1996 Acura 3.5 RL Press Kit
Overview
The 3.5 RL is powered by a 3.5-liter,all-aluminum, single-overhead camshaft, 90-degree V-6engine which produces 210 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 224 1bsft of torque at a very low 2800rpm. Four valves per cylinder and a three-stage variable induction system help to provide both high torque at lower engine speeds and excellent breathing at higher engine speeds.
While based on the general design of the 3.2-liter V-6, the 3.5-liter RL engine represents a major departure from the engineering philosophy that gave rise to that earlier engine. Apart from fasteners and other minor components, the two engines have few parts in common.
The RL engine was developed with two major goals in mind: first, to provide maximum thrust at the engine speeds most normally used in day-to-day driving, i.e., the range from 1500 rpm to 4000 rpm. And second, to be both quieter, smoother and more durable than any engine in Acura history. The RL can travel 100,000 miles without requiring a scheduled tune-up.
The engine is located longitudinally, moving weight to the rear for the 60/40 weight distribution deemed optimum for a front-wheel-drive sedan. The longitudinal mounting also yields benefits in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance, because it allows the use of softer and better-located engine and transmission mounts.
An electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission, with Grade Logic Control software, is standard on every 3.5RL.
Engine Block
Like all other Acura engines, the block of the RL engine is an aluminum pressure casting with cast-in iron liners, a design known for its light weight, excellent rigidity and outstanding long-term durability. The crankcase is designed with a deep skirt and extensive webbing for added rigidity, reduced noise and reduced vibration. Actual displacement is 3473cc; stroke was increased 7mm to gain the added displacement. The 3.5RL engine is a slightly undersquare design, with a bore of 90.0mm and a stroke of 91.0mm.
The main bearing journal supports have been beefed up for added rigidity, resulting in significantly reduced vibration in the 300-to-800 Hz range. The improvement in stiffness has raised the resonant frequency of the engine block an impressive 20 Hz.
Primary Couple Balancer
To further reduce vibration transmitted to the passenger cabin, the RL engine features a rotating balancer, mounted to the right side of the engine block. The belt-driven balancer counteracts the rocking tendency inherent in the 90- degree V-6 design.
Crankshaft
The forged steel crankshaft is micro-finished,an extremely precise finishing process developed originally in the Formula One engine program to reduce friction and enhance durability.The metallurgy of the main bearings is also a direct result of the Fl program of the late eighties and early nineties. The surface of the bearings has a unique, pyramidal structure, allowingspace for enhanced oil retention and resulting in lower friction and improved long-term durability.
Block-Forged Connecting Rods
The connecting rods of the RL are forged using a unique process, one that results in parts of high strength and unprecedented uniformity.The RL engine is the first automobile engine in the world to be produced using this advanced technology.
Because of the imprecise nature of the conventional forging process, the connecting rods of all other auto engines must be sorted according to weight, with rods of approximately equal mass assigned to each particular engine to achieve proper reciprocating balance. And even in rods that happen to have equal overall mass, the distribution of metal density throughout conventional rods can vary enough to affect strength and engine balance.
The rods of the RL are forged with a new "block forging" system, in which the steel blank is struck, at extremely high pressure, from five directions at once. This process has no allowance for excess metal; it has nowhere to go in the ultra-precise block forging dies. Accordingly, the blanks that will be forged into RL rods are machined, before the forging process, to exacting mass tolerances. In other words, the material that will become an RL connecting rod has been precisely measured and balanced before it ever enters the forging dies.
As a result of this process, RL connecting rods are the most precisely balanced of those in any production automobile engine.
Full-Floating Piston Pins
To reduce the engine noise caused by contact between the pistons and piston pins, the RL engine uses a full-floating piston pin design, in which the clearance between the piston and piston pin has been reduced. Typically,the piston pin is a press fit in the rod, and a larger clearance between the pin and the aluminum piston allows the piston to rock freely. In the RL design, the pin moves freely in the rod, and the piston rocks freely on the pin as well; the piston pin is essentially free to "float" between the piston and the rod. This change alone has resulted in a significant5db noise reduction.
