Nashua_Night_Hawk

Acura Concept TL

NEW YORK — Tom Elliot, executive vice president of auto operations for Acura, unveiled the Concept TL design study to give an advance preview of the all-new production version of the 2004 TL, which is due to debut this fall. Elliot brought out John Ikeda, lead designer of the Concept TL to discuss its design elements. Despite the fact that the launch is coming soon, Ikeda said it was “too early to talk about the details” and that the Concept TL on display was a “styling mockup” with no interior rather than a functional concept car. So an analysis of its exterior was all there to placate the curious about the next-generation TL.

A wedge-shaped silhouette with a short rear deck is intended to give the performance-oriented TL an aggressive look. Ikeda said his design theme was the ultimate athlete and that it was meant to evoke power, speed, and agility, as well as actual tensed muscles. He said, “the overall design conveys a feeling of tension, like the muscles on a sprinter’s arms and legs when he’s ready to launch off the starting line.” He pointed to the deep character line that runs down the bodyside and contains front and rear marker lights as well as both door handles as an example. Smoother details include flush-mounted windshield and side-view cameras that would improve aerodynamics, should such a design ever make it to the road.

The concept is several inches shorter than the current production TL. Fender flares and 19-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tires give it a sporty stance. The front-end treatment features Acura’s signature five-sided grille with brushed-aluminum accents, large air intakes below the bumper and angular headlights with xenon high-intensity-discharge bulbs.

Features that Acura admitted would be available on the new TL will include a multichannel DVD audio system, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and XM Satellite Radio. Concept TL features that may not make it to production include the idea of using a series of jet nozzles located in the cowl area to shoot high-pressure air onto the windshield to keep it free from rain or snow during inclement weather — instead of traditional windshield wipers.


Read More Here:

http://www.cars.com/carsapp/autoshow..._04_16_07.tmpl

PavDog

On paper it sounds great! But the styling doesn't do it for me.. It's the boxiness--seems kinda rough.

AcuraFan

Well, it's already growing on me. I can almost see myself in one. Give it a couple weeks and I'll be wanting one. As it is, Acura is keeping so tightlipped about the interior and the engine, I'm getting excited...Acura knows suspense.

Hondan53

Look good, but not as good as I expected... Kind like a TSX from the front.

gavriil

I dont understand this strategy to have a "concept" so close to production date. What am I missing?

gavriil

Pappy

I like the exhaust set-up.

01CL-S

'04 TL + Fog lights + Factory body kit + Spoiler = Where do I sign!!!

ricardo

me no down Shit looks too much like an accord... well, damn, its an accord and a TSX offspring =\ :x

3.2cl-s

I'm assuming that you dont have a CL if you can make a comment like that?

GreenMonster

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gavriil
[QUOTE]

Gabriel, Thanks for posting the autoweek pictures. These photos look more like what the production car will look like, and I actually like it better then the concept (more subtle lines, especially on the rear end).

I like it, and I'm getting used to the C-pillars (which I didn't like at first, but I'm really starting to like it now).

Someone needs to photoshop the autoweek photos into a 2005 CL coupe

fahoumh

...maybe the production TL is going to be delayed?

Red Rider

You took the words right out of my mouth. I hope they make the final cut.

Red Rider

No way !!

Six Shifter

no outside rearview mirrors, quirky side panel turn indicators ... looks kinda like a bad union of the TSX and the '04 Maxima to me.

1SICKLEX

Exhaust set-up won't make production. If it looks okay as a concept, when you add 16" wheels, wheel gap (it won't be dropped), regular brakes and a slightly bigger bumper (crash standards), we have a bigger TSX. I hope they do NOT increase the price, if it stays the same, the car will sell as well as the one now.

heyitsme

it looked just like a tsx, didn't look much bigger either. the interior was covered like some big secret which i found hard to believe.

Nashua_Night_Hawk

It has no interior to show.

Collective27

After seeing this at the show, the thing was totaly bland....actualy looks better in pics....there was no interior at all, just like some plastic thing on the inside....but i realy wasnt a fan, but i didnt hate it either, jsut nothing to get excited about.

Rod

The price is going to go up. Think about it, the TSX is priced very close to the current TL and depending on options can cost even more. If the TL's price stays the same no one would buy the TSX, unless you have your head somewhere up your ass or the new TL looks horrible, which I doubt will happen. But then again, after seeing the new Accord sedan you never know.

Python2121

gp rod, i think they will increase the price. they should give it a more distinctive look. i def like the tails. its too bad they introduced the tsx

VtecMW

Can we make this a sticky thread?

provench

Done deal

RJC RSX

is this site affiliated with clubtsx in any way?

well, I can't wait for justin to join and share the love.

VtecMW

Gotta hang some pictures up!





Let's try to keep it on the subject since this is a sticky thread. All debates and off-topic TL News & Rumors should go to a non-sticky thread.

provench

No it is not ... and justin will be here soon to post exclusive info as will many of the other usual insiders that Tinky and I know from the "old" site who plan to move here.

teo409

So what's the deal with the drama at clubtsx.com? What happened?

provench

Here is the info we have thus from from Justinjsw:

Official interior colors...Carmel, Parchment, Quartz and Ebony and Nighthawk Black can come with any of those interior combos.

TL 5AT
TL 5AT Navi
TL 6spd
TL 6spd Navi
TL 6spd HPT
TL 6spd HPT Navi

So we all have to wonder ... what is HPT?

bowersan

Just for comparison sake

bowersan

again, just for comparison sake (its like the michael jackson black or white video, no?

teo409

So the rumors of a 6 speed auto were false?

VtecMW

I don't know what it is but I want it! I'm going to change my selection from 5AT to 6MT

provench

Looks like it ... who wants a slush box anyway :P

jwaters943

First post here.....just wanted to say I'm sure glad this site exists. That "other" TSX site that shall remain nameless to protect the not so innocent has really become shady. Good to see some familiar user names.

Anyhow, since this is the News & Rumors section I'll try to stay on topic......

The new TL sure does look promising. I hope Acura doesn't let us down and offers AWD or at the very least takes serious engineering measures to exacerbate any torque steer.

Can't wait to hear what info. (the other) Justin has for us.

VtecMW

Now that I have some idea of what the production model will look like, my only concern is pricing. I hope it comes in fully loaded, Navi, 6MT, any other special options for $36,900 or less.

Acura, please don't let me down!

jackspat2

I don't think my TL pics are worthy

VtecMW

Nah man, your effort made history. You had most of the Honda/Acura sites buzzing with your photos. I mean, I have to agree with the comment that better pictures of sasquatch have been seen! That's alright though. You gave it your best effort with no forewarning!

Put them up. If we squint our eyes enough we can use them to compare against the spy photos!

provench

You gotta post them here dude ... they are legendary !

Precision Crafted

Ok, If I remember what my guess was about HPT, I said that it may have 18" tires/wheels and LSD. I'm also wondering if this unknown package includes .......Brembos with a stiffer suspension setting and maybe some badges to tell others what you have. Nothing gaudy but something like Lexus uses on the front fenders such as they do with their Coach editions.
Just a thought.

JeffPhx

HPT?? I bet it is a high performance model. Now where is that Justin with all the correct answers??