VtecMW

Please don't let it be the size of the Maxima! That thing is a boat. Hopefully it will be the exact same size as the Concept TL. The Concept has nice dimensions.

Justin, when's the press release? I hope that's not in October!

jwaters943

Well, the new TL is essentially the TL Concept with some slight changes so based on that......the TL Concept was like 3 inches shorter (I believe) than the current TL which would make it quite a bit smaller than the Maxima.

VtecMW

Yeah, the Concept is about 3-4 inches than the current TL. Those dimensions make it around the same size as the NA Accord, which is 3 inches longer than the G35, 189.5 vs 186.5.

98AccordEx

Not that this is typical Honda but is it possible that HPT = High Pressure Turbo???
You seem to be eluding to it with your comments about not worrying about HP/Torque?

justinjsw

Of course its not turbo. Everybody knows Honda would never do something like that.

RJC RSX

I'm guessing HPT stands for High Performance Technology or High Performance Touring or something to that effect. Since it is only available on the 6sp it would be performance oriented, so it's probably stiffer suspension, brembos, etc.

Krenshar

For all those people who think the TL is just a bigger TSX, maybe HPT=High Performance TSX!!!

odessa

HPT - Honda PT (Cruiser)

Precision Crafted

I'd just like to know what the front looks like. The rear looks good once you make out some of the details. However the front... If the front side marker is like the TSX's, then I hope that it is sharper. The head light cluster is different in the fact the the front turn signal is not between low and high beams and it doesn't appear that that he high beams are round. Having a family face is all great, but even Audi, BMW, or M-B models have their differences.

ender

So this is where everyone went, jeez I thought it was a major conspiracy to hide the info on the 04 TL, Have i got a lot of catching up to do.

ender

O.k just caught up.



Justin did you notice that they have pulled all the info from iN.

Jason

HPT = Honda Party Time

That's what's going to happen to Acura's sales when this thing comes out. I'm going to be very envious in a few months...new TSX and everything. It's almost a shame really.

justinjsw

Yeah I noticed They can run but can't hide.

princed

Ahh! This is killing me! I wish Acura would put out a press release on when we can expect a press release...

About two months ago, I was in lust with the G35 and was all set to buy the 6MT w/ navi, but then I test drove the TSX. While I indeed LOVED the car, I was hungry for the power a V6 would offer. Of course, after finding Club TSX and now this site, I've delayed my purchase even further and am salivating over the forthcoming TL. It's funny how 6 months ago I SWORE I wouldn't pay more than 20k for my first car...

Anyway, I wasn't around when the TSX was released -- does anyone have any hypotheses about whether dealers will be charging above MSRP when the TL is released??

justinjsw

That depends on the dealers and region.

We are probably about 2-3 weeks away from some unofficial official info on the 04 TL. Be happy with what we actually were able to get ahold of on trims and color options because they pulled out all those info the next day.

princed

Don't get me wrong... I am VERY thankful for the information you've provided and even more grateful for the timetable you just posted.

I'm just thirsty for info, because I'm hoping to get a 6MT w/ navi for around 35k, and unfortunately, my car situation is such that I'll need to have a car by mid-October (at the very latest). If the TL ends up going for 1k or more above sticker early in its life or the MSRP is higher than 35-36k, I might have to consider something else. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

VtecMW

I'm hoping for the same thing! My limit is $37K. I can't wait for the release!

ender

Here's a shot in the dark, I'm gonna say 31750 for starts and thats for the TL Auto. I can't see them making that big of jump up in price it'll be like cutting off one of your arms. They can't afford to lose that much client base. On the other hand because of the new model and new toys and gadgets we are going to appeal to new customers, people that would have looked at options like the GS300 and GS400. Does anyone else feel like playing The Price is Right.

93Kewl

Hopefully:

Price: 37K or less
Timeframe: available (in showrooms) late september/very early october.

VtecMW

I think the TL will start at $32,900 for 5AT Non-Navi, with a 6MT, Navi and HPT (whatever that is), topping out at $36,900.

I can at least hope, right?!

ncsustash

That is the same word I am getting. The TL is so incredibly close to being released with an official press release and oked for production.

What are the major questions about the car other then price? I might have a good opportunity to get some info and want to get the best out of it.

VtecMW

1. Dimensions relative to current TL
2. Turn signals, on the mirror like the TSX or on the crease
3. Engine and Horsepower
4. What is HPT
5. 17" or 18" wheels
6. Brembo Brakes
7. FWD, AWD or RWD
8. Technology - DVD Audio, Bluetooth, etc.
9. Anything we haven't seen from a competitor in this segment.

larchmont

Great list, VT -- larchy likey. (Apologies to swami.)

BTW: What kind of color is Desert Mist? Is it like a light gold?