Cylinder Head/Valvetrain
The 3.5RL engine features a 4-valve-per-cylindervalvetrain with pent-roof combustion chambers. A single camshaft for each cast-aluminum cylinder head is driven by a flexible toothed belt. Hydraulic lash adjusters are used for quieter running and reduced maintenance.
Valve Timing
Conventional high-performance engines typically use a substantial amount of valve overlap to achieve better breathing at higher rpm; i.e., the intake and exhaust valves are open simultaneously at Top Dead Center between the exhaust and intake strokes. At low rpm, however, this allows blow-back of the fuel-air mixture, with exhaust gas creating a pressure wave that reverses flow of the fresh incoming charge. To prevent the resulting unstable combustion-and relatively rough running-at low rpm, the RL camshaft timing has considerably reduced valve overlap, resulting in smoother low-speed running and improved low-rpm torque. The advanced, 4-valve-per-cylinder design, along with the Variable Induction System intake tract, combine to maintain excellent high-rpm power output.
Fuel Pulsation Noise Reduction
To reduce the pulsing noise emanating from the fuel injectors, a special sounddampening unit is mounted at the junction of the fuel delivery tube and each individual injector.
Timing Belt
To further reduce noise, the resonant frequency of the timing belt has been tuned by altering both its width and its material. The position of the belt tensioner was also changed, as part of the intensive effort to reduce overall engme noise.
Variable Induction System
To tune the intake system volume and length for optimum torque at any rpm, the RL uses a three-stage intake system. To enhance cylinder charging by making use of resonance effects in the intake tract, the engine uses a longer intake tract at low rpm, transitions to a mid-length tract in the mid-range, and then is opened completely for high-rpm running, letting the inertia effect of the moving column of air in the system enhance cylinder filling at higher revs. The system has been redesigned and retuned for the special low-rpm/high-torque tuning emphasis of the RL engine.
Programmed Fuel Injection
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) compensates for varying driving and atmospheric conditions, providing enhanced driveability in a wide variety of conditions. Data on coolant temperature, air temperature and density, manifold vacuum, engine rpm, throttle position, crankshaft position and exhaust oxygen content is interpreted by the Electronic Control Module (ECM), which determines fuel injector duration and timing, as well as ignition timing and transmission operation.
4-Speed Grade-Logic Automatic Transmission
The advanced, computer-controlled automatic transmission of the 3.5RL is the product of an intensive development program that focused on smooth shifting, responsive operation and state-of-the-art efficiency and drive ability. It uses Grade Logic Control to enhance performance on uphills and downhills. Using "fuzzy logic" software, the Electronic Control Module senses when the RL is traveling uphill and holds the transmission in a lower gear, even if a reduction in throttle position would otherwise dictate an upshift. This prevents "hunting" of the transmission between gears in steady uphill driving. Also, on downgrades, the transmission is in 3rd gear instead of automatically shifting to 4th, letting engine braking help keep the RL from picking up unwanted velocity.
A refined torque converter is used to enhance performance and to achieve optimum fuel efficiency. The converter has been developed to reduce the "creeping" effect at idle, making the vehicle extraordinarily easy to hold with the foot brake at a stoplight.
A gated shifter is used in the RL, helping the driver sense the position of the lever without diverting attention from the road.
Traction Control System (TCS)
A computer-controlled Traction Control Systemis available on the RL as part of the Premium Package. If the wheel-speed sensors determine that a front wheel is accelerating faster than the other, or that both fronts are accelerating faster than a preset acceleration limit, the computer automatically closes a secondary throttle valve until wheelspin ceases.
Electronic/Hydraulic Engine Mounts
To reduce vibration at idle, the RL uses hydraulic engine mounts with two different damping rates: a soft rate that allows the engine/transmission unit to move more freely at idle, and a stiffer rate that positions the powertrain more firmly during driving. Between 820 and 850 rpm, the damping characteristics of the mounts change automatically; a small solenoid valve closes, restricting the flow of fluid from chamber to chamber and thus increasing the damping rate.
