Offering some of the most advanced technology available on the market today, the 2001 Acura 3.5 RL provides premium levels of luxury, handling and driveability. As the flagship sedan of the Acura line, the RL incorporates the four cornerstones of the Acura brand - performance, craftsmanship, engineering and safety &endash; and sets the standard for all Acura models.
Though it emphasizes luxury and technology, performance is not compromised in the RL. Featuring an all-aluminum, 3.5-liter, 23-valve, V-6 powerplant, which produces 210 horsepower and 224 lb.-ft. of torque, the RL provides confident acceleration levels and produces maximum power at the engine speeds used in most day-to-day driving, typically 1500 to 4000 rpm. The RL engine also is the quietest and smoothest featured in any Acura.
Giving the RL its sporty character is a double-wishbone suspension that has been developed to provide excellent handling characteristics combined with a smooth, comfortable ride. Powerful disc brakes front and rear work with a four-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) for sure, predictable stops. High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with powerful xenon bulbs provide exceptional nighttime visibility.
From an engineering perspective, the RL showcases a host of technologically advanced systems, which help the driver maintain control of the vehicle at all times, regardless of driving conditions. Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) are both standard features in the RL. Designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during acceleration, cornering and sudden avoidance maneuvers, the VSA system enhances the traction control system and the antilock braking system by adding lateral control.
Setting standards in safety was a primary goal for the RL and it offers the highest number of advanced safety features of any Acura model. The RL's highly rigid body structure and crumple zones are enhanced by a sophisticated air bag system incorporating dual front air bags with patented dual stage front passenger's air bag, as well as side air bags for the driver and front passenger.
To further help protect the front-seat passenger, a dual-stage inflator varies the deployment power of the front passenger SRS air bag by reducing the rate of inflation depending on impact severity. The front passenger's side air bag includes multiple sensors in the seat to determine the height and position of the occupant; these sensors will not allow the side air bag to inflate if a child or small statured adult is leaning into the path of deployment.
The RL exemplifies Acura craftsmanship by exhibiting a strong yet elegant exterior with a stylish and tailored interior. Designed to create an inviting driver's cockpit and passenger's environment, the interior of the RL features an ergonomic design that positions all controls and gauges for ease of use. Comfort and convenience features include an Acura/Bose music system with six-disc CD changer, automatic climate control, moonroof, heated seats and leather interior with a burled camphor wood-trimmed instrument panel and center console.
The fully-appointed Acura RL is available in one trim level with only one factory-installed option, the Acura Navigation System. One of the most sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, navigation systems on the market today, the satellite-linked Acura Navigation System offers coverage of the continental United States stored on a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), and includes more than 3.7 million points of interest. The Acura Navigation System includes a seven-inch screen, with a matte-finish touch screen that reduces glare and fingerprinting, making it easier to read.
Like all Acura models, the 3.5 RL is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.
Acura offers a full line of premium performance vehicles through a nationwide network of nearly 260 dealers. The Acura line up features six distinct models including the exotic NSX supercar, the 3.5 RL flagship luxury sedan, the best-selling 3.2 TL luxury performance sedan, the all-new 3.2 CL luxury performance coupe, the fun-to-drive Integra and the revolutionary MDX luxury sport utility vehicle. For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com.