jwaters943

What a lovely reply. I'm curious what it said before you edited it.

Jason

I just had icons before I saw Emu's reply. I wanted to convey that although I thought the thread was getting ridiculous, I will keep checkin it out in the hopes of finding real info. I added the EDIT to avoid another post, because you know, I'm no postwhore.

There's about one legitimate post per page in this thread and that makes it worth it. Obviously, this post is not it.

need4spd_RENAMED

Thanks Colin, I don't have a problem if the only difference between the manual and auto are wheels and tires (although doing it later adds unnecessary additional cost), but if it is also suspension tweaks and brembos, we are talking big bucks to do it after the fact at the dealer (just look at the accord package at $4K, I think this is correct) vs. a lower cost if the swap is done at the factory (cost of original parts is deducted from total cost).

That is my anger, why not offer the sporty suspension and what we think is brembos on the auto as an option (does not have to say "type - S"?

Sorry, I just can't figure that one out, I can only hope we have a half-truth here. (I can live with the 17's and all seasons on the auto, just not ONLY the soft suspension and as everyone acknowledges from various sites, weak brakes.

Thanks for your input!

need4spd_RENAMED

OK, I see the light, I will be patient.

My apologies to all the readers of this thread for my rambling thoughts last page.:'(

provench

You married a woman that could not drive a manual tranny? You gotta fix that up with some lessons on your new 6MT HPT TL

So I think you can add me to the list of folks that like the fact that the 6MT is going to be more sporty. As Colin pointed out ... this is not something new for Acura/Honda or other car manufacturers. It is smart marketing. I mean I think the other option would be that we would have NO HPT ... instead of HPT for everything. But hey ... there is always aftermarket and if you want 5AT ... you can change the other stuff after the fact ... but you can't change the tranny.

I had an RSX-S and almost though I was over the MT phase ... but then I realized it ... I am NOT ... I am over the no power until 7000 RPM phase (ok - RSX owners don't get excited). I mean ... I want smooth power ... and having a 6MT just helps my control over it. The TSX has just enough power and more so TORQUE to get away with this.

So long live 6MT Acura performance sedans !!! I want this TL to rock so I have something to compare with the TSX+1 when I am shopping for my next car (Acura) in 2.5 years

RJC RSX

you should have gotten a base if you wanted low-end torque :P

provench

It was all good ... the RSX-S made up for it in many categories including handling and thrill.

Actually - I mostly move to the TSX because of the 4-doors

EmuMessenger

I think a lot of us are hoping for more torque.

This may be an unpopular remark, but I would be happy with the 260HP I have in my 03 TLS-Navi, in the new TL if the torque is bumped into the 255 - 275 range. Will that happen, probably not, but I would be pleased if it did.

acura_driver

Actually, there aren't any Honda/Acura cars that have engines with low-end torque! At least compared to a larger displacement V8.

-r

need4spd_RENAMED

Ok, I think I may have figured out the black bump between the rear wheels on the spy shots on the first page.

Many thought that this was the rear axel for the awd drive, but after reading a current article at TOV http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-ar...icle_id=117652 about the underside of the 2004 TSX, I think it is a aerodynamic deflector like the one used on the TSX , and if you look closely at the picture of the TSX deflector, and the photo of the back of the TL, you will see that they are very similar in appearance.


See an image of the deflector on the TSX at http://sohc.vtec.net/article_files/117652/u13.jpg

Here is what the TOV people said: "At the rear of the car (TSX), we were somewhat surprised to find that the engineers went so far as to specify an air diffuser. The gradual uptake of the diffuser will serve to smooth and straighten the airflow from the rear of the vehicle. This will mitigate turbulence and reduce overall drag on the car. We are glad to see that Acura has really started to pay closer attention to the benefits of improved aerodynamics."

I think we can say the mystery is solved.

Raheel

BDT Check your PM,

I was wondering which dealership to go to and stuff..

and if it is wise to put a deposit on the 04 TL now?

Also do you know if I will pay MSRP or Under?

Also anything else I should know?

phile

Nope. But I wouldn't want it floating soft like a Lexus ES300 or any Buick, either. The new Accord rides fine, IMO, and a similar ride in the new TL would be OK.

And for anyone who waited patiently for this page to load only to read this post that says nothing new, Oh I am so terribly sorry for wasting your precious time.

