2009 Acura RL
Acura redesigned its flagship luxury sedan, the RL, for the 2005 model year, and 2009 sees a mid-cycle update. Changes include new front and rear styling, more power, an upgraded transmission, a revised interior, and a host of new technology and entertainment features. The engine undergoes several changes. While growing from 3.5 to 3.7 liters, the V-6 also gets a higher compression ratio and an upgraded VTEC valvetrain with variable valve timing for both the intake and exhaust valves. A new special dual-stage magnesium intake manifold is able to function as a single- or dual-plenum design based on engine operating parameters. The result is an increase from 290 to 300 hp. Torque is also up from 256 lb.-ft. to 271 lb.-ft. Additionally, the 5-speed automatic transmission is beefed up to handle the increased power, and it adds steering-wheel paddles in addition to its manual shiftgate.
The 2009 RL comes standard with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Acura says the system will respond quicker and perform better for 2009. Changes to the suspension include higher-rate coil springs, a larger diameter rear stabilizer bar, stiffer subframe mount bushings, and revised steering rack components. More aggressive tires with larger 18-inch wheels (versus 17s) will also be standard.
Acura says the RL’s Active Sound Control (ASC) system is improved over the previous Active Noise Cancellation system. In addition to reducing low-decibel noise entering the cabin, the new system reduces high-frequency noise and works throughout the engine’s rev range, Acura says. It reduces noise by emitting precisely timed reverse-phase audio signals through the speakers to reduce that noise, the company explains. The 2009 Acura RL also adds standard active front head restraints and available XM Notes, which captures a 10-second portion of up to 30 songs, plus text information about the song title, artist name, and XM channel.
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