2009 Acura Rl in Cleveland, TN - $8,991

The RL luxury performance sedan has long served as one of Acura's most technologically advanced vehicles, and for 2011 significant upgrades have been made to again raise the bar. Exterior upgrades include a revised front grill, power folding side mirrors and available back-up sensors.

Available in three variations: RL, RL with Technology Package and RL with Advance Package, power for all models is generated by a potent 3.7L V-6 engine with VTEC® valvetrain operation and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™. To further maximize engine output, the RL receives an all-new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission for 2011.

To complement the high-performance powertrain, Acura engineers gave the RL a rigid yet lightweight Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. A strong body was critical for achieving the engineers' high targets for steering and handling precision, outstanding ride quality, isolation of undesirable road inputs along with excellent safety.

The RL's body is constructed primarily of high tensile strength steel, while the hood, trunk lid, front fenders and bumper beams are made of lightweight aluminum. A sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension system with double-wishbone (front) and multi-link (rear) architecture, isolated front and rear subframes, large diameter stabilizer bars and heavy-duty steering rack components works in concert with the rigid unit body construction to complete the RL's chassis layout.

Subframes and suspension components made of aluminum reduce the RL's weight for improved performance, more supple suspension action and better fuel economy. To provide excellent handling and looks, new 18x8-inch diameter 15-spoke aluminum wheels are matched with performance-minded Michelin Pilot all-season tires.

Inside the passenger cabin, the RL features a leather trimmed interior, power actuated front seats, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control system, power moonroof, power windows, Acura/Bose® Surround Sound audio system, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity and a Multi-Information Display (MID) that allows easy access to multiple electronic functions.

Interior upgrades for 2011 feature items such as a new interior color (Sea Coast), new Dark Burlwood textured trim, improved feel thin-thread stitching for the steering wheel and a new bright silver color for the dash meters. The RL's rich assortment of technology improves for 2011 with the addition of available back-up sensors, a revised back-up camera angle to improve rearward visibility and improved dialing function for Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™.

An available Technology Package includes a satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™, rear view back-up camera, back-up sensors, Active Front Lighting System (AFS), ventilated front seats, and a simulated burlwood accented steering wheel and shift knob. The top RL trim is the Advance Package which adds Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), power folding side mirrors and genuine maple wood instrument panel trim.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 110.2; overall length: 195.8; width: 72.7; height: 57.2

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 3.7L V6 – 300 hp at 6,300 rpm and 271 lbs-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm

Transmission: Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 17 city/24 highway

Cargo capacity: 13.8 cubic feet

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual side-impact head curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake distribution, traction control, vehicle stability assist, side-impact door beams, electronic immobilizer, Smart Entry key system, tire pressure monitoring system, daytime running lights, automatic Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps, front for lights, speed sensing variable speed windshield wipers, HomeLink garage door opener, and Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

Optional safety features include navigation system, AcuraLink communications system, rearview camera system, rear parking sensors, active front lighting system (AFS), collision mitigation braking system, and adaptive cruise control.

Warranty

Basic: 4-year/70,000 mile

Powertrain: 6-year/70,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited

Roadside Assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2011 Acura RL sedan starts from $47,200. Destination charges add $860.