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Acura RL II 3.7 i V6 24V (304 Hp)
Overall Rating
Acura RL:
The Acura RL is a mid-size luxury car that was manufactured by the Acura division of Honda for the 1996–2012 model years over two generations. The RL was the flagship of the marque, having succeeded the Acura Legend, and was replaced in 2013 by the Acura RLX. All models of the Legend, RL and RLX lines have been adapted from the Japanese domestic market Honda Legend. The model name "RL" is an abbreviation for "Refined Luxury. "
The first-generation Acura RL was a rebadged version of the third-generation Honda Legend, and was first introduced to the North American market in 1996, to replace the second-generation Acura Legend. The second-generation Acura RL was a rebadged version of the fourth-generation Honda Legend, introduced to the North American market in September 2004, as a 2005 model. This iteration of the RL received an extensive mid-generational facelift for the 2009 model year, and a further update for 2011. The third-generation debuted for the 2014 model year as the Acura RLX....(Read more on Wikipedia)
II Overview:
Acura RL (II). With 275 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1845 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.7 s). The top speed reaches 215 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Acura RL II (Honda Legend in Europe) was not tested by Euro NCAP. However, it received strong safety ratings from US agencies like NHTSA and IIHS during its production years.
3.7 i V6 24V (304 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The larger 3.7L V6 (J37A2), despite having the same peak horsepower as the updated 3.5L, typically offers more torque lower in the rev range, resulting in a more effortless and refined power delivery, especially noticeable in daily driving.
Fuel Economy
With increased displacement, fuel economy might be marginally lower or similar to the 3.5L V6, depending on tuning and driving style. It remains competitive for a luxury sedan with this level of power and AWD.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Advanced Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system for superior handling
- • Excellent reliability and build quality typical of Acura/Honda
- • Comfortable, quiet, and refined interior with high-quality materials
- • Strong list of standard features for its class
- • Smooth and capable V6 engines
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be high, especially in urban driving
- • Styling is somewhat conservative compared to European rivals
- • Infotainment system can feel dated on later models
- • No V8 engine option, limiting ultimate performance potential
- • Limited aftermarket support compared to some competitors
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 2006 - 2008).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Acura |
| Model: | RL |
| Generation: | II |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.7 i V6 24V (304 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2009 |
| End of production: | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 304 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 83 Hp/l [56mm more] |
| Torque: | 275 Nm @ 5000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | J37A2 More details about the engine J37A2 |
| Engine displacement: | 3664 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 8.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 96 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.1 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 215 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.1 kg/Hp, 164.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.7 kg/Nm, 149.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1845 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 450 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 73 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4973 mm mm [56mm more] |
| Width: | 1847 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1455 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2800 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1576 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1585 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.1 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 245/50 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J X 17 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Does the Acura RL live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!