"After two years of new product introductions we're now concentrating on adding to the line to emphasize the Acura brand, while still offering the utmost in luxury appointments and performance," said Rich Thomas, Acura's executive vice president and general manager.
Beginning with the line's flagship sedan, the Acura 3.5RL offers the maximum in luxury and performance while continuing to be the best value in the luxury sedan market. The flagship model is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine that produces the most torque of any Acura sedan. Due to Acura's technologically-advanced engineering, the 3.5RL, along with the 3.2TL and both the 3.0CL and 2.3CL, do not require a tune-up for the first 100,000 miles.
Enhancements on the 3.5RL for 1998 include revised suspension settings that give the vehicle more sporty handling while still maintaining a smooth, compliant ride. In addition, the 3.5RL gains new alloy wheels that feature a bright, machined-finish, and an additional three-point safety belt for the center rear seating position. New standard equipment on all 3.5RLs includes the Acura/Bose" audio system, heated mirrors, and burled walnut trim on the instrument panel, all of which previously were available only with the Premium Package.
Offered as an option on the 3.5RL is the Acura Navigation System, an innovative, first-of-its-kind satellite-linked in-dash system. Featuring a 6-inch color LCD touch-screen mounted high in the dashboard of the 3.5RL, the Navigation System provides digitized mapping and a database of landmarks, shops, restaurants, attractions and more.
The Acura TL Series of touring luxury sedans are designed to be sporty and reliable alternatives in the mid-luxury segment. For 1998, the 2.5TL and the 3.2TL each have been streamlined into a single trim level. In addition to the full complement of features previously available only on the Premium model, the 2.5TL now features the following standard equipment: leather-trimmed interior, power moonroof, keyless entry and heated mirrors.
1998 Acura Full Line
Returning for 1998 with more vitality is the CL Series of luxury sports coupes, the first Acura model designed, engineered and manufactured in the United States. This year the 2.2CL is replaced by a more powerful 2.3CL featuring a larger,
2.3-liter, 150 horsepower engine. New standard features offered on the 1998 CL line include: a new front grille, body colored bumper skirt and side sills, bright machine-finished alloy wheels with distinctive wheel designs for both models, steering wheel-mounted audio system controls, an anti-theft immobilizer system and a simulated woodgrain-trimmed center console.
Adding to the list of standard features on the CL Series is the HomeLink" Universal Transmitter, which is standard on all 3.0CLs and the 2.3CL with Premium Package. The HomeLink" transmitter can hold up to three codes for remote controlled devices, including garage door openers and house lights, and will activate the devices by a push of the button.
The most popular model in the Acura line-up is the fun, sporty, precision-crafted Integra. For 1998, the Acura Integra is available in five sports coupe trim levels (RS, LS, GS, GS-R and Type R) and three sports sedan trim levels (LS, GS and GS-R).
Among Integra's new product features are styling changes, including aerodynamically designed front and rear facias, new front and rear combination lamps and lenses which give the car a sleeker, more integrated exterior look and feel.
Returning in the Spring of 1998, the Acura Integra Type R is designed for true performance enthusiasts looking for quick response and exceptional acceleration. With its 195-horsepower, 1.8-liter, DOHC, 16-valve VTEC engine, the Integra Type R delivers truly exhilarating performance.
For 1998 the Acura SLX luxury sport utility vehicle features an all new four-wheel drive powertrain with a larger, more powerful 3.5-liter, DOHC V-6 engine, producing 215-horsepower. The SLX's new look reveals updated styling with a completely redesigned front end including new bodywork, lighting, grille, alloy wheel design and body-colored side mirrors. This year the Acura SLX is available in a single, fully-appointed trim level.
Rounding out the Acura line-up is the exotic NSX sports car, which combines world-class performance, styling and prestige with unsurpassed levels of refinement, driveability and reliability. For 1998 the NSX continues to offer the 3.2-liter, dual overhead-cam, 24 valve, 90-degree V-6 as its standard engine, which yields a powerful 290 horsepower. The NSX also is available with an automatic transmission that features a robust 3.0-liter V-6 engine that provides 252 horsepower and 210 lbs-ft of torque.
All Acura models are 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.