In addition, the main engine mounts have been located very close to the center of mass of the engine/transmission unit, more effectively isolating the primary inertial couple effect at idle. This change has resulted in significantly reduced vibration felt at the front seat in the critical 500- to 1200-rpm idle and off-idle range.
Liquid-Filled Subframe Mount
To reduce engine noise under acceleration, the subframe mounts between the engine/transmission/suspension assembly are filled with hydraulic fluid of a specifically tuned viscosity.The resulting softer damping rate further isolates the passenger compartment from engine and road noise.
1996 Acura 3.5 RL - Chassis
Overview
The RL is equipped with 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension with coil springs, 4-wheel disc brakes with ventilated front rotors, an Acuradesigned Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and stabilizer bars both front and rear. The goals used in developing the RL chassis were to increase overall cornering ability and to make the response of the chassis to driver input as linear and predictable as possible, while at the same time achieving a smooth, well-controlled ride-and reducing noise, vibration and harshness to a remarkable degree.
Low-Friction Double-Wishbone Suspension
The double-wishbone suspension layout of the RL (and all other Acura automobiles) allows precise control of wheel movement, while isolating the damper units from the side-loading and resulting friction inherent in the less advanced McPherson strut design used on some other luxury sedans. The front suspension uses unequal-length upper and lower control arms and a tubular stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension is a combination of a longitudinal trailing arm, three lateral links and a tubular stabilizer. For excellent stability and improved ride quality, added anti-squat and anti-dive geometry were built into the RL suspension. To achieve a compliant ride without compromising handling response or cornering capability, the RL suspension also uses a number of innovations to reduce friction throughout suspension travel. The stabilizer bars use highly efficient ball joints at either end, as well as selflubricating bushings at the sub-frame mounts. The upper arms of both the front and rear suspension have low-friction ball-joint bushings where they attach to the main structure, reducing overall friction while enhancing rigidity of the suspension assembly. The dampers of the RL have an advanced Progressive Valve design, for increased damping control at low damper speeds while retaining quick, fluid response to large impacts. Special, redesigned Teflon seals within all four damper units reduce friction even further, for improved ride quality.
Low Roll Center
To give the RL a stable, predictable feeling during hard cornering, while improving overall lateral acceleration capability, the suspension geometry was designed with lower roll centers than previous Acura luxury sedans. Roll center of the front suspension is 59mm above ground level, and 70mm above ground level at the rear. This has resulted in higher ultimate cornering performance, from 0.77g to 0.80g,as well as more predictable response at the limits of adhesion.
Liquid Rear Trailing Arm Bushing
To reduce road noise and harshness, the bushing at the front of the rear trailing arms is a liquid-filled design, instead of the more conventional rubber-damped bushing.
Braking System
Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes are standard, with ventilated rotors in front for minimal fade and excellent heat dissipation. Front discs are 280mm in diameter; rear discs are also 280mm across. By fine-tuning the leverage ratio of the brake pedal and the response characteristics of the power-brake vacuum diaphragm, the RL engineering team achieved reduced stopping distances while making brake response more linear and intuitive. Combined with the new "low-creep" torque converter, these refinements also help make it easier to hold the RL at a stop.
Anti-Lock Braking System
A three-channel, four-wheel ABS system is standard. The ABS enhances steering control during hard braking. Speed sensors at each wheel send signals to the ABS control module; if the system detects impending wheel lockup, if first holds, then reduces hydraulic pressure to the affected wheel, letting it regain traction before full braking resumes. The ABS function is also highly effective on split-friction surfaces, in which one side of the vehicle has significantly less traction than the other. In the highly unlikely event of an ABS failure, a warning light is illuminated on the instrument panel. In such a case, the control module cancels the ABS function, allowing the standard braking system to operate normally. The system used in the RL is a new design which weighs 1.3kg less than the previous-generation ABS system.
