Jerzyboi

I think the lighting has a lot to do with it. the left grille has less direct lighting while the right side does and then there's the viewer's POV.

mondster

Car looks low from this shot. I like it. Looks really aggressive. Now all we need is that rear bumper fixed.

Treblig

Weather, I suspect you will warm up to the TLX as "more time evolves" and that yours will look great!

As far as the bodykit is concerned, amidst all of the many rumors floating around, my dealer says that he is hearing a $4K bodykit option may be available that may include the prototype front and rear bumpers. I know that is pricey, but.......

012TL-GLM

LOL, maybe Acura is trying to compete with BMW...

brutustlx

I agree, I would love to see that, and have looked around and not one spy-shot or otherwise has shown this interior.

I think the car has it faults sure but overall I think it will be a very strong seller for them....and I for one will put it near the top of the list of cars I look to get this year.

weather

I suspect you are correct I wouldn't have a problem paying 4k on a bodykit provided that it looks great ... time will tell.

pnoi521

At least it seems like they fixed the back of the front seats compared to the car that debuted last month.

Rocketsfan

Hmm... one of those is the 4-cylinder and the other is the 6-cylinder. One of the trim options is Milano leather, as well. I'm wondering if that's what we're seeing as differences.

Rocketsfan

... I knew it.

weather

^^ DAMN YOU!! *lol*

Don't count your chicken until they hatch though.....I am still looking at a few scenarios

a35tl

Weather, I'm looking forward to the day that your avatar is a hot looking white '15 TLX SH-AWD Advance.

docboy

Holy smokes, a $4k bodykit? At least it now seems that Acura may be listening,

If said bodykit makes the TLX look like the prototype, then the kit is going to have to be negotiated along with the deal to the point of it being mandatory in my books.

Come on Acura, give us the prototype concept or body kit or whatever you call it + 6MT/at least a DCT transmission with a sport SH-AWD suspension with a decent exhaust, then you'll have a winner.

fsttyms1

Does it matter? Fact is, they would have sold some. That Red DIDN'T have to be made in as many as say white, but at least have it as an option for those WANT'ING to buy it. Just like a S version (or what ever they want to call it), It doesnt have to be a volume seller, Just make it an option for those that WANT to buy it.

012TL-GLM

Don't bother arguing with Rocket_man, he's imbibed too much Acura Kool-aid

randomRon82

I really do hate having to rant... but I agree with you. That is a major element that holds Acura back from being taking seriously as a luxury brand. Luxury buyers want options, and Acura really has none... No coupes, no convertibles, no V8's, no RWD, no panoramic roof option, no options for selecting/customizing interior trim (two tone interior, silver trim versus wood trim... different color wood trim, carbon fiber, stitched/vinyl dashboard to look more premium/luxury) Limited interior colors, limited exterior colors... no real flagship sedan that's able to compete with the other Luxury brand's flagship models. How can there be "luxury" in no options?

This is coming from an Acura enthusiast, who had high hopes for the brand.... and still has a tiny tiny ounce of faith that things will turn around with Accavitti and Berkman. Why am I angry? Because Acura has so much potential and I KNOW they can be an industry leader.... but they have been extremely lazy and safe. Leaders take risks. They will never be a tier 1 luxury brand if their only concern is sales numbers and being cheap... Additionally, they spend massive amounts on marketing to advertise mediocre products... that makes a lot of sense.

docboy

+1

I would argue however that Acura has taken some risks, just not necessarily ones AZ members may deem successful.

The ZDX was atrocious and is now discontinued. The "power plenum" was a monstrosity. The polarizing 4G TL is still polarizing (though IMHO the 4G TL 6MT is their best performance sedan and though has a polarizing exterior it is still aggressive looking to date and still looks fresh and not dated).

I like the TSX Sportswagon, but the lack of AWD (and 6MT, or at least a DCT) is a deal breaker for me.

Acura in essence needs more visual excitement, more balls, and more vehicles like a coupe, convertible, and a small sporty SUV. The new NSX is a great start...

randomRon82

When I say "risks" I mean in terms of financials, operations etc... I don't mean adding a grille that covers the hood of a vehicle or hiding exhaust tips. That's just stupidity to me.

Yes, they took a slight risk with the ZDX... however in typical Acura fashion, instead of making it better in order to improve interest in the vehicle, what do they do? They get rid of it... just like all of the other models that they got rid of (RSX, CL so on and so forth). In my opinion instead of making a model better... getting rid of it is the lazy and uninspiring way out in order to just not have to deal with it anymore.

You rarely see the other brands, MB, Audi, BMW getting rid of models all the time.. instead, they IMPROVE them if they are not selling well and they continue to introduce new models to the market. That's what makes them more appealing. Every one of their models may not sell as well as they'd like, however they would rather have the options available to their customers.

Nedmundo

It seems you're making two separate points, one that Acura doesn't offer the same range of models (coupe, convertible, etc.), and another that Acura doesn't offer the same range of options in the models it does offer. Both are differences between Acura and the so-called "Tier 1" luxury brands, but I think this is one way Acura offers value by maximizing production efficiency.

