Honda today unveiled the new 2009 Acura RL at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and while it may not be what you were looking for, it was a much needed redesign. Following in the steps of the redesigned Acura MDX the 2009 RL gets a sharp sleek exterior design with major hints of the 2008 Honda Accord sedan in the front and rear fascia.

Powered by a 3.7 liter V6 engine, the 2009 Acura RL produces 300hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated with a new version of the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission. The RL’s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system returns for 2009, but has been upgraded for quicker response and better performance.

The interior also received a total redesign and besides the numerous technology features that the RL is well known for, new this year is the F1-style steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and a new straight-gate console mounted gear selector.

The 2009 RL will go on-sale this spring at Acura dealerships nationwide.