Rotary-Valve, Variable Power-Assisted Rack-And-Pinion Power Steering
A new rotary valve senses torque applied to the steering wheel and varies power assist accordingly. This valve, in concert with inputs from a speed sensor, adjusts steering assist for easy steering in parking-lot conditions and quick, precise steering feel at speed.
Wheels And Tires
To reduce unsprung mass and to enhance cornering power and handling precision, the RL is equipped with 6.5JJ X 16 cast-aluminum wheels and P215/60 R16 Michelin tires. The tires of the RL are of a special low-rollin gresistance design, which yields outstanding ride characteristics and improved fuel mileage, while achieving excellent handling response and overall grip. The tires are an All-Season design, for enhanced traction on wet roads as well as on dry pavement.
1996 Acura 3.5 RL - Body
Overview
The body design is intended to impart a feeling of strong, yet casual elegance, with a strong front grille and prominent Acura identification. The body of the RL is significantly taller than previous Acura luxury sedans, for improved headroom, especially in the rear seats, and a more substantial exterior appearance. The RL flanks are designed with high, relatively prominent "shoulder" lines, for a strong, masculine appearance, and the front grille/fender/bumper area is designed with a very clean, integrated configuration, giving a more massive, yet aerodynamically efficient look. Refinements in aerodynamics and wind-noise control have resulted in a very quiet, distraction-free interior environment.
Precise Fit and Finish
The RL is engineered and painstakingly assembled to have a level of fit and finish second to none in the luxury sedan class. Panels have been combined and integrated, wherever possible, to eliminate gaps and seams. The front bumper assembly, for example, is composed of 52 parts, as compared to the front bumper of a Legend, which had 120 seperate parts.
Visibility
The tall, spacious-feeling greenhouse of the RL is designed to give the driver and passengers a clear, panoramic view of the road ahead and the surroundings to the sides and rear for incrased active safety. The driver's front, side and rear views are largely unobstructed, due to slim, yet highly rigid, roof pillars. The body is designed to give the driver a clear sense of the boundaries of the car, for more secure maneuvering and parking.
Paint Process and Corrosion Protection
The RL is built with a high proportion of galvanized steel panels, most of them galvanized on both sides for superior corrosion protection. All visibile surfaces are protected by a 23-step, 5-cost, 4-bake paint process, with special anti-chip primer and special scratch-resistant paint used in areas that are likely to be struck by stones or other debris. The paint process is so precise and exacting that personnel who work in the painting section of the factory wear special contamination-free clothing while working, and are checked for colognes or other cosmetic chemicals that might cause the slightest contamination of the painting environment. Chassis panels are protected by corrosion-resistant undercoating material, and body cavities are injected with an oil-based anti-corrosion wax that displaces moisture for even better protection.
Three-Function Headlight Assemblies
To enhance the smooth, integrated look of the front section, the headlight assemblies include running lights, headlights and turn signals.
Crystal-Cut Taillight Assemblies
The ultra-high quality appearance of the RL is enhanced by a special crystal structure cast into the inner surface of the RL rear outer lens assemblies.
Side-Mirror Air Deflectors
As an example of the extraordinary lengths taken to reduce wind noise, the outside rearview mirrors are designed with a small wind deflector, or spoiler, that directs oncoming air down and away from the mirror assembly. By detaching the airflow under the mirror, the deflector reduces the pressure gradient between the air rushing around the mirror housing and the still air behind the mirror, eliminating a "whistling" effect there that has been identified as a cause of wind noise in the wind tunnel.
Auto-Open, Privacy-Glass Power Moonroof
The 3.5 RL with Premium Package includes an innovative power moonroof. The outer moonroof panel first tilts up, for increased ventilation, and then opens completely with one further touch of the control button. Energy-rejecting privacy glass is used, and the moonroof is programmed to pause at the 130mm position during closing, to help ensure passenger safety.
Under-Chassis Spoiler
A special spoiler, located immediately behind the front bumper, has been developed which reduces airflow under the RL, reducing the high-pressure air under the fron tof the body and diverting it to flow around the sides and over the top. This reduces drag and front-end lift, and also reduces wind noise, helping to give the RL a remarkably quiet interior, even at autobahn-level velocities.
