MyCarIsntInMyWifesName

I agree. I really did try to love the new TL. When I first heard the new TLs would get the AWD (before it was shown off) I pictured a 2008 TL and 2008 TSX smashed together in styling, and the TL would grow a little. Instead....well yeah.

My favorite TL then, is the 2007 Type-S, favorite colors being a three way tie between white, black, and this blue:

LuvMyTSX

Quite sad, indeed. They had a good thing going with the 3G and strayed too far for the 4G. Seems to me like the 4G pretty much moved into the RL's position. It went from mid-size sporty to large and harshly-angled.

MyCarIsntInMyWifesName

And I don't think we can hope the new one will be smaller and lighter. The TSX is already impeding on the size of the 3G TL and the next one, which is probably due for 2013, will only grow. It's based on the Accord of Europe and Japan as we already know, which is a family sedan that needs to keep pace size wise with the Mondeo, Passat, Insignia, and others.

This is what happens when the premium brands don't have dedicated models for their luxury lineups....

LuvMyTSX

Unfortunately, you're probably correct. I really wish they'd get away from the need to increase the size with each model change. I thought it was good where it was, though the RL needs a small increase.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

Acura had to build a strong brand identity to move up to the level of BMW, Lexus, MB.... and I believe they were successful in doing that... in a negative way.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

So the A-spec is about $2.8k CAD more than the SH-AWD tech model...I think that's reasonable. The chrome grille alone is $500 CAD, the 19" wheel package is $2.3k (not including summer tires), and the lip kit is $1.5k.

Of course, if I had a TL, I would save myself some moeny by getting the lip kit in the States for about $1k, get an extra set of wheels and tires for $2k (instead of having only one set of 19" Acura wheels), and paint the grille myself.

Edward'TLS

Forget about the A-spec.

Hang on a little longer for the mid-model-cycle update, and hopefully a better-looking revamped front end.

Perhaps a truly factory souped-up 4G Type-S as well, not just with cosmetic parts like the A-spec.

phee

iTrader: (5)

they did the same shit with the 03 tl a-spec. that thing was hawwwt

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

Id really like to see them come out with a Type S. I just wonder what route they will take for the extra power.

Assuming they still believe that the Type S should have more power over the base model.

Shift_Acura

There already is a base model TL and a SH-AWD and the latter does already have more power and 6MT. Why would they come out with a Type S?

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

I don't really care about it, but why not a type-s?

Shift_Acura

Isn't the SH-AWD a replacement for the Type S?

phee

iTrader: (5)

no. the sh-awd is not the type-s.

its like the g35 journey
the g35 base
and the g35 sport

different cars for different uses.

they already hinted at a type-s in earlier press releases. give it time

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

I don't think SH-AWD is a replacement for Type-S.

FiveLiterCheater

Well the SH-AWD gets a bigger engine with more power, entirely different drive-train, beefed up suspension components, avail. 6MT, larger wheels,and probably bigger brakes..... Sounds like a Type-S to me...

The 4G is starting to grow on me, but that front end still needs a lot of help. I wouldn't buy one, but then again I wouldn't go the Lexus or Infiniti in the same class

Edward'TLS

No.

Lately for Acura, the Type-S or a high-performance trim is always make available in the 2nd half of the 5-year vehicle model cycle. So if it ever comes out, we'll only see it amongst the mid-model-cycle update releases expecting to be out summer 2011, as long as the 5-year model cycle hasn't been lengthened.

The reason is simple. As always, when a model starts to age, sales will go down. The addition of a high performance model trim is very effective in adding much fanfare back into the aging model in order to boost the overall sales.

Acura made a mistake with the CL model when it released the base CL and the CL-S at the same time at the very beginning of the model cycle. As a result, there was nothing left in the pipeline to boost the overall CL sales as it aged.

- Type-R trim was added to the Integra line 1 year before the complete model redesign.
- 2G and 3G TL-S was added during the MMC update.
- V6 TSX has been added during the MMC update.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

well put man

neuronbob

This isn't A-Spec to me.

MEH.

MyCarIsntInMyWifesName

TSX hasn't received its MMC has it? The V-6 model was added but the styling, packages, and other things weren't changed.

Usually it's the last two model years that are the updated generation for the TL and by my judgment the original TSX.

That puts a MMC TSX arriving as a 2011 model.

smarty666

That sounds about right, but who knows with Acura these days?

MyCarIsntInMyWifesName

Well I assume they'll keep faithful to that formula for the TSX to keep sales and interest fresh.

