system is working properly.
Direct Electromagnetic Clutch Systems
Located on either side of the hypoid gear that drives the rear axle, two identical Direct Electromagnetic Clutch systems control the amount of drive torque that reaches each rear wheel, and provide limited-slip differential function. An electric coil controls the pressure applied to a clutch, which slows the sun gear in a planetary gearset to modulate the torque that is sent to the wheel. The amount of torque transmitted to each rear wheel can vary continuously, between zero and 100 percent, depending on the conditions.
Under deceleration (throttle closed) while cornering, torque to the outside rear wheel is varied to change from an inward to an outward yaw moment, helping vehicle stability. A search coil sensor allows the ECU to estimate the clutch plate coefficient of friction (which changes with heat,) and then adjusts voltage sent to the electromagnetic coil that controls the clutch to compensate. To ensure that the amount of torque transmitted remains optimized as miles and wear accumulate, a coil provides a feedback loop that the ECU uses to adjust voltage to the electromagnetic clutches to compensate for potential clutch wear.