Acura's A-Spec package

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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 07:49 PM
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Acura's A-Spec package

so all of march's car mags have mentioned this new a-spec packages that are available ONLY for the 04 TL and RSX. What about the damn TSX? i mean....what the hell???? Our poor TSX is getting lost in the hype of the frickin TL. So basically the package consists of bigger rims(18's), better tires(yokohama AVS ES100), sport suspension springs, different stearing wheel, dampers, pre-painted bodywork, and brkae pads

Only 1000 kits for the TL out there though. the kit for the TL costs 5200 plus 500 installation and 4200 for the RSX. But acura can only install the items. Responsible for this is Makoto Tamamura who developed the NSX.

Anyone else think this is unfare. the only thing i frown upon is the large price.
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 08:01 PM
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personally i don't think much of the a-spec package. i don't like the rims (chrome aren't they?) and as far as the rest goes its pretty boring. i'd rather go pick my own parts and mix and match as i please. and probably still come in under 5200

now if they included a turbo or something that boosted HP big time then i might be more inclined...
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 08:03 PM
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exactly....wheres the power mods????
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 09:50 PM
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Originally posted by NJtsx
exactly....wheres the power mods????
I agree, the A-Spec package I saw on the TL was $5,995 and I am sure if they had one for the TSX it would be the same. You take 26,990 and add $6,000 and all you have is a slightly sportier looking TSX for $33,000.
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 10:04 PM
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yeah, and for 6 grand i'd rather get some coil overs and the mugen body kit or something. that is, if i had 6grand to blow..
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Old Feb 10, 2004 | 10:06 PM
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Originally posted by prolix21
yeah, and for 6 grand i'd rather get some coil overs and the mugen body kit or something. that is, if i had 6grand to blow..
Personally - I would drop in a FI solution for that kinda dough ... the TSX already looks pretty sweet stock
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Old Feb 11, 2004 | 08:24 AM
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the a-spec package is garbage considering the price they're charging...Honda should take a page from toyota and plan to have a specialty peformance division. if they don't, my next car most likely will NOT be a honda...well, unless they bring the type-rs' over
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Old Feb 11, 2004 | 12:07 PM
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Originally posted by dabuda2004
...Honda should take a page from toyota and plan to have a specialty peformance division.
yeah, i agree 100%. TRD makes some sweet stuff and prices aren't that bad either. hell, they even make performance stuff for the CAMRY. come one, if a camry can get a supercharger, why can't honda offer us something halfway decent for the TSX which is a LOT more of a sports car than a camry could ever dream of being
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Old Feb 11, 2004 | 12:17 PM
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Originally posted by prolix21
personally i don't think much of the a-spec package. i don't like the rims (chrome aren't they?) and as far as the rest goes its pretty boring. i'd rather go pick my own parts and mix and match as i please. and probably still come in under 5200

now if they included a turbo or something that boosted HP big time then i might be more inclined...
Honda already developing 2.2L (or 2.4 I can't remember) Turbo Accord/TSX.
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Old Feb 11, 2004 | 01:04 PM
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Originally posted by SAZABI
Honda already developing 2.2L (or 2.4 I can't remember) Turbo Accord/TSX.
yeah, the orig engine is 2.4L...rumor is they're throwing on a turbo and AWD on the TSX to compete with STI/EVO...we'll have to wait and see
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Old Feb 11, 2004 | 01:04 PM
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Originally posted by SAZABI
Honda already developing 2.2L (or 2.4 I can't remember) Turbo Accord/TSX.
Where can I read more about this?
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Old Feb 11, 2004 | 01:13 PM
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Originally posted by NJtsx
exactly....wheres the power mods????
The latest MT tested the A-Spec TL and found it was 0.2 seconds quicker through the 1/4 mile and 0.1 seconds quicker to 60. 14.2 was the 1.4 mile time compared with 14.4 stock. Improved traction was the reason given. They also mentioned the handling was far, far better on the A-Spec equipped car. They went so far as to say it solves the tourque steer issue. So yes 6K does seem steep to me as well and I would'nt pay it, but the package is not "all show and no go".
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Old Feb 11, 2004 | 01:30 PM
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i'm not saying its all show and no go, i'm just saying its not enough 'go' for 6 grand. i could buy one killer wheels and suspension setup for a lot less than 6 grand and see the same improvements they saw. i think the a-spec package needs to be a bit more significant to justify the cost.

i think its good honda/acura realizes there is a market for this type of thing, i just hope they improve the offerings
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Old Feb 11, 2004 | 01:40 PM
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I'm not sure, maybe someone with more experience and know how in modding could answer this question. Here's a thought.

