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Comments
I guess I can do without one. Just MHO. That turning circle does bother me. In California, there are many tight U-turns. My friend's RX300 with 44ft proves hard to negotiate tight U-turns and parking spaces.
robertsmx, great posts on the gear ratios.
Still "based on internal testing".
Interesting.
- Ray
Wondering why . . .
I do not think that the published RL weight is disappointing.
And I do not think that the EPA highway numbers (26 or 25) are disappointing.
If one requires (or desires) AWD, there are trade offs. One is the additional weight and parasitic drag of the additional drivetrain components.
- Ray
No longer looking at AWD as a requirement . . .
Robertsmx - I've been thinking about your formula. At it's core, it's simply power multiplied by mechanical advantage, then divided by factors of resistance. But I've got a question about the tires. In your equation, you use the circumference of the tires as an indicator for their resistance to the power of the engine. What about the mass of the tires?
I would think tire mass would also be a factor, though I cannot for the life of me guess at how significant. Have you got any links on the subject?
Thanks in advance
If your reading this, and I know you do since you've posted Edmunds comments on your site in the past.
Please add the ability to ask for the time using the voice command.
In our 04 MDX 189, the clock is so far down the dash that you have to look away from the road for 2 seconds just to see the time.
Having the clock adjust for daylight saving time would also be a plus.
thank you.
Aggressive... lean muscle
Exterior: Front
Classy... sleek
Exterior: Side
Clean, yet muscular...
Exterior: Rear
Huge foot rest to go with "piano-style" gas pedal...
Interior - I
The front seat headrests have an interesting look to it...
Interior - II
Link to the News Item (Japanese)
Varmint, mass of wheel will not play a role in affecting the overall gearing (hence thrust or the max speed in each gear). It will, however, contribute towards drag/rolling resistance and weight of the vehicle, besides handling.
I have had the set of formulas I quoted for several years now, and have been playing with them. But I’m sure a web search could lead us back to the source.
World-Class In-Car Speech Recognition System for Navigation in 2005 Honda Cars
How come the rear headrests can be powered down but must be manually raised? Most folks that sit in the back NEVER raise the headrest.
but i bet their entire line up for the next 10000 years will always be these ridiculous boring silvers, golds & shades of gray...
blah!
ksso
ksso
- Ray
Wondering about what that Canadian MSRP might bode . . .
(From: Auto-Tech 2004)
SOMERS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 1, 2004--
IBM's Breakthrough Embedded ViaVoice(R) Technology Recognizes Street Names; Solution Bundled with Real-Time Navigation and Zagat Survey
IBM(R), the world leader in information technology innovation, today announced that it has jointly developed with Honda Motor Company a unique, hands-free and natural-sounding in-vehicle speech-recognition system - the industry's leading-edge navigation application. Honda will offer the system as standard equipment on the 2005 Acura RL and as options on both the 2005 Acura MDX and 2005 Honda Odyssey in the United States and Canada beginning this month.
Using IBM Embedded ViaVoice software, Honda is the first car manufacturer to equip automobiles with in-car navigation systems using advanced speech recognition and text-to-speech capabilities that can identify spoken street and city names that exist across the entire continental United States. This allows drivers to speak all street addresses represented in the US navigation system database and receive turn-by-turn voice guidance to their destinations. The breakthrough voice-recognition system can also enable enhanced ease-of-use by eliminating the need for drivers to take their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road, since no typing on touch screens or manual dialing is required.
To create this advanced, natural-sounding text-to-speech system, IBM and Honda research-and-development teams digitally processed hundreds of hours of speech recordings previously found in earlier-model Honda systems. They also produced hundreds of additional recordings to design a high-quality, customized, natural-sounding text-to-speech voice, digitally segmenting speech and intonations that can allow vehicles to communicate naturally with their drivers. The result: a totally new type of speech synthesis that can capture the characteristics of the human voice. In addition to the natural-sounding text-to-speech, the Honda Odyssey, the Acura RL and the Acura MDX now feature more than 700 commands and more than 1.7 million street and city names that are accessible by voice.
Another unique system feature is nationwide dining information from Zagat's Survey, which provides drivers and their passengers the ability to request the names of, and directions to, nearby restaurants and also listen to or view restaurant reviews.
Besides its advanced speech recognition capabilities, the 2005 Acura RL comes equipped with the first real-time traffic navigation system in the United States, which integrates real-time traffic data into the navigation display. Other integrated features include:
-- AcuraLink, which communicates information between dealers and drivers, and
-- HandsFreeLink, which uses BlueTooth technology to synchronize personal cell-phone data within the car environment; this provides drivers hands-free, speech-enabled dialing on phones with built-in BlueTooth capability.
IBM's voice-recognition technology is integrated into the car's audio system so that driving instructions can be heard over the speakers. Alongside its navigation functions, the system also provides command-and-control capabilities for audio, DVD entertainment system (Odyssey) and climate control functions.
