2008 Acura RL Base 0-60 Times, Top Speed, Specs, Quarter Mile, and Wallpapers

2008 Acura RL  Base  0-60 Times, Top Speed, Specs, Quarter Mile, and Wallpapers

The 2008 Acura RL Base is a All-wheel drive Sedan. It can accommodate up to 5 passengers. It has 4 Doors and is powered by a 3.5L V6 SOHC 24-valve engine which outputs 290 hp @ 6200 rpm and is paired with 5-speed automatic with manual mode gearbox. The 2008 Acura RL Base has cargo capacity of 371 Liters and the vehicle weighs 1829 kg. In terms of ride assists, the 2008 Acura RL Base has stability control and traction control in addition to anti-lock brake system (ABS). The vehicle has an optional engine as well It offers and Rear view camera. Safety features also include Driver-side front airbag and Passenger-side front airbag. The front suspension is Independant front suspension while the rear suspension is Independent rear suspension. The car also features a Yes It has 17'' alloy wheels as standard. Electronic features include Cruise Control. For convenience, the car has Power windows and Power door locks. There is also a remote keyless entry feature. Moreover, the car has. The steering wheel has audio control buttons. In terms of performance, the car has 317 N.m of torque and a top speed of 243 km/h. The 2008 Acura RL Base accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and hits quarter mile at 13.3 seconds. Fuel consumption is 12.9 L/100km in the city and 8.4 L/100km in the highway. The car price starts at $ 63,900

Name Base
Price $ 63,900
Body Sedan
Doors 4 Doors
Engine 3.5L V6 SOHC 24-valve
Power 290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Number of Seats 5 Seats
Transmission 5-speed automatic with manual mode
Cargo Space 371.0 L
Maximum Cargo Space 371.0 L
Wheel Type 17'' alloy wheels
Series RL II
Drivetrain All-wheel drive
Horsepower 290 HP
Torque 317 N.m
Top Speed 243 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) 6.8 s
Fuel Type Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel Consumption (City) 12.9 L/100km
Fuel Consumption (Highway) 8.4 L/100km
Gear Type auto
Weight 1,845 KG
Brand Acura
Model RL
0-400m (Quarter Mile) 13.3 s
0-400m (Quarter Mile) - Speed 153.4 km/h
0-800m (Half Mile) 24.9 s
0-800m (Half Mile) - Speed 172.6 km/h
Modifications (MODS)
Modifications Cost $ 0

2008 Acura RL 0-100kph (0-60mph)

2008 Acura RL 0-100kph (0-60mph)

2008 Acura RL Used Price Estimates

Estimates based on a driving average of 12,000 miles per year
Used Condition Trade In Price Private Party Price Dealer Retail Price
Outstanding $ 5,500 $ 7,853 $ 9,143
Clean $ 4,978 $ 7,111 $ 8,276
Average $ 3,934 $ 5,628 $ 6,540
Rough $ 2,891 $ 4,144 $ 4,805

The 2008 Acura RL is neither fast nor flashy, but this luxurious and technology-packed sedan is a smart choice for value-conscious luxury sedan shoppers interested in maximum all-weather handling and safety.

Ever since the Acura RL replaced its Legend forbear, it has been saddled with the sort of anonymous image shared with pan flute artists and Delaware. It's a pity, because this second-generation 2008 RL is a great luxury sedan with athletic handling, premium build quality and high levels of user-friendly technology.

With horsepower ratings in its category soaring higher and higher, though, the RL's 290-horsepower V6 is underwhelming considering smaller sport sedans offer V6s that produce 300 horses or more. Furthermore, although six-cylinders are perfectly adequate in this segment, other cars like the Infiniti M and Lexus GS also offer V8s. The RL's five-speed automatic also stands in contrast to the six-speed units of its competitors. Still, the flagship Acura sets itself apart with its standard Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system that not only aids wet-weather traction, but provides tenacious grip in corners by sending more power to the outside rear wheel to push the car through a turn.

The 2008 Acura RL also offers a tremendous number of high-tech features. Items like Bluetooth and keyless entry/ignition are standard, along with a 10-speaker surround sound system so superb that you'd swear Gladys Knight was riding shotgun with the Pips crammed in back. The Technology package adds adaptive headlights that illuminate where the car is going instead of where it's pointing, and a GPS-linked climate control system that observes where the sun is shining into the car and adjusts the temperature in those areas. That package also includes Acura's excellent navigation system with real-time traffic, which can be programmed easily using voice commands. Another package adds adaptive cruise control and accident-sensing emergency braking technology.