Frankly, I appreciate Acura's approach with options: loaded, and loaded with a high-tech package. I prefer this to the German approach, which is to offer a stripper at the base price, with really basic features like streaming Bluetooth and Homelink bound into exorbitantly priced option packages.

I agree Acura could use a more inspiring model range though. It should have a Boxster-fighting S2000 successor, for example, and a convertible would be nice too. Not sure what it would be based on, but I've long thought a Civic Si derived convertible could be cool, so maybe ILX.

randomRon82

You make an excellent point... but then when you look at the mainstream brands (kia, hyundai etc.) you wonder how they're able to offer a lot of those options that luxury brands offer, if Acura can't. Then you start to wonder if there's really any value anymore.

Colin

Maybe the Won/Dollar vs Yen/Dollar is in the Koreans favor? Maybe their labor rates are lower? Maybe (for example) they leave out 'expensive' stuff like an independent rear suspension in the Elantra (vs. Civic IRS).

randomRon82

I get what you're saying... there are numerous factors that come into play, however to me they are just additional excuses. Lexus and Infiniti (both also Japanese as you know) have a substantial amount of options for their customers, versus Acura... They are more on par with the Germans. They're not using those excuses, so I don't buy them.

holografique

I tend to agree with this from the perspective that they don't offer much for those of us who simply want to do/add more with our car. I'd love more rim options, body style adjustments (e.g. BMW Sport Line, Modern Line, etc.), interiors add-ons, etc. etc. I like how the European car manf. provide more OEM options for the customer to customize the car to their liking.

On that same note, Acura also needs to do a better job of lining up the features across their top models. It boggles me that the MDX has a number of features that their flagship vehicle doesn't have (e.g. IDS, Advanced AC controls for rear-seating, better ambient lighting, automatic trunk door, faster Nav system, etc). Stuff like that doesn't sit well with customers like myself considering how much one pays for the top-line RLX...:|

I appreciate value, but when you are at this level of spend in a luxury car, some customers don't mind spending more to get what they want. And I feel Acura has room to improve in this area.

randomRon82

Spot on... continue to offer "value" products for that particular market.... but also have the option for more premium, for those who want that. It not only provides us with more options, it increases Acura's brand image and makes them more competitive.

Rocket_man

Huh? Finally getting some Sun up there?

"Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that occurs during the same season each year. You may have SAD if you felt depressed during the last two winters but felt much better in spring and summer."


Good catch.. the blue car was the I4, the grey looked like the Advanced. Maybe that was the difference, but the I4 sure looked odd and unrefined.

Really? I think I have avoided falling into the 'bash TLX' group-think here. But just because I think for myself doesn't mean I've drank any Kool-aid. I do like the Acura brand but I've only owned one and I'm happy to buy another brand (and I have) if there is a car out there that meets my needs at a price I'm willing to pay. That still remains to be seen for the TLX. I will say the next car on my list right now is the Kia Optima (but I don't like the color options), and I'm finding myself unexpectedly liking the new Mini Cooper my wife is about to buy (what a fun car but not very practical for me). I will say as far as the TLX goes, I'm Acura's customer to loose. But as I've always said, I want to drive it and know what I'm asked to pay for what features I want before I decide. A Kool-aid drinker wouldn't care.

ACCURATEin

Watching. Waiting.

Rocket_man

There are a lot of comments on this topic. I think in Acura's mind they are probably doing this... They used to have just two trim levels, now they offer three plus different powertrains and SH-AWD options which add up to a lot of permutations to build and sell. So while from Acura's perspective they offer more options, compared to BMW for example they don't come close. Perhaps the ultimate optional-able car is the Mini which has so many combinations that you pretty much never see two of the same car. But that means my Wife's car is around $30K for a small 3-cyl 2-seater with some bells and whistles and a poor reputation for reliability. Is that value? Not really but Mini buyers don't seem to prioritize value. They've also diluted their brand with goofy versions of the car that don't really fit their image. I do think that Acura is likely, and should, make a coupe version of this car. But only because there is an Accord coupe already and they can get some production efficiency.

Acura's competitive edge is value and reliability. Lose either one and they are doomed. The damper fiasco really pisses me off and I don't even own one. I just don't want to get stuck with a defective transmission and have Acura tell me 'it is normal.' If they cost as much as a BMW then I'd rather have a BMW than an Acura. For Acura to offer the kind of customization of a BMW they would have to seriously retool the Accord plant that that would impact the value.

I understand people wanting more choices but they come at a cost and the average Acura buyer buys because of the value. I can't see Acura changing this basic strategy any time soon. Maybe it limits their appeal, but Acura and Honda are tied at the hip and that has its realities.

docboy

Yup, I've said this before as well.

At $60k would one buy a RLX or an A6 or 535xi? At $60k the RLX has little value because you can buy an A6/5 series for that price; hence dealerships have to discount the RLX $7k+ for it to sell. The A6/5 series need little discounting for it to move off the lot.

I bought my 4G TL 6MT b/c at $44k it's cheaper, roomier, and more reliable (or supposedly so, though mine doesn't feel like it) than a comparably equipped 335xi/S4 at $50-55k. Hence the 4G TL 6MT has value and reliability going for it.

