No shortage of hightech perks in the Elite
Topping the list — and still one of its premier features — is SH-AWD, with SH standing for Super Handling.Acura launched this all-wheel drive technology on a Virginia race track — I was impressed with its capabilities then and remain so today.SH-AWD distributes torque not only to the front and rear wheels, it also senses when a shift of power between the right and left rear wheels will enhance traction or improve handling.On the track, it made a noticeable difference in vehicle stability. In the slippery winter driving conditions during my time with the 2008 Elite model, it was equally adept at keeping things headed in the right direction.There are some high-tech activities going on inside the SH-AWD’s computer that I will never comprehend, but I do know the end result was a sense of confidence and security, regardless of what Mother Nature threw my way.In addition, there is electronic stability control (Acura calls it VehicleStability Assist) and a traction control system that works in conjunction with the SH-AWD to help the RL stay on course even when the driver tries hard not to.There are other electronic nannies to enhance comfort and safety. For example, the Collision MitigatingBraking System (CMBS) senses the car’s closing rate on the vehicle ahead.Using a radar transmitter mounted behind the grille, it determines if the gap is shrinking too quickly — perhaps because the driver has nodded off — and then alerts the driver with a burst of beeps and a “brake” signal on the instrument panel.If the driver fails to react to those prompts, CMBS starts to take matters into its own hands by tightening the seatbelts and lightly applying the brakes.If the driver has still not reacted and it appears a crash is imminent, the system throws out the anchor to try and reduce the impact as much as possible.The list of standard equipment on the upscale Elite also included an active front lighting system that swivels the high-intensity-discharge headlights as you turn into a corner.The RL’s bright lighting system was welcomed during winter’s long nights — being able to “bend” that light around dark corners made it even more so.One electronic feature less appealing is the RL’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).The system maintains a preset distance between the car and the vehicle directly ahead by lightly applying the brakes or opening the throttle. I’m not a fan of these systems — which are found on other brands as well — because, as you close in on a vehicle to overtake, the ACC saps the momentum to help make a safe pass at the moment you’re starting your move. I appreciate what it’s trying to do, but I prefer being able to use my own foot to maintain a safe spacing.
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Tags: Acura, burst, launch
