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ReprintsAcura plans RL makeover
Kathy Jackson
Automotive News
November 19, 2007 - 12:01 am ET
LOS ANGELES — Acura dealers are excited about word from company insiders that the poor-performing RL will get a makeover next summer. Dealers do not have many details on changes coming for the brand's flagship model, but they believe the changes will be dramatic. "I hear it will be a major facelift in the front and back — new sheet metal," says Jim Smail, an Acura dealer in Pittsburgh. Adds John Hawkins, an Acura dealer in the Los Angeles area: "Dealers have said they want three things: They don't like the styling, there is not enough rear-seat legroom and it needs a turbocharger or V-8." The redesigned RL was introduced in October 2004 and has sold poorly. Sales through October were down 47.5 percent from the same period last year. A chief complaint is that the all-wheel-drive vehicle powered by a V-6 is not desired by luxury buyers, who may choose from a slew of rear-wheel-drive V-8s. Dan Bonawitz, vice president of corporate planning and logistics for American Honda Motor Co., confirms the RL is due for a mid-term model change next year, but he would not be specific, "The three big complaints of the car are interior space, trunk space, and for some, style," Bonawitz told Automotive News during an interview at the Los Angeles auto show. "You can do some things to create some more interior space. So that's within the realm of possibility." But as for powertrain changes, he was mum. |
You can reach Kathy Jackson at kjackson@crain.com.
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The Acura RL, which was introduced in 2004, has sold poorly. Says Honda's Dan Bonawitz: "The three big complaints of the car are interior space, truck space, and for some, style." A 2007 model is shown. |
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