Reader’s Question:

What are the new features on the 2009 RL? I heard there was a redesign, and I want to see for myself at my Acura dealer in Texas.

Jason

Houston, TX

Hello, Jason. I have been reading up on my Acura these days, and I think I can answer your question for you. As you most probably already know, the Acura RL is the Acura version of an executive-class car. Although the model has been around for years, it has gone through several changes. For the model year you want, I am sure that you will be excited enough to drive one.

First, we will go with the engine. The Acura RL of today boasts of a 3.7 Liter VTEC engine and even has SH-AWD, which is Acura’s take on the all-wheel drive system. This increases the car’s versatility on different road conditions. Even with that power on the engine, Acura made it possible to reduce emissions further. The paddle shift system in use with the Acura RL was also improved to reduce shifting time, and this should give the feel of immediate response from the car. The suspension has also been improved to give the Acura TL better handling. You should also notice that the 17” wheels from the previous model year were replaced with 18” alloy wheels. Passenger space was also given consideration and got a corresponding improvement along with noise reduction inside the cabin. Of course, being executive-class, you should have an executive feel inside the car. One more thing, with the noise reduction inside the cabin, you get to experience the awesome sound system on the Acura RL.

I guess those points should be enough and the rest should be part of your discovery when you get to test drive one around Texas.

Tags: car, car dealers, Houston Dealer

Reader’s Question:

I understand that the Acura TL is one of the best-selling cars of Acura. I want to go to an Acura dealer in Texas, but I am afraid that I might just get razzle-dazzled with all the electronics in this car. I am pretty sure I can understand the mechanical parts of the car from a brochure, but can somebody please give me some insight into the electronics?

Sid

Houston, TX

Hi, Sid, thanks for the question. It seems that you have not kept abreast of the technology that goes into a lot of cars now. You might even be surprised that the “mechanical parts” you think you understand are even monitored electronically. But let’s not go into that. Let’s go with the electronics that you will tinker with the most and these are the ones inside the cabin. The electronics now go way beyond your AM/FM stereo of old times. Gone are the cassette tapes and 8-tracks, in way, CDs, too, are becoming old. These are just the examples.

I’ll just show you some key electronic features in the Acura TL that you might find. A little info in your hands might show a salesman that you know your Acura. You can start with the audio system in the TL. The standard system on a TL consists of an 8 speaker system, an in-dash CD player that can read mp3s and wma files (the same files that play on a computer). The optional 10 speaker premium package comes with an ELS system that reproduces sound as if you were inside a studio. It even has its own hard disk (that’s computer memory storage for you) that can keep your music in the car even without the CDs. Then there’s Bluetooth connectivity for your phone, so you won’t have to fumble for it when you drive. Cell phones, as you know, have always been cited as one cause of vehicular accidents. There is also a satellite-connected navigation system to keep you on track to wherever it is that you are going in Texas.

Hope these helped bolster your confidence to go inside an Acura dealer.

Tags: car, car dealers, Houston Dealer

Reader’s Question:

Acura has been highly recommended by a friend here in Houston, Texas and I am particularly interested in purchasing the Vigor GS. What is the exceptional feature of this model that will not make me think twice in owning this?

Jake

Houston, TX

The Acura Vigor is definitely the type of automobile that tried so hard not to be tagged as luxurious, combining a lot of the finest features of a sports coupe and a touring sedan. This model boasts of several technical wonders particularly its 5-cylinder, 2.5-liter, 20-valve power plant that transmits an intense performance that its 4-cylinder sedans will have a hard time to tone with. But sorry to say that the Vigor GS does not get to the higher level of luxury sedans because its core is too little, inches short from the leading sedans in Houston, Texas have to offer.

But I’m sure that your expectations will be met by the outside features of the Acura Vigor GS. It has an unblemished fit-and-finish that complies with the celebrated Japanese custom. The back fenders and upswept trunk lid is the best part of its rear fashion approach. Efficient and stylish are the words that best describe the interiors of the Acura Vigor GS. Noticeable through the heavily protected steering wheel is a well-arranged instrument panel consists of the tachometer, speedometer, fuel and temperature gauges –every bit of them with white needles and graphics alongside a black background for utmost clearance.

Tags: Acura dealer, car, car dealer, car review, Houston dealer