The Chicago Auto Show may not hold a lot in the way of exotic surprises, but it does have a good number of very solid real-world car debuts. Near the top of that list is the 2009 Acura RL - and with its new dose of technology and increased power, the RL is likely to earn some fans while on display.

Showcased by Acura as the 'very best we have to offer in terms of engineering, technology, performance, luxury and safety,' the RL is chock-full of features. Everything from XM Radio Notes, AcuraLink weather and traffic, Active Sound Control and Bluetooth to Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, electronic steering, SOHC VTEC valvetrain and Collision Mitigation Braking System can be found in the RL - and that's not even an exhaustive list. For luxury lovers with a gearhead bent, what's under the hood is a bit more interesting.

The first-ever SOHC implementation of VTEC, the 3.7L V6 that powers the RL makes a stout 300hp and 271lb-ft of torque, which should be plenty to give the sedan the power and verve you'd expect. Mounted to the steering wheel are 'F1 style' paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the Sequential SportShift five-speed automatic. Emissions meet California's ULEV-2 standards, and fuel economy is not listed, but is mentioned to be 'good.'

You can expect the usual complement of safety features, and the interior of the RL won't disappoint, with perforated leather seating and wood pattern panels. For the audiophiles, an Acura/Bose 10-speaker system with DVD-audio gives a great experience. On the outside, the RL gets a slightly more aggressive look, thanks to a new front grille and aluminum hood.

The 2009 Acura RL will hit dealerships in Q1 of this year, starting at $46,280.

Acura RL 09