Spied: 2012 TL MMC
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Honda Fanboy
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: So Cal
Spied: 2012 TL MMC
PIC AT LINK BELOW
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=909715
Just a few days ago we received a tip that Acura's mid-cycle refresh (MMC) of the TL was operating on an accelerated timeframe. In fact, the word is that the MMC 2012 TL will be hitting showrooms in April 2011, or nearly a half year ahead of the typical fall date.
In support of this info, we already have a couple of spyshots from Brenda Priddy's crew, showing a camo'd TL undergoing testing. Little is visible through the camo, but for the past year or so Acura brass have spoken of refining (toning down?) the Power Plenum, so that's likely what the camo is covering up. Mechanically, we are expecting Acura's latest 6-speed automatic transmission to replace the current 5-speed unit. Acura and Honda have also been working on a new family of V6 engines, but we haven't yet heard which model(s) will be the first to benefit from the advanced designs.
In support of this info, we already have a couple of spyshots from Brenda Priddy's crew, showing a camo'd TL undergoing testing. Little is visible through the camo, but for the past year or so Acura brass have spoken of refining (toning down?) the Power Plenum, so that's likely what the camo is covering up. Mechanically, we are expecting Acura's latest 6-speed automatic transmission to replace the current 5-speed unit. Acura and Honda have also been working on a new family of V6 engines, but we haven't yet heard which model(s) will be the first to benefit from the advanced designs.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,372
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From: NJ
Definitely can't tell if the grill was changed completely, but if definitely looks like at the very least, if it was kept, it was shrunken down a little b/c the hood line looks like it goes all the way down to the top of the front end now, similar to how it does on the current TSX!
Looks, like the rear is going to be changes very slightly as well.
All in all, things that can only make it look better in my opinion.
Looks, like the rear is going to be changes very slightly as well.
All in all, things that can only make it look better in my opinion.
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Advanced
Joined: Oct 2006
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Agree, anything they do to the current TL will only make it look better. Get rid of the origami-transformer front and stupid rear smiley and I may actually take a look at it. The hood line looks lower and it now has a real rear bumper. 6AT alone is a major improvement IMO.
US Navy Seabees
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: NH
Banned
Joined: Jan 2010
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If the price stays similar and acura makes changes to the car that address any of the problems we have with ours.. then yes.
Its not just about the cosmetics, I'm already used to the way the TL looks. It's about improvements to the drivetrain, features, packaging, etc. It could be substantially more efficient, faster, more technologically advanced without a huge leap in prices.
Unlike the previous TLs, acura has never gotten such a negative reaction from the publications, magazines, and enthusiasts. I see significant changes for the mmc.
If it does get all that, then heck yes i'd hate my current TL and want to trade it the moment the mmc comes out.
Its not just about the cosmetics, I'm already used to the way the TL looks. It's about improvements to the drivetrain, features, packaging, etc. It could be substantially more efficient, faster, more technologically advanced without a huge leap in prices.
Unlike the previous TLs, acura has never gotten such a negative reaction from the publications, magazines, and enthusiasts. I see significant changes for the mmc.
If it does get all that, then heck yes i'd hate my current TL and want to trade it the moment the mmc comes out.
You guys are crazy if you think they changed the hood and trunk structure for an MMC. At the most they just changed up the grill and bumpers. Acura doesn't make all knew frames and mounting points in a MMC, and they sometimes don't even do it amongst generations, and sometimes not even amongst models (i.e. accord/cl same frame).
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,761
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From: Boston Metro
You guys are crazy if you think they changed the hood and trunk structure for an MMC. At the most they just changed up the grill and bumpers. Acura doesn't make all knew frames and mounting points in a MMC, and they sometimes don't even do it amongst generations, and sometimes not even amongst models (i.e. accord/cl same frame).
Right on the money - this is purely going to be a front grille and front/rear bumper change. They may change up that rear smiley piece and maybe the rear lights (iirc 3G MMC changed the rear lights).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 761
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Dang! I was hoping they would change the front fenders and get rid of the humps, or at least integrate them more (think S Class) so they don't look like fat azz hips. I dislike the fenders more than the grill.