If you can survive with rather anonymous styling and average acceleration, the 2008 Acura RL is a very smart buy considering its relatively low price. Similarly equipped competitors from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes can cost upwards of $ 10,000 more than the Acura. The Infiniti M series offers the same type of value, but with more visual excitement and a V8 engine in the M45. Shoppers in this class should make sure to check out both of these excellent Japanese luxury sedans before signing on the dotted line.

The 2008 Acura RL is a large luxury sedan available in three trim levels: RL, RL with Technology package and the eloquently named RL with Technology package plus CMBS and PAX run-flat tires. The base RL comes very well stocked with 17-inch alloy wheels, power and heated front seats, leather upholstery, real wood trim, a sunroof, keyless ignition, Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a 10-speaker Bose surround sound system with six-disc CD/DVD-audio changer, satellite radio and auxiliary audio jack. The Technology package adds adaptive headlights, a rearview camera, a GPS-linked and solar-sensing climate control system, and a navigation system with real-time traffic and voice command functionality. The CMBS and PAX run-flat tires adds adaptive cruise control, Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System technology and (obviously) run-flat tires.

The sole engine available in the RL is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 hp and 256 pound-feet of torque. This allows a 0-60 time in the high 6-second range, just above par for six-cylinder large luxury sedans. A five-speed automatic transmission with automanual shift paddles sends power to the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. SH-AWD can send varying degrees of torque to each individual wheel to improve handling and wet-weather traction.

Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a stability control system. The optional CMBS can help prevent or minimize a frontal accident by providing warnings to the driver or actually applying emergency braking. All RLs gets a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for frontal impact and side impact safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the RL a "Good" rating (the highest possible) in both its offset frontal collision and side-impact tests.

The SH-AWD system in the 2008 Acura RL works transparently but very effectively to maintain traction under the worst of circumstances. Driving enthusiasts will likely find that the RL's steering is a bit numb and slow, however, and the cushy ride gets downright mushy as the RL approaches its handling limits. Acura's flagship sedan isn't exciting, but it's absolutely competent and makes an excellent everyday luxury sedan.

The RL's interior is beautifully crafted and attractive to behold. A swath of real wood trim flows into a neat waterfall center stack that integrates the car's sizable number of electronic functions. With the optional Technology package, major functions like audio, climate and navigation systems can be controlled by voice commands, buttons on the steering wheel and dash, or through a multipurpose control knob and LCD screen. These redundant controls may seem confusing in description, but give the driver choices in how to access commonly used functions. Some may find the power front seats to be a little flat, and although heated, they lack the cooling feature of many competing models.

On the racetrack, the 2008 Acura RL's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system had an obvious effect on handling, ensuring crisp steering response and precise control and direction through the corners. The car felt taut enough even if the steering was light and a little vague. Its 3.5-liter VTEC V6 produces 290 horsepower and 256 pound-feet of torque, impressive figures for a normally-aspirated six-cylinder engine, but with those peak figures waiting at the high-end of the rev range the RL can take a few seconds to gain momentum. Given room to run and a firm right foot, however, the RL gets stronger and stronger.

Real-Time Traffic Data While service availability is still limited, the ability to access current traffic information en route and avoid unexpected traffic delays can easily save a commuter several hours of driving.Voice-Activated Navigation Paging through menus and typing in city and street names can delay your departure. With voice-recognition capability, the RL lets you dictate your destination on the way to the highway.

Inside the 2008 Acura RL, wood trim combines with perforated leather to create an interior befitting the car's sport-luxury disposition. The "industrial" door handles at first seem out of place, but soon make sense for the car's design and functionality. While this RL is three noticeable inches shorter than the previous RL, the surprisingly roomy back seat offers more passenger volume. A towering center console topped by an eight-inch LCD serves as the nerve center for the RL's long list of high-tech goodies.

From the front and side, the RL is unmistakably Acura. A steep hood and angled beltline accent a now-familiar wedge shape, accompanied by angular headlamps and Acura's signature five-sided grille. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel wells and enhance the RL's aggressive image. In back, the RL distinguishes itself with a mildly-pronounced trunk line and some slightly softer contours.

