1999 Acura 3.5 RL Press Kit

1999 Acura 3.5 RL Press Kit

INTRODUCTION

The Acura 3.5RL is the flagship sedan of the Acura lineup. The product of an intensive research and development effort in which every nuance of the interface between driver and car was examined, the 3.5RL luxury sedan takes Acura to a new level of comfort, refinement and human engineering. At the same time, the 3.5RL delivers an engaging driving experience with the confident handling, immediate response, advanced safety engineering and high levels of performance Acura drivers have come to expect.

Dramatic improvements in comfort,ergonomics, noise, vibration and harshness performance make it the quietest, smoothest, most refined Acura ever built. The 3.5RL is a world-class luxury sedan,competing with the likes of Mercedes E Class, BMW 5- series, Audi A6, Lexus GS 300/400 and LS 400, and the Infiniti Q45.

The 3.5RL is Powered by the largest engine with the most torque ever produced in an Acura sedan. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine develops its peak torque at an extraordinarily low 2800 rpm, giving immediate throttle response, authoritative acceleration and the on demand power typical of a big-boreV-8, but with the light weight and packaging efficiency of a V-6.

For 1999 the Acura 3.5RL boasts more than 300 modifications yielding significant benefits in handling performance and ride quality, styling, passenger safety and comfort, refinement and value . Major enhancements for 1999 include:

• A new, more aggressively styled exterior highlighted by a wider wheel stance and sharply chiseled body character lines. Restyled exterior panels include the front and rear bumpers, front chin spoiler, hood and grille, front fenders and headlamps, rear combination lamp, trunk lid and rear license plate garnish. Only the doors, rear quarter panel,outboard mirrors, roof and glass are carried over from the previous model. A new, half-inch wider alloy wheel and a new Michelin tire design complete the 3.5RL' s more muscular stance and aggressive appearance.
• Enhanced occupant safety with the addition of driver and front passenger side air bags. This new side air bag system features innovative occupant-detection technology that detects the position of the front-seat passenger's head through sensors in the seat back and disables the front-passenger side air bag in the event that the occupant is improperly positioned or of small stature and at risk of injury from air bag deployment. A new three-sensor crash detection system sets a ten mph minimum threshold for side air bag deployment while ensuring accurate crash detection.
• A new dual-stag inflator for the passenger front air bag which reduces the rate of air bag inflation during low speed collisions to enhance passenger safety.
• A more rigid chassis structure for improved handling, high-speed stability, ride comfort and NVH. Torsional and bending rigidity are up 20 and 15percent, respectively.
• One fully equipped trim level with a greatly expanded list of standard luxury amenities including Traction Control System (TCS), Home Link®remote control. system, heated front seats and side view door mirrors, six-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, magnesium-cast steering wheel with floating horn pad, sun visor extender, and an illuminated center console utility box with 12-volt accessory power outlet and newly designed retractable cup holders.

PERFORMANCE

• A retuned suspension system that delivers more precise and sporty handling, balanced with luxury -class ride comfort, as well as a new magnesium-cast steering wheel with dynamic damper that imparts a lighter steering feel with reduced wheel vibration.
• New xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, with twice the illuminating power of conventional halogen headlights, provide enhanced visibility and active safety performance.
• An available Acura Navigation System with new, more user-friendly features, including current location details, which allow the driver to see his or her current location with the touch of a button; a balloon function, which offers address information for any location on the map display; key shading, which automatically shades letters that are not possible next letters when entering a destination; and points-of-interest destination input by phone number.
• Improved aerodynamic performance. Coefficient of drag is reduced from 0.34 to 0.32, while the lift coefficient is down from 0.155 to 0.102.
• Michelin P215/60R16 MXV4 Plus M+S all-season tires with new sidewall and tread designs for improved handling performance and reduced road noise.
• New, half-inch wider16x7JJ cast-aluminum alloy wheels with a new wheel design.
• Larger diameter, ventilated front disc brakes and larger cross-section front and rear rotors for reduced brake fade and improved braking performance.

GENERAL CONCEPTS AND GOALS

The Acura 3.5RL is designed to provide:

• An unprecedented, level of comfort along with top-rank driver and passenger amenities.
• The smoothest, most compliant ride of any Acura ever built, balanced with predictable, sure-footed handling expected by Acura drivers.
• The concept of "human linearity"taken to new heights; the subjective feelings and intuitive response s of drivers and passengers have been given top priority in all major engineering decisions.
• A torquey, highly responsiveV-6 engine that gives the immediate acceleration, low rpm power and overall performance typical of a V-8, but with the light weight, packaging efficiency and fuel economy of an advanced V-6.
• A subtle, roomy "open-feeling" interior design along with a state-of-the-art Acura/Bose® music system and other top-rank amenities.
• Best-in-class air conditioning and climate-control performance, both in cooling efficiency and in quiet operation.
• The strongest, most rigid sedan unit-body structure in Acura history, using a high percentage of two-sided galvanized steel for excellent durability and corrosion protection.
• A high level of advanced safety engineering, including dual front air bags, driver and front passenger side air bags, front seat belt tensioners, front-door hip and shoulder pads and advances in interior padding, and xenon High Intensity Discharge headlights.
• Bold exterior styling, using a prominent grille and high, wide "shoulder lines" for a distinctive Acura look and feel, coupled with excellent aerodynamic performance with an emphasis on low levels of lift, predictable handling in gusty conditions and low wind noise high speed.
• Environmentally friendly construction,with CFC-free R134a refrigerant and components designed and labeled for easy recycling.