ClutchPerformer

I don't know......diffusers are wide and flat. That thing on the TL is definitely a round "bump". The car might have a diffuser IN ADDITION to the bump, but the bump can't be a diffuser. So it's still open to interpretation.

larchmont

justinjsw

The bump is really not a bump at all. If you go back to the first page on this thread and look at the larger pic of the spy shot Tl with the rear view one can see the split of the two exhausts. I have checked the back ends of the current TLs/CLs and it's the same thing in the same location. So anybody with a current TL/CL can go check it out for themselves. Maybe I will try to take a pic of it and post it later. Besides how else to add another 100 posts to this thread on a Monday morning.

need4spd_RENAMED

Did you check the TOV site photos? It is in the same location, has that semi-circle in the middle for the tie down anchor, and the two stirations on either side. The TOV site says that the rounded up to the bumper effect creates some of the wind calming (view the movie, part 2), plus a low pressure area. Also it depends on how far the spare dips into the undercarriage.

I guess we wont really know till the car comes out (but most have indicated strongly that it will not be AWD out of the box). I think this is the best explination to date.

larchmont

Actually they did -- but you can't be expected to read everything in this thread, however scintilllating it all is!

As I remember, consensus was that 55/45 was best you could hope for.

need4spd_RENAMED

Justin, thanks, I think we are looking at two different things, I am looking at the black part directly centered between the two mufflers, the one you are talking about (I think) is offset to the right and hanging down below the part I am talking about.

Sorry to be so confusing

I would aggree that the offset part below the car is the split of the exhausts like you said. But the centered part is a diffuser.

MrJumbo

Here are official information releases to the dealers from the factory:

TO: All Acura Dealers

With the all-new Acura TSX off to a powerful start it is time to prepare for the next all-new Acura model, the 2004 TL. The 2004 TL will go on sale in October, and we’ve started to lay the groundwork to make this one of the most exciting and successful Acura launches ever.

To help prepare for the launch of the new TL, and to wet your appetite for what’s coming, I am letting you in on a few of the details:

All models of the ‘04 TL will be equipped with an engine that is more powerful than the current TL Type-S
In addition to the 5-speed SportShift automatic, a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission will be available
A High-Performance Tire option for improved acceleration and handling on dry and wet roads in warm weather will be available only on manual transmission models. This will require clear customer communications about diminished ice and snow performance, increased tire wear and road noise
To meet customer expectations the TL will be offered with a total of 20 Interior and exterior color combinations
The TL will set a new benchmark for technology, with class leading standard features including surround sound audio system, wireless link for hands free use of mobile phones and XMä Satellite Radio
We expect the 2004 TL to bring new customers with high expectations to your showrooms. The new technologies will require that your sales associates, service technicians, and delivery specialists completely understand the product characteristics so they can be explained quickly and clearly to potential customers. More importantly, your staff must provide an extremely high level of customer service.

We are sharing this information with you now to help you better prepare for the launch of this important model. To complete your upcoming TL order, please pay careful attention to all of the additional information we will soon be providing.


FROM: Dennis Manns - Asst. VP of Market Operations



RE: SPECIAL ’04 TL MOVE ALLOCATION DETAILS

************************************************** ***************

-

This MOVE allocation will include October arrival of the 2004 TL



-The ’04 TL Color Images will be available in the iN MOVE application. (See model colors under the MOVE Tab)

-A minimum of 3 units coverage will be provided to each dealership by launch date. Coverage will consist of 2 AT and 1 MT model with a minimum of 1 Navi unit.

-KEY POINTS of the ’04 TL:

Please note the following regarding the ’04 TL:

1. The 3.2 designation has been dropped from the TL name.

2. TL will have one engine configuration that is more powerful than the current 3.2TL Type-S.

3. TL will have both 5-speed SportShift Automatic and 6-speed Manual Transmissions

4. Navigation will be available on both automatic and manual transmission models.

5. The manual transmission model will be available with a High Performance Tire option. It will also be available with navigation system. Please read the note below carefully as it may effect your ordering preference.

6. The TL will be offered in 8 exterior colors with up to 4 interior color options to produce 20 interior and exterior color combinations.

7. All models will have standard equipment that included a surround sound audio system, a wireless link for hands free mobile phone use, and XMä Satellite Radio.

8. A total of 6 models will appear on your MOVE order all with unique model codes.

- TL (UA6624JW)

- TL with Navigation (UA6624KW)

- TL with Manual Trans (UA6554JW)

- TL with Manual Trans and Navigation (UA6624KW)

- TL with Manual Trans and Performance Tires (UA6564JW)

- TL with Manual Trans, Performance Tires, and Navigation (UA6564KW)



Special Note Regarding the High Performance Tire Option:

The available High Performance Tires for 2004 TL models equipped on specific manual transmission models will be identified by unique model codes when placing orders. The TL High Performance Tires provide enhanced performance in dry and wet conditions. However, this performance has trade-offs. These trade-offs include greatly reduced ice and snow performance, as well as faster wear and the possibility of increased road noise compared to the all-season tires on TL. Ice and snow driving is NOT recommended when using the High Performance tires, and this must be communicated clearly to customers. The High Performance Tires for the 2004 TL will provide some customers with even more exhilarating performance, but these customers will not be pleased with their Acura ownership experience unless you explain all of the important information about these tires to them.

dom

HPT = High Performance Tires, Makes sense, but a model desingnation just for tires?? if in fact that's the case.

