Exhilaration and stability seem to build upon each other in the nimble and powerful 2004 RL. Inside, the ride is smooth as the RL accelerates and hugs turns with agility and control. The suspension has been refined to cater to steady maneuvers at high speeds. Braking is responsive and firm, providing a decisive feeling of control.
The RL engine is mated to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with its own microprocessor to provide almost unnoticeable shifts. The transmission is the product of an intensive development program that focused on smooth shifting, responsive operation, and state-of-the-art efficiency and driveability. It employs the Grade Logic Control System to reduce the unnecessary and annoying up-and-down shifting that other transmissions often resort to while traveling over steep grades.
The 3.5-liter 24-valve V-6 engine of the 2004 RL reaches its 225-hp peak at 5200 rpm, and its broad, flat torque curve peaks at 231 lbs-ft, offering instantaneous response at any speed. The RL engine has always been a virtuoso. From the start, it was designed to provide maximum thrust at the engine speeds used in day-to-day driving, with a four-valve-per-cylinder layout for enhanced throttle response and a Variable Volume Induction System that improves airflow across the rpm spectrum. Its uncommon smoothness was achieved with the help of block-forged connecting rods.
When an automotive suspension is doing its job, you can't even tell it's there. Developed with race-proven technology, the RL's four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension has been modified for better cornering stability and handling response at high speeds, with thicker front and rear stabilizer bars and higher damper, spring, and front upper-arm-bushing rates. Exclusive Michelin MXM4 performance tires were specifically developed for the RL. Mounted on lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels, these full-silica-compound 225/55 R16 tires employ a European formula for excellent dry and wet braking, firm steering stability and superior performance in snow.
A speed- and torque- sensitive, variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system keeps response stable and swift at all speeds. And the brake pedal now requires less pressure while summoning greater stopping power from the 4-wheel disc brakes. If you encounter a difficult corner or stretch of road, the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) system kicks in to help retain its composure, automatically pulsing the brakes at the appropriate wheel(s). VSA helps correct for both oversteer and understeer. With its seamless integration of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and advanced Traction Control System (TCS), VSA is one of the most accomplished road handling systems available.
The 2004 RL is a showcase for accessories and technology that add to the driving experience. Its interior is sculpted around an understanding of comfort, striking all the right balances and introducing new refinements. There are many new design touches in the RL interior, giving it a clean, refined look to go with its elegant performance. But the most exciting changes are as discreet as they are revolutionary. Accessories like the standard Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, which now responds to your voice commands. And XM® Satellite Radio*, with its clear digital signal and its satellite network of 100 stations you can pick up all across the country. The technology in the luxurious RL is destined to change the way you think about luxury—and the way you think about cars.
A factory-installed Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ is standard on the 2004 RL.* The system receives Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) data from space to figure out where you are. Onboard inertial sensors keep track of turns and speed. Then, to put everything in context, the system draws road and destination information from a 48-state database stored on DVD to pinpoint your location. The system can guide you to selected destinations, including your own personal entries. The database now includes 7 million points of interest. A built-in microphone links you to new voice-recognition software that can recognize 130 voice commands. The processing speed is now faster: Routes within 100 miles that take about five seconds to prepare. As you travel, you can get continuous coverage of the route with both audio and visual cues. The flat 7" color touch control screen can display a moving map that appears three-dimensional, as if seen at an angle from the air. You can zoom in and out. The system will display direction arrows, detailed street names, turning instructions and driving distances. The controls are easy to figure out and use, and give you a picture of where you're going that's closer to real life. And with voice-recognition, you can get answers to your questions and clear directions to where you're going, without taking your eyes from the road.
Your favorite radio stations go wherever you go. The signal is always strong. The choices are staggering. It's radio of the future. And the future is already here. Acura models equipped with XM® Satellite Radio* technology give you round-the-clock access to a nationwide satellite signal with over 100 channels of programming, including 70 diverse music channels, all programmed by music lovers, and 30 channels featuring news, talk, sports and entertainment. The digital signal is crisp and clear, and along with the audio there is a text readout to tell you what you're listening to. On Acura models with standard XM Satellite Radio equipment, the audio is integrated with the Acura/Bose® Music System, which means you can access XM Radio programming with the main audio controls, and enjoy it through the same Bose speakers that are customized for the interior. The first three months of XM Satellite Radio service are included in the vehicle purchase
OnStar® Service is standard on all 2004 Acura 3.5RL sedans. An innovative, hands-free in-vehicle service, OnStar Service gives you access to live, personalized service, information and emergency assistance at the touch of a button. OnStar Service seamlessly combines wireless communications with an onboard Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver, so it can locate your car in an emergency, or even unlock your RL if you lock yourself out. Three service plans are available. You can also prepay for personal calling minutes and use your audio speakers and the OnStar microphone as a hands-free cellular phone system.
