So I took a peek at the new TL-S. First impressions: wow fogs, new kit is tiight! Upon closer inspection: the grill is wrong. Too big. The top edge of the grill is part of the hood while the rest is attached to the bumper.

Looks funny. I like the new headlights though. Otherwise the exterior is the same as a regualr TL with Inspire tails.

It was locked up and already sold... to the guy who owns the dealership. Good thing I chatted it up with him and got to take a peek around the inside!! He had the bowling ball wood trim kit and wheel. I love the seats... they are real leather! Some vinyl along the rear headrests (where the sun would hit) and along the front of the seats. White gauges (didn't have a chance to verify they are the same as the CL-S or not ).

And now, my favorite part about the interior: the passenger vents have molded wood trim! Like you see in the pic Tim used to have! I immediately bought them for my TL, they look sweet. But, like the OEM gause wood trim, it doesn't match the factory trim like the aftermarket kit. Its a little lighter but I'm probably the only one that will notice.

 

(had to break post up or it wouldn't let me post it )

Unfortunately he wouldn't let me drive it.. I even offered to sit in the back seat... lol.. got to see him driving it but that wasn't all that exciting.

The car has a lot going for it. The only negatives are the ridiculously humungous grill (Acura is going for the Benz look with the huge (A) on the front of this beast) and the bowling ball wood trim. You can't get an ebony

interior without it!!! Weak!! I'd rip it all out and put in "real" fake wood. Hehe... other than those cons, I like it.

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2001 Silver TL, non-navi, Inspire tails & wood steering wheel, 2 burlwood dash kits & shift knob, TL-S passenger vent trim, Alumapro BP-10 & ZX400TI Phoenix Gold, Python 1500 ESP (remote start, all windows up & down, sunroof closes, prox, etc), factory spoiler & body kit, AEM short ram intake, blue alarm LEDs, Mugen grill, Comptech sways & springs.

On order: 19" Alstadt IVs, 225/35ZR19 Nitto 555s, SuperCrystal lugs, custom gauges.

Nate's ride
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"Every man dies, not every man lives."

 

I was at the Fort Lauderdale Auto Show yesterday where they had an Aegean Blue Pearl TL-S. I must say after poking, prodding, and giving the new front end a thorough inspection -- I like it. The front end grows on you pretty quickly. Aegean Blue Pearl is VERY striking as well. That's probably the color I'll get when my current lease is up -- it's the only color I like better than my current WDP. Love the seats, love the stereo, love the wheels, love the motor and hell, I even like the gray "bowling ball" treatment in place of the wood.

Although it had no window sticker, the rep said "about $32,000" (this model was a non-NAV).

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2000 WDP 3.2TL non-NAV

 

Ya but... the grill is so big...

 

It is big... but the longer I stared at it the more I felt that it blended in with the larger headlights. Still, that is my biggest point of contention with the car... I do like the current, smaller grille better, but I'll gladly trade that for all the other upgrades and that awesome blue color!

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2000 WDP 3.2TL non-NAV

 

Theres no way around it, the new Tl's have a HUUUUUGE Grill as nate says. Its too large for my taste as well, so to tone it doen a bit my plans are to paint the outer chrome pieces body color just like the CL Type-S at SEMA. I did the same mod to my 96 Accords grills both front and rear and was pleased with the results. Should tone in down that wide expanse of chrome a bit.

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Just call me..................Mr Hyde
Accord Forum Moderator
Honda-Acura.net
96 Sherwood Green Accord EX
02 Aegean Blue TL Type-S with Navi(on the way)

 

The current grill looks like a Honda Accord or Camry.

 

I saw a TL-S behind me a couple days ago and my first thought was that a Camry Solara was following me. Then I saw the HIDs and knew it was a TL-S... but still... I don't like that big grill.

 

It's rough when you get used to the look of a car. Revisions to a car (or a song for that matter) seem out of perspective at first. I've been looking at it since the LA Auto Show and I think they've hit the mark. It's supposed to look more aggressive like it's getting ready to swallow something and the angry tilt of the headlights do nothing to change that perception. It's also the new familial look that matches the MDX and upcoming RSX.

Besides, I just got my new Black on Parchment yesterday ;-)

Regards
-w