I'm still in the decision stage. It's between the 2004 Infiniti G35x coupe, the 2004 TL, and possibly the as yet introduced 2005 Lexus GS.

This is probably a bit premature to ask, but does anyone know if Acura will make AWD an option for the TL in 2005?

If rumors indicated the 2005 might be AWD, I think I'll wait until it's introduction.

It's not like AWD is a deciding factor, but it is a plus. I'm leaning toward the 2004 TL, but if the 05s might be AWD, I'll wait.

By the way... I'm a Newbie who is quite impressed with the level of expertise and honesty all of you bring to this forum. I searched other threads dealing with the G vs. TL issue and gotten wonderful insight. I was surprised to read in many posts the Infiniti rates higher in quality than the Acura. I always felt Acura and Lexus had cornered the quality car market.

 

I seriously doubt Acura will make the TL in an AWD version in 2005. In fact, I can't see them making any material changes at all except for a color combo change and fixing/tweeking any known recurring problems.

Isn't the 2005 RL supposed to get the AWD. If that's the case, they won't offer the TL in AWD in 2005.

 

Probably 06-07 at teh earliest. It will be introduced in another car first. Eiter the flaship (RL) as a new feature, or a Honda for testing and will move up when perfected.

 

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Keep 'em comin'.

By the way, in my original post I say I'm looking at the G35 coupe. WRONG! I'm looking at the sedan. The coupe doesn't come in AWD. My bad!

 

well, I've heard that the MDX's system can be put in, and that there is space to spare for the system under the carriage. this is just what I've heard and i sure hope so, awd is a deciding factor for me, and so are 4 doors. I'd guess that if acura sells as many or more tl's than infinity did g35 sedans, than they have no reason to hold back an awd version.

 

coupe = attractive car
sedan = butt ugly

Too bad you can't have it all, some things just piss me off. Stupid problems

 

An AWD G35 coupe would be quite attractive to me! TL would have some tough competition in my opinion.

 

if they made an awd g35 coupe i would defintely consider it as a car to get. the interior may be a bit boring and cheap but the exterior stylin is beautiful. infiniti/nissan is doing a great job with their new car lineup.

 

Possible, hopefully, but not likely.

I have been a very good guesser with pass options. I told everyone even people at my old dealer that the 04 TL was going to have 6 speed and brembo brakes, there are probably post about it too.

Anyways I have a feeling that AWD will be an option for the 05 TL, as you know the only option is the navi besides tires and accesories.

I think acura will keep up and stay ahead in many ways with the G35.

To keep up it will add AWD.

JUST MY OPINION

 

If the Accord goes AWD, then the TL will.

 

I don't think so....the TL has many things the Accord does not.....no justification.

 

Yes the TL has many things that the Accord doesn't But for something as complicated as an AWD system, it would have to be part of the Accord platform. You don't just add on AWD.

It is much easier to add electronics and interior upgrades compared to any AWD setup.

 

This would piss me off more than you can believe
Out of all the bitching, that is the one thing I wanted that the car doesn't have
Want other things, but features they are features could do without (wants)

care to try your skillz before 05 info is released. I would be interested in hearing your quess of how much this option will cost?
How reliable are these systems, MDX fairly good adn reliable?

 

I read that the upcoming RL will be based off the Honda Midsize Global platform (i.e. Accord) and it will have AWD VTM-4 system similar to the MDX.

It doesn't seem to far fetched for the Accord and TL to get this sometime in the future.

 

I don't think there are many question about honda realiability in overall. The VTM-4 is very good, but not built for performance or should I say not configure. Honda just fully integrated the VTM-4 with VSA not to long ago. Because of the safety aspect this is why you will see this setup in future Honda's

Honda is trying to make their cars one of the safest out there and AWD with fully integration with VSA seems to be a plus for that purpose.

 

I live in New England. I WANT THIS SETUP. I am not a performace driver. I bought the car for luxury, reliability.... and got performance as an added bonus.

How much would the option be? Best guess

 

I try not to guess unless I have some education about it.

This is a lucky guess:

< $1200

 

worth every penny, but I would lose a lot more than that alone on re-registering and more on trade in. WTF, I want it now. Should be an upgrade fee of $500 and u can do it!

