Acura: TLX News

Old 07-16-2003, 07:11 PM
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Once the lower model Acuras stay better than the RL, no one is gonna take it seriously. The TSX and current Tl totally OWNSZ the RL. And the new RL faces competition even redesigned, it may not be able to handle.

THe new E is out
The new 5 will be out
The new GS is coming
The new A-6 is coming

It's pretty much doomed, like the Q45.

All I know is, if the new Maxima can be 35k loaded, they should have no problem selling Tls.
Old 07-16-2003, 07:33 PM
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Well they took a sweet ass time redesigning the RL - I'd like to think that the people at Honda/Acura used their time wisely.

With that said, I think it's nonsense to predict the RL's doom using the Q45 as an example.
Old 07-16-2003, 08:08 PM
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the new RL will consume all
Old 07-16-2003, 08:18 PM
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One thing to keep in mind when speculating on what Honda/Acura will
do with the TL or RL is that the people posting here are NOT the
typical buyers of those cars. I think we are more performance and
gadget oriented than average. (At least I know I am. (: )

The TL is very important to Acura, and they need to make sure it
appeals to the largest possible group. It may have AWD available,
but it would not be across the board since most buyers would not want
it due to the extra expense and reduced fuel economy.

I've contacted three nearby dealers about the TL. They would not
say much. One said that he had heard that the TL would be at the
dealer in early September and have 280HP.

As for the RL... When the RL is redone it doesn't have to have
mega HP. Take a look at the Lexus GS, BMW 5 series, and Mercedes
E class, most of the cars I've seen on the road are those with the 6
cylinder and not the V8. The RL does have to have a lot of luxury,
good handling, high technology, safety, and distinctive but classy
styling. The last one has been lacking to put it lightly.

-r
Old 07-16-2003, 09:20 PM
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280 is a nice number, i hope it has 280hp and even more torque

the RL should have plenty of power, figure 400hp from a 300hp i-VTEC V6 and 100hp IMA
Old 07-16-2003, 09:40 PM
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Originally posted by bdt980
Yea, anyone with any Info Speak up- we've run dry
HPT = High Performance Tire package not VTM-4.
Bluetooth is a go
Official release date October 6.
Old 07-16-2003, 09:47 PM
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Originally posted by RJC RSX
...the RL should have plenty of power, figure 400hp from a 300hp i-VTEC V6 and 100hp IMA...
Hello-

I'm sorry, but don't you think that's just a little..err...A LOT...of wishful thinking? 400 hp?!?! Sure it would be nice, but come on now...

With all due respect, where did that number come from? I think anywhere from 300-350 is more reasonable--with 350 still being a bit far fetched, even if this is the flagship Honda/Acura.


SPUDMTN
Old 07-16-2003, 10:12 PM
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Someone explain exactly how bluetooth will work plz
Old 07-16-2003, 10:24 PM
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Hello-

Try out this website for how Bluetooth works. I don't have an answer on how it will specifically work on the new TL, but hopefully this helps.

How Bluetooth works


SPUDMTN
Old 07-16-2003, 10:32 PM
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Originally posted by Colin
HPT = High Performance Tire package not VTM-4.....
Tire? TIRE? TIRE?????

(tire, you say?)
Old 07-16-2003, 10:52 PM
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Originally posted by SPUDMTN
Hello-

I'm sorry, but don't you think that's just a little..err...A LOT...of wishful thinking? 400 hp?!?! Sure it would be nice, but come on now...

With all due respect, where did that number come from? I think anywhere from 300-350 is more reasonable--with 350 still being a bit far fetched, even if this is the flagship Honda/Acura.


SPUDMTN
Actually, a major car magazine (I believe it was either Automobile or Motortrend) had a sketch of the next generation RL a couple months back and said the car would probably have around 400hp. At this point it's just speculation, but they did feel justified enough to print it. I agree that 300-350 is more reasonable however.

Either way, the sketch looked good....kind of a cross between an A6 and current RL, but with more aggressive fender flares.
Old 07-16-2003, 11:11 PM
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Question

Could this be a preview of what the Acura TL "HPT" is all about?

