draph

I'm a pretty die hard manual fan, and current owner of the 4g TL 6MT; but, just for grins, I test drove a V6 Advanced TLX. I wanted to try the DCT i4, but they didn't have one at the time.

I have to say the TLX is a step-up in refinement from my 2010, mostly from the quieter interior (not with use of materials, which seems about equal). The Advanced tech provided interesting novelty, but certainly not something I can't live without. Part of the test drive was on a road that didn't have any painted lines, and the steering wheel tug (for no apparent reason) from the LCAS was a little disconcerting - I first thought something was wrong with the steering, or it was doing some major tramlining. Auto-dim side view mirrors and auto up/down on all four side windows finally brings it in line with the 2007 BMW 335i standard features I had leased and have missed on my 2010 TL. The paddle shifted 9AT still has that short delay between flicking the paddle and transmission response, which is unacceptable if I want to resort to a paddle shifted AT to replace an MT. The DCT may respond more quickly, but that with the 4 cyl would also be too much of a compromise coming from a 305hp V6 6MT.

Conclusion: I'm still holding out for an under $50K well-equipped, roomy sports sedan with MT that's NOT a BMW. I am sufficiently satisfied with my paid-off 2010 TL to wait until '16 or '17. Mid cycle Type S 6MT, if it is going to ever exist, should be out by then, or at least announced to be coming out. I know the Chevy SS sedan is supposed to get a 6MT next year (exact drive train config I would have bought in the 2010 Pontiac G8 GXP if they hadn't killed Pontiac the same year my BMW lease ran out); but, now that I know GM has direct injected V8 getting high 20s (near 30 mpg) in the C7 'vette, I'm waiting for next generation SS built on the Caddy ATS/CTS architecture and hoping for the LT1 7MT. If none of my sedan MT dreams comes to fruition, I may wind up another one those guys bragging about how I got 300,000 miles out of my 20-year old Honda clutch. ...and maybe I'll find out how many miles the SH-AWD clutch packs will last.

So, any other MT fans out there who have considered a TLX?

kurtatx

If one is an MT driver and big Acura/Honda enthusiast, they should wait for a potential model update from the big H or A unless they absolutely need a new model.

r9matth11

I drive a 05 acura tl 6speed mt and I work at honda and build them I deff going pick one up

Nexx

man as much as i like driving manuals, if only had one car it would be an automatic. thankfully i have a weekend warrior that is a 6 speed and an automatic daily.

silverTL6

iTrader: (2)

I also drive manuals exclusively (3G TL and B6 S4) and considered the TLX after seeing the prototype. But with the production version being watered down and no manual tranny available, I lost interest. Fingers crossed they'll make a hi-po TLX with one, but the lower rent interior will still take some getting used to.

Funny, I also considered the G8 GXP just before they killed it, but couldn't get over the drab interior (as old as the 3G is, its interior is still light years ahead). The SS 6MT has peaked my interest too, but will be more expensive than the GXP, whose price was already hard to swallow for a "GM" car.

As for other $40-50k 6MT midsize sedans...the B8 S4 doesn't do it for me, so I'm waiting to see how the B9 S4 unfolds. The 335i Sport is another alternative, but something about its interior still looks cheap. 435i Gran Coupe might be a stretch, as the base 428i GC is already $40k

Other wildcards: Will they offer the Q50S or S3 with 6MT? CLA45 AMG and IS350 will never get manuals because that's just how MB and Lexus roll. ATS-V maybe? Too bad the Regal GS is a 4-cyl else I'd be all over it. And the S60 polestar is ~$60k and auto-tragic only.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

wait for the American V8 in 6mt of your choice

fuck acura for making bland cars.

BEAR-AvHistory

^^^^^

Tell us how you really feel.

9speeder

I would get the Chevy SS now, who knows if there is going to be a next gen with a stick shift.

How about the Golf R, if you can live with a hatchback.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^^
http://autoweek.com/article/car-news...le-stick-shift

Stew4HD

It's about time Chevy made another great looking SS. I wonder if it is based on the Holden body type, like the lackluster looking GTO was

Acura_Dude

Justin

RedRyder

iTrader: (1)

Completely agree with your statement about replacing an MT with a paddle shift AT, any delay is unacceptable. Though I've heard with Lexus' PWR mode that any delay is not noticeable in the IS350. Haven't driven one myself though. In my mind the only autos you truly won't see a delay in are twin clutches, but that means a more expensive car. Still, with paddle shift rev matching is not needed, which takes more away from the MT experience.