1996 Acura 3.5 RL - Interior
Overview
A great deal of attention was given to the design, materials, comfort features and convenience amenities of the RL interior, from major issues such as control location and passenger head, hip and shoulder room to smaller details such as extra-large beverage holders and a special compartment intended specifically for the driver's sunglasses. The overall design thrust was to give the interior a very open, relaxed ambience, much like the comfortable living room of an elegant, yet casual contemporary luxury home.
Materials
The leather seating surfaces that give the RL its luxurious look and feel are carefully hand-selected American hides which are tanned with an innovative process which helps the leather retain its soft, supple feel and resilient strength far longer than conventional auto interior leather. The oils in conventional leather tend to evaporate out of the hides in time, especially when the car is parked in the bright summer sun. This causes leather to prematurely age and dry out over time. It has another annoying side effect-the oil that escapes from the leather is then deposited on the rear window and windshield glass when the interior cools, causing a persistent and hard-to-remove "fogging" effect on the glass over time. The leather used in the RL is specially formulated to resist this phenomenon; it reduces window fogging 90% better than conventional leather.
Painted surfaces in the RL interior are coated with a new "leather-like" paint process that gives those areas a smooth, yet durable matte finish. Containing microscopic particles of pearlescent material and mica, this paint lasts extraordinarily well and imparts a subtle, muted tone. Other interior surfaces are created using an advanced "slush moulding" technique, giving them a soft, luxurious feel.
Seating
The driver's and front passenger's seats are the products of extensive research and development. They are designed to absorb vibrations and bumps to provide outstanding comfort without sacrificing the firm support needed in enthusiastic driving.
In testing, the RL seats decreased the upward force felt by test subjects by 50% over conventional seats; that is, the subjects felt the jarring of irregular road surfaces only half as strongly as with a conventional design.
Human factors research revealed that the human body has its own resonant frequency; that is, the vibration frequency at which the internal organs of the body pick up an outside vibration and resonate with it. If felt strongly, vibration in this frequency range is very unpleasant, and human test subjects generally gauge the vibration felt in a moving car on the level of vibration felt in this narrow range, between 5 and 10 Hz, or cycles per second.
To damp out as much of this vibration frequency as possible, the configuration of the springs in the RL seat cushions were analyzed using the NASTRAN finite element analysis program. Six different designs were tried before one was found which performed up to expectations.
Other details in the seat design include gently rounded thigh bolsters at the front, to avoid digging into the driver's and passenger's lower thighs. And the front lateral seam, which often runs across under the thighs, has been moved forward and down, eliminating this possible source of discomfort.
The front seats have even been designed to make the rear passengers more comfortable. The back of the seats are concave, giving rear seat passengers nearly an inch more knee room. And the seat rail structure was designed to give rear seat passengers nearly an inch more horizontal foot room, while the underside of the seat is carpeted to prevent scuffing their shoes.
The driver's seat is 8-waypower adjustable. It is linked by a memory system with the outside mirrors and electronic tilt and telescoping steering wheel, allowingone of two preset configurations to be accessed at the touch of a button. The front passenger's seat is 4-waypower adjustable. Both front seats are heated in models with the optional Premium Package.
The rear seats are designed and built to fit full-sized adults in total comfort as well. A fold-down center armrest incorporates its own dual beverage holder, and a pass-through to the trunk, along with a ski sleeve, included in the Premium Package, allows long objects to be carried without soiling or marring the interior.
Interior Comfort and Convenience
The RL is the most lavishly equipped Acura ever built. Advances in soundproofing throughout the car make its interior by far the quietest in Acura history. Nearly everything is standard, including cruise control, separate reading lights, power windows, door locks and moonroof, and remote keyless entry. A center console with the adjustable, two-position armrest can hold a cellular phone, or can be used to hold the magazine and player of the optional Acura six-disc CD changer, giving easy, in-car access to CD-changer programming. If the customer prefers, the CD changer unit can also be located out of the way, in the trunk.
