George Knighton

The debut of the 2011 TSX Sport Wagon in New York might give us a clue how they might intend to tone down the grille a little bit at some point in the near future.

NJ SHAWD

Just my opinion, but I think we're regressing now.

George Knighton

Does this angle look better?

NJ SHAWD

I think it does. It seems like the angle is too steep. Almost like it "hit the wall"

SSGHutch

Very Euro, but then again, that's the primary market. TSX=Euro R Accord right? During my tour in Germany, I was astonished as to how well wagons are embraced over there. Regardless, I like it. So long as Acura offers a fresh choice among all the dullness out there, I will always be a fan. With the ever increasing gas prices and the rise of utilitarianism, do you guys think that wagons wll gain popularity over here?

jasonwdp10

I wonder how it will get on the TL. I need to replace my TL soon, and i'm wondering if it's worth waiting for the 2011 (if that's the refresh year)

jasonwdp10

here's it's brochure btw:
http://www.acura.com/flash/TSX_Wagon...n_brochure.pdf

still no push button start or 6spd auto? C'MON

PetesTL

Not much of an improvement in my opinion.....still too "Transformers"-like.

Six Shifter

I think the grill treatment on any of the other Acura's (save maybe the MDX) will look better than the TL just for the simple reason that they all lie flush with the line where the hood meets the top of the headlights. That little bit that extends above the top lines of the lights until it reaches the hood is a styling mistake.

winstrolvtec

If the TL grill was at least better integrated and more flush on the sides where it meets the headlights, I think it would look better without changing anything.

This new unfinalized grill will also be making it's way to the TSX sedan at MMC and that is the same time the wagon will join the lineup. So MMC is early but only because it is keeping in line with the Euro version. I don't know if we can expect the same for the TL but the same type of grill or style is expected in the future. Rumor is this style will also be making it's way to the entire lineup at some point.

BigBunks

i dont know about you guys but i also hated the grille when i bought my tl and had every intention of getting the top piece painted or get the rj grille. now i love it. it stands out and thats one of the reasons i bought the car. if i do anything i may still paint the top piece this summer but that would be the most i do. i have learned to love it after some time. just my opinion

docboy

I agree. Like the nose was flattened.

But the 2011 TSX Wagon's grill is definitely less "obvious" and less "bam in your face" than the current 4G TL's.

dominik331

It's not that it is any better. I actually like the current one. If only the chrome piece had a different surface finish, sort of like the 07-09 MDX. I think that would give it a better look. The Plain chrome finish just doesn't look luxury. This new grille just looks more Saturnish. Just my opinion

ll_22

A regression in design for sure, the current TSX sedan grille is better than this wagon's version.

Speaking of Saturn, does anyone else think Acura stole some designers from GM because there are some subtle design similarities between Acura and some the GM models (Saturns, Buicks, etc)?

NJ SHAWD

Squared off like a Caddy!

George Knighton

I don't think I'd accuse them of stealing a design element, but I know what you mean and I confess that I have noticed it.

btomcik

After I bought my TL I was a little bothered with the look of the grille, but then one night when it was dark out, I got out of my car and left it running while I got something out of the house and when I came out I noticed that with the grille and the HID headlights, my car looked like Megatron.

After that, I had no problems with the grille. Pretty sweet when your car looks like Megatron.

docboy

Or Optimus Prime

I agree. From certain angles, and also at dusk/night time with the fogs/headlights, the car looks simply awesome. IMHO.

IMHO, if you the current grill was somehow tweaked just a tad, all the controversy would end. What and how much tad, I don't know...

jspagna1

I think painting the beak makes a world of difference and gives the car a whole new presence. If you want to upgrade to the RJ Grille, that also gives the car a whole new look.
They are not going to make any substantial changes IMO until the model runs it's normal course. Can we say 5G?

BbPhaeton

Actually, Acura designer came from GM (or Saturn), if I recall. So, it's no coincidence that the designer brought the idea with him to his new employer. See similarity in Saturn Aura and Acura TL, especially the shiny triangle stuff in the rear bumper/trunk lid.

Now that Saturn is gone, notice that the new (2011) TSX wagon beak can be made more similar (closer) to the Saturn Aura's grille while at the same time making it more consistent with others across the Acura's brand.

Speaking of consistency, American Honda/Acura executive got bamboozled when Honda of Japan decided to cancel the new NSX after they sign off on then the new Acura TL rear end.
The TL is the only car in the whole Acura lineup which has different rear end theme. It was supposed to look like the rear end of the next Acura NSX.

FAST4DR

Cover the front end and it looks awfully similiar to the new Subaru Outback.

ll_22

They should resurrect the NSX, it will revitalize the brand. They need a flagship car that's not meant to turn profit but set the "desire" factor for the rest of the brand. That NSX prototype sure looked and sounded N-I-C-E

dominik331

dominik331

And couldn't they just invest a little more time and effort on the previous grille and make look sort of like this. they aren't that much different. If brand recognition is what they were worry about, can someone really say they have any problem recognizing a previous gen TL when you see it coming

BbPhaeton

I won't have a problem if 2011 TL has this new grille. The face (nose) lift fixed some part of the 2nd generation TSX grille that I don't like, for example, the brick like pattern. However, I hate the gap between the slimmer grille and the headlights. Hope they will integrate it better on the TL, if it receives a face lift in 2011.

My biggest problem with the current TL is its rear end. If they can fix it, make it something like the MDX or TSX's tail, then it's going to be perfect (for me).

As it is, even the new KIA Optima kicks Acura design in the butt. I wish Acura had hired that Audi designer instead.

D4V1D.TL

First, glad to see that acura is sticking with the 'plenum" look - at least it does not make the new gen look like it was just a lapse/faux pas

Second, maybe because of the color of my car, the grill does not bother me anymore - i actually like it - makes the car stand out; and I'm not just saying this to justify my purchase - I've gotten a lot of compliment about the car in the parking lots

I've read a few comments about not liking the rear - for me, the rear is actually one of the reasons that made me re-consider the TL again - Love the back

KeithL

I can't beleive they plan on sellin gthat many wagons. Seems odd to me. Fix the bread and butter cars (TL!!) and stop loosing your focus Acura!

winstrolvtec

I am finding out the same thing. I know I like the car (especially the rear) and it looks good. Obviously anyone who drives a 4G doesn't care much what people think anyway because of the controversy that surrounds it's appearance but I was expecting some mixed reactions about the grill and front end. Turns out everyone I know has complimented the car overall but a select few have expressed their reservations only about the rear instead and actually like the front. Further conversation concluded that they didn't know exactly what it was about the rear that caused a reaction just that it did.