Hey,
I have been wondering whether Honda will put a V8 in the next gen. TL .I like to think they will.Here are my reasons:
It will cost them a considerable amount of money and time to make a new engine altogether.And going by Acura's past record (How many Acura models don't have a V6 now?First it was for Legend only and now..)
Putting a V8 should help them cover costs and it should help sales as by adding a V8 in the TL they can compoete with 5 series and E class with the TL(though they'll have to put in a lot of goodies in the TL for that) and move the RL to S class fighter.
Just my theory though.What are your thoughts on the topic?

 

I don't think Acura would do such a thing. Certain features are just reserved for the RL. Any way, V8 power going to the front wheels seems a little excessive. I would love to get a V8 power in the TL if it where AWD.

 

Very seriously doubt it. The power is outstanding as it is.

Acura must provide an upscale progression in its cars. If there is a V8, it will be in the RL.

And let's not forget the next NSX - it is rumored to have V8 power.

I have a deposit on one, as does my brother, having abandoned his M5 plan for something "exotic yet tractable." He really does talk like that - he uses words like avuncular.

 

The existing Type S has a phenomenal amount of power and acceleration (0-60 beats the 330i and A4 hands down!) so more power would not have that much of an added attraction I guess.

Also the TLS handles worse than the A4 or 330i as it is - lots of understeer during sharp turns, I believe increasing the power in the TLS may push the envelope above the car's handling abilities primarily because of its lengthy dimensions! Just my opinion, would like to hear what others have to say about this.

 

I would agree. The V8 would destroy the car's handling unless major suspension modifications are done. Also, the V8 would definately help on the high end where our cars could sure use.

 

I'd hope to see AWD before any further increases in horsepower.

Rumors are that the next Saab 9-3 (due out later this year) will feature AWD like the Passat 4Motion and Audi Quattros.

BTW, VW is putting a W8 into high end Passats later this year as well.

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by Xorg on June 03, 2001 @ ]</font>

 

A salesman at the Acura dealership in Charleston, SC told me 2 years ago about many upcoming new cars for Acura, one being a TL and redesigned CL w/ 260 hp. This was 2 YEARS ago -- I could get no confirmation of any of this info he told me from anybody anywhere. He also said the RL would get a V8 and eventually be rear wheel drive, which now seems to be true even if it has been delayed. He also mentioned that the TL and CL would also eventually be rear wheel drive. If so, maybe a V8 would happen. This guy was like some kind of profit and everything he told me has come true, so I'll just keep waiting. I do think in the next few years we will see a TL w/ over 300 hp, V8 or not.

 

V8's in a passenger car from japan is crazy. Honda's are made for a reason, to save money on gas and thats the way they got into the US. They must offer whatr they always have.

Plus did you know the MDX is faster than all the other competitors? It beat BMW and Lexus, the BMW has a V8! The MDX beat the 0-60 one second faster than Lexus and its the Lexus is more expensive! Go Acura!

Acura is beating it's way up against BMW and Mercedes. It offers luxury at a affordable price with a honda gaurunte! Honda rocks!

I swear someday there will only be three car companies: Ford, VW, and Honda!

 

So the 2002 NSX is a complete redesign then??

 

I agree that Acura would put a V8 in the RL before they would in the TL. But it still seems strange to me that they put a 5 speed auto in the TL when the RL still has a 4?

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'01 Naples Gold TL with Navi
Interior wood trim kit
Custom aluminum mesh grill
Wings West 2-leg spoiler wing
Solar Gard Titanium Tint 43 all around.
Cuzo Hyperwhite hi beams.
Acura logo tire valve stem caps.

 

Road & Track, Car & Driver, and MotorTrend all reported that a 345 hp V8 was on the way for the RL. The fact that all 3 of those publications reported it makes it a very real possibility in my mind.

And I thought a 400 hp V8 in the NSX was a done deal as well and that the price of the NSX would then be more in line w/ Ferraris and the 911 Turbo ($120k - $170K).