The TLX has a lot riding on it. If the TLX is overpriced, or if the new transmissions start to crap out, Acura's sedan lineup is in big trouble.

The potential for the TLX is there for Acura's taking.

KeithL

The only thing now is the RLX is so heavily discounted it start to make it an attractive thought. An A6 comparably equipped would be at least $62-$65K with only difference is the A6 would have AWD. At best you will get the A6 for Invoice winch is 6% off MSRP, so you are still looking at a $58K+ car, vs the insane discounts I keep reading about on the RLX Advance of $8K+. If you get an RLX Advance for $52K-$54K it starts to make a very fiscally influence on the decision if you are thinking practicality. Although even with an RLX at $52K-$54K the loaded 15 Genesis V6 with AWD tops out at $53K and has a few extra goodies and AWD.

Glashub

The Japanese don't offer options on the entry level luxury cars too much. They offer option packages targeted to demographics around the world. I have a 2014 IS Fsport. The Fsport is a package that offers an extremely limited number of choices in addition to -- ML stereo, adaptive cruise control, memory steering wheel. That's it. You can buy a regular IS but not with Fsport options.


Infiniti is the same way with the Q50. Acura is aligned with the others.

Oswald Vater

Right now an RLX Advance in the Miami area is going for 12k off the sticker. To get a car with its features for under 50k is amazing. I will be taking a closer look at one in comparison to TLX when the TLX is finally released.

randomRon82

They're really not. Lexus and Infiniti offer models with V8's. They have a larger model option.... they both offer convertibles, Infiniti has a coupe, Lexus has a coupe offering on the way. Lexus has F sport, Infiniti has IPL... Acura no longer has a dedicated "sport" line (Type S). Lexus and Infiniti have actual flagship full size luxury sedans with long wheelbase options available or coming soon. They both have a large SUV option. They both have more flexibility with customizing interior trims. In my opinion, Infiniti is doing a great job of becoming a full-fledged Luxury brand, and will be in the tier 1 arena in no time.

We can all debate this until we're blue in the face... the bottom line is that Acura can do much better. You can continue to defend the brand and be okay with it competing at the Buick level. If we all continue to say "Acura's okay, they're fine" and ignore the clear facts, then they will never get better. I see even Lincoln emerging, growing and overtaking Acura if things don't change... and that's scary/sad.

I really hope that they take all of the criticism that's out there seriously, so that they can strive to be the best, and not mediocre which some folks are okay with, but most aren't.

Anyway, I'm no longer ranting or debating about this... like I said in a previous post I have faith that Accavitti and Berkman will really shake things up with the brand so that it can see its full potential... Yes, it's extremely late in the game, but better late than never. I hope that the TLX production delay is a good sign. Let's go Acura!! I really am hopeful about the brand's future.

boe_d

Hey RandomRon82 - you aren't allowed to suggest options or improvements to Acruas on this forum. The only acceptable requests for change are a request for 500 horse power as the standard and/or a type S model (which might as well come with one Swedish made penis enlarger). Other than that please say it has grown on you and it is perfect now.

docboy

$12K off sticker??? That's ridiculous.

I doubt that the dealerships here in Seattle will offer that much off due to pent up demand here, but $12k off is not good news for the RLX and is indicative of what the market will bear.

If I can get an A6 for $12k off, sign me up!

If the RLX is such substantial discounts already, I'm curious to see what the TLX will sell for.

Glashub

Ah, see what you mean. I thought you meant at a 50K or under price point. My assumption being that people on a TL forum would be in that bracket. Yes, if one is willing to go 65K once has great choices or if one is willing to take a G series coupe from Infiniti one can have a coupe.

Not seeing a Q coupe although I think they call it a Q it's a G. The V8 is only available on the ISF which is a 2G. Not the 3G or current series.

Again, I own a 2014 Lexus IS and looked hard at a GS -- I had very few choices for options and those who wanted options not available on a lot had to special order which took 4 months to complete and reduced negotiating ability -- at least with Lexus.

boe_d

I'll look at it as a glass half full - hopefully we'll see great deals on the TLX. I see they have a hybrid of the RLX coming out soon so hopefully in 2015 we'll see a hybrid TLX.

fsttyms1

Well said.

randomRon82

Here are two new shots from the recently posted Peter Cunningham video. I really do think that the silver and white are quite attractive for this car!! I'm actually excited to start seeing this car and those jewel eyes roaming the streets.






You have to admit that the MDX has quite a striking presence on the road... I actually think the TLX may also!



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Tonyware

Silver is the color for this car.

jurena

Last Saturday I went to the BMW dealer, with 2 allocations left I went and ordered a 2015 BMW M3. Now the waiting begins.

I'm not a meat connoisseur per say, So what kind of meat did I one up you with? Lol

MtnMan

Let's get out the ruler...

Congrats! I think if they sold an AWD M3 I would have gone that route. But I'll likely get into enough trouble with the 335 + MPPK @ 335hp/332lb-ft. Enjoy the M3.