Honda Reports

By  TCC Team,December 3rd, 2008

2009 Acura RL

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Honda CEO Fukui recently committed to plans for a V-8 engine. Is the company making an unwise move in a tight market?

The luxury-oriented Acura RL has never been a strong player in its segment, especially in its latest iteration. Despite all kind and manner of high-tech advancements and SHAWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) systems, the sedan has just six cylinders, front-wheel drive, and is a bit small for its class. As such, it hasn't resonated with luxury buyers.

On that note, and presumably also to be used in Honda's trucks (Ridgeline), SUVs (Pilot, MDX), and minivan (Odyssey), Honda recently announced that it will be offering a V-8 in the 2011 Acura RL sedan. Fukui claims the engine will be state-of-the-art and offer unparalleled efficiency for a V-8. But even with direct injection and cylinder de-activation, greater displacement will equal greater consumption to some degree.

If Honda does it right, the RL could conceivably and finally be a legitimate competitor with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-series, and Lexus GS and IS sedans. But more than just an engine, the RL needs more appealing styling and a larger rear compartment.

Honda could be poised to steal some sales from the luxury players as well as have a high-tech V-8 offering in its premium and truck models. But Honda should proceed carefully, noting Toyota's glut of trucks and SUVs that aren't selling at present. Nonetheless, it wouldn't be bad for the company to be able to boast more product and technology diversity alongside its fuel-efficient compact and mid-size vehicles with a dedicated following.

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