Motor Lounge | Acura 2011 RL

2011 Acura RL

Usually for new model years we see a refresh that moves more towards the future. We can honestly say that Acura is the first company to go backwards. The 2011 RL looks aging and out-dated…almost like a 1998 model coming out for a curtain call. I mean this is supposed to be the flagship sedan…right?

The 2011 model still uses the 3.7 liter V6 engine that stocks 300 horsepower, and has the outstanding all-wheel drive system, but it does feature a new power train. An all-new 6-speed Sequential Sport-shift automatic transmission is at the heart of the 2011 RL. The car still rides silky smooth and has sporty drivability on command as it has steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Fuel economy has also improved to 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

Acura is always trying to advance in technology, and in this model they have added another first to a passenger vehicle. The 2011 RL is fitted with Hemholtz resonators in the wheels. These chambers sit in the center portion of the inside of the wheel and help reduce road noise. This makes for a completely silent cabin. You literally can hear no road noise at all because of Hemholtz resonators and the increased floorboard insulation.

The first thing you notice about the 2011 Acura RL is the grill, although other changes are minimal. The grill has taken a turn for the worse as it just looks completely out-dated. Acura got a lot of criticism for the last models being too aggressive in front, some saying the cars look like “angry hawks”, but the new look is way worse. It sits on aluminum 18 inch wheels that have 15 spokes and get wrapped in Michelin Pilot all-season tires.

This car really doesn’t give you anything to be excited about. It doesn’t feature any cool new options, or have LED lights, or even feel like a 2011 model. In our opinion, the rest of the lineup, regardless of how one feels about the styling, has a way nicer and sportier appearance. The 2011 RL also has a heavier feel while driving, but don’t forget about the major Acura driving characteristics that have customers coming back for more year after year. The car is definitely safe and practical…we just wanted a little more pizzazz…cause the competitors are gonna eat this for breakfast.

Check out the photo gallery!

Price: TBD