2011 Acura RL US Pricing Announced
Acura's full-size sedan got a slew of upgrades for 2011 and it is now on sale, pricing starts at $48 060 for the base model, $52 210 for the Technology Package and $56 010 for the Advance Package. Prices include shipping.
2011 Acura ZDX US Pricing Announced
Acura's flagship model is also now on sale for 2011, with pricing starting from $46 505 for the base model, the Technology Package is priced at $51 005 and the Advance Package is priced at $57 055. Pricing includes shipping.
Half of Prospective Acura Buyers are turned off from styling
Acura has been definitely harshly criticized for its styling choices, since the debut of the "beak" on the 2009 Acura TL, but now a J.D. Power Avoidance Study cites that more than half of possible Acura buyers were turned off from the brand because of the styling elements. Interior styling was the second reason why they did not choose an Acura. Lately, it looks like Acura is listening with a massive redesign of its beaks starting from the 2011 TL/TSX models. However, damage has already been done to the overall sales and the current transaction prices sitting at an average price of $37 665, more than $5 000 less than its rivals. Initial quality and residual value remain strong despite the poor showings in styling. Acura/Honda would be wise to carefully pick out the styling direction of future Acura models.
Future of Acura
At the debut of the RL, the press asked questions on the future of the RL as well as what will come down the pipe for Acura. They most certainly said that the RL will remain as a conservative model no matter what kind of redesign will come (new model expected in about 12-18 months) and will most certainly not include a V8. They believed that the RL customer is conservative so the car most definitely has to be conservative as well. It looks like the next RL will continue to build upon and hopefully spur some momentum and excitement into the current vehicle's dying and sputtering image, expect a horsepower bump to around 350hp to make it competitive. The press was also told that something very Acura unconventional-like was to be introduced as well, in about 12-18 months when the new RL is introduced. Much of the technology already developed in previous NSX mules we're told, will be used in this new car. So whatever it is ... cross your fingers? Will it be an NSX? Will it be a compact sports car? What do you want it to be? Comment below!