Guest

Back in 1997 Honda moved to a "global platform" for manufacturing its vehicles. I am not a car engineer so I will not attempt to explain what that means. I will let you read it for yourself at
http://www.businessweek.com/1997/36/b3543001.htm

Honda effectively increased production efficiencies of its various model lines because they are built on the "same platform". Cost efficiencies are passed onto its consumers making Acura very price competitve to its counterparts.

For example, the Honda Accord, Acura CL, Acura 3.2TL, Honda Oddessey and now the Acura MDX are ALL built on the same "global platform".

It also means that technological components developed for one vehicle can be shared with another. This is why there will be a 4 wheel drive version of a 3.5 TL by 2004 - technology borrowed from the MDX. (I read this on a web site regarding future developments by Japanese auto makers).

So... who is now going to put off buying the 3.2 TLS when you can wait for the 2004 model of the 3.5 TLS with 4 wheel drive?????

Not me!! Too long of a wait.

FTM-1

That will be just about time for me to get a new one. I might wait a year for them to get some bugs out.

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2000 3.2TL Nighthawk Black/Ebony/Navigation/ Optional Factory Chrome Multi Spoke 16" Wheels/Factory Underbody Kit/Factory Spoiler/Moonroof Visor/Factory 6-CD Changer/Trunk Mat/Factory Black Wheel Well Trim/Clifford IG8000 Alarm System w/add-ons/%51 Tint/Weathertech Floormats /Michelin Arcctic Alpin Winter Tires on Stock Wheels/Factory Car Cover/Factory Gold Emblems Grille & Exhaust Tips

kuan48

That sound like good plan ,,, I might do the same 02 tl and "05 3.5 TL 4WD",,, that's sounds sweet! I probably be too old to handle adrenaline to see the first pix of that car.

dcdomain

I would love to wait, and had actually considered the Subaru Impreza WRX, but as you can see, Acura is bumping up the prices, and by the time the 2004 Acura TL 4wd comes out, I'll bet it'll be over $35k easily. At that price point, I'll be looking to spend a little more for other cars. What the TL has going for it now is the tremendous value.

Then again, if Acura/Honda can get the 2004 TL to be at the same price as now, they better build another plant because those cars will be flying off the lots and assembly plants.

vandy786

Wow. I think I might wait till the 2004 comes out too. The timing for me is better, since I already have a nice 96 Accord right now. But if the price is going to be above 36 K, or whatever the maximum is before you gotta pay luxury tax, I am not going to get it. By the way, those of you with the 2002 TL-S, please post some pics! I haven't seen any yet! Thanks.

nick79

hehe

UA5-TL

i heard the 2004 was going to come out in RWD???

Darkshear

iTrader: (1)

Hell yah, im going to trade in my '99 TL for an '04 the day it comes out!!! oh, wait, no im not. im fricken broke. tell me how it rides, boys!!!!

Raheel

I will let u know, when I get the VOice Activated Navi and AC and Radio, DVD Entertainment, rear view camera, Rain Sensing wipers, Intelligent Cruise Control, 300 HP VROOM! VROOM!, Better Handling, MP3 CD Player, XM Radio, Maybe it will have the Card Alarm thats called keyless Entry, AWD or RWD, Better Leather, 3.5 Liter V6, Automatically keeps you in Lane KNOWN AS HIDSS...

Some of these things might not come out but could later.. they are all already out in Japans Accord and etc..

UA5-TL

well the new accord in the states has the Voice Activated navi

dean078

The luxury tax ends in a couple weeks.

These "entry level" cars have to increase in price, especially acura's. Even if the new awd TL increases to $35k, that's still undercutting the closest competitors considering you get all the options AND awd. Load up on options on a g35 (unavailable with awd), and you're already at that price point. And we all know how much value per dollar acura can pack into a car, so expect to be getting a lot for $35k, unlike infiniti where the cost cutting really shows in the interior.

But then again, this is all speculation. Acura may not even bump horsepower, offer awd, or any of this.

T Ho

I'm doubting the AWD platform will make it into the TL. They'd have to raise the car slightly to get it to fit, I'm guessing. Not to mention, the existing AWD setup is a significant power/economy sucker.

Perhaps IMA/electric driven on-demand power to the other wheels, like in the concept DN-X. We'll see.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Guys.. this topic is from March of 2001.... why bump it up?

Everything in this topic is all rumors... some far fetched. Don't sweat it.. we'll know soon enough...