OVERVIEW

The Acura 3.5RL is available exclusively as a four-door sedan in a single trim level featuring a full complement of standard luxury features and amenities.

Every 3.5RL is equipped with an all-aluminum, 3.5 liter, single-overhead camshaft V-6 engine with four valves per cylinder, producing 210 horsepower ® 5200 rpm and 224 lb ft of torque ® 2800 rpm . Direct ignition, Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) and a three-stage Variable Induction System enhance drivability, low-end response and overall performance. A balancer shaft is used to eliminate primary couple vibration, resulting in extremely smooth engine operation at any rpm.

A four-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission is standard. "Grade Logic Control" software is used for improved acceleration and reduced gear "hunting" while driving uphill and to enhance engine braking on downhills. A gated shifter is used to give the driver a more intuitive sense of shifter position.

The 3.5RL features a front-wheel-drive powertrain design for lighter weight, improved packaging efficiency and handling stability. Four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension ensures optimum balance of precise handling and luxury ride quality. Special low-friction joints and dampers provide improved ride compliance while hydraulic bushings ar used in the rear suspension for reduced road noise. Four-wheel disc brakes with ventilated front rotors provide excellent stopping, and an Acura designed four-wheel S is provided as standard equipment.

The unit-body chassis of the 3.5RL is engineered for excellent bending and torsional rigidity for improved handling precision, a more solid feel and optimal isolation of undesirable noise and vibration.

An available satellite-linked Acura Navigation System employs GPS and gyroscope locating systems to provide audio and visual guidance. The liquid crystal display (LCD) unit is mounted in the upper section of the center console for easy use.

The 3.5RL comes equipped with an unusually long list of standard luxury features, including an interior trimmed with soft leather and burled camphor wood; electronic Traction Control System (TCS); an acoustically tuned eight-speaker Acura/Bose®music system with AM/F stereo, cassette and six-disc CD changer; HomeLink®remote control system; Automatic climate control system; heated front seats; slide and tilt moon roof; rear-seat pass-through with ski boot; telescoping magnesium-cast steering wheel with leather cover; power seats, windows and door locks; a two-program memory system for driver's seat, steering wheel and mirror positioning; auto on/off headlights; 16x7.0 JJ cast-alloy wheels; remote keyless entry and security system; and an anti theft electronic vehicle imobilizer system.

1999 Acura 3.5 RL - Powertrain

POWERTRAIN

OVERVIEW

The 3.5RL is powered by a 3.5-liter, all-aluminum,single-overhead camshaft, 90-degree V-6 engine that produces 210 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 224lb ft of torque at a very low 2800 rpm that is signed to go 100,000 miles before its first scheduled tune-up. Four valves per cylinder and a three-stage variable induction system help to provide both high torque at lower engine speeds and excellent breathing at higher engine speeds. The 3.5RL engine was developed with two major goals in mind: first, to provide maximum power at the engine speeds used in most day-to-day driving (1500 rpm to 4000 rpm). And second, to be both quieter and smoother than any engine in Acura history.

The engine is located longitudinally moving weight to the rear of the car for the 60/40 weight distribution deemed optimum for a front-wheel-drive sedan. The longitudinal mounting also yields benefits in Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) performance, because it allows the use of softer and better located engine and transmission mounts.

An electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission,with Grade Logic Control software, is standard on every 3.5RL.

ENGINE BLOCK

Like other Acura engines, the block of the 3.5RL engine is an aluminum pressure casting with cast-in iron liners, a design known for its light weight, excellent rigidity and outstanding long term durability. The crankcase is designed with a deep skirt and extensive webbing for added rigidity, reduced noise and reduced vibration. The 3.5RL engine is a slightly undersquare design, with a bore of 90.0 mm and a stroke of 91.0 mm, for a displacement of 3474 cc.

The main bearing journal supports are generous for added rigidity, resulting in significantly reduced vibration in the 300-to-800Hz range. The improvement in stiffness has raised the resonant frequency of the engine block an impressive 20 Hz.

PRIMARY COUPLE BALANCER

To further reduce vibration transmitted to the passenger cabin, the 3.5RL engine features a rotating balancer shaft, mounted to the right side of the engine block. The belt-driven balancer counteracts the rocking tendency inherent in 90-degreeV-6 designs.

CRANKSHAFT

The forged steel crankshaft is microfinished, an extremely precise finishing process developed originally in the Formula One engine program to reduce friction and enhance durability. The metallurgy of the main bearings is also a direct result of the FI program of the late eighties and early nineties. The surface of the bearings has a unique, pyramidal structure, allowing space for enhanced oil retention and resulting in lower friction and improved long term durability.

