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 |
| 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.

| 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 |
| AM/FM stereo radio | Yes |
|---|---|
| Air Conditionning | Dual-zone automatic climate control |
| Antenna | Glass-imprinted antenna |
| Bluetooth Wireless Technology | Yes |
| Courtesy Dome Light | Courtesy light |
| Cruise Control | Yes |
| Intelligent Key System | Yes |
| Multi-CD Changer | In-dash 6-CD/DVD changer |
| Navigation System | Yes |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes |
| Rear View Mirror | Autodimming day/night rear view mirror |
| Steering Wheel Adjustment | Power tilt and telescopic steering wheel with memory |
| Cargo Capacity | 371 L |
|---|---|
| Curb Weight | 1829 kg |
| Front Headroom | 977 mm |
| Front Legroom | 1076 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 2226 kg |
| Height | 1452 mm |
| Length | 4917 mm |
| Rear Headroom | 946 mm |
| Rear Legroom | 923 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm |
| Width | 1585 mm |
| Door Handles | Illuminated body-color door handles |
|---|---|
| Exterior Decoration (Option) | A-Spec emblem |
| Front Fog Lights | Yes |
| Headlight Type | Xenon headlights |
| Headlights Sensor With Auto On | Automatic headlights |
| Heated Exterior Mirrors | Yes |
| Lower Side-Body Extension (Option) | Front and side skirts |
| Mudguard | Body-color front mud guards |
| Power Exterior Mirrors | Power exterior mirrors with memory |
| Rear Spoiler (Option) | Yes |
| Rear Window Defroster | Yes |
| Sunroof | Power glass sunroof |
| Tinted Glass | Yes |
| Front Seats Driver Lombar | Driver's seat power lombar support |
|---|---|
| Front Seats Driver Power Seats | 8-way power driver's seat |
| Front Seats Driver Seat Memory | Memory feature for driver's seat |
| Front Seats Front Seat Back Storage | Front seatback storage |
| Front Seats Front Seat Type | Front bucket seats |
| Front Seats Heated | Heated front seats |
| Front Seats Passenger Power Seats | 4-way power front passenger seat |
| Luxury Dashboard Trim | Imitation-wood interior trim |
| Number of Cup Holders | Front and rear cupholders |
| Outside Temperature Gauge | Outside temperature display |
| Rear Seat Type | Rear bench seat |
| Seat Trim | Perforated leather seats |
| Shifter Knob Trim | Leather-wrapped shift knob |
| Steering Wheel Trim | Leather-wrapped steering wheel |
| Drive Train | All-wheel drive |
|---|---|
| Engine Name | 3.5L V6 SOHC 24-valve |
| Stability Control | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic with manual mode |
| Transmission Paddle Shift | Yes |
| Body | Sedan |
|---|---|
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 SOHC 24-valve |
| Fuel Consumption | 12.9 (Automatic City)8.4 (Automatic Highway) |
| Power | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Seats | 5 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic with manual mode |
| Warranties | Bumper-to-Bumper80000/km, 48/Months Powertrain100000/km, 60/Months Roadside AssistanceUnlimited/km, 48/Months Rust-throughUnlimited/km, 60/Months |
| Anti-Lock Brakes | Anti-lock brakes |
|---|---|
| Anti-Theft Alarm | Alarm system |
| Brake Type | 4 wheel disc |
| Driver Airbag | Driver-side front airbag |
| Electronic brake force distribution | Electronic brake force distribution |
| Front Seat Belts | Height adjustable, pre-tensioner |
| Passenger Airbag | Passenger-side front airbag |
| Rear View Camera | Rear view camera |
| Roof Side Curtain | Side curtain airbags |
| Side Airbag | Front side airbags |
| Front Anti-Roll Bar | Front and rear stabiliser bar |
|---|---|
| Front Suspension | Independant front suspension |
| Front Tires | P245/50R17 |
| Power Steering | Speed sensitive electric rack and pinion steering |
| Rear Suspension | Independent rear suspension |
| Suspension Category (Option) | Sport suspension |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | Yes |
| Wheel Type | 17'' alloy wheels |
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