There have been many disussions about US vs. Japan assembly quality, but I want to find out how much of design work on TL was done stateside. I heard that Bluetooth module is made by US company and american audio recording engeneer participated in the stereo system tuning. What about exterior or majormechanical components?

 

You're right on the bluetooth, was developed by Johnson Controls, Inc.
I use to work for them, and I know how they work, so the performance (more like lack of) doesn't surprise me

 

all i know is the bluetooth part is made in the US and costs 498.74 if you break it. No i haven't broke it, just found where it was the other day so i checked the price

 

I seem to recall reading something in the recent past that said the TL was totally and completey designed here in the U.S.

In terms of quality of U.S products vs Japanese, there is very little difference according to MotorWeek and J.D. Power. You're basically splitting hairs.

 

 

I believe it really boils down to features and options (the same as features?) and types.

For example, the TL, which we're all familar with, has very few equals in the domestic arena. The Lincoln LS comes to mind. But you get into features and such with these comparisons. Lincoln/Mercury comes out ahead of Acura in terms of dealer service and repsonse.

With car companies, trying to compare one model against another is really difficult because if you are really leaning towards a car like the TL, there are not a lot of cars in the same catagory and price range that match this car. You really can't compare the TL to the new Mustang because these cars satisfy different wants and desires.

I believe all of this is a good thing because we, the comsumers, benefit in the end. We have a better and more extensive selection from which to chose.

 

The TL's most striking feature- its exterior design- certain could not have come out of the California design studios. Just look what Nissan {Maxima}and most others have come up with. No, according to some it closely resembles the classic Alfa Romeo-Ital design. They are probably right since nobody else has that "look". Yes, Italian! Can you argue over Armani, Versace, Ferrari-now I have gone too far. But still makes you feel good. Probably most of the mechanical engineering pieces were carried over since they have proven themselves. There you are!!!!

 

ck out this alfa photo from auto week

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specia...9/images/1.jpg

another photo:

http://www.carsfromitaly.com/alfaromeo/159fr34.jpg

"2006 Alfa Romeo 159
What you see here at Geneva is the final prototype for the 156 replacement. It goes on sale in early Summer and is a distinct styling upgrade from the ageing 156 family. Launching with the four-door sedan version with the new Q4 awd system is a sign that Alfa understands that it needs cash fast. The 159 is larger in every dimension, another positive sign that they are actually in synch with the market trends. The design is a beautiful piece of work from Giugiaro with stronger shoulders and the cleaner updated face. If - and this is a massive "if" - Alfa returns to the States in this decade, the mid-life facelift of this car would be part of the lineup".

 

You can look back at the 2003 NY Auto Show for some insight into the exterior design. Jon Ikeda was the lead designer and I believe Dave Marek was the project leader. Dave teaches at Art Center College of Design here in Pasadena where a lot of the tomorrow's designers learn their craft. Maybe you'll see this Acura SUV one day.

Also, this Sunday there will be a car show there. Acura is one of many sponsors and Dave Marek is supposed to be there. Click here for more info.

 

kona, thanks for the info! I found number of links with te names you provided. This one is worth visiting: http://www.concept/vehicle/d...0#pressRelease . On the top of the page, there pictures of 2003 TL concept. It is interesting to see how the car has changed when it reached production.

 

I recall reading something from Acura's magazine that the second gen TL was heavily designed and developed in the US both in Ohio and California. The article didn't go into details but it sorta implied exterior and interior design. I guess the same applies for the US only based 3rd gen TL.


It did not say if the drivetrain design was US or Japan. I figured that Japan is still very much in charge of most of not all drivetrain design and development for their vehicles since that is a fairly intensive operation.