Test Drove a Couple of A-Specs Yesterday...
#41
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC - USA
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Personally I don't think Acura can go toe to toe with Red on pricing. Be interesting to see what happens.
#42
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Little bit off topic but may be interesting on where top end performance is going. The new StingRay ZR-1 street production car was tested at the Sebring 12 Hours & VIR. This was the standard production version for people with very fat wallets. 0-60 in 2.85, 0-100 in 6.0 & 1/4 mile 134 in 10.6. Very quick & one of the few production cars that is quicker then my kit car.
At VIR it set a production car track record on the 4.1 mile Grand Course West (where Lightning Laps is run) beating the current record holder, the Ford GT, by a full second, which is centuries in a road course race.
Also Stig from Top Gear set a world farm tractor speed record @ 87MPH
At VIR it set a production car track record on the 4.1 mile Grand Course West (where Lightning Laps is run) beating the current record holder, the Ford GT, by a full second, which is centuries in a road course race.
Also Stig from Top Gear set a world farm tractor speed record @ 87MPH
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 03-26-2018 at 11:50 AM.
#43
2.4 TLX A-Spec tease at about 3min
#44
Took the Accords tail lights and slapped it on the RDX lol.
#45
Racer
I think this is going to be a huge hit. The head units looks really good and the tech is up to date. It will be interesting to see what the MSRP is.
Figure all of this at minimum will be in the new TLX.
Figure all of this at minimum will be in the new TLX.
#46
Burning Brakes
I traded in 06 TL 6MT Navi for 2015 TLX SH-AWD Tech in 2016, but ended up selling it after several months as I could not stand the issues with the car. The two biggest being: the highway vibrations and crappy 9AT ZF. I ended up with 2014 TL SH-AWD as the replacement. Today, I had to service my TL and got 2018 TLX SH-AWD Tech as the loaner: red exterior, black interior.
Some things I immediately noticed are how much softer the suspension is compared to 2014 TL or even 06 TL. The dual screen layout is still a crap, but much more responsive and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I played with the Apple CarPlay for few hours and I like it - jumping back to the build-in Navi feels like traveling 20 years to the past!!!
As far as my two major issues with the car. This model definitely has improved as far as driving on the highway. I didn't detect any major vibrations that my 2015 model had, but the passenger seat (when unoccupied) still vibrate/shakes like crazy, even when driving on city roads. The transmission is much improved, but still slow and handicaps the car, especially A-spec.
If you are in a dire need for a new car, I think the 2018 model is OK,and while you will find some issues with it when comparing it to 3rd or 4th gen TLs, for the most part you should be happy with it.
Some things I immediately noticed are how much softer the suspension is compared to 2014 TL or even 06 TL. The dual screen layout is still a crap, but much more responsive and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I played with the Apple CarPlay for few hours and I like it - jumping back to the build-in Navi feels like traveling 20 years to the past!!!
As far as my two major issues with the car. This model definitely has improved as far as driving on the highway. I didn't detect any major vibrations that my 2015 model had, but the passenger seat (when unoccupied) still vibrate/shakes like crazy, even when driving on city roads. The transmission is much improved, but still slow and handicaps the car, especially A-spec.
If you are in a dire need for a new car, I think the 2018 model is OK,and while you will find some issues with it when comparing it to 3rd or 4th gen TLs, for the most part you should be happy with it.
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TSXV6Guy (05-30-2018)
#47
2.4 8speed dct has none of those issues
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mapleloaf (03-30-2018)
#48
Super Car Enthusiast
Thread Starter
With the redesigned cockpit of the RDX (I really like it) and Acura reconfirming its commitment to the Type-S and a twin-turbo V6 yesterday, I have decided to wait for a bit, push the 3G to 200k and beyond, I think. Five Acuras in, and despite my curiosity to look at German competitors, I am just going to be a bit more patient and see what Acura comes up with...
#49
Car Crazy for Sure!
