With rumors of Honda ’s luxury brand getting a V8 engine for its flagships circulating for years, new reports rekindle the flame. The current Acura RL makes do with a 300 horsepower V6 putting power to the ground via a front-wheel-biased all-wheel drive system. The reports hint the next generation RL will be built on a new rear-wheel drive platform, with a decidedly rear-wheel bias for an expected AWD system, and powered by a 4.8 liter V8 good for 420 horsepower.
The new engine, a first for Honda , would feature a cylinder deactivation system to attain class-leading fuel economy, according to Inside Line. The Advanced Sedan Concept Acura showed at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show may provide a hint as to the new flagship’s look. Last month, Japan’s Best Car magazine printed a rendering of the RL, reporting it would have a 4.5 liter V8 under its hood.
Earlier beliefs included Acura skipping V8 engine development and taking a page or two out of its F1 engine program to produce V10s for the street.
