I don't know if this was posted before but I just browsed the Japanese Honda website on the Inpire Type-S. Pretty cool stuff in there, go have a look. Seems they describe alot more technical stuff, like crash tests and even how the side mirrors direct airflow! Too bad I can only read Japanese a little because I can't figure out what the difference is between the Inspire Type-S and model called the Saber Type-S. Only thing I can see is the different grill and wheels. The noticable stuff on the Japanese market cars are the sidemarker lights, a small emblem on the c-pillars, No black wood and a whole bunch of other stuff. One last thing I realized is they only sell white, black and silver in Japan! Even has silly stuff like info on the drive up for lunch commercial, actors name, director and other useless information.

(pictures) http://www.honda.co.jp/auto-lineup/inspire/photo_lib/

(Inspire Type-S) http://www.honda.co.jp/INSPIRE/

(Saber Type-S) http://www.honda.co.jp/SABER/

You won't be able to read much so just click on anything you can to see some of the pictures!

 

Actually I like the grill of the Saber more!!! It looks sportier and cleaner..

But why Honda wants 2 similar cars when they can sell with just either one of them?? Nissan seems to do the same, as well as Toyota!!! They have 2 very similar cars with some exterior differences, but sell both cars seperately with different names!!???

Andy Kuo

------------------
'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony, w/out NAV

 

What's the difference between Inspire and Saber?

------------------
2002 Satin Silver TL-S Nav

 

They are virtually the same cars with just some cosmetic differences.

Oh, BTW, I don't know if you guys noticed, Japanese version(as well as HK version of TL-S)have chrome plated gearshift plate!! Which looks nice, IMO

Also, they have black dash/steering wheel with parchment interior, which looks better IMO...



Andy Kuo

------------------
'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony, w/out NAV

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by AKRY on June 22, 2001 @ ]</font>

 

------------------
'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony, w/out NAV

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by AKRY on June 22, 2001 @ ]</font>

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by AKRY on June 22, 2001 @ ]</font>

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by AKRY on June 22, 2001 @ ]</font>

 

inspire ~> japanese market

saber ~> european market

tl ~> american market of course!

 

time to use the translation thing on alta vista...
www.altavista.com (click on Translate..) then u can "read" japanese

------------------
2002 TL-S w/ Navi
White Diamond Pearl/Ebony

- Blackwood dash trim
- Mudflaps (soon to be painted), wheel lock
- PIAA superwhite all around
- Hyper Plasma H.I.D on foglights and high beam
- Disco neon light interior

Soon to come:
- 5% (limo) tint
- Body kit
- JL subs & amps
- Body colored grill (maybe)

(R.I.P) 1995 Honda Accord EX-V6
Cashmere Metallic/Ivory

- Focal G7 18x7
- Nitto NT-555 225/40ZR18
- Eibach Pro-Kit
- FET CATZ XSL Foglights
- PIAA Superwhite all around
- Clear lens all around
- Euro tail light kit
- 20% tinted windows
- No engine mod

 

hmmm... Inspire Type S... uhh no power passanger seat?? no side airbags?

and the saber type S has rims similar to the CL-P.. thank gawd we have the 5 spoke here.. *phew*... but yeah i like the saber's grill better

 

I don't like the side marker lights, either. Would look much better if they were clear, with blue vision bulbs. Just my 2 pennies.
Weird that they would make the Inspire and Saber with them, but leave them off for the US. They do add safety.

 

Yea regarding the missing "3" on the shift gate I htink I've read this from another post saying the number "3" sounds like something of bad luck or something... that's why they eliminate the "3" form the shiftgate... I also heard Hong kong will import the TL Type-S straight from the US as a grey market vehicle.

 

It's funny to see the Steering wheel on the other side in our cars. I tried to drive in London when I was there and needless to say I stoped and let my cousing drive. I kept on turning into the wrong lane. HEE HEE