I was excited when I read press releases about the TLX being more geared toward sporty driving, but the resulting drivetrains don't really indicate that in my opinion. Disappointed with the looks too, to me a new Accord EX Sport or Touring looks better. The prototype looked better, especially at the rear.

kurtatx

In all fairness, the SS was an automatic only before it was a manual.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^ i thought that was known.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

my friend has a 6mt 2014 camaro SS 1LE and its fucking bad ass.

kurtatx

Well maybe the TLX will get an MT down the line. It took even Chevy to make the SS a manual.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I think it's an unfair comparison.

those american monsters are awesome, if you can afford the gas and insurance.

if you cant afford the gas and insurance, you're stuck with mediocre products.

back in 2010, i got to play with a '10 Dodge Challenger SRT8 in 6MT form for a month.
awesome daily driver.
was very docile during normal commuting; step on the skinny pedal and it roared to life.

I chose my TL because its what I could afford without skimping out on what I thought was valuable.

my 2006 6MT TL is capable of beating most cars on the street.

in the end, it comes down to preference and what you personally want.

a77

I prefer manuals as you have total control over the cars gearing and no auto can do this. But it is only a good thing if the change quality and the clutch are good. The potentially better economy (gearing aside) is a bonus. The TSX has possibly the best gearchange and clutch action on any car ever made. But to move on from it (lease is expiring) means getting an Accord or an ATS if I am to stay with a manual in a sporty sedan. The ILX I do not like and the Civic Si is too boy racer. Both are unsatisfactory TSX replacements. I am considering a TLX as its 8 speed auto is so good. But I will miss rowing my own. It is criminal that the Accord sedan does not come with the V6 and a manual. Would make my decision very easy. The V6s auto has no degree of manual control at all.

Kandiru

Audi S4 6MT AWD/eLSD 0-60=4.9s stock. It is a ripper and
looks just like a plain A4. The electric steering in the B8.5
ie 2014 model killed the fun, a used B8 can be found, do not
get one without the eLSD, it turns the rear-biased quattro
into an all weather beast, with season appropriate tires of course.

The TL was a strong competitor but non-folding rear seats
and the AWD trunk humps killing space even further took
care of that.

Here is mine:

silverTL6

iTrader: (2)

The SS is a low volume vehicle, Chevy was merely "testing the waters" by making it auto-only in the beginning as that's what most people buy (even in the sport sedan category).

The Holden Commodore which it's based on has been available with 6MT from the beginning, it was just a matter of if and when it'd make financial sense to import it.

silverTL6

iTrader: (2)

Nice car. Love the B8 exterior styling but still not a fan of the interior which to me was a step back from the B6/B7. The ride is definitely more compliant and less jarring though, and interior noise significantly reduced. But I love the V8 rumble and exhaust note too much to upgrade

Fibonacci

TLX is a step up in luxury, not so much in the sportiness dept, but I've only driven the V6 PAWS so far. Not sure what my next car will be, but hopefully Ken is on the money with a TYPE-S manual prediction.

FamilyGuy

Considered, yes.

Getting one? Nope. It would be a step down from my 7 year old type s. Maybe when and if they release a true sports version.

And why is the TLX here in the forums as a 5th Gen TL? It's not a TL...the TL and TSX are dead. TLX should have it's own page as a 1st gen car.

Ken1997TL

Well I'm keeping my S2000 and trading in the Accord. Having said that, I'd love to see a Type S...

Ken1997TL

TLX clutters things up. Same with RLX. Easier to just add a link.

Nedmundo

It's tough for die-hard MT drivers these days, and even though I don't want to go auto, I'm afraid I'll have to consider some auto-only cars next time around, including the TLX and the IS350 F-Sport. The 6MT cars in this segment all have issues. The ATS is too small for family duty, and properly equipped (e.g., with LSD) is way too expensive IMO. We all know about the cost and reliability issues with BMW, and I strongly dislike the steering in the 3 Series, but IMO it's still probably the best MT option in the segment. No way I'm going with Audi unless I'm convinced the reliability issues have been addressed.