Torrance, Calif. 07/15/2003 -- Honda Factory Performance is expanding its lineup with the addition of an all-new, dealer-installed performance package for the 2003 Honda Accord V-6 Coupe and expanded availability of the Civic Coupe FP to dealerships nationwide. Both packages feature a high performance sport-tuned suspension with recalibrated shocks and springs, new wheels and tires, and an aerodynamic rear spoiler and lower body kit.

Accentuating the Accord Coupe FP are:



High performance pre-assembled springs that reduce the ride height by one-inch and lower the Accord's roll center;

High performance shock absorbers tuned for enhanced road handling characteristics;

17-inch high performance 215/50VR-17 Yokohama tires (AT models only; standard on MT models);

Full aerodynamic under-body kit (front, sides and rear);

Rear wing spoiler; and

Factory Performance interior and exterior badging.

The Accord FP package can be installed on any new 2003 Accord V-6 Coupe (manual or automatic transmissions) and must be installed by a Honda dealership.

The Honda FP package carries the same 3-year/36,000 mile warranty as all Honda Accessory equipment and does not affect the factory warranty. An additional benefit is the ability to include the cost of the FP package in new vehicle financing arrangements.

Suggested retail pricing for the Accord Factory Performance package, not including installation costs, starts at $4,204 for AT versions and $3,492 for MT versions.

Old 07-16-2003, 11:18 PM
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Originally posted by larchmont
Tire? TIRE? TIRE?????

(tire, you say?)
Tire package. If you're thinking I should have made tires plural, I believe the "package" part implied there are more than one tire. I don't have any more details, but I'd guess this means summer tires on larger wheels. Who knows at this point if they'll put more brakes or different springs and shocks? I will assume that the HPT option is not the Factory Performance (FP) like that offered for the Accord.

In the TL, bluetooth will allow my phone to "discover" the car, interface automatically, and allow for hands free dialing and operation.
Old 07-16-2003, 11:24 PM
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I hope Acura offers tires wider than the wimpy 215/50-17's, something nice and reasonably fat like the 245/45 -18's on the maxima would look more proportionate and agressive.

Hey, if you are going for summer tires, the larger the contact patch the better, for all seasons used in snow, the smaller the better to get the maximum psi of the tire onto the snow so it gets down to the pavement. basic laws of physics.
Old 07-16-2003, 11:25 PM
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275 like on the 540i sport would be nice (245 up front), but that will never happen on a conservative honda/acura trying to save wieght.
Old 07-16-2003, 11:26 PM
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Originally posted by Colin
Tire package. If you're thinking I should have made tires plural.....
Nah, I just meant that "tire" (or tires, or any form of the word) doesn't seem to be enough of a main factor (or title) to merit a special trim level.

Is there ANY car model with just a very small number of trim levels that features "tire" as one of those?

Assuming the answer is no, I'll eat my hat if the T in HPT is "tire."

But just to make sure, I'm ordering some chocolate hats.
Old 07-16-2003, 11:29 PM
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Originally posted by RJC RSX
the new RL will consume all
Not if it looks/acts/feels like a Buick or big Lexus. IMO Acura needs the RL to be a flagship vehicle (again), like the original Legend. If they don't aim high, they should pull it off the market.
Old 07-16-2003, 11:29 PM
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larch, thanks for the late night humor.

Audi A4 sport package is tires/wheels/springs.
Old 07-16-2003, 11:31 PM
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Hey larch, any news from your friendly dealer down the street?