The 2008 Acura RL's standard-equipment list is packed with sophisticated technology. This includes Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, an Acura/BOSE Surround Sound system with six-disc DVD-Audio/MP3 and DTS changer, cabin-quieting Active Noise Cancellation, keyless entry and start and a power rear-window shade.

The 2008 Acura RL offers only two options. The first is the Technology Package that includes Voice-Activated Navigation, Active Front Lighting, AcuraLink satellite communication system with real-time traffic information, rear-view camera, upgraded wood interior and GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control. The second is the Technology Package plus the Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control and Michelin PAX Run-Flat tires.

The 2008 Acura RL's V6 looks impressive on paper, but the strongest part of the torque curve is high in the rpm band. Because of this, some will find passing maneuvers are best performed using the manual-shift mode.3.5-liter V6290 horsepower @ 6200 rpm256 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24

The 2008 Acura RL has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) that starts around $ 47,000. When equipped with the Technology Package, the price jumps to around $ 50,000 and, with the Technology Package plus the CMBS/PAX Package, it tops out at just over $ 54,000. A look at the Fair Purchase Price shows the typical transaction price being paid for an RL in your area, so be sure to check it out before you begin negotiations. The RL is expected to have a slightly better-than-average residual value over a five-year period, falling below the Infiniti M35 and Lexus GS 350, but besting the Audi A6 and Cadillac STS.

2008 Acura RL Base Exterior Colors

Lakeshore Silver Metallic
Nighthawk Black Pearl
Opulent Blue Pearl
Platinum Frost Metallic
Premium White Pearl

2008 Acura RL Base Interior Colors

Black
Ivory
Taupe

2008 Acura RL Engines

Engine Standard in Trim Power Torque Fuel Consumption - City Fuel Consumption - Highway 0-100 km/h Quarter Mile Half Mile
3.5L V6 SOHC 24-valve Elite 290 hp @ 6200 rpm 317 N.m 12.9 L/100km 9.4 L/100km 6.8 s 13.3 s 24.9 s
3.5L V6 SOHC 24-valve Base 290 hp @ 6200 rpm 317 N.m 12.9 L/100km 8.4 L/100km 6.8 s 13.3 s 24.9 s
3.5L V6 SOHC 24 valves Base 300 hp @ 6200 rpm 317 N.m 13.1 L/100km 9.4 L/100km 6.6 s 13.2 s 24.6 s

2008 Acura RL Trims

2008 Acura RL Previous Generations

2008 Acura RL Future Generations

Acura RL Overview and History

Acura have prepared for the RL an important mid-model change (MMC) which debuted in February 2008 at the Chicago Auto Show. Acura introduced its second generation RL model during the 2004 New York International Auto Show in Manhattan (full production started in 2005).
The Japanese  seem to have all the traits of engineering-passionate mythical phoenix birds descendants. After having risen from the ashes of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Second World War nuclear bombings, the island dwellers leaped into a full-scale both intrinsic and outer reconstruction process that would later catapult them as a leading force on the international auto-market. 1986 was the year when Japanese engineers unleashed their newly formed Acura division of 4 wheeled katanas against the frail armies of western technology.

Soon after the attack was initiated, early models of Acura vehicles quickly took over vast US car market shares on the road to victory. The spark triggered a mass techno-religious conversion among car buyers who quickly turned to the new Eastern alternatives - who have accurately hit the niche American builders had failed to fill: the luxury market.

Acura was born as the rich child of the elder Honda father-brand and quickly became the driving force that would change customers' perception of Asian motorized artisanship. The package Acura delivered to the US after Honda had spent 10 ears of research consisted of only two models: the Legend and the Integra. The road-runner pair had enough success overseas to compel competing Asian brands into sending their own troops to the US. Thus, Toyota sent a wave of hostile novelty and improvements with their newly created luxurious Lexus brigade and Nissan joined the party by flaunting a new shiny infant-brand, the Infiniti.

Although Acura had already managed to integrate the legend of better Asian automobiles into US consumer minds through the V6-powered Legend sedan and the sleek, sharp Integra, it was yet to display all of its arsenal. As soon as the 90's came, four years after the brand had reached American territory, it delivered a crushing blow to luxurious-sports car competitors: the NSX. An acronym for  a science-fueled battle cry that translated as 'New Sports eXperimental', the NSX quickly became a cheaper and fun alternative to costly European counterparts such as the ones delivered by German and Italian manufacturers like BMW and road-cruising and racing supremacists Ferrari.

