Acura Announces Pricing of New 1999 3.5RL Flagship Luxury Sedan
2 November 1998
Acura Announces Pricing of New 1999 3.5RL Flagship Luxury Sedan Revised '99 RL Features Enhanced Safety, Sportier Styling
and Additional Luxury Features
BOSTON, Oct. 30 -- Acura introduced the new 1999 3.5RL luxury
sedan at the New England International Auto Show today and announced pricing
for the new RL at $41,900 or a $2,100 reduction based on a comparably equipped
1998 model.
All 1999 3.5RLs are equipped with two major breakthroughs in airbag
technology, designed to enhance front seat passenger safety. One system
automatically adjusts the deployment of the front passenger SRS airbag based
on the severity of the crash. The Honda patented system, which uses a
dual-stage inflator, is the first such design ever to be used on an
automobile.
The second breakthrough is a side air bag system that uses a series of
seven sensors to monitor size and position of the front seat occupant to
determine deployment. The system uses information from the sensors to
de-activate the bag if the passenger is determined to be too small and out of
position. Together, the innovative new systems offer a highly responsive
combination of supplemental restraint systems.
In addition to the RL's enhanced safety, it receives a number of styling
and suspension refinements for the new model year.
The exterior of the new RL has a more aggressive look. With a wider
stance than the previous model and chiseled character lines, the 3.5RL
exhibits a stylish and elegant posture, resulting in enhanced aerodynamic
performance. In addition, body rigidity has been increased to provide better
handling while reducing interior noise and vibration levels.
To further enhance the '99 RL's sporty character, the double-wishbone
suspension has been retuned to improve handling responsiveness. Increased
damping rates and revised spring and bushing settings improve both cornering
performance and ride comfort. Larger, more powerful disc brakes in the front
and rear are combined with a four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for
sure, predictable stops. New High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with
powerful xenon bulbs provide exceptional nighttime visibility.
Interior improvements for the 1999 RL are designed to create a more
inviting driver's cockpit and passenger's environment. New standard comfort
and convenience features include: a 6-disc CD changer, an automatic day/night
rearview mirror, the addition of the HomeLink(TM) system to the sun visor, a
burled-camphor-trimmed instrument panel and center console armrest with a
pop-out beverage holder and an accessory power outlet in the center console
beneath the cellular phone storage tray.
For 1999 the Acura 3.5RL is offered in one fully appointed model with only
one factory-installed option available, the satellite-linked Acura Navigation
System for $2,000. The second-generation Acura Navigation System is one of
the most sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, navigation systems on the market
today.
Like all Acura models, the 3.5RL is covered by a comprehensive
4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Additional ownership
benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC) which provides free 24-hour
roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.