Speed-Sensitive Intermittent Wiper
To accommodate the differing quantities of water encountered at different speeds, the RL is equipped with an automatic, speed-sensitive intermittent wiper system that slows down the wipers when the RL is stopped or moving slowly, and increases their speed when vehicle velocity increases.
Automatic Headlight System
In the 3.5RL, a sensor at the front of the instrument panel senses outside illumination level; if darkness occurs, the headlights, taillights and instrument panel lighting are automatically turned on. For nighttime convenience, when the vehicle is parked at night, the lights are left on after the ignition switch is turned off, but go out automatically when the driver's door is opened.
Instruments and Controls
Acura automobiles have always been known for their high level of ergonomic design and control harmony; the 3.5RL takes us to a whole new level of human engineering. The instrument panel is configured with a new "trinocular" design. A large, center speedometer and associated gauges monitor driving functions. A left-side, slightly smaller circle contains the tachometer and associated engine function gauges and indicators, and a symmetrical right-side circle includes the fuel gauge and less-used, yet important indicators. The instruments have large displays and are illuminated, even in daytime, for easy recognition. Much time and effort has gone into minimizing the attention needed to understand and operate each particular system, and to make each switch and control nearly as easy to use the first time as it will be after years of familiarity.
The engine's response to the throttle, for example, has been carefully analyzed and developed by fine-tuning the engine powerband, PGM-FI fuel injection system, transmission control unit and the physical layout and geometry of the throttle pedal itself. It has been developed to give a control feel that harmonizes, not only with the brake pedal and steering, but also to subjective human expectations of the effect a given push on the throttle will have on vehicle acceleration and speed. Every system has been optimized to give the driver what he or she asks for the first time, instead of forcing the driver to make a constant series of approximate control movements and subsequent corrections.
Automatic Climate Control
The RL is equipped with a truly state-of-the-art automatic climate control and air conditioning system. The system is not only powerful, in terms of cooling capacity and efficiency, but it is also extremely quiet, even when quickly cooling the interior on a hot Death Valley day. Even rear-seat passengers have personal control over the direction of heating or cooling air coming their way. Great pains have been taken to ensure cooling uniformity from front to rear, and an innovative subcondenser has been added to the AlC system, improving the efficiency of the unit substantially. In controlled testing, the AlC system cooled the interior from 100 degrees F to 70 degrees F in 15 minutes. Quicker than any other competitor in its class. The system is also environmentally friendly, using non CFC R134a refrigerant.
Microscopic Air Filtration
A new, state-of-the-art air filtration system removes pollen and other contaminants from the interior environment. The filter medium is so fine, it can trap all particles of 3 microns or larger, including almost all pollen and dust, and inhibits the passage of bacteria as small as .5 microns as well as most components of cigarette smoke and particulates in diesel exhaust. The filter has two layers: both are composed of felt-like, nonwoven fabric fibers, and one layer is electrostatically charged to help attract and trap even more dust and other airborne particles.
Heat-Rejecting Glass
Special solar-energy-absorbing, green-tinted glass is used in the 3.5RL, minimizing even further the effects of the hot sun on the interior and its occupants. This reduces the load on the climate control system for better cooling efficiency, delays the temperature rise in the interior when parked, and further protects the interior leather and other materials from the effects of solar radiation.
Music System
The Acura/Bose® Music System of the 3.5RL with Premium Package is the most impressive ever designed for an Acura automobile. Developed and tuned by Bose Corporation specially for the RL, the music system is acoustically optimized to provide clear, authentic sound in any seating position of the interior, and to automatically compensate the balance of bass, treble and midrange for any volume level.
Eight speakers are used: two 2.5-inch front tweeters, mounted high in the front doors, two 6.5-inch single-cone full-range speakers in the lower front door panels, two 5.25-inch full-range speakers, mounted in the rear door panels and two 6 x 9-inch low-frequency drivers in the rear package shelf.
