Quandry

Alcantara seats provide additional grip which reduces sliding (to everyone if the standard seat does not fit yo like a glove). It is also more comfortable getting into a cold seat than leather if you have not remote started and turn on seat warmers.

This is the trade off for cleanup. Durability is debatable as alcantara will not crack or have wear creases.

boe_d

1. Lose the beak (yes it is still there no matter how much you rhinoplasty it).
2. Improve the navi - faster
3. Not sure if the Android mobile is in the 2016 Acura but if not add it in 2017.
4. Offer a turbo hybrid model with gas mileage close the Accord hybrid.
5. Offer a chilled cupholder

youngTL

I've taken some HARD corners before, never once slid around on a seat, not even wide flat seats in my aunt's Toyota Avalon, and I'm not a massive goliath.

I can see it being a potential issue on a race track, but on public roads where even the most insane corners will never be over 0.8g, I can't see that being a big factor at all.

The cold seat thing is an extremely valid argument. I'll take my auto start seat heaters thank you very much (Canadian). In -40 C, cloth and leather feel just as cold haha. Durability is debateable, but none of my leather seats have ever gotten significant cracks since I take the time to condition them 3-4 times a year. I've seen some really rough shape leather seats, as well as seeing some really rough shape alcantara (it seems less durable than the regular cloth seats that are used in more pedestrian vehicles). The alcantara tends to get 'shaved' down, and can end up looking like a balding or mangy mouse

. Leather on the other hand can end up cracking and ripping if it's not taken care of. So yeah, I agree that's debateable. Although I think I'm much more likely to wear down alcantara.


I think it would be nice if they offered Alcantara for those who want it as an option. Unfortunately Honda and Acura haven't worked that way ever. With them it feels we're lucky if we even get to choose from interior colours. With my OBP car, they ONLY offer black interior.

KeithL

Ditto, to me alcantara is a maintenance headache and will wear far easier than leather. Give me a black materiel headliner and I am fine.

mapleloaf

Oops. Retired guy error. I would replace 3 with footwell lighting.

Quandry

^^ Agree.

atl7

Does anyone have any info on whether or not MMC will be for 2017 or '18? I love my TLX but want to see the sportier direction Acura is supposed to be taking. Hopefully we don't have to wait over a year to finally get these design cues in the TLX. I don't see this design selling well for 2017 considering all the competition but it also seems a little too early for MMC to be released.

Sigwill24

Good Question ATL7. I'm waiting to hear what Acura will do for the 2017 TLX. I was very disappointed nothing changed for the 2016 model, not even a new color! .

a35tl

Apparently, the only thing that changed for 2016 was the transmission.

KeithL

The TLX has be selling to their expectations and I doubt they would pull their traditional year 3 MMC forward a year. Even when they do the MMC I would only expect real DRLs, some tweaked fascia and rear and maybe a Type-S which should bring back exhaust tips and CarPlay and Android Auto.

9SpeedTran

I never noticed before but the grill is eerily similar to the 3G TL Type S.

atl7

Yes that's what I was thinking, MMC after 2 years would be a little early. It's a good looking car but it seems there can be more done to it. With all this "precision crafted performance" talk, it would be nice if they'd offer the sport cues in not just the NSX, their least attainable car for many people.

alpha0

If Acura is not planning major engine/transmission changes (if any) till FMC, they should offer sporty version of TLX this year rather than wait till MMC (MY 2018).

KeithL

Seeing the prototype again makes me want it as is. If they offered that car, in that color with those wheels I would buy one, even with the less than acceptable 9 speed.

BEAR-AvHistory

Time for the TLX to step up its power?

C&D says:

"The centerpiece of the updated Q50 is the all-new VR30 3.0-liter V-6 with twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection, which produces 300 horsepower in the Q50 3.0t and a full 400 in the range-topping Q50 Red Sport 400."

Civic2TSX

MMC for the 2nd Gen TSX came after 2 years! It was the only reason I got one back in 2011. So they could follow that same model.

2009 TSX introduced in 2008, MMC in 2011.
2015 TLX introduced in 2014, MMC should be 2017.

Civic2TSX

And just for the record, MMC for 4th Gen TL came after 2.5 years but prob closer to 3 years.

2009 TL (I think introduced in Fall of 2008) with the MMC coming in early 2011 for MY 2012.

LaCostaRacer

Honda can move quick if they feel they have to (Civic is prime example). The TLX seems to be selling reasonably, but the competition is getting better every year and at a lower price point than the TLX even.

I would expect some form of engine upgrade for 2017 and minimally some added bells and whistles. They did that for the 2006 TL with the bells and whistles after two years of production: TPMS, and seats mostly. The 2006 TSX got a slight power boost after 2 years of production, blinky mirrors and other doodads. I would think we would see something besides new paint colors for the TLX.

SinCityTLX

The new acura needs:

1. Type S Version with Turbo V6 close to 400hp, lower suspension, 19" wheels, big deep alcantara bucket seats, AWD, visible exhaust, real aluminum trim, black window trim and front grille. They can charge $47900 for it and make everyone happy.

silverTL6

iTrader: (2)

Just like how 2011 was a short year for the 4G before its early MMC, the 2017 TLX will likely be a short run with minimal changes, so they can save the big ones for an early MMC and knock it out the park.

They know they have to with the expectations that the Precision Concept has set, but still within reason since it'd be $$$ to switch to a long or RWD platform mid-generation (and who are we kidding with the latter). Realistically, my guess is:

- diamond pentagon grille
- jewel constellation headlights
- in-house 10spd AT (to avoid stealing the MMC MDX's thunder in 2017)
- return of Type S with detuned twin turbo V6 from NSX
- return of 6MT in Type S trim
- new colors, including some from NSX palette for Type S trims
- android auto / ios carplay

alpha0

I dont think 10AT can handle more than 272 lb-ft. They probably need some other transmission if they want to use more powerful engine than current j35.

kevTL888

my wish list for '17 TLX:

a real A-Spec package with alcantara seats, black headliners, different wheels and body kit

offer sh-awd on 4 cylinder model

LED turn signals front and back

redesign wheels on 4 cylinder model (no need to go big, 17'' is good, just not the current design)

maybe a 2.0 turbo as base engine

CybrRdr

I think the debut of the MMC 2017 MDX @ Chicago with reveal what might be also coming for the MMC TLX.

I will eventually be replacing my TSX with a TLX in the next year and the Precision Concept has me very curious as to how the the current line-up will evolve.

kevTL888

i don't think 2017 will be a MMC year for TLX, it debuted one year behind MDX, so i'm pretty sure MMC TLX will come as the 2018 model. i expect small but noticeable changes for 2017 nonetheless since it's obvious the sale is sluggish and the '16 Accords are stealing sales away from Acura as well.

CybrRdr

No disagreement there. As the MMC TLX should follow the MDX. Just like the MMC RDX followed the MMC ILX.

Since Acura is calling the MDX MMC as "Major Update", I am curious if the TLX will get the similar treatment.