So I'm not sure where I'd end up, but it would probably come down to the TLX v. 3 Series, just as it was TSX v. 3 Series last time. If the BMW's steering has been improved enough, I'd probably go that route. It's a great car overall, and I'm not surprised it's sold so well.

Ideally, however, we'd replace our Mazda 5 with something safer and more road trip worthy, so "my" car could be smaller. Then I'd get a WRX or Focus ST.

MyT6MT

No 6MT TLX so I decided to go with a MDX. Swapped my 2012 6MT TL last Tuesday. Happy I went with the MDX vs the TLX. I liked the TLX but the MDX made more sense for me if I could not get a 6MT.

TLin05

Thinking about either TLX SH-AWD or the Audi S3, sometime next spring/summer. Leaning toward the S3 right now based on performance, but a 6MT option would tip me toward the Acura and I'd probably wait til 2016 MY for it. Will really on how they sit/feel (I'm getting older and much more critical of seat comfort...) and how they drive though.

cbptls

Not yet. My TL-S is still driving strong.

SilverJ

I considered the TLX after I saw the prototype. I knew there wasn't going to be a 6 speed manual but I figured if the car looked like that, had comparable 0-60 performance to my 6MT Type S, AND had a killer interior maybe it would be worth it to not have a manual and switch over.

All of that went out the window when the car was actually released.
Performance isn't what I expected, the look is considerably blander (although still pretty nice, just not the "OMG thats awesome" look of the prototype), and the interior--well for me I don't care about the interior if the other two items aren't up to what I would want.
I just have to accept the fact that Acura will probably never make another car in a manual like the 3G Type S. Its a shame, but it is what it is.

W.B.MASON

I actually preferred the driving experience in the manual transmission 2013 TL SH-AWD as compared to the 2007 TL-S manual.

slats

First off, to all these clowns talking about a Chevy SS and cursing Acura- how about switching forums? If you want the best handling sedan shop BMW, if you are all about straight line power than go with your bow tie brand or buy a hemi. For those of us who value Acura for offering a well balanced blend of handling, performance, fuel economy, luxury, and the outstanding reliability Honda is known for, let's get back to the subject at hand.

Yes I currently drive a 1st gen black on black TSX 6MT navi with only 90K but am strongly considering the new TLX. Drove one yesterday and looked the car over top to bottom and was very impressed overall.

miner

My wife is considering retiring her '08 TSX 6MT Nav for a TLX Adv. It will be her sole decision. I did suggest the BCP/Espresso combo though.

slats

Nice combo for sure. The espresso interior looks very upscale.

Fibonacci

Taking my 6MT in for an oil change on Monday and am looking forward to checking out the expresso interior in person. From some pics it looks sorta purplish in others like

Fibonacci

Just picked up my black/black SH-AWD TECH. Still have a tinge of regret on selling my 4G 6MT. Swapping some sportiness for luxury is a trade-off I'm willing to take because a bona fide sports car is in the future.

Too early to post much in the way of driving impressions because I've been easy on the throttle, but overall a nice incremental improvement over the 4G.

Stew4HD

WOW! Big step. Please let us know your impressions after you have had a good feel for the TLX.
Grats!

a77

Grats from me too - going from 6MT TSX

Dutchy

Due to a left ankle fracture a few years ago I am not into pumping the clutch pedal in long drives or city traffic anymore. The 8 spd DCT in my TLX is a great and I don't really miss my 13 Accord Sport 6 M/T. At least I've got paddles and rev matching to play with.

qwxilvr

The lease is coming up (Jan 1) on my 2010 6mt sh-awd... I was at the dealer today looking at the tlx.

I drove one and was impressed generally with the car... but... I traded my 2007 TL auto for the 2010 because of the manual transmission. Having said that, they fixed a good portion of things I don't like about the 2010... No having to hit "OK" every time you start the car, no oddly spaced trunk and trunk hump, no folding seats, Nav traffic that actually works... And then added some features that I think are really useful, like cross traffic alert etc.

Don't know if that makes up for the stick though... I drove the 9 sp auto shawd but from what I hear, the 8 sp dct is a sweet heart... Kinda wish it was available across the board.