When I drove a RSX-S I knew the difference between the base model and the S, now I know a friend from work that has a 2000 TL type S and is an automatic and has the same engine as a regular 2000 TL.
Now without causing any debates I ask why has the 3rd Gen TL not be bagged a "Type S" when it was being sold as a "stick" since it appears that is"sportier/faster" than the automatic, or even more why didn't the "A-Spec" become the "Type S".
What does the A stand for in A-Spec...????

 

1) 2000 year model did not offer Type S.
2) 2001 Type P-225 HP.......2002 Type S 260 HP

 

Maybe in 07

 

Well, if you're a GT4 enthusiast, you would know that A-spec means you do the actual driving, whereas B-spec lets you command the simulation driver. In other words, you're not actually driving in B-spec. A-spec implies that it's driver-engaging and true driving.

And there was no Type-S in 2000. It was first introduced on the 2002 model, carried over to 2003, then it was gone. Type-S moniker has been dropped and Acura had already made the transition with the 2003 Canadian model TL when it introduced the A-spec package only available on the Type-S. As you can see with the 3G TL, Type-S is no longer available and A-spec is its replacement.

As far as the Type-S label is concerned, the '02-'03 TL Type-S just may be the rarest Type-S of all, being in production for only 2 years.

As for why the manual transmission version of the 3G TL was not badged the Type-S... well, a drivetrain choice isn't exactly qualified to be a trim level. It's merely a choice of transmission along with a front brake upgrade and a larger diameter rear sway bar. On the 2G TL, the Type-S had many many upgrades done, primarily in the engine.

 

Amen

 

"A" in A-Spec stands for American.
American-Spec as in Specialty tuned model by Honda of America.

 

*LOL*

Er...no.

 

A-Spec implies a high performance variant of a car. It can also mean the highest level of amateur racing competition. B-spec, of course, is a step below for the less experienced drivers, or for a lower level variant of a car.

HOWEVER, these terms can also be used to indicate market sectors. For instance, J-spec is used to indicate a Japanese spec.

In other words, I guess it really depends on how you use it. But common sense would dictate that in case of the TL A-spec, it is used to indicate a high performance variant of the car, not American.

 

You're much closer to the mark.

"A-Spec" is indeed a moniker used by Japanese automakers to denote a high-performance variant. It's actually rather unoriginal of Honda to slap the A-Spec label on their North American Acura line-up; Mazda has used the same name for years in its JDM cars. I guess Honda/Acura figured since Mazda never exported the name to its North American product line, no one would mind/notice. Fortunately, some of us older folks have memories that haven't completely failed yet.

 

I wish they had something on the cars (besides brembo's) to mark the 6 speed models. When out driving and seeing another TL, the wife and I always try to find out if the other car is also a 6 speed.
I think we have seen two 6 speeds on the road so far....
One was being driven by a middle age woman, maybe the only other one in NJ besides my wife who likes a manual better than an automatic?

Brett

 

So why were they sold in Canada? j/k

I didn't know this. Thanks for the info....

 

Thanks for the reply, I knew I had the years wrong as today here at work I spoke with him, but anyways makes sense, it would be nice to be able to buy a Type S as a choice of models, I know I would have bought one..

 

hahaha...
should I grab a flame suite???

it was an educated guess, based on the fact that the 3g tl is a north american exclusive model...

ohh well....
at least now I know what up...

 

Actually, I should apologize for sounding curt. Your guess was very clever, to be honest.

 

I Thought A-Spec meant Another Speculation

 

Your TLs are still missing the Type-S head and Dual stage TB.

 

Bad reputation pertaining to FAILED TRANSMISSIONS (Type S models) ! Btw: the 2001 CL Type S was the first introduction Type S.......

Every notice that all Acura signs were changed from RED lettering (sporty) to boring navy blue ? Every notice the auto keys no longer have RED and went to conservative white letters ? The marketing guys at Honda/Acura are on crack !

 

nope...
i'm not the middle-aged woman....

 

Ok.. great education on the abbreviations.. now comes the hard part *I think* for all you braniacs...

What does TL stand for?

 

Absolutely NOTHING !

 

Oh God, not again...
Acura names stand for absolutely nothing. Here's the proof:

http://www.forbes.com/2004/07/12/cz_...?partner=yahoo (scroll 1/2 way down the page or so)

https://acurazine.com/forums/technology-16/my-old-computer-fast-enough-run-windows-xp-111045/

 

...bob,
i've been meaning to ask u how u felt about your cupholder...