OVERVIEW
The 3.5 RL has a stamped-sheet-steel unit-body structure, designed to
have a very high level of overall rigidity in both bending and
torsion. The highly rigid structure was developed using a Cray
supercomputer running the NASTRAN finite element-analysis program
originally developed by NASA for building space vehicles. The chassis
was made even more rigid by a rear support gusset, a large bulkhead
bracket and rear crossbeam stabilizer.
The high rigidity of the 3.5 RL unit-body structure reduces noise and vibration in the passenger cabin, enhances handling precision and stability, creates excellent safety performance and increases overall durability. A high proportion of galvanized panels are used in the 3.5 RL structure and body panels for enhanced corrosion protection and overall longevity.
OVAL-SECTION FRONT TOWER BAR
Instead of a conventional tubular steel front brace between the
firewall and the upper front-suspension locating points, the RL uses
an oversized, oval-section tower bar brace, as well as a reinforcing
plate that ties the firewall and front cowl section. This design
increases rigidity as much as 12 times over a conventional round tube
design, reducing cowl shake on rough roads and in spirited driving,
while increasing steering precision.
FOAM-FILLED B- AND C-PILLARS
For reduced cabin-noise transmission, the B- and C-pillars are filled
with a special heat-expanding rubberized foam material that expands
to fill the hollow pillar during the baking cycles of the painting
process.
HONEYCOMB FLOOR PANELS
Special lightweight honeycomb panels are used in the floor structure
to increase rigidity and reduce noise and vibration. These panels are
composed of a resin-impregnated fiber matrix bonded top and bottom to
thin-gauge galvanized steel sheets.
BODY
OVERVIEW
The 3.5 RL body design is intended to impart a muscular stance and
dynamic appearance while maintaining an enduring elegance and
sophistication. The body of the 3.5 RL is significantly taller than
previous Acura luxury sedans, for improved headroom, especially in
the rear seats, and a more substantial exterior appearance. The 3.5
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.
The 3.5 RL has a low coefficient of drag of 0.32 and a coefficient of lift of 0.102, resulting in greater high-speed stability and 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.
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 enhanced 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 visible surfaces are protected by a 23-step, 4-coat,
4-bake paint process, with special antichip primer and special
chip-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 anticorrosion wax that
displaces moisture for even better protection.
CRYSTAL-CUT TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY
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 assembly.
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 POWER MOON ROOF
The RL includes an innovative power moon roof. The outer moon roof
panel first tilts up, for increased ventilation, and then opens
completely with one additional touch of the control button.
Heat-rejecting privacy glass is used, and the moon roof is programmed
to pause at the 130 mm position during closing to help ensure
passenger safety.
UNDER-CHASSIS SPOILER
A special spoiler, located immediately behind the front bumper, has
been developed to reduce airflow under the RL, thereby reducing the
high-pressure air under the front of 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 high speeds.