You know, they are number 4 in the country (no 1 is in Ft Lauderdale I hear).
Old 07-16-2003, 11:48 PM
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Originally posted by 92vigor
that is correct for traditional cruise control but intelligent cruise control is designed to speed up or slow down as needed. An automatic would change gears to accomodate but how would this work with a manual transmission?
This would work the same way that regular cruise control works with a manual. The car will accelerate or decelerate as needed in order to a) maintain a specified speed and b) keep an appropriate distance from the car ahead. The TSX has good torque across a broad range of RPM's, so it will be no trouble at all for it to slow down to 50 mph in 6th gear then speed up to 70-80 when the way is clear. IMO if speeds are varying by more than 20-30 mph it means there's too much traffic for you to have your car in cruise control.
Old 07-16-2003, 11:52 PM
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Hey Colin, how confident are you in your information? Poor Justin is down 2-1
Old 07-16-2003, 11:55 PM
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Originally posted by larchmont
Nah, I just meant that "tire" (or tires, or any form of the word) doesn't seem to be enough of a main factor (or title) to merit a special trim level.

Is there ANY car model with just a very small number of trim levels that features "tire" as one of those?

Assuming the answer is no, I'll eat my hat if the T in HPT is "tire."

But just to make sure, I'm ordering some chocolate hats.
Well the "T" in HPT is Tire. I can say this is for sure.

This is speculation:
If they are '18s with a real aggressive profile (say 45 series), it is possible the car might be lowered slightly. Hopefully, with the larger rims (if the turns out to be the case) they will see fit to put more brakes in there while they're at it.
Old 07-17-2003, 12:22 AM
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Originally posted by need4spd
larch, thanks for the late night humor.

Audi A4 sport package is tires/wheels/springs.
(You're welcome.)

Yeah, but do they CALL it "Audi A-Tire" and charge an extra few K for something called "tire"?
THAT'S my point.
Old 07-17-2003, 01:29 AM
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Originally posted by justinjsw
As far as Acura moving moonroof switches to the roof like the current RL...I mean they asked us years ago what needed to be changed for the next models. Thats why there is a thing called a dealer meet once a year. So I wouldn't be surprised if they actually did listen.
I was wondering, so are the current moonroof switches for the moonroof on by the steering wheel??

why do you guys think its better to move it up on the roof.. I mean isn't Honda known for being diff, like all there cars have moonroof switches close to the steering wheel, unlike on the roof like other Car Makers?
Old 07-17-2003, 05:16 AM
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Originally posted by bdt980
Someone explain exactly how bluetooth will work plz
First post howdy! Here's how Bluetooth wireless technology is supposed to work in the new Chrysler Pacifica:

http://www.jeepin.com/news/uconnect/index.asp

Basically, it looks like an pretty cool enhanced hands-free system.
Old 07-17-2003, 06:05 AM
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There will be Brembos to offset the 18" wheels
Old 07-17-2003, 06:10 AM
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Originally posted by SPUDMTN
Hello-

I'm sorry, but don't you think that's just a little..err...A LOT...of wishful thinking? 400 hp?!?! Sure it would be nice, but come on now...

With all due respect, where did that number come from? I think anywhere from 300-350 is more reasonable--with 350 still being a bit far fetched, even if this is the flagship Honda/Acura.


SPUDMTN
300hp from an i-VTEC V6, that's not so hard to believe. And 50hp from each rear electric motor, 100hp combined, 400hp total. With up to 50mpg, may be wishful thinking, but this is what I've been hearing all along
Old 07-17-2003, 06:13 AM
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Originally posted by Colin
HPT = High Performance Tire package not VTM-4.
HPT = High Performance Touring, with better tires, stiffer suspension, brembos, etc.
Old 07-17-2003, 06:15 AM
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Originally posted by Iceman
Not if it looks/acts/feels like a Buick or big Lexus. IMO Acura needs the RL to be a flagship vehicle (again), like the original Legend. If they don't aim high, they should pull it off the market.
that's just it, everything indicates that they are aiming VERY high with the new RL, it should once again be a true flagship car for Acura
Old 07-17-2003, 07:55 AM
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Howdy Acura-TSX.com. Long time "lurker", first time "poster". I've got major HMC contacts, so here's my info.

One of the gentlemen in this pic is my contact...



This is what he has to say about the 04 TL.

-There will be a version of VTM-4, in essence, AWD.
-HP will be 300.
-HPT (High Perf. Touring) option is an awesome sport package.
-Heated and "fan" ventilated seats like MB.
-Moonroof switches on headliner.
-LCD gauges, Bluetooth, vat-dyed leather, carbon fib, wood,etc.
-Compete against 5 Series.