Not only did the NSX strike a weak spot, but it also garnered appreciation as being the first series car made entirely of aluminum. Despite its early success, Acura entered some mid 90's dark ages as a result of reported poor design choices and failure to rejuvenate the already existing line of models. By 1996, the Legend and Integra names were dropped and replaced with parsimonious alphanumeric tags as part of a new naming nomenclature that would drag the entire brand to a mild maelstrom of confusion. Subsequent model improvements and quasi-subtle Lexus design forgery plunged Acura into temporary platitude, despite its engine power upgrades to more than 200 hp on 1996's 3.5 RL - the reinvented Legend.

The knockdown effect would not last for long though, as the beginning of the 21st century brought Acura to a fresh start with the introduction of several redesigned models, such as the 1999 Acura 3.2 TL, engineered as a challenger against competition's wheeler-troopers, such as the Lexus ES, Infiniti l30 and the the BMW 3-series. Despite having failed to dominate its foes, the 3.2 earned much acclaim due to its consumer attractiveness that was the result of a balanced blend of luxury, sportiness and competitive pricing.

In a matter of years, Acura took on SUV territory with the MDX and continued to sustain the rise of its machines with new accomplishments and faster, better units at the exiting factory gates. In fact, Acura is currently leading a full-scale take-over, with the brand having reached Chinese markets only two years ago and plans for breaking into the former USSR compound by the end of 2008.

2008 Acura RL Consumer Reviews

reformatpitch, 03/12/2009
Former Collector-Had Ferrari, Lotus, Jag
Great handling, feels like the vehicle is glued to the road due to the SH-AWD. Requires high test although gas mileage is reasonable. Excellent acceleration for a 4000 pound vehicle. Roomy, high tech voice command system, fabulous 5.1 surround sound and backup camera which I wanted. Also has manual shift via paddles on the steering wheel, and Acura reliability. Everything works as intended. Drive one, you'll buy it.
tungadalsepia, 03/27/2009
Artfully Subtle Luxury and Performance
Does everything well instead of compromising one performance area to excel in another. For example, corners as if on rails but preserves quiet, comfortable ride. The engine is smooth and quiet around town but makes operatic noises at the top of the rev range. This is the perfect luxury car for with enough confidence to eschew driving a visible status symbol. I drove Audis before they went upscale to compete directly with Mercedes and BMW. This Acura now fills that niche of artful, understated luxury that makes one look smart, not status conscious.
underpassaffected, 06/06/2016
4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Great car...
This car is as reliable as they come. I have never own a more reliable car.
astonishedtanning, 09/18/2012
LOVE this car
I bought this car as Certified Pre-Owned, with 70k miles, and it's been great in all regards. The stock tires were not good in snow, so I bought snow tires and put them on dedicated rims, and wow! The car is amazing in the snow. It's also a heavy car, so it holds tight to the road, like it's on rails. Is quiet and responsive but not demanding. A few minor issues: Chrome on the grill is peeling, which I see on all RLs of that year in our area. Acura had the brass to tell me the "solution" is to wipe down the chrome with a towel after every rain and snow! How about taking some responsibility, Acura!? Also, keyless entry door handle needed replacement, which is a common problem.
stararticle, 02/09/2019
2007 Acura RL
"Lowest maintenance car ever and fun to drive"
Bought used with 167k miles. Have had for two years with zero problems. Only maintenance was to change oil and rotate tires. Smooth acceleration and plenty of power. Fun car to drive with responsive steering. Interior is comfortable and durable. Outstanding quality-both exterior and interior. Great car and I would highly recommend. Only negative is the tech package takes time to get used to. It is techy
portbillet, 01/26/2019
2008 Acura RL
"Best secret in used cars"
this Car listed over 50 grand new it’s Acura’s flagship still made in Japan and there’s not many around fast fun all wheel drive luxury loaded for under 10grand good luck finding one with low miles but if you do buy it
midnightweird, 01/19/2019
2006 Acura RL
"Diss9"
Disappointed in pleather. Center arm rest covering appear to be leather. Cheap pleather. Began to peel. Driver's door armrest, same. Surprised Acura would use cheap pleather. Car looses value quickly.