From the easily accessible, dash-mounted control unit, audio output is sent to the auxiliary power amplifier unit located in the trunk. Separate amplifiers are provided inside the unit for each of the six individual front speakers. Each tweeter has a l2.5-watt amp, each of the four full-range speakers has its own 25-watt amp, and the two rear speakers, which act in concert as subwoofers, share a 100-watt amplifier. Total music system power: 225 watts.
The Acura/Bose® Music System also includes a six-disc CD changer, located in the trunk.
The standard music system of the 3.5RL is an AM/PM stereo/cassette system, with an optional CD changer; it also uses an 8-speaker configuration. The front tweeters are 1.5 inches in diameter, versus 2.5 inches in the Acura/Bose system; other speaker sizes and locations are the same in both systems. The standard system maximum output is 105 watts.
The antennae for the various receiver systems are all built into the rear window. These include: the AM/FM antenna and the antenna for the radiobased keyless entry system. The elimination of the antenna mast lessens complexity and reduces wind noise for the rear-seat passengers.
Satellite-Based Navigation System
A sophisticated navigation system will be offered in a limited number of areas of the U.S. The system will initially debut in California, and areas of coverage will be added as specific navigation data and software are developed for other U.S. regions.
The system uses Global Positioning System (GPS) data received from satellites, as well as its own inertial guidance system, to precisely pinpoint the location and velocity of the RL. When asked to guide the driver from one location to another, the system provides both audio and visual cues, helping the driver find the proper address quickly and easily, and with minimal distraction. Verbal directions, such as "Keep right," or "Next exit on the right" give the driver basic direction, and a visual LCD moving map with a directional arrow, located high in the cen,ter console, gives detailed information on street names, turning instructions and driving distances. Geographic data is stored on a hard disk, making it easy and economical to program the system for a new location or to update mapping information. Furthermore, the navigation system provides information and directions to local restaurants, theatres and points of interest.
Security/Immobilizers System
A remote keyless entry system is standard on the 3.5RL. The keyless entry system is radio-controlled-this gives much better range than a conventional infrared system, allowing the driver to unlock the RL or activate the "panic button" anti-theft function while still a considerable distance from the car. A special, electronically coded key prevents the car from being started, even if a mechanical duplicate of the proper key shape is used. A transponder, built into the key, signals the immobilizer control unit the key is genuine. If the car is hotwired, or an unauthorized key is used, it simply will not start. This system is a substantial deterrent to theft. In New Jersey, for example, insurance premiums have been reduced as much as 15% when such a system is used.
Safety
The RL is not just the most luxurious, most impressive Acura sedan ever built; it also represents the ultimate in state-of-the-art safety engineering for automobiles in its class. Advances in strength and rigidity of the unit-body structure, as well as innovations in side-impact protection make the RL as safe and secure as it is comfortable and gratifying to drive. And, for increased driver control, standard equipment includes a 4-channel Anti-Lock Braking System and a Traction Control System.
Dual Air Bags and Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners
A dual front air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) helps to absorb the energy of a severe frontal impact, and automatic seat belt tensioners help keep front passengers firmly in position in order to take advantage of the protection afforded by the air bag system. Three-point lap-and-shoulder primary belts are provided at all outboard seating positions.
Side-Impact Protection
Dual anti-intrusion beams in the front doors, as well as expanded polypropolyene hip and shoulder pads, built into the door structure, help protect front- and rear-seat passengers from a possible lateral collision, and help the RL meet 1997 U.S. side-impact standards. Anti-intrusion door beams are also used in the rear doors. And innovative, expanded polystyrene liners, installed above the front doors and inside the A-pillars, help give front-seat passengers added head protection in side-impact situations.
Front and Rear Crumple Zones
The structure is designed to deform progressively in both front and rear impacts, letting the front and rear sections absorb the energy of a collision while helping to keep the highly rigid center passenger section intact. Straight frame rails, front and rear, give the structure the strength necessary to help the RL withstand offset collisions at either end, with reduced possibilities for passenger injury.