THTL

iTrader: (2)

it will. hahhahahah.

SweetJazz

Hilarious!!!

People making buying decisions and conclusions based on a spy shot vehicle that has been purposefully altered to hide its true shape.

Calm down. It's still 2007 folks!!!

Hilarious!!!

SupaRookie

I dont see anything interesting...fking Acura building up suspense. The 07 style looks awesome; not sure if the redesign can beat it....whatever the case, I'm buying a new car in 2010!

krio

Some (useless) speculations.

1) Acura TL 2009 in the base model will get an RWD (it seems to me unlikely). T
he Top one will get the Sh-AWD.
Thanks to the RWD there'll not be problems with steering and power.
In this case Acura could offer only ONE engine, for example a 3.5 A-Vtec with 300-305 hp.
The RWD one will be the entry level TL, for about 35-36.000$.
The AWD will be around 40-42.000$.
Optionals Technology and Sport Package as for the MDX.

2) Acura TL 2009 will be FWD as the 3G TL.

In this case for the problems of over, under, upper steering that we know, we should imagine 2 engines: an entry TL with a 3.2 A-Vtec with around 270-275 hp.
This base model could be around 34.000$.
And a 3.5 engine A-Vtec (3.7 maybe?) for the Top TL with AWD and 300-305 hp...

I don't believe Acura will get only "one" version of the TL, because the base price would grow up too much with standard features as the AWD (that Acura seems to consider very expensive).
And the fact that Honda Accord didn't get the A-Vtec, it means only Acura model will get it?

JD TL-S

iTrader: (1)

YAH, look at the top side bolsters, very out there.

It will be a SHOCK to all when it comes out IMO. The TL-S now looks great, it will take a while to get use to a new style. How can they make it look better? The car cover makes the rear look like a Grand Prix. YUK. SHIT. I hope NOT.

JD TL-S

iTrader: (1)

The new RL will still be a luxury model, I HIGHLY doubt an RL would have seats

that have such aggressive bolsters. The top of the seat shows huge bolsters.

I think its definately a TL. I agree its very early to see an 09 model being tested,

but look at the 1 series BMW coming out in March 08. It will be an 09 model.

Costco

I really hope Acura steps it up this time. They are starting to get left behind in the HP race. Not that its something I exactly care about, but with the new Accord having ~270 HP on tap, it would be foolish for Acura to come out with another FWD TL. If they bump it up to 300 HP for the 2009 TL, how the hell are they going to manage the Type-S? More bloat through AWD I guess.

They can share platforms for only so long. Nissan and Toyota have already separated their premium brands from their regular brands by using different platforms, now Acura needs to "advance" as they always advertise. If the new TL is RWD, it'll definitely be on my list, pending it doesn't come out ugly.

Acura always did pretty well as far as engine choices, now they really need a good platform if they want to challenge BMW for the title of the best performing entry-level sports sedan.

Ac Man

+1

trancemission

I think it has some similarities to the MDX front end. If in fact it is an 09 model Im really looking forward to seeing how it really looks...

sandiegodrive

I'm waiting to see how it really looks under all that camo.

Its foolish to judge a car without seeing it in person. Even more so when its 90% covered up!

darksom1

What difference does it make if we can tell what it really looks like or not? It's fun trying to determine it. I seriously don't think anyone here is going to run out and spend hard-earned they saved for a car on something else now, just because of these pics. We're just having fun guessing. So I guess it looks like shit under those covers! But if it looks ok, and has the horses (300+), tranny, and suspension I want - then I will buy it anyway!

It definitely looks bulky like a Maxima or Lexus...If a chick in my bed was covered up to her neck, and she was a big girl, I could still tell she was a big girl!! Hahahahahaha!

chill_dog

KeithL

Well I don't care for th eMDX dash so if that is the 09 then my 08 TL-S will be my last TL for a while. I also don't care for at least what is visible of the nose. I hate that shield on the fornt of the MDX and while it may not be a shield the raised sides of the grill don't do it for me. Also the navi pod is just a hump in the dash. I prefer the way the navi pod is sculpted more intot he dash on say the 08 Accord or 07 G35. Also what we can see of the fig/driving lights look edgey. It seems maybe they are taking quesus from the MDX and Maxima genre of edgy, too bad. I know they have to change the car, but evolutionary liek the G35 would be better. The 3G is just such a perfect design IMO, so much so I have owned 4. I just got my 08 Type-S last night and while the car is not perfect in execution, it is by far one of the best damn cars I have ever owned or driven. I spent 2 weeks going back and forth between G35 and TL-S and while the G35 is an awesome machine, the TL styling is just so damn good. The 07 G35 style will be here for 4 years, but this is it for the 3G TL so I figured I would get one last one and see what 09 has to bring to the TL. BTW, I hate them darn I-drive setups, I don't think the RL, MDX or RDX have what I call handsome dashes, but I do recognize that to better interact with the system you can't have dozens of buttons or only rely on voice command since none of the voice command systems i have seen are all that great for accuracy.

jzacuto

Doh! Way harsh! LOL!

erick3

SERIOUSLY... hahaha

dug-mac

I wouldn't draw too many conclusions from these spy shots. After all, they're camoflaged to deceive... Acura, in my opinion, is one of the best at design evolution. They rarely get it wrong. As much as I like the classy lines of my 2nd Gen., I cannot deny that the 3rd Gen is equally attractive in it's own way. I'm betting the 09's will be as well...

ChRiS_nYc

why is Acura so secretive about this? If that is a 2009 model as we expect, it is probably going to hit the market in less than a year.