Honda and IBM, using IBM Embedded ViaVoice, have deployed leading-edge voice-enabled telematics solutions since 2003. User satisfaction with the Voice Recognition-enabled systems has been outstanding due to Honda's engineering ability and the strength of IBM Embedded ViaVoice's speech technology and automotive telematics solutions.
The new Honda navigation system is the latest in a broad portfolio of in-vehicle solutions that combine IBM's pervasive computing technology and telematics know-how. Software and electronics comprise a rapidly growing percentage of innovation and differentiation in cars today. IBM's integrated, open-standards-based software and telematics solutions are increasingly allowing data to benefit customers virtually wherever they are, helping to create entirely new industry models.
"Drivers can now fully access the majority of the resources inside the navigation system with voice input" said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "As in-car navigation systems evolve and become more commonplace in today's vehicles, our extensive voice-recognition features give Honda and Acura products a distinct competitive advantage."
From the side, the car looks like a glorified Accord. It seems to me that it's the Honda Accord that is back. Hard to believe that after all these years this was the best that Acura could come up with for the "new" RL.
Clearly, most of what is new and exciting is INSIDE the car, and not on the outside. But hey, that's just my opinion .. your mileage may vary.
Strange speaking, I still do know how my accord v6 looks like exactly after 3 years. I guess all I do is get into the car and drive it and get out of the car and the process repeats countless times. And, all I pay attention to is really the inside of the car.
Are you a tuner or some sort? You know quite a bit about car design.
Any good book to learn more about car design?
Thank you very much,
I've learnt much of the things by observation and participating in these forums though. I'm sure you have and will, as well.
I've always considered the Legend/RL to be a glorified Accord - a little roomier and more plush. But, the Accord has always been a great standard to other manufacturers to emulate.
For the American market, either those frills would add to the cost, or Honda doesn’t think American buyers want it until the MMC (model refresh) couple of years down the road. ;-)
But then, we’re probably talking excesses. The new RL already has a load of them but in a non-traditional way.
Yeah, I know mass isn't a factor in the gearing. But as a component in resistance, I thought it might degrade thrust much like the weight of the vehicle does in your equation.
Silly factoid for the day...
Using that formula a CR-V LX (5 speed manual) with AWD will pull .61 g's in first gear. Which is about the same thrust as the TL quoted earlier.
Yep. You're right about the CR-V. Honda was very aggressive with the first gear ratio in the CR-V.
After seeing the pictures, I think it looks completely stunning from front and back (not profile) in DARK colors.
I think it looks completely ugly in light colors, front, back or profile.
wow, damn....
ksso
Chiggy:
Thank you for an outstanding post. You have succinctly captured the essence of what is for me at least the continuing dissapointment in the moribund RL legacy. Looks do indeed matter, and when someone steps up and pays 50 Large for a luxury sedan the car should look the part. It's appearance should evidence one or more of these attributes: speed, muscle, grace, elegance, luxury, class, stature -- and be pleasing to the eye. The kind of car that you look back and admire as you park it for the night, or the one you are proud to get in after the parking attendant brings round your car outside the restaurant.
It continues to amaze and astound me how Acura could get it so wrong AGAIN. Their design staff should be FIRED. While the Lexus LS430, the S-class and E class Mercedes, and the Audi A6 look like luxury cars, Acura's offering is a glorified Accord. Even the Infiniti G35 looks like a car with some passion in the exterior design.
It simply boggles the mind how Acura keeps churning out mediocre styling for the RL, notwithstanding the terrific looking styling of the 2004 TL.
I will wait to see the car in person, but as I have said many times on this forum - ad nauseum - Acura's wretched styling prompts me to wait and see what both Lexus and Infiniti offer in a similar price range.
-- Sorry if I have gored anyone's ox, but after all this is a forum which fields multiple viewpoints and tastes --
LOL! It's funny how different tastes can be. I had exactly the opposite reaction!
Just a warning note, if you haven't seen the M in real life, something I noted you seem to be drooling about, from my impression at the NY Auto show, the M & RL both have similar sqat-sitting frog stance & look, just different details. I generally don't like nissan looks, 99% times, except the 350Z... and I think the M looks better in person than the RL, but then again it was a relative comparison of auto-show cars, both in UGLY lighter colors.
It tickles me that everybody keeps talking yards and yards and yards about how they are such a distinct individual & unique & then they all go out and plunk 20, 30, 40, 50 & more K's on really silly silvers and white's & grey heaps of metal... colors that everybody has!
ksso
Well, we already know what Infiniti has in mind for this price range, and I know from previous posts that you consider the upcoming M45 to fit your perception of what a luxury car should be. Like you, I'll wait until I see it, but from the pictures, "wretched" doesn't do justice to my reaction to the M45. Tasteless, tacky and lavishly fitted with hideous, overwrought styling flourishes inside and out.
"Its appearance should evidence one or more of these attributes: speed, muscle, grace, elegance, luxury, class, stature -- and be pleasing to the eye."