2008 Acura RL Base Specifications

Base Comfort and Convenience

AM/FM stereo radioYes
Air ConditionningDual-zone automatic climate control
AntennaGlass-imprinted antenna
Bluetooth Wireless TechnologyYes
Courtesy Dome LightCourtesy light
Cruise ControlYes
Intelligent Key SystemYes
Multi-CD ChangerIn-dash 6-CD/DVD changer
Navigation SystemYes
Power Door LocksYes
Power WindowsYes
Rear View MirrorAutodimming day/night rear view mirror
Steering Wheel AdjustmentPower tilt and telescopic steering wheel with memory

Base Dimensions

Cargo Capacity371 L
Curb Weight1829 kg
Front Headroom977 mm
Front Legroom1076 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity73 L
Gross Vehicle Weight2226 kg
Height1452 mm
Length4917 mm
Rear Headroom946 mm
Rear Legroom923 mm
Wheelbase2800 mm
Width1585 mm

Base Exterior Details

Door HandlesIlluminated body-color door handles
Exterior Decoration (Option)A-Spec emblem
Front Fog LightsYes
Headlight TypeXenon headlights
Headlights Sensor With Auto OnAutomatic headlights
Heated Exterior MirrorsYes
Lower Side-Body Extension (Option)Front and side skirts
MudguardBody-color front mud guards
Power Exterior MirrorsPower exterior mirrors with memory
Rear Spoiler (Option)Yes
Rear Window DefrosterYes
SunroofPower glass sunroof
Tinted GlassYes

Base Interior Details

Front Seats Driver LombarDriver's seat power lombar support
Front Seats Driver Power Seats8-way power driver's seat
Front Seats Driver Seat MemoryMemory feature for driver's seat
Front Seats Front Seat Back StorageFront seatback storage
Front Seats Front Seat TypeFront bucket seats
Front Seats HeatedHeated front seats
Front Seats Passenger Power Seats4-way power front passenger seat
Luxury Dashboard TrimImitation-wood interior trim
Number of Cup HoldersFront and rear cupholders
Outside Temperature GaugeOutside temperature display
Rear Seat TypeRear bench seat
Seat TrimPerforated leather seats
Shifter Knob TrimLeather-wrapped shift knob
Steering Wheel TrimLeather-wrapped steering wheel

Base Mechanical

Drive TrainAll-wheel drive
Engine Name3.5L V6 SOHC 24-valve
Stability ControlYes
Traction ControlYes
Transmission5-speed automatic with manual mode
Transmission Paddle ShiftYes

Base Overview

BodySedan
Doors4
Engine3.5L V6 SOHC 24-valve
Fuel Consumption12.9 (Automatic City)8.4 (Automatic Highway)
Power290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Seats5
Transmission5-speed automatic with manual mode
WarrantiesBumper-to-Bumper80000/km, 48/Months Powertrain100000/km, 60/Months Roadside AssistanceUnlimited/km, 48/Months Rust-throughUnlimited/km, 60/Months

Base Safety

Anti-Lock BrakesAnti-lock brakes
Anti-Theft AlarmAlarm system
Brake Type4 wheel disc
Driver AirbagDriver-side front airbag
Electronic brake force distributionElectronic brake force distribution
Front Seat BeltsHeight adjustable, pre-tensioner
Passenger AirbagPassenger-side front airbag
Rear View CameraRear view camera
Roof Side CurtainSide curtain airbags
Side AirbagFront side airbags

Base Suspension and Steering

Front Anti-Roll BarFront and rear stabiliser bar
Front SuspensionIndependant front suspension
Front TiresP245/50R17
Power SteeringSpeed sensitive electric rack and pinion steering
Rear SuspensionIndependent rear suspension
Suspension Category (Option)Sport suspension
Tire Pressure Monitoring SystemYes
Wheel Type17'' alloy wheels

Critics Reviews


Discussion and Comments

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M
M harry 1 year ago
I have owned and still have a 2009 Kia amanti it is now 2024 I have 51000 miles on this car excellent handling in all weather except ice and deep snow very fast in traffic I think the handling is tight and responsive. My spouse has driven this on the interstate frequently and the first thing he did was get it up to 220 mph at this speed is floaty but under 80 mph just a pleasure to drive *****
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