BLOCK - FORGED CONNECTING RODS

The connecting rods of the 3.5RL are forged using a unique process, that results in parts of high strength and unprecedented uniformity. The 3.5RL engine is the first automobile engine in the world be produced using this advanced technology.

Because of the imprecise nature of the conventional forging process, the connecting rods of all other auto engines must be sorted according to weight, with rods of approximately equal mass assigned to each particular engine to achieve proper reciprocating balance. Even in rods that happen to have equal overall mass, the distribution of metal density throughout conventional rods can vary enough to affect strength and engine balance.

The rods of the 3.5 are forged with a new "block forging" system in which the steel blank is struck, at extremely high pressure, from five directions at once. This process has no allowance for excess metal; it has nowhere to go in the ultra-precise block forging dies. Accordingly, the blanks that will be forged into 3.5RL rods are machined before the forging process, to exacting mass tolerances. In other words, the material that will become an RL connecting rod has been precisely measured and balanced before it ever enters the forging dies.

As a result of this process, RL connecting rods are the most precisely balanced of those in any production-atitomobile engine.

FULL - FLOATING PISTON PINS

To reduce the engine noise caused by contact between the pistons and piston pins, the 3.5RL engine uses a full-floating piston pin design in which the clearance between the piston and piston pin has been reduced. Typically the piston pin is a press fit in the rod, and a larger clearance between the pin and the aluminum piston allows the piston to rock freely. In the 3.5RL design, the pin moves freely in the rod, and the piston rocks freely on the pin as well; the piston pin is essentially free to "float" between the piston and the rod. This change alone has resulted in a significant 5 db noise reduction.

CYLINDER HEAD/VALVETRAIN

The 3.5RL engine features a four valve-per-cylinder valvetrain with pent-roof combustion chambers. A single camshaft for each cast-aluminum cylinder head is driven by a flexible toothed belt. Hydraulic lash adjusters are used for quieter running and reduced maintenance.

VALVE TIMING

Conventional high-performance engines typically use a substantial amount of valve overlap to achieve better breathing at higher rpm with the intake and exhaust valves opening simultaneously at Top Dead Center between the exhaust and intake strokes. At low rpm, however, this allows blow-back of the fuel-air mixture, with exhaust gas creating a pressure wave that reverses the flow of the fresh incoming charge. To prevent the resulting unstable combustion-and relatively rough running-at low rpm, the 3.5RL camshaft timing has considerably reduced valve overlap, resulting in smoother low-speed running an improved low-rpm torque. The advanced four-valve-per-cylinder design, along with the variable Induction System intake tract, combine to maintain excellent high-rpm power output.

FUEL PULSATIONNOISE REDUCTION

To reduce the pulsing noise emanating from the fuel injectors, a special sound dampening unit is mounted at the junction of the fuel delivery tube and each individual injector.

TIMING BELT

To further reduce noise, the resonant frequency of the timing belt has been tuned by altering both its width and its material. The position of the belt tensioner was also optimized as part of the intensive effort to reduce overall engine noise.

VARIABLE INDUCTION SYSTEM

To tune the intake system volume and length for optimum torque at any rpm, the 3.5RL uses a three-stage intake system. To enhance cylinder charging by making use of resonance effects in the intake tract, the engine uses a longer intake tract at low rpm, transitions to a mid-length tract in the mid-range and then is opened completely for high rpm running, letting the inertia effect of the moving column of air in the system enhance cylinder filling at higher engine speeds. The system has been redesigned and retuned for the special low-rpm high-torque tuning emphasis of the 3.5RL engine.

PROGRAMMED FUEL INJECTION

Programmed Fuel Injection (PgM-FI) compensates for varying driving and atmospheric conditions, providing enhanced drivability and engine efficiency in a wide variety of conditions. Data on coolant temperature, air temperature and density, manifold vacuum, engine rpm, throttle position, crankshaft position and exhaust oxygen content is interpreted by the electronic Control Module (ECM), which determines fuel injector duration and timing, as well as ignition timing and transmission operation.

FOUR-SPEED GRADE-LOGIC AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The advanced, computer-controlled automatic transmission of the 3.5RL is the product of an intensive development program that focused on smooth shifting, responsive operation and state-the-art efficiency and drivability. Further refinement of the shift program has made the '99 RL even smoother when shifting.

The transmission also uses Grade Logic Control to enhance performance on uphills and downhills. Using " fuzzy logic" software, the Electronic Control Module senses when the 3.5RL is traveling uphill and holds the transmission in a lower gear, even if a reduction in throttle position would otherwise dictate an upshift. This prevents "hunting" of the transmission between gears in steady uphill driving. Also, on downgrades, the transmission holds third gear instead of automatically shifting to fourth, letting engine braking help keep the RL from picking up unwanted velocity.

A refined torque converter is used to enhance performance and to achieve optimum fuel efficiency. The converter has been developed to reduce the "creeping" effect at idle, making the vehicle extraordinarily easy to hold with the foot brake at a stoplight.