Also: Just for old time's sake and for anyone who missed it, I hope that jackspat will remind us all of the original title of his pic thread "on the other side."

9000RPM

Information just in...

04 Acura TL will be rebadge Honda Legend. It will go on sale just before Tokyo Motor Show later this year. Honda will be pushing this car to go up against Toyota Aristo. In Japan it will be equipped with a new 60 degree 3.5L V6 VTEC engine. The output is 300 hp and 260 lb-ft torque and it will be 4WD (modify VTM-4?). The car will also be equipped with the latest version of ATTS to improve handling.

P.S. this is probaly the HPT model we been hearing about.

I still think base TL will be FWD with no more than 270 hp.

larchmont

Thanks much!!!

Do you (or anyone) know what exactly are the DIMENSIONS (width as well as length) of the Honda Legend? (BTW what is that, anyway? Is it a car that's currently sold in Japan?)

And, do you know wtf HPT stands for?

justinjsw

There currently is a Honda Legend sold in Japan which is the NA 3.5RL. The new TL here will not be the new Legend there.

larchmont

So, where are we, exactly? Forget completely what 9000RPM said?

VtecMW

larchmont

I never said I was smart........(just good-looking)

9000RPM

Yup the 3.5RL is sold in Japan as Legend. However it's sales lagged dearly behind Toyota and Nissan offerings. Honda threw everything out of the window when they brought NA Accord back to Japan as new Inspire. I believe you know the last Inspire was the NA 3.2TL

Anyways what I said was what my friend in japan working for Honda told me. Take it as it is as nobody except high up Honda executives know the real truth.

VtecMW

Look for spy photos and commentary on the '04 TL in the 7/14 edition of AutoWeek. This information came directly from AutoWeek.

ncsustash

most of these have already been answered

1. Dimensions relative to current TL
2. Turn signals, on the mirror like the TSX or on the crease --i think so
3. Engine and Horsepower-- v6 with around 260~270 i think was the number
4. What is HPT -- What are you talking about?
5. 17" or 18" wheels- 18
6. Brembo Brakes - yes
7. FWD, AWD or RWD -fwd
8. Technology - DVD Audio, Bluetooth, etc. --- DVD Audio but maybe more

Maybe justin can double check these but I am sure this information is somewhere in the previous pages

prballard

I believe the current TL and Accord have that color. It is a gold metallic. Actually the only new color for the TL is the abyss blue. I am excited with the prospect of a carmel interior. I hope it is close the cognac of my Vigor.

98AccordEx

CHeck out these hopefully new photos on Autoweek's website:

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=06119210

jwaters943

Some of the info. you stated was relative to the concept TL, not the production car. No one knows for sure yet about the production car and if they do they aren't releasing much info. (with the exception of Justin). As for HP (rumors state anywhere from 260-300). No one is sure if AWD will be an option or if the car will be equipped with Brembo brakes, nor has anyone confirmed the size of the wheels or what HPT stands for. If you want to know what HPT is reread through this thread. It was posted as one of the available models of the new TL (only on cars with 6 speed manual transmissions). As for the technology, those things were announced by Acura months ago so you are right on there, but I'm sure there are much more technological features that have yet to be announced.

jwaters943

Now we're talking! Thanks for posting that link. While the car is still mildy disguised in these pics you can clearly see the new TLs more sporty nature (shorter front and rear overhang, larger wheels). I'm not sure about the exhaust which at first didn't bug me, but I like pretty much everything else I see!

VtecMW

Only until Provench or someone can host these. (Edit: Moved links to my image hosting site)





Look at the stance of this car, little wheel gap. And it looks like it has 18s on it. That's a LOVELY shot of the rear.



I like it! These are better than the TCC spy photos we saw. They have the crease covered up in the second photo. I love the lines of the rear end. It looks very smooth. The front end is going to look very sharp. It appears that the grille area is slightly smaller than the TSX.

Something really needs to be done about the rear exhaust. It's not looking too good. But, if you look at the second photo, the exhaust tips are not flush with the cut outs from a vertical angle, so maybe this isn't what the production exhaust will look like.

Keeping my fingers crossed!

:P

prballard

Maybe the just took the exhaust tips off. In the picture they don't even extend to the rear bumper, not to mention beyond it. I think the grill is about the same size as the TSX, but the new TL just has a wider front end. I am basing that on the edges in see coming through the nose mask. Great looking car and definitely not the concept. I think we a seeing a glimpse of the real thing.

justinjsw

Well since they can say it... I guess its ok for me too...I told provench this last month but ask him not to say anything...HPT...is a revised version of VTM-4/with a high performance package.

Re: 9000rpm...The new Honda legend to debut at the Tokyo Auto later in the year will be our new 05RL.

provench

Ok - you get the point ... this car is gonna ROCK!