I tell ya, I'm in that window where the 2004s have been out going on 6 months and the 05s will be out in about 6 more. I can wait if there is forecast on new options such as AWD. I know the thing has just been completely redesigned but AWD drive was suspected as a part of this redesign awhile ago. I've not heard and would want to pick up now if there is no chance that the 05s will have such an option/enhancement.

 

Has there been any AWD TLs in previous years? If not, what are the chances that they would this now?

 

I went ahead and bought mine. First, I don't think there will be MAJOR upgrades for '05 (could be in '06). Second, interest rates are low and likely to go higher. Third, the price of metal is going up dramatically. This hasn't effected the price of cars yet but is going to have to in the future. Finally (and probably most importantly), I didn't want to wait. You have to decide for yourself what makes sense.

Good luck with your decision.

 

Slim I suppose but then the 2.2CL went to 2.3CL in one year which is a little like comparing color changes to the AWD question. However, the RL is coming out this fall in AWD which I figure makes the TL a likely next candidate.

 

I am thinking of waiting til the 05s come out and see if the G35 offers the AWD in a 6 spd or the A4 comes out with a decent Navigation system and ups the HP. Absent that it is gonna be a FWD TL. I was considering the Volvo S60 but a 5 cyl turbo is a turn off even with 300 hp and it can't beat Acura's reliability.

 

I would like to know If I can order an '05 now? When it would
be delivered et. Any ideas?
Craig

 

All good points inlcuding the likely cost increases but most importantly I do not want to wait, as said above. It's a hell of a nice ride. It will be interesting to watch the RL push technology changes as the flagship rather than Acura's lower priced cars pushing their flagship.

 

Craig, expect first month in o5s to be October. I doubt they will take orders until September.

 

With horsepower at 270 the Acura TL is at the limits of the current front wheel drive configuration. AWD or AWD/RWD is the next logical step and they are lagging behind some of their competition already.

AWD will not be an option on the '05 TL nor will any option on the scale of AWD. There will be little or no difference in the '04 and '05 TL. I would venture to guess AWD for the TL is in the works for '07 knowing that the RL is moving to AWD.

BTW, I heard that a future RL will be the first hybrid Acura produces and that only the rear wheels will be powered by electric motors. It's just rumor mill stuff. Anyone else heard that?

 

I think it's more logical that Honda would run a similar system to that in the MDX and Pilot. Hondas electric system is wedged between the tranny and the engine. It's going to be hard to run just electric to the rear wheel in it's current design.

If honda doesn't go to a V8, which is unlikely unless they are going to suprise the heck out of everyone, it's likely they will run a 3.8 liter J series motor + IMA + AWD. With this setup, it'd be easy to crank out 300+ hp.

 

Since the new RL is expected to be a hybrid and there's definitely going to be an Accord V6 hybrid for '05......

What would be the next logical step?

The TL Type-H of course.
I think by mid-'05 or '06.

Remember everyone, you read it here first !!!

 

I wonder what will happen to the price of the RL.