2.4 A-Spec this week
Acura is releasing this week the 2.4 engine version of the A-Spec. For those that feel the 2.4, 4 cyl engine is enough and want to enjoy the other aspects of the A-spec model.
I've got the V6 version and love it. Fake engine sounds and all...LOL! At least the "V6 growl" makes the driving more visceral than any V6 I've ever owned. Esp. since I'm a true
V8 engine guy at heart.
I've got the V6 version and love it. Fake engine sounds and all...LOL! At least the "V6 growl" makes the driving more visceral than any V6 I've ever owned. Esp. since I'm a true
V8 engine guy at heart.
#50
Super Car Enthusiast
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#51
Congrats-car looks great !! Enjoy.
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hdcolumbus (05-30-2018)
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hdcolumbus (05-30-2018)
#53
Burning Brakes
A-SPEC RED works in almost any combo
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
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hdcolumbus (05-30-2018)
#54
Super Car Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Thanks!
Loving it so far! I didn't have too much time with it today and it rained later in the day, so not great for better pics.
I was able to setup some things on it tonight and played with the interface and touch screen. It's snappy, menus are responsive as is the nav.
One annoying thing is that it appears you cannot change the background or theme--at least I couldn't find it. It's blue and it looks very out of place with all of the brushed metalic, red and black accents. A black or red theme option would be ideal.
The turn by turn in the small HUD is a nice touch. The Bluetooth still responds much like it did on my previous 2006 TLs and 09--a few more options, but the prompting feels slow and antiquated.
Excited to test out Android Auto and Waze, I plugged my Note8 in and it spun up quickly. I tested making a call, sent a text and fired up Waze. Suffice it to say, I'll be using Android Auto moving forward for those things.
My second annoyance falls not so much with Acura here as it does with Samsung and the length of the Note8. It rests nicely on the charging pad with about .4" to spare--but add in a USB-C connecter and it doesn't fit. So, I ordered right-angle USB-C adapter from Amazon that I hope will give me the clearance I need to keep the Note8 in its home.
The ride is fantastic, a bit stiff in the suspension (which I prefer)--the SH-AWD really makes you feel connected to the road (even more so than my 09) and the Normal Mode shifts well, fairly smooth, although I'm getting used to the 9 Speed.
I dig the piped in grumble and in Sports and Sports+ it will pull you back in your seat, feeling as though there is more power than what is actually in it. I'm only up to 40 miles on it, looking forward to breaking it in.
My final annoyance is based around some of the harder shifts---but not with the engine or transmission---for whatever reason the passenger side seatbelt buckle isn't secured very well. It wobbles at certain speeds or shifts and causes it to bounce against the center console. This makes a knocking sound that before I figured out what it was made me think it was coming from some far worse place... Wedging it further between the seat console stops the knocking for awhile... Going to talk to the dealer about this when I get the splash guards installed.
The aesthetics of both the interior and exterior are unique and create a timeless kind of feel similar to Acuras of the past. The leather is real, ambient lighting is just enough and the steering wheel feels thick and solid. I'd like to see brushed steel paddles in a future iteration, along with pedals (and of course the RDX cockpit).
One of the suble things that I absolutely love is the new Platinum White Pearl. It's a cool blue that hugs the lines with great shadows and hues. Once in some light, the details of the paint really come to life. These pics were taken in my garage under the lights... It has this wonderful shimmer with specks of awesome:
I'll keep updating and have more pics soon!
Loving it so far! I didn't have too much time with it today and it rained later in the day, so not great for better pics.
I was able to setup some things on it tonight and played with the interface and touch screen. It's snappy, menus are responsive as is the nav.
One annoying thing is that it appears you cannot change the background or theme--at least I couldn't find it. It's blue and it looks very out of place with all of the brushed metalic, red and black accents. A black or red theme option would be ideal.
The turn by turn in the small HUD is a nice touch. The Bluetooth still responds much like it did on my previous 2006 TLs and 09--a few more options, but the prompting feels slow and antiquated.