My other high ranking contact is a T. Elliott (no pic) and here's what he says about the 04 TL.

-There will be no VTM-4, AWD. Maybe later.
-HP will be anywhere from 270-290.
-HPT (High Perf. Tire) option is a tire package.
-Heated, but no ventilated seats.
-Moonroof switches on the console near steering wheel.
-Gauges, Bluetooth, leather, optional interior surfaces.
-Compete against G35.

I have a ton of confidence in these 2 contacts and believe they are both right. They said to expect more info. in the coming weeks/months and that the 04 TL will be spectacular. If I hear anything else from my contacts, I'll post here, as A-TSX has been one of the best source's of info out there. Other than that "other" Club, of course.
Old 07-17-2003, 08:08 AM
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um your two sources appear to be in direct contradiction, how can you have "a ton of confidence" in both of them and think "they are both right"?

btw nice to see you here over from clubrsx

edit: you mean LED gauges right? LCD wouldn't make much sense

Man Acura is really playing hard on this one. This isn't the first time we've heard two credible sources contradicting one another.
Old 07-17-2003, 08:25 AM
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This doesn't make any sense. Let's do some cut and pasting.

In bold: One of the gentlemen in this pic is my contact...
This is what he has to say about the 04 TL.


In italics: My other high ranking contact is a T. Elliott (no pic) and here's what he says about the 04 TL.

-There will be a version of VTM-4, in essence, AWD.
-There will be no VTM-4, AWD. Maybe later.

-HP will be 300.
-HP will be anywhere from 270-290.

-HPT (High Perf. Touring) option is an awesome sport package.
-HPT (High Perf. Tire) option is a tire package.

-Heated and "fan" ventilated seats like MB.
-Heated, but no ventilated seats.

-Moonroof switches on headliner.
-Moonroof switches on the console near steering wheel.

-LCD gauges, Bluetooth, vat-dyed leather, carbon fib, wood,etc.
-Gauges, Bluetooth, leather, optional interior surfaces.

They seem to agree here (assume carbon fiber is the optional interior surface).

-Compete against 5 Series.
-Compete against G35.

It is possible to compete against both cars at the same time. But how can both of these guys be right about everything else? The guy who seems to be higher up in the organization (in the pic) seems to be much more optimistic in every way. Is this because he's disconnected from engineering? Not trying to flame here. As always, time will tell all.
Old 07-17-2003, 08:30 AM
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I think the last guy was kidding.

Before I got to the contradiction, I was salivating thinking about the ventilated seats and the AWD.

Let's see if someone can come up with new, official information on the car.
Old 07-17-2003, 09:14 AM
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If that was a joke post, that was soooooo not funny!


I'm at the point where I just want some solid concrete info. from a trustworthy source. The auto mags should have details in the September Issue which should be out next month and then I guess we'll know for sure what the TL is made of so to speak.
Old 07-17-2003, 09:20 AM
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Old 07-17-2003, 09:24 AM
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yep - can't wait
Old 07-17-2003, 09:38 AM
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What happened to the people that new people that were invited to drive the car this week?

I'd love to hear something from that group!
Old 07-17-2003, 09:45 AM
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Ok, Emu wins. Sorry all, especially jwaters, who seems to have taken the joke too hard. I was a little bored this morning and have been following all 40+ pages and decided to put most of everyone's speculation in one post, which in essence, contradicts itself. I wish I had high level contacts at HMC, because I'd love to work at Honda. I keep sending them a resume, but they keep sending it back...

Anyway, we'll know what's going on soon enough, but the anticipation does suck. Honda has one heck of a security procedure because they can hide their new car intro info. better than anybody.

Sorry for the "jerky" first post, but I yearn to be a comedian. I guess I better keep my day job, huh!!!

RJC
Old 07-17-2003, 10:09 AM
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Old 07-17-2003, 12:15 PM
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Enuff sed. I'm going to Acura News website.

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