As far as the MDX being faster than all other SUV's, it isn't. Faster than the X5 3.0, yes but not the 4.4, which smokes the MDX. But can you even fit an extra pair of shoes in the back of the X5? People buying that clearly aren't too worried about the U in SUV.

 

That's just cuz the RL hasn't been redesigned since '96 (when everything Acura made had a 4spd auto). When the new RL comes out, it will definitely have a 5spd auto.

 

I thought they were going to hold the line on the NSX pricing, and reduce some of the hand labor to make it a better deal.

?

 

You can put a V-8 in anything.....
FAST IS!!!!!
http://pws.prserv.net/4play/911chevy/index.html

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RHINO928

'02 TL-S Silver/Ebony
'85 928S Supercharged

 

I don't know about the NSX pricing for sure (who does?). But last I heard was supercar performance and supercar pricing. Kind of a shame.

 

If Honda puts a V8 in the TL, the TL become the "RL". But wait a minute, Honda will need a car in between the RSX and RL (or entry level 4-dr sedan). Then Honda will create a new car and call it the "TL".

 

"Prophet".

 

RE: "But can you even fit an extra pair of shoes in the back of the X5? People buying that clearly aren't too worried about the U in SUV."

That's probably why BMW made such a fuss about the X5 being an SAV (Sports ACTIVITY Vehicle) rather than an SUV. It makes for a nice advertising strategy, but tells you where their target market is too.

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Why doesn't everybody make cars as well as Acura?

 

There is an entry level 4-dr sedan from Acura. Its available in Canada, but not yet here in the US. Its called the "EL." Its basically the Honda Civic 4 Door Sedan. Maybe they'll shove at 3.2 in there...he he he...jk'ing.

 

I don't think Honda has a V8 in any production cars! Even the Passport uses the Legend engine and that the MDX is just a 3.5 V6.

Honda NSX is still only 3.2 V6.
The next NSX will (as many have said) have a 3.5 V8 that produces 400hp. Until then, V8 will never make to any hondas, at least in North America.

 

the way i see it:

right now honda is in a horsepower war with nissan. with the altima at 240 and the maxima boasting 260 honda has to adjust to this by boosting accord horsepower. Its probably too expensive to make 260 from its current engine so it might take the current 3.2 TL/CL (type-s) engine and detune it to make around 240 horsepower. With this the TL and CL of course will have to be boosted. With the TL coming in for a redesign in the next two years its possible to see a 3.5 V6 iVTEC/rear wheel drive for the TL/CL to match the new engine from nissan. The RL will almost certainly get a rear wheel v8.

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2002 TL Type-S
Satin Silver, Ebony Interior w/out nav

 

Uhmmm, are you crazy? The 4.4 BMW X5 would have SMASHED you in your MDX. I've driven both cars, but I'm sorry I don't see how that's even a possibility, unless the driver of the X5 was like picking his nose or something.

BTW, the MDX is pretty nice

 

There is NO way you will ever see a V8 in the TL! That will be reserved for the RL and ONLY the RL (NSX maybe). Why would Acura shoot itself in the foot by offering a V8 in a sedan other than the RL? Even now, it must be embarrasing for Acura's flagship to be so underpowered and for the TL and CL to out-power it. The new RL will really compete with the LS430 and Q45. Of course, the TLS will probably improve, but with a V6. AWD - I don't think so. Rear drive - maybe.

 

RWD for the TL is enough for me, but we can only hope.

 

Thanks Daverman. It was late and my spelling ability has gone in the crapper since spell check was invented.

 

The engine isn't the only thing that makes the car so I don't think that just because the RL has a V8 the TL will never get one. The RL and TL are targeted toward different markets, the TL being for those who value a sporty driving experience. If a V8 will heighten that experience, then it could happen. Look at the Lexus GS430 vs LS430. Same engines but very different cars.