I've heard some rumors that one of the 2004 TL configurations might include AWD. Does anyone have a sense for the source of this info? I understand that the problem with these things is that this could be some off-handed comment made by a misinformed salesman which quickly translates into "Sources inside Acura...".

 

that's highly unlikely... you're talking about restructuring the entire Acura / Honda line-up... When people talk about Acura / Honda, they know they're talking about fwd...

 

Well, they do make the "car-like" MDX. The fact that Honda has a design for an AWD mechanism would at least make it possible.

 

well Honda does have a AWD for the accord and oddesy in japan, but is not very effeciant when it comes to performance, but very light system.

They sure could use the system used in the MDX VTM-4. Again is not full performance, but it is somewhat advance. I'm sure they could modified the system to a more performance oriented.

 

I've got a 2000 3.2TL with about 38,000 miles on it. It's got a Navigation system (which I couldn't live without). The bottom line is that it's a great, reliable car. I'm just toying with the idea of replacing it before the end of the warranty.

I want the new navigation system. I'm intrigued by the rumors of the Bluetooth interface for the cell phone. It's a pain in the neck dealing with a headphone all the time in the car. I'd love to have some integration with the car's nav microphone/speaker.

The only thing that tempts me to think about an A4/A6 or even the 330xi, is AWD. I live in the Northeast and it's more than just a casual concern. My TL with its all season tires works pretty well in snow, but it sure would be nice to have AWD.

 

I'm in the same boat. I just hit 40k miles today and need to decide if I will buy the extended warranty. I also want the new navigation system...

 

I have the new system in my wife's 03 Accord EX-V6 and it is far and away better than the one in my 03 TLS.

To me, the system itself is worth the change.

Bluetooth will be great, too. If Honda does it like BMW, the system will also read the data from your SIM card and you will see your complete phonebook on your navi screen.

 

If there is bluetooth, I will buy the car for sure.

 

just remember alot of the japanese designs are slowly gaining european styling. ex. the blinking mirrors, HID's.

for the record: Civics came in AWD as well in Japan

 

Explain the next "RL" then? It's AWD.

 

huh? Acura MDX, Honda CR-V, Honda Element are all AWD (4WD). So its not unheard of Honda to have AWD technology. The 04 TL is a brand new platform. They already had to restructure to bring it into production, so it could be a possible for a AWD TL.

 

Bluetooth is a 100% YES!

I can't believe u think its a rumour, It was officially Announced by Acura, with the announcement of the DVD Audio, Dont you guys rmr?

 

The Accord, Civic, Oddessy, and other models all come in AWD or VTM-4 in Japan..

I dont get why its that hard for it to come on the TL..

The only thing that might prevent it is, that the RL might get it first, because the RL needs to get its sales up, So the 2005 RL will probably get AWD or VTM-4 first than it will be the TL I think..

BTW the AWD/VTM-4 Rumour Came up when Justin on Acura-Tsx.com mentioned he saw something in Torrance, Here is the post:

"In regards to VTM-4...Acura asked us years ago if this was something that would work in a sedan. We said heck yes. They said how about a mid level sedan...we said it would be a good option to combat Audis AWD and at the same time distant Acura from Honda. So will it be in the new TL...I don't know for a FACT. But when I was at Torrance a few months ago to snoop around I saw it listed as an upcoming option. If Im wrong then so be it."

Also another guy on A-TSX Brought up a Good Point:

For the people who doubt the TL will have certain things because the RL does not........

Think about what Justin told us. He said VTM-4 will only be on the HPT 6-speed manual tranny. The RL customers won't buy a MANUAL TL instead of their RL, just because it has awd. An automatic awd TL would be a different story. IF Justin is correct, than perhaps Acura plans on only making an awd 6-speed TL just to save the RL. Once the new RL arrives, the TL's auto tranny would get the VTM-4

Think about it, my theory makes sense! (of course this theory only applies to what justin told us and everybody's doubts)"

 

Only time will tell, but I am tired of waiting!

 

I can't wait to get the new 2004 TL...

 

i cant wait to finnaly see the damn thing

 

I was at the dealer today and the sales manager didn't seem to know anymore than what he had read in the motoring press. I would guess that Acura keeps this information pretty close to the vest.

 

Seems like it... None of my dealership connections know anymore than I do...

 

the avg. car salesman doesn't know **** about the car they are selling.

 

That is soooo true. They are just interested in making the sale. Very few salesmen know whats up. They lie and make up stuff. My wife and I were at a Chevy dealership looking at the Trail Blazer and the salesman is talking to us about XM Radio and then procedes to tell me that it is exclusive to General Motors. I laughed in his face. Incidently we didn't end up buying the Trail Blazer for other reasons.

 

Not all sales people are idiots. I happen to know some stuff about the 2004 TL.

 

Certainly the guy I've dealt with at Montclair (NJ) Acura is quite knowledgeable. People tend to remember the occasional salesman who doesn't know what he's talking about.

By the way, have you heard any info on whether or not Acura might be offering AWD on the TL?

 

I'm sure it wasn't directed to you. Normally salesman are not very knowlegable on the technical side of the car. I'm glad you are.

 

Seems like the new word on the TSX forum is no AWD for the TL.

At least, not this year.

 

On the one hand, it would be great competition for Audi. On the other, it would certainly have to add about $2000 or more to the price of the car (it does with Audi, BMW and Mercedes). Maybe they feel that there just isn't enough of a market for it.

It's a shame, though, it's the one thing I wish my 2000 TL had. In every other way, it's a great car.

 

Care to share?

 

well Justin from TSX Forum reconsidered what he said and says that maybe AWD will be a option on later model TL maybe 2005-2006+

I think he is right because they will let the 05 RL come out with AWD and than let TL get AWD

 

Yeah but we're talking about sedans here, in the U.S. ... while the next gen of RL is getting the AWD, but that's top of the line Acura Luxury Sedan.
I honestly would love to see the TL go on 4s, I would've bought the 2.7T if there wasn't a line up back then... the thing is that I just don't see how Acura (in the U.S.) would go for an AWD TL...

btw, I didn't know they have awd accord and civic in Japan, but considering that they have different assembly plants over there, I wouldn't doubt it for a second.

anyway, we'll keep our eyes open.

 

But isn't it fair to say that the next generation (or at least the 2004) RL is already on the market and it certainly doesn't have AWD. That would mean that they'd be waiting until 2006 or something for the TL.