I'm intrigued to see the backend as it appears they added a more formal bumper. Hmmm...
I'm intrigued to see the backend as it appears they added a more formal bumper. Hmmm...
Registered Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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If they improve it enough I just might buy one.
Mademoiselle Chanel!!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,129
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From: GA
I agree. If the Buick can offer heated/cooled seats, heated wheel, 11-speaker HK audio, rear sensors, adjustable suspension (800 dollar option), among lots of other goodies, for the mid-30K range, then Acura really ought to be capable of cooled seats and adjustable suspension, etc., for the low to mid 40s.
If they improve it enough I just might buy one.
If they improve it enough I just might buy one.
So cram in a trunk load of options and the vehicle is then 1st rate, right. ..it will still will be a Buick.
Mademoiselle Chanel!!
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: GA
Mademoiselle Chanel!!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 43
From: GA
You guys are crazy if you think they changed the hood and trunk structure for an MMC. At the most they just changed up the grill and bumpers. Acura doesn't make all knew frames and mounting points in a MMC, and they sometimes don't even do it amongst generations, and sometimes not even amongst models (i.e. accord/cl same frame).
(they're smokin' sumthin) "cocaine is a very powerful drug"- Rick Jame "B***H"
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
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?? j/k!
Mademoiselle Chanel!!
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: GA
Damn, your wifey is operating some sick machinery...I like it, I like it.
Registered Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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I too would go for a grille change, 6-speed transmission, some extra leather and less silver plasic surrounds, etc., like others here.
Trolling Canuckistan
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: 100 Legends Way, Boston, MA 02114
You guys are crazy if you think they changed the hood and trunk structure for an MMC. At the most they just changed up the grill and bumpers. Acura doesn't make all knew frames and mounting points in a MMC, and they sometimes don't even do it amongst generations, and sometimes not even amongst models (i.e. accord/cl same frame).
You fourth gen drivers have to relax a little. Not everyone is going to like your choice of car. Take a tip from the Sundance Gold Metallic CL owners (AKA Pimp Daddy Gold), they knew there car was so too "in your face" for most people and they were proud of it. Peoples comments on the car you choose to drive are not personal attacks against you.
Mademoiselle Chanel!!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 43
From: GA
While I agree with you, it almost looks like the hood has more slant to it. Although I seriously doubt they will change any metal parts, their is a lot of "piecework" metal on the front that could be changed without too much cost.
The tail light changes are usually interchangeable though so if you decide you like the tails of the MMC more you can swap the plastics without much cost or trouble.
You fourth gen drivers have to relax a little. Not everyone is going to like your choice of car. Take a tip from the Sundance Gold Metallic CL owners (AKA Pimp Daddy Gold), they knew there car was so too "in your face" for most people and they were proud of it. Peoples comments on the car you choose to drive are not personal attacks against you.
The tail light changes are usually interchangeable though so if you decide you like the tails of the MMC more you can swap the plastics without much cost or trouble.
You fourth gen drivers have to relax a little. Not everyone is going to like your choice of car. Take a tip from the Sundance Gold Metallic CL owners (AKA Pimp Daddy Gold), they knew there car was so too "in your face" for most people and they were proud of it. Peoples comments on the car you choose to drive are not personal attacks against you.
Sun-dance Gold Metallic was fire! I wanted one...That's a case of some folks being more expressive then others. When you saw that car you knew it was a Type-S. That was the purpose...
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 362
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From: Toronto
Its VERY obvious to tell they toned down the front grille, but its easy to see its still there, just smaller, BUT did anyone ever think that the grille may look too small for a car so large now? which is why I think the current grille goes with the car better
Mademoiselle Chanel!!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,129
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From: GA
My thought, my thoughts alone...many people get a seed planted in their head to dislike something from a person put in the guise of a critic and they see their views as gold!
I like the current grille...I like the design concept.