Drivers and passengers in the 2004 RL will find themselves at the technological forefront of the luxury-car audio experience. The RL is equipped to receive XM® Satellite Radio,* a satellite radio system that delivers over 100 nationwide channels of clear, digital sound, as well as a readout of what's playing. The first three months of XM Radio service are included. Of course, the audio features that RL drivers have come to know and love are still there and better than ever. In addition to XM Radio, the 225-watt Acura/Bose® Music System includes a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, an AM/FM radio and a cassette player. Developed and tuned by the Bose® Corporation especially for 3.5RL, the 10-speaker system is acoustically optimized to provide clear, authentic sound in any seating position. The system's ten speakers including two new door-mounted tweeters, are positioned to offer each occupant a tailored "cone" of music that's fully balanced throughout the entire dynamic range. Convenient steering wheel mounted touch controls allow you to change stations, adjust the volume and select CDs and music tracks. *Navigation system and XM Satellite Radio available only in the 48 contiguous Únited States. TÚNE IN XM SATELLITE RADIO. CLEAR DIGITAL SOÚND. OVER 100 NATIONWIDE CHANNELS. Your favorite radio stations go wherever you go. The signal is always strong. The choices are staggering. It's radio of the future. And the future is already here. Acura models equipped with XM Satellite Radio* technology give you round-the-clock access to a nationwide satellite signal with over 100 channels of programming, including 70 diverse music channels, all programmed by music lovers, and 30 channels featuring news, talk, sports and entertainment. The digital signal is crisp and clear, and along with the audio there is a text readout to tell you what you're listening to. On Acura models with standard XM Satellite Radio equipment, the audio is integrated with the Acura/Bose® Music System, which means you can access XM Radio programming with the main audio controls, and enjoy it through the same Bose speakers that are customized for the interior. The first three months of XM Satellite Radio service are included in the vehicle purchase. Subsequent service is just $9.99 per month. With XM Satellite radio, your favorite radio station will follow you, clear across the country. *Navigation system and XM Satellite Radio available only in the 48 contiguous Únited States.
Balance is the cornerstone of the powerful and extremely quiet Automatic Climate Control System in the RL. It will keep the cabin as warm or cool as you desire. Select a temperature setting, and the system holds it to within one degree, regardless of the outside weather. To reduce the warming effects of the sun’s radiation, the 3.5RL is fitted with solar-energy-absorbing glass. Rear passengers can adjust the volume and direction of airflow to the rear from either outboard seat position. A Air Conditioning with Air Filtration System screens out microscopic particles as small as some bacteria, and easily filters out smoke and pollen.
The supple, glove-soft leather trim on the seats of the RL is stitched from the finest hand-selected American-produced hides. The driver's seat features power lumbar adjustment, and both the driver's and front passenger's seats offer ample orthopedic support. The driver's seat uses specially tuned springs that were designed using the NASTRANS computer program. This program, developed to analyze stress, is the same one used to design major components of NASA space vehicles. As a result of the spring modifications, road shock forces reaching the driver were reduced by as much as 50%.
In keeping with the clean, sculpted lines of its interior, the RL offers plenty of storage space. There are dual beverage holders in the center console. Rear passengers get beverage holders of their own. There are large front door storage pockets and a large glovebox. And the armrest located in the center of the rear seats folds forward, providing a trunk pass-thru aperture to accomodate long cargo.
So much of the luxurious Acura 3.5RL interior is made up of the smooth surfaces of classic coachwork. And yet, there is also much going on behind the scenes. The many standard power amenities are hard at work the instant you need them. There are power door locks, heated power outside mirrors, and power windows. The driver's power window features rapid auto-up and -down operation. Both front seats power adjust—the driver's seat eight ways, the front passenger's four ways. The driver's seat also includes power lumbar adjustment. A memory button lets two drivers pre-set their own driver's seat positions, including outside mirror and steering wheel positions. For easier exiting, the power tilt and telescoping steering wheel telescopes in and tilts up and out of the way when the key is removed from the ignition. A power dark-tint sliding moonroof provides refreshing ventilation. Power amenities may be discreet in the RL, but they're at your command every step of the way.
Acura ownership means more than simply driving a great vehicle - you can also count on support when you need it. That's because we provide Acura Total Luxury Care™ (TLC) for every new and Certified Pre-Owned Acura owner. In addition to the Acura 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty, TLC includes 24-hour nationwide emergency and travel services, roadside assistance, Acura Concierge Service, and more. This collection of special services and privileges is available exclusively for Acura owners, to help ensure your long term driving and ownership satisfaction.
The 2004 RL demonstrates a commitment to the safety and well-being of its occupants, drawing on its advanced safety engineering and facilitating the driver’s own instincts for self-preservation. An intricate and well-researched battery of accident-avoidance and occupant-protection measures makes the RL reassuring to drive — all the more reassuring with OnStar® Safe & Sound service, which provides constant on-call assistance, emergency GPS tracking and automatic notification to authorities when an air bag is deployed. Acura is famous for precise performance - performance which has always included safety as an integral component.
The 2004 RL's exceptional safety features include features that help you avoid accidents in the first place, like excellent visibility, superb handling, responsive steering and powerful brakes. Systems like Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) help the driver retain steering control under adverse dynamic conditions, correcting for both oversteer and understeer. While an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, it’s nice to know that you have recourse to the cure, once trouble rears its head.
The RL offers substantial occupant protection from all directions, combining a rigid body with front and rear crumple zones and a highly rigid passenger compartment. In the event that a sufficient frontal collision cannot be avoided, the standard Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) features front air bags with dual-stage front passenger's air bag. Sensors in the front passenger's seat determine the occupant's height and seating position. If the occupant is of small stature and leaning into the side air bag deployment path, these sensors will prevent the side air bag from deploying. Automatic seat-belt pretensioners are also standard on both front belts for added occupant protection.
The RL is equipped with an FM-frequency keyless entry security system that lets you lock and unlock the doors and trunk with a key-fob remote. Locking the doors activates the security system. If an unauthorized entry is attempted, the alarm system will sound the horn and flash the headlights. The alarm system can also be triggered by pushing a panic button on the remote. The standard immobilizer system uses a special transponder embedded in the key. Only the matching key can start the ignition. Attempts to hotwire, vandalize or bypass this security feature will result in immobilization of the ignition system.
For the designers as well as the engineers of the RL, there is beauty and purpose in every component, including parts you may never see. Quality comes through however you experience the RL. It could be a quick look on the street or a ride in its finely crafted, quiet interior. But the real satisfaction comes from driving it year in and year out. Just like the body, the performance and the solid, comfortable feel of the RL are meant to endure.
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