A gated shifter is used in the 3.5RL, helping the driver sense the position of the lever without diverting attention from the road.

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)

A computer-controlled Traction Control System is standard on the '99 RL. If the wheel speed sensors determine that a front wheel is accelerating faster than the other, or that both fronts are accelerating faster than a preset acceleration limit, the computer automatically closes a secondary throttle valve until wheel spin ceases.

ELECTRONIC RAULIC ENGINE MOUNTS

To reduce vibration at idle, the 3.5RL uses hydraulic engine mounts with two different damping rates: a soft rate that allows the engine/transmission unit to move more freely at idle and a stiffer rate that positions the powertrain more firmly during driving. Between 820 and 850 rpm, the damping characteristics of the mounts change automatically; a small solenoid valve closes, restricting the flow of fluid from chamber to chamber thus increasing the damping rate.

In addition, the main engine mounts have been located very close to the center of mass of the engine/transmission unit, more effectively isolating the primary inertial couple effect at idle. This change has resulted in significantly reduced vibration felt at the front seat in the critical 500 to1200 rpm idle and off-idle range.

LIQUID - FILLED SUBFRAME MOUNT

To reduce engine noise under acceleration, the subframe mounts between the engine/transmission/suspension assembly are filled with hydraulic fluid of a specifically tuned viscosity. The resulting softer damping rate further isolates the passenger compartment from engine and road noise.

1999 Acura 3.5 RL - Chassis

CHASSIS

OVERVIEW

The 3.5RL is equipped with four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension with coil springs, four-wheel disc brakes with ventilated front rotors, an Acura-designed Antilock Braking System (ABS) and stabilizer bars in both front and rear. The goals in developing the RL chassis were to increase overall cornering ability and make the response of the chassis to driver input as linear and predictable as possible while at the same time achieving a smooth, well-controlled ride-and reducing noise, vibration and harshness to a remarkable degree.

Like all Acura models the 3.5RL is designed as a true driver's car, and revised suspension tuning gi e the '99 model more nimble and sporty handling while maintaining excellent ride comfort.

LOW - FRICTION DOUBLE - WISHBONE SUSPENSION

The double - wishbone suspension layout of the 3.5RL (and all other Acura automobiles) allows precise control of wheel movement while isolating the damper units from the side-loading and resulting friction inherent in the less-advanced McPherson strut design used on some other luxury sedans. The front suspension uses unequal-length upper and lower control arms and a tubular stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension is a combination of a longitudinal trailing arm, three lateral links and a tubular stabilizer. For excellent stability and improved ride quality, added antisquat and antidive geometrics were built into the 3.5RL suspension. To achieve a compliant ride without compromising handling response or cornering capability, the 3.5RL suspension also uses a number of innovations to reduce friction throughout suspension travel. The stabilizer bars use highly efficient ball joints at either end, as well as self-lubricating bushings at the sub-frame mount. The upper arms of both the front and rear suspension have low friction ball-joint bushings where they attach to the main structure, reducing overall friction while enhancing rigidity of the suspension assembly. The dampers of the 3.5RL have an advanced Progressive Valve design for increased damping control at low damper speeds while retaining quick, fluid response to large impacts. Special redesigned Teflon seals within all four damper units reduce friction even further for improved ride quality .

For the '99 RL, engineers worked to further optimize the suspension to provide a sportier handling feel while maintaining luxury-class ride comfort. Changes included new front and rear spring rates, modified front and rear control arm bushings and front dampers.

LOW ROLL CENTER

To give the 3.5RL a stable, predictable feel during hard cornering, while improving overall lateral-acceleration capability, the suspension geometry was designed with lower roll centers than previous Acura luxury sedans. The roll center of the front suspension is 59 mm above ground level and 70 mm above ground level at the rear. This has resulted in increased cornering performance, from 0.77 g to 0.80 g, as well as more predictable response at the limits of adhesion.

LIQUID REAR TRAILING ARM BUSHING

To reduce road noise; and harshness, the bushing at the front of the rear-trailing arms is a liquid-filled design, instead of the more conventional rubber-damped bushing.

BRAKING SYSTEM

Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes are standard, with ventilated rotors in front for minimal fade and excellent heat dissipation. For '99 the RL employs larger diameter front-brake discs (up 0 mm to 300 nun) and thicker front and rear rotors (up 5mm and 3 mm, respectively) for reduced fade and improved braking performance. By fine-tuning the leverage ratio of the brake pedal and the response characteristics of the power-brake vacuum diaphragm, 3.5RL engineering team achieved reduced stopping distances while making brake response more linear and intuitive. Combined with the "low-creep" torque converter, these refinements also help make it easier to hold the 3.5RL at a stop.

