I am most likely going to upgrade my 03 TLS to the new model TL. I've only had my car for a year, so I will be waiting for the 05. The only thing that really bugs me is that the new TL is 6" shorter. I know it boasts more passenger space, but I like a slightly larger car. Why did Acura go smaller???

 

Shorter overhangs give the car a lower polar moment of inertia (better handling qualities). It also gives the car a more athletic look.

 

Also shorter means easier to park and easier to maneuver.

I'm contemplating replacing my TL with a TSX because it IS smaller. To each his own.

rw

 

They could also bring out the all-new RL in August at 6 inches larger and preserve the "pecking order" size-wise

 

I think they right-sized the new TL. It improves the handling a bit.

 

The trunk apparently 2 cu. feet smaller. The sales rep I talked to thought otherwise...obviously he didn't do his homework.

 

Well, They made the car smaller, while actually making the interior bigger. You gotta give them props..

I would rather have a bigger interior and smaller trunk than have a huge trunk and small interior

Sorry if I am not correct, but doesn't smaller size = better center of gravity = better handling?

 

I just don't want to feel like I'm driving a civic. I consider a TL a little more of a luxury sport sedan. 6" isn't that bad, the car is sweet and I will trade my 03 next year. But I hope they don't start to take awy from the luxury aspect of the car.

 

For those of you asking this size question, here's food for thought:

Why is the Lexus GS smaller than the Lexus ES?

I would think the reasoning for the smaller dimensions for the new TL are the same.

 

But think, the TL seems much smaller than the GS......

 

Actually, my concern is that it's too big, as I currently drive a '98 A4 1.8T and was originally looking at the TSX, which is more my size. But the TSX is definitely a step down from my A4 in terms of equipment and a lot of minor but nice features like auto down/up on all the windows, full lighting, etc.

With the TL I wouldn't feel that I've gone down a notch, but it's 3+ inches wider than my A4 and I have a bit of a tight garage situation. Mainly, I have to pull in next to my BMW motorcycle, which itself is exceptionally wide since it's an 1100cc boxer with those jugs hanging out the side. Don't even ask me what happens when you get too close and scrape your front bumper fascia on one of those cylinder heads .

The only saving factor is that I am slowly retiring from cycling and may sell the Beemer in a year or two.

What I really need to do is to drive a TL home and see how it fits. Heck of a way to have to select a car, but I do have to get in and out every day!

 

Good point. The 1st gen GS was 194 inches long and a failure in luring people outta their Benzs/BMW E and 5s into Lexus. Lexus totally studied the Germans and followed their way, the 2nd gen GS has the same size as the Germans. 189Inch long, 70 wide, 56 height. Advanced enginering meant the same thing to the GS as the 04 TL, a smaller exterior, roomier interior. Though the GS trunk is 18" larger than the longer 1st gen (gotta love Toyota).

The TL was smaller to be sportier and combat the 3/IS/G35 better. Though it still has way to much front overhang compared to the rear overhang.Which one? The 99-03 TL is longer than the GS but 2 inches lower in height, thus it looks smaller. The 04 TL is smaller than the GS but the same height, 56 in.

 

I guess I'll have to see it in person. I might go test drive one tommorrow. I won't trade my 03 tilll next year, but at at least want to see if the new TL is my next car. Most likely will be, for the money you can't beat the features.

 

I test drove this and the small size has big effect on the rear doors. It was hard to get in and out of the rear seats and I'm not even a big person. They must have removed all the space from the rear.

 

Just got off the phone with the dealer near my girlfriends. I will be in that area tonight and they have 04's available for test drive.
I'm going tonight.