 

Great Forum . I'm in the same boat as fotodad waiting to see what the '05 will have, but it's getting hard holding out. Can anyone give a good guess as to when Acura might release that info based on there pass update releases.

 

No it is not at all. AWD seems to be the way many car makers are going. But I think it would have to start with a clean sheet platform from the Accord. Not added onto the TL only.So the RL will be based off the Accord too and cost 50k?

 

I'm in that same boat as well.

I'm holding out until the NY autoshow next month.

Its the last big auto show of the season so I figure if they were going to announce something that would be a good time to do it

But who knows...

 

Here is where we need the techies

They will not change the platform for the TL. Too big a change after one year. I assume, any my assumptions could be wrong, that it will be the same care alyout, but somehow have the system worked in. I am not sure how it works or is laid out, which is why I need you. Since it is an option it can be installed on the same TL layout. Could this be foreseeable as aftermarket through Acura or does something need to be done at the bulding stage. Could I bring my car in, pay the option price + some extra and have a system like this installed?

 

There has been a lot of speculation on the price for the upcoming RL. Some people seem to think (including myself) that since this car is based off the Accord platform, it should MSRP for less than the current version. Honda may pass the savings of the shared platform to the consumer. I think if this RL has an MSRP in the low 40s, it should do very well. Hopefully, they will be looking to sell this in larger volumes. At most, the MSRP should remain as it is currently.

If it is at the 50k mark, it will be a tough sell. Sure it will be priced like an E320 and 530, but at this point, the Acura nameplate cannot command such a premium IMO.

I see the main competitors for this RL as the upcoming M35, GS300. I don't think it will be priced higher than the competitors. After all, Acura is known for providing "more" for less $$$.

 

For a $5000 diff I would def get the RL over the TL, doesn't make much sense

 

I think this new TL platform will definitely see AWD in '06 ... I think
Acura wanted to introduce VTM-4 on a fresh newly designed TL, rather than continue to add features to the aged 2nd gen TL body.

 

we're on 3rd gen bud. Not even out a full year.
I HOPE system can be added just the same
Would pay 2k for it

 

Somebody mentioned the New York Auto Show, and I know this is an Acura TL forum, so I apologize for bringing up Infiniti, but the Infiniti website has a link to the NY Show to hint at what may be available from them in 2005. From what I gather the G35 is going to get a more luxurious interior. I wonder if the G35 coupe will get AWD. It may be smart to wait until after the show before I buy anything.

I gotta tell ya, all you TL fans, if the G35 coupe gets AWD, as much as I like the TL, I'll probably get the G.

Again, thanks for all the informative posts. I value each of them.

 

Price would prob go up a bit as demand
If you wanna wait it is no biggy, less than a month away
we're all waiting to see what the show turns out

 

I don't see it so much as changing, but adding.

Let's just hope it happens

 

That's what I want to hear Bitium
ADD
I elect to add it
Sign me up, when will it be ready

 

We really need some technical people to confirm whether or not the AWD setup from the MDX will in fact fit in the new TL with little or no modifications.

I highly doubt that Acura will develop a new AWD setup for this car. If that's what would be required then I think you'll just see it on the next gen TL a few years down the road.

But if the MDX's AWD system WILL fit I have to believe that Acura has to be looking at adding it.
The only real knock on the car has been the FWD setup.
And now that the G35 is available in AWD it ups the ante a bit.

Another question is the 6-speed. Since the MDX is not available in a manual transmission is it techically (and inexpensively) feasible to work in the 6-speed with the AWD?

 

We should post and ad
"Techies wanted" on a new thread and link them here
or restart a thread w/ this pecific question

I thnk it would have to be the current system added w/ little to no midification to current platform

knowing me it would not work as an add on cause I am not that lucky, but I can dream

 

I highly doubt it would cost effective and reliable to add AWD to an existing 2004 TL but we need someone with some edumacation to tell us if its possible that the factory could to it easily on future models.

 

If it will be an option on the existing platform there must be a way

 

They won't make one.

And if they did they'd have to increase engine output in order to compensate for the additional weight and running friction. Otherwise, a V6 Accord would be JUST as fast.

 

Why did Nissan find it cost effective to add awd to the existing G35?

 

Because the have the best AWD system in the market and they have been using it for years now.....