ANTILOCK BREAKING SYSTEM

A three-channel, four- wheel ABS system is standard. The ABS enhances steering control during hard braking. Speed sensors at each wheel send signals to the ABS control module; if the system detects impending wheel lockup, it first holds, then reduces hydraulic pressure to the affected wheel, letting it regain traction before full braking resumes. The ABS function is also highly effective on split-friction surfaces, in which one side of the vehicle has significantly less traction than the other. In the highly unlikely event of an ABS failure, a warning light is illuminated on the instrument panel. In such a case, the control module cancels the ABS function, allowing the standard braking system to operate normally. The system used in the 3.5RL is a design that weighs 1.3 kg less than the previous-generation ABS system.

ROTARY - VALVE VARIABLE POWER - ASSISTED, RACK- AND- PINION POWER STEERING

The variable power- assisted rack-and-pinion steering uses a rotary valve that senses torque applied to the steering wheel and varies power assist accordingly. This valve, in concert with inputs from a speed sensor, adjusts steering assist for easy steering in parking-lot conditions and quick, precise steering feel at speed. The '99 RL features a new magnesium-cast steering wheel for a lightened steering feel. A dynamic damper has been added to the steering shaft for reduced wheel vibration.

WHEELS AND TIRES

The '99 RL is equipped with newly improved P215/60R16MXV4 Plus Michelin tires on new, half-inch wider 16x7 JJ (up from 16x6.5J1) cast-aluminum alloy wheels. The tires of the RL are of a special low-rolling-resistance design, which yields outstanding ride characteristics and improved fuel mileage while achieving excellent handling response and overall grip. New tire sidewall and tread designs for the '99 model year, along with suspensi changes, yield further improvementsin vehicle handling and reduction of road noise. The tires are an All-Season design, for enhanced traction on wet roads as well as on pavement.

1999 Acura 3.5 RL - Structure

1999 ACURA 3.5 STRUCTURE

OVERVIEW

The 3.5RL has a stamped-sheet-steel unit-body structure, designed to have a very high level of overall rigidity in both bending and torsion. The highly rigid structure was developed using a Cray supercomputer running the NASTRAN finite element-analysis program originally developed by NASA for building space vehicles. For the '99 model year, the 3.5RL chassis has been made even more rigid through the addition of a rear parcel shelf support gusset and a larger bulkhead bracket and improved rigidity of the rear crossbeam stabilizer. Torsional and bending rigidity are up 20 and 15 percent, respectively.

The improvements in rigidity made during the 3.5RL development process have reduced noise and vibration in the passenger cabin, enhanced handling precision and stability, created excellent safe performance and increased overall durability. A high proportion of galvanized panels are used in the 3.5RL structure and body panels for enhanced corrosion protection and overall longevity.

OVAL - SECTION FRONT TOWER BAR

Instead of a conventional tubular steel front brace between the firewall and the upper front-suspension locating points,the 3.5RL uses an oversized, oval-section tower bar brace, as well as a reinforcing plate that ties the firewall and front cowl section. This design increases rigidity as much as 12 times over a conventional round tube design, reducing cowl shake on rough roads and in spirited driving while increasing steering precision.

FOAM - FILLED B - AND C - PILLARS

For reduced cabin-noise transmission, the B- and C - pillars are filled with a special heat expanding rubberized foam material that expands to fill the hollow pillar during the baking cycles of the painting process.

HONEYCOMB FLOOR PANELS

Special lightweight honeycomb panels are used in the floor structure to increase rigidity .and reduce noise and vibration. These panels are composed of a resin-impregnated fiber matrix bonded top and bottom to thin-gauge galvanized steel sheets.

1999 Acura 3.5 RL - Body

BODY

OVERVIEW

The new 3.5RL body design is intended to impart a more muscular stance and dynamic appearance while maintaining an enduring elegance and sophistication. The body of the 3.5RL is significantly taller than previous Acura luxury sedans, for improved headroom, especially in the rear seats, and a more substantial exterior appearance. The 3.5RL flanks are designed with high, relatively prominent "shoulder" lines, for a strong, masculine appearance, and the front grille/fender/burnper area is designed with a very clean, integrated configuration,giving a more massive, yet aerodynamically efficient look.

Refinements in aerodynamics for '99 have resulted in a reduction in the coefficient of drag from 0.34 to O. 32 and the lift coefficient down from 0.155 to 0.102, resulting in greater high-speed stability and a very quiet, distraction-free interior environment.

PRECISE FIT FINISH

The 3.5RL is engineered and painstakingly assembled to have a level of fit and finish second to none in th luxury sedan class, Panels have been combined and integrated, wherever possible, to eliminate gaps and seams.

VISIBILITY

The tall, spacious-feeling greenhouse of the 3.5RL is designed to give the driver and passengers a clear, panoramic view of the road ahead and the surroundings to the sides and rear for enhance safety. The driver's front, side and rear views are largely unobstructed, due to slim, yet highly rigid, roof pillars. The body is designed to give the driver a clear sense of the boundaries of the car, for more secure maneuvering and parking.

