Hi to all. I am brand new on the forum.

I don't own an Acura yet. But I plan to trade up my Honda Accord next year.

My question is about the future availability of AWD on the TL. I love the TL except I would really like it to be AWD. I know the RL just came out with SH-AWD but this is more car than I want or can afford.

I am hoping that since the technology is available, it may filter down to the TL in one or two model years. Has anyone heard any rumors about this?

Is there anyway to contact Acura with a "Wish List" of future enhancements.

Thanks for listening.

Bob

 

Not in the near future... 2006 if we're lucky, more like 2007 or 2008... soopa has some secrets too... but we don't know for sure... hope that answers parts of your questions

 

I don't really know if the TL needs AWD. For one, it will probably add a good 200-300lbs extra to the weight of the car. The TL is already a bit heavy at 3500lbs. Sure the torque steer would be removed but weight is just as detrimental to overall handling as the FWD bias. Not to mention that the 3.2L would have to be enhanced to handle the extra weight. The 3.2L is a great engine but the lack of torque will feel sluggish off the line if the TL gains any extra weight. Since torque is directly related to displacement, increasing torque is probably not too much of an option. That leave the other option of putting in a 3.5L to mate it with the AWD (or I guess you could leave the engine the same but it'll be noticeably slower than the FWD TL). I'd be a little surprised if the TL even gets AWD but I'm just guessing

 

It's coming IMO. Just don't know when.

 

My dealer was very confident we'll see an AWD option and I agree. My guess is 2006 or 2007 at the latest.

 

my guess is the 4th gen. AWD is not a show stopper. the TL is selling like hot cakes. no need to change things and raise the price which could lead to decrease in sales. even as an option R&D money has to be spent which will need to be recovered in the overall price of the car.

 

I've seen under the TL and the RL and I cant quite see how they are going to fit that rear differential where the gas tank is . It more than likely could be integrated motor assist like the Accord but driving the rear.

 

Can i install AWD to my 04 TL?

 

i'm opening a shop... pm me for more info!



and yes sh-awd is coming soon to tl.... 2006 maybe or 2007... its coming i know....

 

 

For 2006 Acura is going to bring out a new awd cross-over based on the Honda CR-V and a new MDX. Will they also bother to add awd to the TL? Maybe, after all, Infiniti/Nissan brought out a ton of new vehicles pretty quickly.

 

AWD performance would offset any weight increase, other than in fuel economy of course - Audi has proven that over and over. The physics of vehicle dynamics just work out much better with an AWD system. Not that i would be willing to have the extra cost and lower economy for my purposes - the TL is my day to day car, so I do not care for it to be a handler - no sedan will ever satisfy me in that regard - none.

 

Honda CEO Fukui said that SH-AWD would become available on other Honda products. On the TL its just a question of when. I say model year 2006 or 2007.

 

You mean all Acura products.

 

a RWD "s" option would be nice before a AWD.

 

that will never happen.

 

2 words: Snow Tires

 

3 words: you have problems

 

a n00bs next question will be, can I put the NSX's RWD system on the TL?

 

hehehe so can i?

 

Even the STi or Evo

I believe the AWD performance will offset the weight increase in terms of starting from a stop but highway speed and general day to day driving will feel more sluggish. Of course fuel economy will worsen too as you mentioned. IMO, the TL is great the way it is and performs very well in its market segment.