While I was looking to purchase a TLS, I happen to run into an ABP TLS that had an A-spec badge on the back next to the Type-S symbol. I did some research and every dealership I called told me there is no such thing as a 02-03 TLS A-spec. It had no other badging other than the rear one (a little silver bar with "A-spec" in black). The badge looked legit so I was wondering if anyone else had run into this besides me. I ended up buying a NBP TLS w/navi but I still wonder about the validity of that particular TLS.

Also, it wasn't moded at all so I don't think it was some custom badge someone put on to be different.

 

only canadian models had the a-spec package

 

I got to see the carfax and it was originally purchased in the U.S. and the MPH guage was in MPH not KM. I thought Canadian vehicles came with KM guages, at least my buddies Escalade did that his dad bought in Canada.

Anyways, is there any difference in the Canadian model as opposed to the U.S. one? Better suspension or something like the current A-specs?

 

a spec has little things..

cleared headlights, diff spoiler...not sure bout the suspension...think its the same as the type s....minor things the a spec has that the type s doesnt.

 

They have black or blued-out headlights depending what color the TL is. Not cleared tho, they still have the orange diffuser. thry have different 17"7 spoke wheels and all A-Spec come with OEM kit + inspire spoiler and blue perforated seats and steering wheel.

Here are some pics, enjoy:



















The A-Spec only came in ABP or NBP.

 

^^ what he said



i like that side mirror shot...lol

 

luved the seat combination + trunk spoiler....i'v been wondering about that spoiler, now i noe it's a canadian aspec-s!

 

My favorite is the painted grill on the Aspec

 

are there alot of aspecs in ontario cause i think i saw that one when i was there like a year ago lol

 

Yeah I've seen quite a few in the Scarbrough area. Makes me jealous everytime I see one though.

 

I like the side markers and spoiler

 

i hate the seat, looks gay wit black and blue, 2 tone....but all the rest is sexy...seen a good amount in my day, and fuck my boss owns a ABP a spec...that cock sucker..

 

I like everything on it except for the rims. I prefer the Type-S rims over those, personally.

Congrats on your purchase!

 

Its also available from the japan inspire

 

The rims are from the Honda Saber Type S



EDIT: those sidemarkers are JDM too

 

The one in those pictures are nothing like the one I almost purchased. The lights on that one look similar to the 03 CL blacked out lights. The imposter A-spec I test drove had the same all black leather seats my NBP TLS has (not 2 tone), same black shift knob as mine, same spoiler, rims.....everything. Guess it must not have been a "real" A-spec. Cool to know that there is such a thing though, thanks for the responses.

 

lol, funny stuff man

 

Man..wish they sell the A-Spec in the States. Love the whole car...especially the rims.

 

A-Spec Exterior:
A-Spec Inerior:

You would think they would fix that wheel gap too...

 

Is that a Japanese version of the TL?

 

yes, its called the Inspire and saber

 

Any mechanical differences between that and ours?

 

nope, Nothing that makes it better than ours (other than i think 1 was offered with a 4cyl)

 

the biggest problem with the A-Spec up here is that most of them that I see are being driven by people that wouldn't mod a car, ie older folks and women...what a waste

 

Car looks amazing. Love the spoiler, painted grill, sidemarkers and blacked out headlights. If the interior had more blue inside elsewhere and less intense, would've looked hot as well. Not feeling the rims though. Remind me of bigger Civic Si rims. And the door handles look better in chrome than painted.

 

There was a 2.5L I5 available....like the 1st gen 2.5TL.

 

the '03 TL A-SPEC was unique to Canada straight from the factory I believe (check for a metric speedo). If you search Google, you'll find several Canadian road tests. In addition to all of the TL-S goodies, it had specific two-tone blue on black interior, chrome sills, unique shifter knob, painted door handles, unique coloured headlamp reflectors and grille, special 8-spoke wheels, full aero kit/spoiler, and european fender mounted orange signal lamps. Best of all, you got an ACURA special leather jacket! I believe the built only 700 and it was only a few thousand more (CDN of course) than a TL-S; the powertrain and suspension were identical.

 

don't forget the cool monogramed 3.2TL Type-S ASPEC floor mats

 

I desire the aluminum side sills. Any canucks wants to sell me their's?

 

The rims are 7 spoke and they sold 800 ASPECS I believe.

 

THey should have sold that in the States, i want...

 

#125/800 beautiful car

 

Also, the options available for the Inspire/Sabre in Japan, are AWESOME! The one thing that I wish we had from factory was the ability to watch TV on the NAVI system. This is a OEM standard option with the Japan Type-s with Navi. The antenna for the TV signal is in the rear glass, just like the radio antenna.

 

400 in blue and 400 in black.

 

one of the first things i noticed... I want those.
Wish we could get a vendor for those in the GB area...

 

Wow really? I never knew they were that exclusive.

 

i want one