PAINT PROCESS AlND CORROSION PROTECTION

The 3.5RL is built with a high proportion of galvanized steel panels, most of them galvanized on both sides for superior corrosion protection. All visible surfaces are protected by a 23 - step 5-coat, 4 - bake paint process, with special antichip primer and special scratch-resist t paint used in areas that are likely to be struck by stones or other debris. The paint process is so precise and exacting that personnel who work in the painting section ofth factory wear special contamination-free clothing while working and are checked for colognes or other cosmetic chemicals that might cause the slightest contamination of the painting environment. Chassis panels are protected by resistant undercoating material, and body cavities are injected with an oil-based anticorrosion wax that displaces moisture for even better protection.

XENON HID HEADLIGHTS

The '99 RL features xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with double the total illuminating power of conventionalhalogen headlamps, improving visibility and active safety performance. Standard fog lamps are integrated into the bumper fascia for improved performanc in combination with the HID headlights.

CRYSTAL - CUT TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLIES

The ultra-high quality appearance of the 3.5RL is enhanced by a special crystal structure cast into the inner surface of the 3.5RL rear outer-lens assemblies.

SIDE - MIRROR AIR DEFLECTORS

As an example of the xtraordinary lengths taken to reduce wind noise, the outside rearview mirrors are designed with a small wind deflector, or spoiler, that directs oncoming air down away from the mirror assembly. By detaching the airflow under the mirror, the deflector reduces the pressure gradient between the air rushing around the mirror housing and the still air behind the mirror, eliminating a "whistling" effect there that has been identified as a cause of wind noise in the wind tunnel.

AUTO - OPEN, PRIVACY - GLASS POWER MOON ROOF The 3.5RL inclUdeS an innovative power moon roof. The outer moon roof panel first tilts up, for increased ventilation, and then opens completely with one further touch of the control button. nergy-rejecting privacy glass is used, and the moon roof is programmed to paus at the 130mm position during closing to help ensure passenger safety.

UNDER - CHASSIS SPOILER

A special spoiler,located immediately behind the front bumper, has been developed to reduce airflow under the 3.5RL, thereby reducing the high-pressure air under the front of the body and diverting it to flow around the sides and over the top. This reduces drag and front-end lift and also reduces wind noise, helping to give the 3.5RL a remarkably quiet interior, even a high speeds.

1999 Acura 3.5 RL - Interior

INTERIOR

OVERVIEW

A great deal of attention was given to the design, materials, comfort features and convenience amenities of the 3.5RL interior, from major issues such as control location and passenger head, hip and shoulder room to smaller details such as extra-large beverage holders and special compartment intended specifically for the driver's sunglasses. The overall design thrust was to give the interior a very open, relaxed ambience, much like the comfortable living room of an elegant, yet casual, contemporary luxury home.

MATERIALS

The leather seating surfaces that give the 3.5RL its luxurious look and feel are carefully hand-selected American hides that are tanned with an innovative process that helps the leather retain its soft, supple feel and resilient strength far longer than conventional auto interior leather. The oils in conventional leather tend to evaporate out of the hides in time, especially when the car is parked in the bright summer sun. This causes leather to prematurely age and dry out over time. It has another annoying side effect-the oil that escapes from the leather is then deposited on the rear window and windshield glass when the interior cools, causing a persistent and hard-to-remove "fogging" effect on the glass over time. The leathe used in the 3.5RL is specially formulated to resist this phenomenon; it reduces window fogging 90 percent better than conventional leather.

Painted surfaces in th,3.5RL interior are coated with a new "leatherlike" paint process that gives those areas a smooth, yet durable matte finish. Containing microscopic particles of pearlescent material and mica, this paint lasts extraordinarily well and imparts a subtle, muted tone. Other interior surfaces are created using an advanced "slush moulding" technique, giving them a soft, luxurious feel.

SEATING

The driver's and front passenger's seats are the products of extensive research and development. They are designed to absorb vibrations and bumps to provide outstanding comfort without sacrificing the firm support needed in enthusiastic driving.

In testing, the 3.5RL seats decreased the upward force felt by test subjects by 50 percent over conventional seats; that is, the subjects felt the jarring of irregular road surfaces only half as strongly as with a conventional design.

Human factors research revealed that the human body has its own resonant frequency; that is, the vibration frequency at which the internal organs of the body pick up an outside vibration and resonate with it. If felt strongly, vibration in this frequency range is very unpleasant, and human test subjects generally gauge the vibration felt in a moving car on the level of vibration felt in this narrow range, between 5 and 10Hz or cycles per second.

To damp out as much of this vibration frequency as possible, the configuration of the springs in the RL seat cushions were analyzed using the NASTRAN finite-element analysis program. Six different designs were tried before one was found that performed to Acura's exacting standards.

Other details in the seats design include gently rounded thigh bolsters at the front to avoid digging into the driver's and passenger's lower thighs. And the front lateral seam, which often runs across under the thighs, has been moved forward and down, eliminating this possible source of discomfort.

The front seats have even been designed to make rear - seat passengers more comfortable. The back of the seats are concave, giving rear - seat passengers nearly an inch more knee room. And the seat rail structure was designed to give rear-seat passengers nearly an inch more horizontal foot room, while the underside of the seat is carpeted to prevent shoe scuffs.