Excited to test out Android Auto and Waze, I plugged my Note8 in and it spun up quickly. I tested making a call, sent a text and fired up Waze. Suffice it to say, I'll be using Android Auto moving forward for those things.
My second annoyance falls not so much with Acura here as it does with Samsung and the length of the Note8. It rests nicely on the charging pad with about .4" to spare--but add in a USB-C connecter and it doesn't fit. So, I ordered right-angle USB-C adapter from Amazon that I hope will give me the clearance I need to keep the Note8 in its home.
The ride is fantastic, a bit stiff in the suspension (which I prefer)--the SH-AWD really makes you feel connected to the road (even more so than my 09) and the Normal Mode shifts well, fairly smooth, although I'm getting used to the 9 Speed.
I dig the piped in grumble and in Sports and Sports+ it will pull you back in your seat, feeling as though there is more power than what is actually in it. I'm only up to 40 miles on it, looking forward to breaking it in.
My final annoyance is based around some of the harder shifts---but not with the engine or transmission---for whatever reason the passenger side seatbelt buckle isn't secured very well. It wobbles at certain speeds or shifts and causes it to bounce against the center console. This makes a knocking sound that before I figured out what it was made me think it was coming from some far worse place... Wedging it further between the seat console stops the knocking for awhile... Going to talk to the dealer about this when I get the splash guards installed.
The aesthetics of both the interior and exterior are unique and create a timeless kind of feel similar to Acuras of the past. The leather is real, ambient lighting is just enough and the steering wheel feels thick and solid. I'd like to see brushed steel paddles in a future iteration, along with pedals (and of course the RDX cockpit).
One of the suble things that I absolutely love is the new Platinum White Pearl. It's a cool blue that hugs the lines with great shadows and hues. Once in some light, the details of the paint really come to life. These pics were taken in my garage under the lights... It has this wonderful shimmer with specks of awesome:
I'll keep updating and have more pics soon!
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Gen4MDX (06-01-2018)
#55
Pro
[...] My final annoyance is based around some of the harder shifts---but not with the engine or transmission---for whatever reason the passenger side seatbelt buckle isn't secured very well. It wobbles at certain speeds or shifts and causes it to bounce against the center console. This makes a knocking sound that, before I figured out what it was, made me think it was coming from some far worse place... Wedging it further between the seat and console stops the knocking for awhile... Going to talk to the dealer about this when I get the splash guards installed.
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hdcolumbus (05-31-2018)
#58
Congrats! Great exterior color and the red leather looks awesome!
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hdcolumbus (06-02-2018)
#59
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Great pics! Congrats on the new wheels. I do love the white/red colour combo and the grey brushed aluminum look of the inside trim. I'm curious as to the passenger seatbelt rattle issue.....I have never noticed that issue on my current 2.4 nor did I notice it on my 2015 3.5 SH-AWD. but then I never noticed any seat vibration either.
As for the screen background, I played around with them when I test drove a 2018 ASpec a while back and couldn't see any way to adjust the backgrounds. I believe other owners have posted the same observation as well. Despite the lack of Apple Car Play and a slower processor, I must admit to enjoying the 4 colour background choices on my 2016. 1 for each season
As for the screen background, I played around with them when I test drove a 2018 ASpec a while back and couldn't see any way to adjust the backgrounds. I believe other owners have posted the same observation as well. Despite the lack of Apple Car Play and a slower processor, I must admit to enjoying the 4 colour background choices on my 2016. 1 for each season
#60
Super Car Enthusiast
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hdcolumbus (06-10-2018)
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hdcolumbus (06-15-2018)
#63
Drifting
Beautiful. Congrats.
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hdcolumbus (06-15-2018)
#64
We are pretty much neighbors. I stay on the Sawmill area. I got my 18 aspec fwd at Lindsay Acura too in March. White and red too.
I’m jealous of this new white color. I need to see some comparison pics of the white colors.
I’m jealous of this new white color. I need to see some comparison pics of the white colors.
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hdcolumbus (06-15-2018)
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