The TL probably will too, although some rumors peg Acura as bumping said refresh up a year what with sales not being so hot.

I don't know if I should just wait for the 2013 TSX or not.

dom

The Type-R was added in 1997, 1 year BEFORE the Integra received its MMC. (where it underwent minor styling revisions, more flush headlights). It then went on until the 2001 MY. So that makes 4 models years before the complete redesign to the RSX.

I sat in the dealer for an hour debating whether to buy a demo 97 ITR vs a brand new 98 GS-R. one of the reason's I went with the GS-R were those revised headlights.

But the Integra was an anomaly. It was essentially unchanged for 8 model years.


That wasn't an MMC. The V6 was added to the second model year (2010) where nothing else (except revised electronic steering) was changed. All signs point to the MMC for the '11 model year where the TSX receives a new grille and some Nav changes IIRC.

Shift_Acura

Good call, lets just ignore the fact that the TL SHAWD has a bigger engine w/more power, bigger wheels, 6 spd trans and AWD. What really makes it a Type-S is if it comes out at the correct time in the model cycle.

knavinusa

This. I'd understand your argument if the 3.7L V6 was available on the FWD model, but it's not. The AWD model is the only TL with this engine. How is it any different from the old Type-S which came with the 3.5L V6 instead of the 3.2, bigger wheels and bigger brakes? Also, it received the same treatment as the Type-S with the quad-tip exhaust.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

And it holds its value very well, compared to a normal type S. But then the 2G TL-S A-aspec was a limited production model.

hdcolumbus

Still loving my 4G SH-AWD

pokin

Excerpt from another Acura.ca website:

• 19” wheels with Summer Performance Tires
• Full Aero Kit
• A-SPEC Badging
• 2 colours - Crystal Black Pearl (with dark chrome grille) and White Diamond Pearl

http://web.acuramail.ca/FullPages/20...BnHET6aqy4s%3D

pokin

hmm... it seems that the dark chrome grille only comes on the CBP.

$51,290 CAD MSRP + extra $$ for winter tires = WhiskyTangoFoxtrot!

So many brilliant ideas coming from Acura's failboat these days.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

I like that A-spec package. I can always buy an extra set of rims and tires for winter....I mean that's what I'm doing now anyways,,,,

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

a spec badging! oh man i need one!

Edward'TLS

Even though it was a limited production model, the Canadian-only '03 A-spec TL didn't sell well. I still remembered then that my local dealership was still very heavily discounting the remaining A-spec inventory even after the brand new 3G TL's had already been selling for more than 6 months.

The major problem was the lack of extra horsepowers. It was just like a sheep in a sheep's clothing. In comparison, the performance-oriented 3G Type-S was selling much better among the 3G TL's, than the A-spec among the 2G TL's.

Especially now that the factory transmission extended warranty period has ended, the resale value for the 2G A-spec will drop like a rock, just like any other 2G TL's. Buyers are all being SCARED away from the hefty repair cost for the can-fail-in-any-moment $hitty OEM 2G tranny.

jim165

....talk about polishing the proverbial turd...

pttl

What else can they do? An will always be. No matter how much they try to dress it up. :lipstickonapig:

fsttyms1

Send the whole thing back to the drawing board and have a MMC already!

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

Ya, I think another problem is, that car was introduced at the end of the model cycle. I believe back then, the 2003 TL started at around $37k CAD. The Type S started at $41k, and the a-spec at $43k. The 3rd gen TL started at $41-$42k. I think most people would go with a newer model instead.

On the other hand, good news for A-spec owners, they get a pretty unique car

wassystyle

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/25/r...tl-sportwagon/


With the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon now on sale and the Acura TSX wagon coming this fall, Autoblog reader Andrew decided to try his hand at producing a five-door version of the larger TL sedan.

By merging the roofline of the seven-seat MDX crossover with the body of the midsize sedan, Andrew has created what to our eyes is a fairly handsome sedan... well, at least those of us in the minority that actually like the look of the standard TL. The D-pillar does look a bit heavy in this application, so perhaps a more forward sloping rear window in the manner of some of Audi's Avant wagons would give the car a sleeker look. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

tmnhs81

It looks like a hearse.

CCColtsicehockey

lol my first thoughts as well.

Introducing the all new 2011 Acura TL Hearse

Moog-Type-S

In the words of Will Smith: "AW HELL NO!!!!"

fsttyms1

Fuck that is Hideous.