The driver's seat is eight-way power adjustable. It is linked by a memory system with the outside mirrors and electronic tilt and telescoping steering wheel, allowing one of two preset configurations to be accessed at the touch of a button. The front passenger's seat is four-way power adjustable. Both front seats are also heated.

The rear seats are designed and built to fit full-sized adults in total comfort as well. A fold-down center armrest incorporates its own dual beverage holder, and a pass-through to the trunk allows long objects to be carried without soiling or marring the interior.

INTERIOR COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

The 3.5RL is the most lavishly equipped Acura ever built. Advances in soundproofing throughout the car make its interior by far the quietest in Acura history. Nearly everything is standard including cruise control, separate reading lights, power windows, door locks, moon roof and remote keyless entry. The center console features an adjustable, two-position armrest and an illuminated storage area with a 12-volt accessory power outlet and tray designed to hold a cellular phone.

SPEED-SENSITIVE INTERMITTENT WIPER

The 3.5RL is equipped with an automatic, speed-sensitive intermittent wiper system that slows down the wiper when the 3.5RL is stoppedor moving slowly and increases their speed when vehicle velocity increases. For 1999 wiper noise has been reduced through redesign of the wiper blade.

SHIELD WASHER

For '99 a spray-type windshield washer has been adopted, replacing the stream-type system, for improved coverage and washer effectiveness.

AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT SYSTEM

In the 3.5RL, a sensor at the front of the instrument panel senses outside illumination levels; if darkness occurs, the headlights, taillights and instrument panel lighting are automatically turned on. For night time convenience, when the vehicle is parked at night, the lights are left on after the ignition switch is turned off, but go out automatically when the driver's door is opened

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

Acura automobiles have always been known for their high level of ergonomic design and control harmony the 3.5RL takes us to a whole new level of human engineering. The instrument pan is configured with a "trinocular" design. A large center speedometer and associated gauges monitor driving functions. A left-side, slightly smaller circle contains the tachometer while a symmetrical right-side circle includes the fuel gauge and less - used, yet important indicators. The instruments have large displays and are illuminated, even in daytime, for easy recognition. Much time and effort has gone into minimizing the attention needed to understand and monitor each particular system and to make each switch and control nearly as easy to use the first time as it will be after years of familiarity.

The engine's response to the throttle, for example, has been carefully analyzed and developed by fine - tuning the engine powerband, PGM-FI fuel injection system, transmission control unit and the physical layout and geometry of the throttle pedal itself. It has been developed to give a controlled feel that harmonizes, not only with the brake pedal and steering, but also with subjective human expectations of the effect a given push on the throttle will have on vehicle acceleration and speed. Every system has been optimized to give the driver what he or she asks for the first time, instead of forcing the driver to make a constant series of approximate control movements and subsequent corrections.

AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL

The 3.5RL is equipped with a truly state-of-the-art Automatic climate control system and air conditioning system, The system is not only powerful in terms of cooling capacity and efficiency, but it is also extremely quiet, even when quickly cooling the interior on a hot Death Valley day. Even rear - seat passengers have personal control over the direction of heating or cooling air coming their way. Great pains have been taken to ensure cooling uniformity from front to rear, and an innovative subcondenser has been added to the A/C system, improving the efficiency of the unit substantially. In controlled testing, the A/C system cooled the interior from 100 degrees to 70 degrees F in 15minutes--quicker than any other competitor in its class.

MICROSCOPIC AIR FILTRATION

A state-of-the-art air-filtration system removes pollen and other contaminants from the interior environment. the filter element is so fine, it can trap all particles of 3 microns or larger, including almost all pollen and dust, and inhibits the passage of bacteria as small as 0.5 microns as well as some components of cigarette smoke and particulates in diesel exhaust. The filter has two layers: both are composed of felt-like, nonwoven fabric fibers, and one layer is electrostatically charged to help attract and trap even more dust and other airborn particles.

HEAT - REJECTION GLASS

Special solar-energy- absorbing, green-tinted glass is used in the 3.5RL, minimizing the effects of the hot sun on the interior and its occupants. This reduces the load on the climate control system for better cooling efficiency, delays the temperature rise in the interior when the vehicle is parked, and further protects the interior leather and other materials from the effiects of solar radiation.

MUSIC SYSTEM

The Acura/Bose® music system for the 3.5RL is the most impressive ever designed for an Acura automobile. eveloped and tuned by Bose Corporation specially for the 3.5RL, the music system is acoustically optimized to provide clear, authentic sound in any seating position of the interior and automatically compensate the balance of bass, treble and midrange for any volume level. It features an AM/FM tuner, cassette, and a six-disc CD changer mounted in the trunk.

Eight speakers are used:two 2.5 tweeters mounted in the front doors, two 6.5-in single-cone full range speakers in the lower front door panels, two 5.25-in full range speakers, mounted in the rear-door panels and two 6 x 9-in low-frequency drivers in the rear package shelf.

