1)The "gutters" on the sides - what are they for ? cosmetic ? aero-dynamics ?

2)Just curious about the exhaust tips - Anyone rather prefer round ones like the TSX or the rectangular shape on the TL ?


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04 CG TSX/Nav OEM Body Kit

 

The gutters on the side aren't going to do much aerodynamically, since the flow of air travels along the gutters, not over them. It MIGHT act as a spoiler somewhat, pressing the car against the road, but it would be minimal -- nothing like the optional front and rear spoilers. In fact, without having seen the aerodynamic testing data, I'd still bet that any downward pressure would be neglible at "legal" driving speeds. Most FRONT and REAR spoilers provide minimal downward pressure at legal driving speeds, much less any benefit from the sides. Spoilers were originally designed to provide downward pressure at speeds in excess of 100 MPH. Most of them on production (street) cars are purely there for aesthetic reasons.

I think the exhaust tips were designed that way to make them look bigger. The idea is that the common person will see large exhaust tips and think "powerful engine." If you look at the marketing that refers to these tips, you'll see that this was obviously Acura's intention. Large round exhaust tips would serve the same purpose, but would be less aesthetically pleasing, especially for a car designed with so many sharp angles (as opposed to, say, a Porche, which is designed to be very "rounded"). The trapezoidal shape of the tips on the TL fits very well with the more angular look of the TL.

 

I think (THINK not sure, do not give me negative points for not approving this) gutters, apart from styling, are for allowing water to flow back while driving. And not to come on side windows. They act like any other gutter would.

I prefer the rectabgular shape. Actually I would love to get the tails like those on A-Spec conept. Round ones are very common.

 

I think the "gutters" are definitely referencing the crease we associate with BMW. I read once that the folks at BMW consider the aesthetics of how the sunlight will be reflected above and below that line in different hemispheres.

 

The only function I see for the gutters is to stiffen the door skin (helps the door close with a solid chunk). Other than that, they appear purely decorative.

Mike

 

Didn't ya guys ever bother asking the dealer ?
ahhh they don't know shiet anyway

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04 TSX/Nav CGrey

 

BJ I'm so sorry, I just noticed that you were talking about the side and not the roof.

 

You know... I just realized that you were talking about the gutters that connect the side lights. For some reason, I thought you meant how the sides flared out from the bottom of the doors.

Yeah, the side gutters are purely cosmetic. They're simply part of the unique TL styling.