How much would it cost for 18 inch wheels and tires + upgraded springs and shocks + Aero kit + brake pads? Now keep in mind that slapping on new springs and shocks does not automatically equal improved handling. Acura track tested this package to ensure handling was improved without a sacrifice in ride. Think of the development time involved. And the warranty remains intact just in case one of these mods somehow damages your car, (which is unlikely)

I'm not advocating the purchase of these packages and probly would'nt buy one. All I'm saying is its not as bad a deal as once thought. Especially considering you can roll that 6k into your financing/lease package without breaking a sweat.

And yes prolix I agree, I hope they improve these packages as well. Actually I'd rather see a Type R TSX.
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Old Feb 11, 2004 | 01:44 PM
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Just for clarification of what you actually get for $5200

* High performance, track-tuned shocks and springs
* Lightweight 18x8.5 alloy wheels
* High performance Yokohama 235/40VR18 95W tires
* Performance brake pads (automatic transmission-equipped models)
* Aero kit featuring front air dam, chin spoiler, side skirts and choice of deck lid or rear wing spoiler
* A-SPEC steering wheel
* A-SPEC badging

A-Spec Package

Obviously no power improvements in terms of HP...the faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile times by MT are prolly the result of the high perf suspension and lightweight wheels. well maybe the A-SPEC badging adds 5HP, prolly see it on ebay sometime soon
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Old Feb 11, 2004 | 02:00 PM
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Originally posted by dabuda2004
yeah, the orig engine is 2.4L...rumor is they're throwing on a turbo and AWD on the TSX to compete with STI/EVO...we'll have to wait and see
Actually they are trying to compete with the Legacy Turbo, not the STI or Evo.
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Old Feb 11, 2004 | 08:22 PM
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I think the TL A-Spec package look sweet. I would pay the extra $$ to put it on my ride. Plus I love the rims.

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Old Feb 11, 2004 | 09:03 PM
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i don't think that is the a-spec. i think that's some prototype they were bringing around to car shows. i could be wrong, but i think that was posted in another thread

here is what i thought the a-spec looked like:

http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/10/tlaspec03_01.jpg

http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/10/tlaspec03_02.jpg

i agree those wheels in your pic are sweet though...
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Old Feb 12, 2004 | 10:24 AM
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Originally posted by prolix21
here is what i thought the a-spec looked like:

http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/10/tlaspec03_01.jpg

http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/10/tlaspec03_02.jpg

i agree those wheels in your pic are sweet though...
yeah, i think ortiz's post was the a-spec 'concept'...prolix links is production a-spec...use img tags mang

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Old Feb 12, 2004 | 10:27 AM
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i figured the photos were too big to put in the post so i just gave the links
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Old Feb 12, 2004 | 10:50 AM
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Car just looks so much better with 18's. The stock 17's look to small for the car.

I'm beggining to want a TL more and more everytime I see one.
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Old Feb 12, 2004 | 10:52 AM
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Originally posted by prolix21
i figured the photos were too big to put in the post so i just gave the links
true, they are pretty big but im too lazy to resize/rehost
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Old Feb 12, 2004 | 10:56 AM
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Originally posted by domn
Car just looks so much better with 18's. The stock 17's look to small for the car.
yeah, i'm dying to buy some 18's for my TSX. I just have no idea what ones I want. I really like the stock wheels, just wish they were a little bigger. But spending all that cash on wheels that are just like the ones I had feels dumb.. :\
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Old Feb 12, 2004 | 11:12 AM
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Originally posted by dabuda2004
yeah, i think ortiz's post was the a-spec 'concept'...prolix links is production a-spec...use img tags mang
The TL A-Spec I saw at the dealer looked like the pics that Daduba2004 posted, not like the pics ortiz posted. Body kit, rims, tires, suspension, steering wheel, etc. No funky taillights, no chrome, just a slightly sporty upgrade without being too cheesy. The color was Anthracite Metallic and the rims were the same as in the pics which were custom matched to the body color.
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Old Feb 12, 2004 | 08:24 PM
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All this is fine and dandy...tl this....tl that BUT where is the optional a-spec package for our TSX. Doesnt it appeal more to the TSX customer more??? Even the rapidly falling RSX gets a package. Somehting tells me our TSX wont be around for too many years??????
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