From the easily accessible, dash-mounted control unit, audio output is sent to the auxiliary power ampli er unit located in the trunk. Separate amplifiers are provided inside the unit for eac 6fthe six individual front speakers. Each tweeter has a 12.5-watt amplifier while each 0 the four full-range speakers has its own 25-watt amplifier and the two rear speakers, whi h act in concert as subwoofers, share a 100-watt amplifier. Total music system power is 225 watts.

The antennae for the various receiver systems are all built into the rear window. These include the AM/FM antenna and the antenna for the radio-based keyless entry system. The elimination of the antenna mast lessens complexity and reduces wind noise for the rear-seat passengers.

ACURA NAVIGATION SYSTEM

The sophisticated Acura navigation system is available nationwide and boasts a number of upgraded features for '99.

The system uses Global Positioning System (GPS) data received from satellites, as well as its own inertial guidance system, to precisely pinpoint the location and velocity of the 3.5RL. When asked to guide the driver from one location to another, the system provides both audio and visual cues, helping the driver find the proper address quickly and easily and with minimal distraction. Verbal directions, such as, "Keep right," or, "Next exit on the right" give the driver basic direction, and a visual LCD moving map with a directional arrow, located high in the center console, gives detailed information on street names, turning instructions and driving distances. Geographic data is stored on a hard disk, making it easy and economical to program the system for a new location or to update mapping information. Furthermore, the navigation system provides information and directions to local restaurants, banks, hospitals, theaters and other entertainment options, such as golf courses and museums.

SECURITY/IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM

A remote keyless entry system is standard on the 3.5RL. The keyless entry system is radio-controlled-this gives much better range than a conventional infrared system, allowing the driver to unlock the 3.5RL or activate the "panic button" antitheft function while still a considerable distance from the car. A special electronically coded key prevents the car from being started, even if a mechanical duplicate of the proper key shape is used. A transponder, built into the key, signals the immobilizer control unit the key is genuine. If the car is hot-wired, or an unauthorized key is used, it simply will not start. This system is substantial deterrent to theft. In New Jersey, for example, insurance premiums have been reduced as much as 15 percent when such a system is used.

SAFETY

The 3.5RL is not just the most luxurious and impressive Acura sedan ever built; it also represents the ultimate in state-of-the-art safety engineering for automobiles in its class. Advances in strength and rigidity of the unit-body structure, as well as innovations in side-impact protection make the RL as safe and secure as it is comfortable and gratifying to drive. And, for increased driver control, standard equipment includes a three-channel Antilock Braking System and a Traction Control System.

DUAL AIR BAGS AND AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT TENSIONERS

Three-point lap-and-Shoulder primary belts are provided at all seating positions. A dual front air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) helps to protect the driver and front passenger in a severe frontal impact, and automatic seat belt pretensioners help keep front passengers firmly in position in order to take advantage of the protection afforded by the air bag system.

DUAL - STAGE PASSENGER AIR BAG

To enhance the protection of the front seat passenger during a variety of frontal impact collisions, varying air bag deployment power is used in the new 3.5RL. The Honda R&D patented system which uses a dual-stage inflator, is the first such design ever to be used on an automobile and automatically adjusts the deployment of the front passenger SRS airbag based on the severity of the crash. During a slow speed collision, the dual stage inflator system for the dash-mounted air bag is triggered in sequence, resulting in slower overall air bag deployment with less initial force. During a higher speed collision, both inflators operate simultaneously for full immediate inflation,to correspond with the greater impact force.

The airbag system logic also controls the operation of the seatbelt pretensioners which automatically tighten the seatbelts during a collision to help hold occupants in place. An additional new feature designed into the system also detects whether the passenger's seat belt is fastened. If the passenger seat belt is not fastened, the air bag deploys full force at a lower collision speed to help offer more protection to the unbelted occupant.

SIDE - IMPACT PROTECTION

The '99 RL feature seat-mounted side air bags for the driver and front-seat passenger. This new side-air bag system is equipped with an innovative occupant-detection system for the front-passenger position. The system employs sensors in the front-passenger seat that detect the size and positioning of the occupant and disable the air bag if a very small person is out of position (i.e. leaning into the deployment path) and at risk of injury from side air bag deployment. In addition, a three-point crash detection system establishes a ten mph minimum threshhold for air bag deployment while ensuring accurate crash detection in frontal, side and offset crash situations.

Dual anti-intrusion beams in the front doors, as well as expanded polypropolyene hip and shoulder pads, built into the door structure, help protect front- and rear-seat passengers from a possible lateral collision. Anti-intrusion door beams are also used in the rear doors. And innovative, expanded polystyrene liners, installed above the front doors and inside the A-pillars, help give front-seat passengers added head protection in side-impact situations.

FRONT AND REAR CRUMPLEZONES

The 3.5RL's structure is designed to de-form progressively in both front and rear impacts, letting the front and rear sections absorb the energy of a collision while helping to keep the highly rigid center-passenger section intact. Straight frame rails, front and rear, give the structure the strength necessary to help the 3.5RL withstand offset collisions at either end, with reduced possibilities for passenger injury.