I just picked up the March edition of Motor Trend and there was an excellent article on the A-spec package. I am at work now and I do not have it with me else I would post it. If someone else does not do it by tomorrow I will do it. The article says the A-spec package was developed by the guy who did the suspension work for the NSX and S-2000. They did a comparo between a base TL and the A-spec both w 6MT and difference in their opinion was incredible. They said that where the base TL had torque steer and understeer in high power turns the A-spec TL has almost no noticeable torque steer and actually powered into oversteer!!!
Now that is sweet. I was considering a 330i but screw it, the A-spec TL is it. BTW the stickier summer tires increase 0-60 time by 0.3 sec. (they got 5.7 for A-spec vs. 6.0 for base TL) Those all-season Potenzas suck ass.

 

I just got it also. I agree the article is great. That A-Spec package really seems to do the trick. Faster car with no mods to the engine. Now that's results.

 

Interesting. My car is springs and shocks away....I think reading that article would make that choice easier.

 

I know this has been asked before, and I don't recall the answer but :

1) Is the A-spec package available for the auto TL? I thought I remembered someone saying yes, but the Brembo's weren't included.

2) Anybody have a price for the AT version? I remember something like $5k

3) Is this really worth the $5k or is it better to get the body kit and suspension with maybe new wheels? I mean, there are no engine or exhaust mods, right?

 

It is available for the auto (5A), and I believe the price for the A-SPEC package is same for auto as manual (but includes the updated Brembo brakes which come standard on the 6M).

I have the auto (after owning an Audi S4) and am not even considering the $5000-6000 A-SPEC package. I'd rather use that money towards my next lease...

-josh

 

Partially incorrect. The 5AT A-Spec package includes "high-performance" brake pads, not the Brembo calipers.

Price is correct, not including installation, which runs $0.8-1k at the dealer.

 

I`ve got the springs on already with the aero kit. New tires will be next. That should be similar

 

Does it bother any of you A-spec guys that A-Spec is not a factory option? Wouldn't it be great if you didn't have to buy 2 sets of wheels, tires, springs, and shocks, plus dealer labor to install them instead of just one set (the one you want!) and factory labor? Plus a factory body kit instead of the tack-ons?

Edit: Plus the second steering wheel?

Mike

 

Good lord. I guess that takes care of that then... lol. I don't see $6-$7k worth of "stuff" there.

 

Yep, put it that way, does seem a little overpriced, having to pay for parts that are just taken off anyway

 

Same here. I was struggling with wanting it and trying to find some rationale. But your point has helped me get through that, Mike. I hadn't thought of it that way.

I'll bet you they do come out with that type S.

 

This is exactly why I chose NOT to get the A-Spec package. It's nothing more than another way to rip off the customer. I tried to explain this to my original salesman (I ended up buying elsewhere) but he couldn't comprehend my point. Another dealer at least understood what I was saying and told me, as far as the 18" OEM wheels, that I'd get no credit for the 17" wheels and tires that come on the car already nor would I get to keep all 8 wheels and tires. So, I changed my story when he said I could have any accessory I wanted for dealer cost. I asked what the cost on the wheels alone would be and could I "get them later". He gave me the price and said sure, you can buy them later. And, that's what I plan to do. I don't need 8 wheels but if I am going to pay for 8, I may as well have all 8. Now if I can get some 18" tires paid for by Acura because of the flat spotting issue, I'll be all set

Non-NAV 04TL = $31,995 ($1200 discount, a/s mats, wheel locks)
18" wheels = $1,180 ($295.00 each on another site)
Free 18" tires due to flat spotting = $0.00

Non-NAV 04TL with 18" wheels/tires plus 4-17" wheels in the garage = $33,175


Edit: Springs, shocks and aero kit to be added later at the best price I can get. I will have all the functional parts of the A-Spec. Don't need no stinkin' badges or steering wheel.

 

You are right and I have not though of it before.
Acura should offer the A-spec package from the factory.
Just like BMW has the performance package option
Acura should make it available this. This would decrease
the cost to us and increase the exposure of Acura to others
who a "high performance" suspension. I wonder what it would
cost if the A-spec came from the factory as an option. I would
guess the total could be added for $2,000 total. As it stands
I really want a 5spd auto with A-spec but at the price
of $6,000 for A-spec it is price prohibitive. It is too bad Acura
is not making this kit avaiable from the factory at a lower
cost as it would only be a win-win-win for Acura, the buyer and the dealer.