Please excuse me if this has been posted already but check these two links out. You'll be glad you took the time.

http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/show...=&threadid=347 (bottom half of page 7)

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=06119210 (brand new pictures of the new TL)

 

they didnt really confirm it... it says possible AWD option. now if they said with an AWD option, then it would be confirmed. but they definitely need to get AWD on that

plus, everyone remembers when they stated that anything above 270HP will require AWD so hopefully thats what they do

 

Don't go by what Autoweek says, look on page 7 in the acura-tsx.com link I provided.

 

Nice dirt! Why does the TSX board always seem to have more TL info than the TL board?

 

I dunno, good question.
Several of the guys at vtec.net (myself included) hear/see reliable things but you're right.. those TSX guys are quick.

 

Good points.

Regardless, I am beyond excited!

 

I'm very excited too even though I just got my TL in January, I'll definitely be looking into this new TL in a few years (I'll let someone else foot the bill in terms of depreciation).

VTM-4 is a GREAT AWD system, its around 30% of the weight of most AWD's out there and has no ground clearance penalty. This is a GREAT step for Acura. The RL/Legend will only be better (hopefully with IMA assist for some V8-like power)

 

They must be CL drivers. They seem to have more info too. Speaking of info....anyone have any info as to why so many CLS 6-speed drivers are trading in there cars?

 

Well from my experience... coupe drivers buy cars as toys rather than for practical reasons. The TL has 4 doors, its more "useful".

Remember, sports cars are for image, some people have the $$$ to buy something and get another hot item 2 years later.

 

I know a conversion from fwd to rwd is really expensive but what converting the current TL/TLS to awd? Is it possible & relatively inexpensive?

 

I have no idea if its possible, but it would depend on if there is room for the AWD equipment underneath. With enough money anything is possible.

I've seen CRX's with two engines, coverting them to AWD, turbo/NOS and 10 second quarter miles. But it wasnt a CRX anymore.

 

dont bother, for the money you would spend on an all wheel drive set up you would have been able to get yourself a used all wheel drive vehicle. Also you have to undersrand that you will need a new ecu and lots of other things

 

the car is heavy enough, once they put in the awd, it's going to even heavier......not a good idea

 

How about RWD then? Who could do a conversion?

 

Acura is putting VTM-4® on the new TL. The VTM-4® is already design and it wouldn't be hard to adapt to another honda car.

They are also having a sport model that includes brembro brakes, this model will be around $2k-$3k more than the base model.

If you think about it the VTM-4® will not only help performance, but safety. There will be no need for VSA or TCS. No 2nd TB.

Also the VTM-4® works with the engine horizontaly just like the MDX.

Don't know about horse power, but the 280hp guess seems very realistic.

I can't wait to see the 04 TL.

Unsatisfied with the often bulky and inelegant 4-wheel-drive systems on the market, the engineers proposed an innovative system for the MDX that would automatically distribute torque to all four wheels when needed. The Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel-Drive® (VTM-4®) system reroutes torque to the wheels where it will do the most good, for enhanced traction on wet and slippery roads and reduced torque steer on dry pavement. Designed primarily as an on-pavement system, it allows the MDX to be taken off-road safely in medium duty applications.

VTM-4 provides front-wheel drive for dry-pavement cruising conditions, and engages all-wheel drive only when mobility, stability, or maneuverability would benefit. Unlike the many competitive systems triggered by wheel slippage, VTM-4 anticipates the need for all-wheel drive and engages the rear wheels before slippage begins. To contend with the added torque of the engine in the 2003 MDX, VTM-4 sends 30% more torque to the rear wheels for better handling, performance, and front-traction feel. A Lock button on the dash engages 4-wheel drive manually, in case you need to get out of deep mud or snow.

 

I wonder will the TL have black molding around the windows like in the pics? I hope they are chrome like on the new Accord, G35, etc....

 

All I know is when Justin posted this on our site it made me glad I leased my TSX I am crossing my fingers than an "HPT" TSX will be here in '06 for me to scoop up

 

it can be done, but we're talking about big $$$, besides, WHY????

 

......cause this is not necessarily true. Remember that the new TL is several inches shorter that the current one, according to the press release at www.acuranews.com. To me "several" means at least 5 to 6 inches. This is probably the BEST thing Acura has done for this new design, as the current TL is just TOO LONG. So, with a shorter body and using new lightweight materials the new car could be considerably lighter! Adding the VTM-4 would therefore keep the weight pretty much the same as it's now!

Besides this, I think AWD is probably one of the most needed features, to handle all that torque! That's why we have vehicles like the PORSCHE CARRERA 4S!!

 

......VSA and Traction Control (TCS) are integrated with the VTM-4 system. TCS, in the case of the MDX, helps to control (by braking) the FRONT left or right slipping wheels, since the VTM-4 only controls traction from front to rear. The REAR wheels, however, have a special differential (acts as a locking differential when the dashboard mounted "VTM-4 lock" switch is depressed) with electromagnetic clutches which control torque between the right and left wheels (so traction control is not needed here) . I have a "VSA disable" switch on my '03 MDX. However, the '01 and '02 models did not come with VSA or Traction Control (front wheels, side-to-side) to complement the VTM-4