Great Info Jumbo.

Raheel

Ya I brought up the distribution issue couple pages back

shabaaz

I skimmed through the last few pages of this thread and I haven't seen any comments about the TL Navi pkge for CANADA!!!!!!! Finally Acura is bringing the Navi to the Canada. I hope this rumor is true. It's about damn time.

moreace_RENAMED

Yum
I like
Wish the TSX had some of these innovative features of shich we do not yet know of
Price this TL adn 30k and I will take 1

jwaters943

What's with the attitude?

If that was directed at me (which I'm not really sure it was), I was just trying to say that the whole HPT thing had been brought up several times and until someone comes on here with some concrete facts or we read it in a major publication no one really knows for sure what it means. I wasn't trying to be a jerk. This is afterall the News & Rumors forum, but I think we can all agree that the AWD and HPT subjects have been beat to death for the time being. Strong convictions, personal beliefs, etc. are not facts and we shouldn't take them as such.

Oh well, I'm rambling and straying too far off topic so I'll shut up now.

EmuMessenger

Where are all the people that knew people that were invited to see/drive this car over the previous two weeks?

A lot of us were excited to hear the reviews, but nothing has surfaced.

JeffPhx

Very good info. Thanks Jumbo!!!

There are 8 exterior colors, that is one more than we know up till now. Do you have the combos available to you? If so, please post.

VtecMW

Hmm, unless HPT includes Brembo brakes, stiffer suspension and upgraded wheels, I think I'll pass on this option.

This is great info though!

justinjsw

Why are there 2 threads for the TL?

But the exterior colors are...

Redondo Red
Anthractic
Satin Silver
Desert Mist
Abyss Blue Pearl
Nighthawk Black Pearl
White Pearl
Deep Green Pearl

larchmont

I don't think there was any attitude. Maybe I'm naive in seeing these kinds of things in a lighthearted way, but really I thought Phile was mainly just poking a little fun at how slow our site is while we're waiting on the new server -- that's all.

BTW it's amazing how much activity is happening on this board, how much we're clicking on it, despite the slowness. After the upgrade, we're REALLY gonna rock.

JeffPhx

Thanks Justin, I didn't realize the TL was getting Deep Green Pearl too. Very good. Maybe there are two threads because the other one is soooooo long??

EmuMessenger

This is good information. It did say the HPT would improve handling. I hope that includes a suspension upgrade.

Nothing mentioned about braking, but I will still hope for Brembo's.

Raheel

Ya seriously this site is pissing me off, its so frikken slow, but you know its the #1 stop for the 2004 TL, so everyone is stopping by..

Also I didn't sense any attitude in Philes post either, I dont get what you meant..

Colin

Emu,

Didn't you read what I posted back on page ................... ah nevermind! Who want's to search for that? :P

There is a press embargo on all reviews till Sept. 1st. No official word till then. This means that the monthly mags which bring out their sept issue in the middle of august, will have to wait till their oct. issue to break their reviews. I sure hope you have an autoweek subscription.:P

justinjsw

Talking about slow........

Provench the color chips are out but I can't post it on the site.

larchmont

Interesting.

I think this sheds some light on the HPT thing. Previously, it had seemed like "HPT" was going to be a trim level. But now it looks like it's just an option, which is very different. I still say that "Tire" as a trim level is absurd. As an option, however, it's fine. (BTW did you all ALSO think before that HPT was supposed to be a "trim level" rather than just an option?)

Next thing is for us to start guessing which "oldbie" is using Jumbo as an alias!

need4spd_RENAMED

Thanks Justin -

Can someone host the photos on thier site for Justin so we can link to them?

Justin, are they what you previously indicated? Does the color/trim match what we heard from Canada? Thanks

Provench said new servers were expected Monday or Tues, so maybe they are swapping over, thats why it's so slow??

bdt980

As for the people that are paid to give misinformation, They have done thier job. Everytime someone is about to agree on something another credible source says no. It wouldn't suprise me if some of these people are the same person contradicting themselves on purpose.

acuragal

Yes!! I'ts true. FINALLY!!

Who would have thought it would take this long??

TinkySD

Here are some color swatches from Justin.

abyss


carmel


deep green pearl

bdt980

Im not really Concerned If HPT is on the AT, it would be nice to have all the things we think come with it. But im more concerned with the smoothness of the ride. If all of this has to come at the disposal of the ride than i dont need it