Well, to my eye, the M45 fails miserably on all of these fronts. Give me the understated elegance of the RL any day.
As for the other cars you listed, Audi has just placed a major blight on the formerly attractive A6... the "gaping maw bottom-feeder" grille. Looks like they decided to subscribe to the Infiniti approach of "styling excesses for the sake of styling excesses". All I can say is "ugh".
And I've just been looking at spy photos of the upcoming S-Class redesign. Its front and rear styling is so similar to that of the new RL that it could have come out of the same design studio. So either Acura isn't as far out in left field styling-wise with the RL as you claim, or Mercedes has just taken a giant step into the same left field. Personally, I think the former is the case.
I have a feeling that over time, RL's styling will grow on people, while M's will fade. We shall, of course. ;-)
S-Class = gorgeous
LS=has a solid shape to it, not the sexiest car, but still looks like a luxury car
E-Class= gorgeoous again, they did a great job at making this car sleak
BMW 7 & 5 Series=exotic, for those who want to be different, this is the choice
A8 & A6= look sleak, I've never thought audis to be really exotic, but rather they have a clean look to them that makes them nice. The new grill is pushing them towards the "sexy" end.
RL= It is neither sexy nor luxury like. The current RL has that Lexus LS luxury look to it. It just looks like they worked so hard on the inside that they got tired and forgot about that outside. By looking at the car, you can't even say who to compare it to.
Another note, even if the new S-Class misses on the looks side, or the new LS misses, or even the new M, all of these car companies have at least another car to back it up. the S-Class has the new CLS and the E-Class. The LS has the GS to back it up. The M will have a new Q to lead the way. We only HAD one shot, and we BLEW IT. So, that's why this design is such a problem, there is no Acura above it to compensate for it, to say, oh well they built this one bland, but then they went really exotic on this one. For now, Acura will have to ride on the TL's coat tails.
chiggy, Infiniti might drop the Q, making M its top of the line. The stated reason might be such a large car doesn't have the performance it wants to project as a brand. The real reason probably is it doesn't want to develop a new platform for very limited volume.
Based on the amazing analysis done by robertsmx, am a bit disappointed in the revs level for top-end in the new rl. too me, the ideal would be tracking around 2200 at 80 mph for combined low fuel usage, quiet engine compartment but not so low that it takes much time to cycle to higher revs for acceleration in top gear. perhaps the rl should have been equipped with a 6th speed?
Not to split hairs but my point about the LS 430 was simply that it looked the part of a luxury car. I would be the first to agree that the front end of that car desperately needs a new look, and always has. As far as it's profile and tail, I can live with it; though it surely does not stimuate the senses.
Replying to other fellow's observations -- as for the Infiniti M class, my comments were meant to address the new 2006 M, not the existing model, which I agree has a front end reminescent of a large mouth bass. And speaking of large mouths, yes, I concur that some of the new Audi's coming down the pike have a front end only a mother whale could love.
This short and squat trend in styling as Ksso adroitly recognized, as well as the bizzaro front ends on some of the newest cars, is a direction that I personally don't like. BMW's 745i was an early case in point -- and that stretched Dodge that's half-car and half-station wagon makes one wonder what the design stylists are smoking these days.
To me it's kind of sad that it seems that some of us will be picking cars not because the styling thrills us, but rather, it comes down to the car that's least offensive to the eye.
But as comedian Dennis Miller likes to say, I could be wrong.
;-) Cheers!
Indeed tastes do differ. I think that the front end of the 2005 RL is its weakest trait -- it's cross-eyed.
As for the M, yeah, straight on, the front end ain't great, but it's no worse than the RL IMO, and the rest of the styling -- profile and tail -- do work for me.
Sure will be nice when these cars hit the showroom floor so we can all have a good look up close. Of course, this thread will see its demise shortly thereafter.
Well, having read your posts over couple of months, I’m not surprised at your assessment. But RL looks smarter to me, and its headlamps flows into the grill. It is athletic, while M is laid back with eyes that suggests cluelessness. ;-)
As for the M35... I'm sticking with my angry amoeba analogy.
As i've said consistently, given I dislike lighter color, and that both the RL and the NEW 06 M concept at the auto show were in light colors, i liked the M better, but purely based on pictures (and only the darker colored RL considered here), the RL looks better to me.
I am not ashamed to say I love the old 5&7 BMW's and I ALSO love the new 5&7 BMWs...
my taste is twisted.;)
ksso
Now, my '96 RL is going to the dealership on Tuesday (9/07) for a minor recall issue. I'm sure I'll hear from management about the '05 and me being "the first."
I, too, have a '96 RL and received no recall notice. What is the reason for the recall?
Please elaborate.Ironically, I have an apointment at the dealer on 9/7 as well....both my ABS and TCS lights persist in remaining on. Do you have any idea what causes this condition and is it a complex fix?
Thanks.