Acura updates the RL sedan, sets price for the ZDX wagon

Acura, Honda's luxury division, has made some slight changes to its flagship RL sedan for the 2011 model year. It has also set prices for the 2011 ZDX wagon.

Both models are powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine, rated at 300 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Power is transferred to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

The RL is estimated to get 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the ZDX is estimated to get 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway.

The ZDX remains unchanged for the 2011 model year--its second year on the market--but Acura updated the RL's exterior and interior.

The 2011 Acura RL includes power-folding mirrors, available backup sensors and a revised grille. The interior has minor changes including silver-colored gauges and a revised backup camera, which is mounted at a new angle to improve rearward visibility.

The 2011 RL is available in three trim levels-the standard RL, the RL with technology package and the RL with advance package. Each trim level comes standard with a leather interior, power windows and moonroof, Acura/Bose audio system and a Bluetooth hands-free system.

The 2011 RL with the technology package includes a backup camera and sensors, a navigation system and active front lighting system. The advance package adds adaptive cruise control, power-folding mirrors and Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System, which monitors the distance and closing rate between the RL and the vehicle in front. If the system senses the potential for a collision it warns the driver, and if a collision is highly likely, it applies the brakes and pretensions the front seatbelts.

Prices for the 2011 RL start at $48,060 for the standard package, $52,210 for the technology package and $56,010 for the advance package. Prices include shipping charges.

Standard features on the 2011 ZDX include a hands-free Bluetooth system, power windows and tailgate, a panoramic glass roof and a leather interior.

The technology package includes a navigation system, a 415-watt audio system and a keyless entry system. The advance package adds the Collision Mitigating Braking System, blind-spot sensors and the Integrated Dynamic System active damper system, which alters the independent suspension to suit the driver's preference.

Prices for the 2011 ZDX start at $46,505 for the standard model, $51,005 for the ZDX with the technology package and $57,055 for the ZDX with the advanced package. Prices include shipping charges.

By Brad Constant