Looks like the next Acura RL "SH-AWD" (super-handling all wheel drive) will use an ATTS system on the rear axle. They didn't call it ATTS, but the principle is the same: it is a planetary gear set on one wheel that can change the speed at which it is moving in turns.

I always wondered why the ATTS never made its way into any other cars...looks like Honda finally remembered it!

 

Wow interesting. I'm guessing ATTS is pretty expensive and since Prelude sales for the 5th gen didn't meet their expectations, Honda just dumped the idea. The Prelude has always been the market tester with Honda's new technologies, except VTEC.

 

I just don't see in any instance when the RL will need it.

It only activates in hard cornering, which I doubt those will do in a RL.

If traction issues are the reason, why not just go with auto traction control?!

 

I believe that it's just a marketing component of the new RL. I'm pretty sure that people who don't know anything about cars would like an extra feature that helps with handling to say that they just have that feature.

 

I think Acura wants to try and cut in on the luxo sport sedan market, i.e. M5, E55....pretty miserable failure IMHO. Only 300hp and a V6? That's a heavy-*** car, probably won't be too fast (a G35 is 3400lbs with 260hp V6 and does 0-60 in low 6s, for comparison). They need to put a big V8 in that sucker.

But yes, the Prelude always has been the first with new technologies (hence the name). It was one of the first to get VTEC, ABS, 4 wheel steering, ATTS, and the Acoustic Feedback System.

 

I don't think Honda will ever release a V8 lol. It has poorer gas mileage and Honda is a proponent in protecting the environment. But I do agree with the fact that the RL will probably flop in their faces because the competition within that market is just too fierce, but the RL will have one advantage, price.

edit: I think the RL will be the primary competitor against the AWD G35.

 

i thought the new RL came with an "atts-like system" for its AWD setup; active on both front and rear axles? i guess i had mistaken what i had heard

 

I dont think the RL can compete with the USDM Skyline (G35). And isnt the RL more like an Impala or Crown Vic type car, big luxury type. And the TL the sporty type like the G35?

 

TL competes with G35, 3-series, C-class. RL competes with Q45, 5-series, E-class.

 

Exactly what I thought, but no way is it comparable to a Q45, those things are like american cars, BIG.

 

I still don't how this is tech related

 

the new RL is suppossed to have 300 hp. And this is hardly impossibly/improbable, as the current tl is rated at 270, the nsx was at 290, etc.

If you've driven many of honda's v6's (odyssey, tl, new accords, well... basically all of them. I work at a honda dealership.) you know honda makes some bitchin v6's.

And it's primary competition will be the g35/GS430/Q45, not the ****** M5 and AMG E55. Honda can be kinda stupid, but they're not motherfuckin' retarded.

 

THe ATTS is active on all axles

you can read all about it here http://world.honda.com/news/2004/4040401.html