06-08 RL models how do they compare?

[Skyline98]

As far as I know very few Aspecs sat in the showroom. I believe it had to be ordered. Though rare on an RL I'm sure they can still be ordered. I had the dealer do mine. Figured it was OEM let them do it.

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[daveCFPrez]

just read this on the wiki:
2005–2008 A-Spec Performance Package

For the 2005–2008 models, Acura offered an A-Spec package for the RL. The dealer-installed package consisted of a body kit, badging, revised suspension and different wheels. The package was first announced at a late 2004 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas.[17] It should be noted that the A-Spec package for sale was distinctly different from the Acura RL A-Spec Concept Vehicle announced and shown as a striking dark red one-of-a-kind custom creation in early 2005 at the Detroit Auto Show.[18]

The performance part of the package included the A-Spec sport suspension and A-Spec 18-inch alloy wheels, which allowed the use of more sports-oriented lower profile tires.

The A-Spec sport suspension changed out the four spring and damper (shock absorber) strut assemblies. The A-Spec suspension featured lowering springs (approximately 0.75 inch) and revalved dampers. The ride was stiffer, but not overly so, and handling was improved with less body roll, more controlled cornering and enhanced feel. Reportedly Acura chose to make the RL's A-Spec suspension more compliant than the very stiff A-Spec sport suspension upgrade for the Acura TL, in keeping with the two different missions of the cars: luxury for the RL, luxury sport for the TL. Acura RL A-Spec retained the same suspension geometry as the stock Acura RL suspension alignment specifications.

The other A-Spec performance upgrade was A-Spec 18x8 inch alloy wheels, a 10-spoke lightweight design (about the same weight as the 5-spoke 17x8 inch OEM wheels). Recommended tires were either 245/45-18 sized Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ultra high-performance summer tires or Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ultra-high-performance all-season tires. Alternatively, less sport-oriented Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 Grand Touring All Season tires were also available in the same size. Typical of Acura optional wheels, the 55 mm offset of the stock 17x8 inch wheels was maintained so that suspension geometry could remain untouched.

The A-Spec appearance package consisted of a front air dam, side skirts, rear bumper air diffuser and a subtle trunk decklid lip style spoiler, all designed to give the car a more aggressive "aero" look. The parts came pre-painted from the factory to match factory colors. All parts were dealer installable. If the dealer installed the A-Spec parts at the time of purchase, the original new car warranty of four years/50,000 miles would apply. If installed after purchase, the normal one year/12,000 mile parts warranty would apply.

As of the 2009 mid-model change, A-Spec options were no longer offered. There is a widely held belief that the A-Spec suspension should have been the standard suspension on the Acura RL, and that the stock suspension was too soft, hampering the very capable chassis and drivetrain. This belief seems to be supported by Acura's move for 2009 to a firmer standard suspension, plus larger and wider 18" x 8" inch standard wheels and lower-profile 245/45-18 size tires. More aggressive "aero" look body work was also standard, and a revised trunk decklid spoiler was made available as a dealer installed option.

[daveCFPrez]

Found an '06 RL A-Spec, but if I'm going to buy another Acura I'm going to hold out for exactly what I'm looking for. (2008 RL A-Spec)

[misdeismo]

I can confirm that the original suspension is way too soft. Haven't ridden in a RL with A-spec suspension but I suspect that even that one is going to be a tad soft for my taste.

Definitely hold out for at least a '07 (which I have) as most if not all of the kinks were worked out by then.

[stevieray]

Originally Posted by daveCFPrez

Found an '06 RL A-Spec, but if I'm going to buy another Acura I'm going to hold out for exactly what I'm looking for. (2008 RL A-Spec)

Good luck on that, bro Dave. You might find one with the A-Spec body kit (which can still be ordered) or one with the A-Spec suspension & wheels but rarely do you see one that has all 3. One often thing to consider about the A-Spec suspension is that as of about a month ago, there was ONE of the LF, LR and RR A-Spec shocks in the entire U.S.. RF had been manufacturer-discontinued. Just sayin---

[rwheadon]

Originally Posted by stevieray

Good luck on that, bro Dave. You might find one with the A-Spec body kit (which can still be ordered) or one with the A-Spec suspension & wheels but rarely do you see one that has all 3. One often thing to consider about the A-Spec suspension is that as of about a month ago, there was ONE of the LF, LR and RR A-Spec shocks in the entire U.S.. RF had been manufacturer-discontinued. Just sayin---

Now THAT'S a limited run dealer mod!!! I love the stance and treatment of the 06-07 "pre-beak" appearance. I'd ditch the chrome and be pretty happy with one of those... er, I mean... IF i were a sedan guy.

Tall guys, how comfy are those G2 RLs? I have a 6'1" family member to think of.

rich

[OLDSKOOLACURA]

This is my 2007 RL Tech Package with 43,000 miles.

30% llumar ctx tint
19" Ronjon wheels
H&R lowering springs.

I'm extremely happy with how the car turned out, the car looks even better in person. Pictures do it no justice.

Posted from my garage

[stevieray]

Originally Posted by rwheadon

Tall guys, how comfy are those G2 RLs? I have a 6'1" family member to think of.

rich

Rich, I'm 6'2" and have plenty of head and leg room in the front. The rear is going to be tight for someone 6'1" but certainly doable. Probably no worse than a G2 Legend Sedan.

[sam o nela]

My Driver License says I'm 5'7" (its very optimistic).

I have been great in every Legend/RL I've ever sat in...with the exception of Kotetu's with the NSX seat...with the brackets designed for his 6'0"+ self in mind.....I couldn't even see over the steering wheel/cluster.