I feel that other automakers reveal future cars earlier and draw more hype than Acura has lately (ie Lexus IS-F, Lexus LS460, 2008 CTS, G37, 2008 C-class, etc). The RL and the new MDX seemed to pop out of nowhere.

HEK

man I love the masks.....I wonder if one can buy them....the ultimate road warrior........bet it would catch on....

Steerpike

You CAN buy them - they are called car bra's

Legend2TL

http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/...-tl.html?al=99

FL3.2TL

Wow, going through the Acura/Honda section, Honda has alot of funny looking cars. The Acura Advance concept is too futuristic, with the Batmobile look alike. lol

blakura

I agree! And who why is it being said that it's the TL, what distinguishes the pics as such, it could actually be the next gen TSX, but probably the next RL.

blakura

I have to agree, it does look like that ugly bulbous maxima in some ways.

TL1999

i really hope the 4th gen does not look like a maxima....if it is true, I will have to go with another maker.....

kosstick

when my lease is up im going with the 400 HP Camero or the 09 TL. If I don't like the look of the TL im going to go with the Camero

Im hoping it resembles nothing like the Maxima or the accord.

blacktl6mt

Some random thoughts.....

Damn, I hate that the new Accords look like they came out of the same styling plant as a Hyundai. They had a good thing going with the Civics.

I really hate that they stole the line that runs down the side from the current TL.

3G TLs design really broke the bank, both on the inside and out. 7G Accords, too. Really, they were probably too good. It has to be the most copied interiors of the last 5 years.

If you are like me and think the second generation legend was the last beautiful Honda sedan, it will only be another 9 years until we get another stand out design.

Please quit making these cars any damned bigger! Not all of us are fat pigs. And I don't want to give any on fuel economy.

I guess I can hold out a hope that they will put out a more performance oriented TSX and (finally) give it LED tail lights.

I would really like the TL design to emulate what Nissan has done with the G35, a natual looking progression that pretty much all agree was in the right direction.

Later,

-Jeff

gauravp123

I don't think it has anything to do with the fact that people are fat pigs or not, albeit not to mention that the americans are the probably the "most obese/'fattest pigs'" in the world...if you look at percentage vs total population

with that being said....I think it has to do with the fact that the altima/maxima and camry have gotten bigger throughout the years? the altima is HUGE inside...no?

Type-Superman

but not outside. how does someone park this giant? also, the cupholders are big enough to hold a large Slurpee cup. SOOOOOOO fat piggish.

TMLInfinity

The latest ones i saw were from VTEC.net of the new TL spy shots but Acura does a very good job at hiding the most important details.

It looks a bit boxier though.....almost cadillac CTS like.

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-image?...09tl_cd-03.jpg

Lookin at the front grille it does not resemble that of the new Accord....

Anyways.... i'm just very curious.

I own a 3G TL like many of you too, hopefully the TL design doesn't blow our design out of the water and then make our cars not attractive no more. =)

KeithL

One thing I admire about what Infiniti did witht he G35 was to evolve the design. The G35 was a nice car and they did nto want to mess with its success, so they evolved the outsoide and fixed the damn awful interior. Now if Acura is smart they will do the same thing. The 3G TL is an awesome machine and very successful with remarkable resale value since it is so sort after. They need to evolve it, when you look at a 2G G35 it reminds you of the orginal G35, Acura needs to do the same, enhance the styling without radicalizing it. From what little the spy shots show I am mixzed right now, I don't like the navi hump ala MDX. I prefer the Infiniti or 08 Accord approach, have it recessed in the the lines of the dash. Even BMW while it can be said has a hump it is more swept in with the drivers hump.

dr mikeylu

just judging on the camo pics (which is not much) ..i dont think this car will look as good as the 3G ..only time will tell.

iLL TL

lexus here i come If they fuk this car up like it looks like they are i'm outta the family =) sorry guys

kappa821

+2

ultimate_ed

We'll have to see if this bodes well or not, especially the line about "If you like what we did with the Accord, wait till you see what we do with the TL,"

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=122681

Personally, I like the new Accord. YMMV.

Bearcat94

^^

That's not the relevant part of the exchange - that's fluff. This is the relevant part:

" .... as with all future Acura and Honda models, more distinction will exist between the Honda Accord, upon which the TL has been based, and the new TL."

That means different styling, more power and more amenities/gadgets than the Accord.


Further:

"In addition to being more distinct from Hondas, future Acuras will emphasize performance that drivers can live with daily — features like the RDX's turbocharged engine, a future V10 engine .... "

Emphasis added. If they are willing to consider a V10, then a V8 in the range is almost certain.

This all *sounds* very promising, but to some extent, this guy is just a talking head, so .... .

Bootlegged

Don't believe this link has been posted yet, so here it is...

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/2009-acura-tl.htm

3 Major Changes

- SH-AWD
- 275 HP (approx)
- New Body Style (duh)

ARX-01b

iTrader: (1)

Looks worse than the new MDX & RDX. Acura is sure coming out with some FUGLY cars. If that really does hit the showroom floors Acura will certainly be able to claim they make the ugliest cars in America.

HiTEC

Pic is a wacky concept car... they state it will look nothing like that.

This article seems like lots of speculation to me????

TLin401

That pic of the "concept car" looking disgusting makes me feel sicker than I already am. The info is pretty good though. It is good so see that they upped the horsepower and changed a few things.

Eoanou

I wouldn't bother with a SH-AWD TL, too expensive, to be honest I'm not all that enthused about a SH-AWD, I see it as a marketing ploy, I mean look how well the AWD on the EVO MR performs. If I'm going to pay 40K, which is expect for a SH-AWD TL, I might as well just buy an Audi A4.