Did you guys read this.? For the TL, I think, aside from power increase this is the Type S that Acura said we would not have. It came from Vtech

For the 04 TL

Optional A-Spec Package (availability TBD)


Performance springs and shocks lowering the vehicle approximately 1.2 inches (30 mm)
18-inch wheels with P235/40ZR18 Yokohama AVS ES100 tires

Aero kit
Rear spoiler
Special steering wheel with distinctive shape and stitching
Performance brake pads for 5AT vehicles (standard 6MT already has them)
A-SPEC badging


Another reason to postpone

 

That's funny, I just mentioned this in the 'embargo' thread. If this package gets it's own wheels with a unique design, that might make it worth it. Also, are those tires any good?

 

since when do us 6mters have different brake pads?

 

I believe 6mt has Brembo brakes

 

All 6MT have Brembro front brakes.

 

I'm interested in upgrading to the performance springs. Tires and wheels I'll take care of myself.

I'd like to see the Aero kit before making any decision about it. And, I think I can live without A-Spec badges.

 

oh god there are going to be A-Spec badges? I can just see the ricers now.

 

Justin, was the TL that you saw an A-Spec model?

Can you provide any other details on it?

 

They were selling a TL Type S A Spec in Canada last year.

 

I have a feeling this is what the Canadian 'Dynamic package' is referring to. Canada is Honda's best market, globally... this is their way of saying thanks!

J.

 

Will this car be in the US?

 

Ya thats why they didn't give you Navi in the last Gen But I guess to make up for it, they are giving you a better car, I hear its cheaper if I go to Canada to buy the car, so I might just think about that

 

For those of you that may be getting this confused. There is no connection between the delay and the A-spec. The A-spec package is a dealer-installed accessory. There is nothing about that part kit that is done at the dealer, just like the A-spec kit for the RSX.

 

plus, they get a windshield washer indicator, but the speedo has the big numbers as km, so that might be a pain. so there is gonna be a navi for canuck 04 TL's? cool.

 

And our TSX's have heated mirrors!!!

J.

 

I may be "late to the party", but is the A-Spec the Factory Performance Package that has been tossed around for a year now? Is the A-Spec what is coming for the RSX too, or is that still FPP? I'm confused?? Thanks!!!!

 

Good luck getting it serviced in the US. A lot of US dealers won't service a Canadian purchased vehicle. Acura is unlikely to help you with this as well.

There was a USA Today article on Americans who purchase cars in Canada to save money. Do your homework if you ever consider this.

 

This statement is a contradiction. Is A-Spec a factory installed package, or dealer installed package?

 

No.

This is their way of saying "We sell TL at a discount in Canada and not making much $$, how can we make more profit?".

We all know A-spec isn't a free upgrade. It's a way for Honda to lure buyers to invest more $$$ into their TL. And we all know profit margin on accessories are way bigger than the car itself.

 

why the heck did they call it A-spec...if it's a sportier version of the Type-S shouldnt it be Type-R? Nissan uses 'Spec' in it's sportier versions of the sentra and skyline. I dont know why Honda likes to confuse its buyers with EuroR, FPP, A-Spec, etc. Just stick to Type-S and Type-R damnit!!!

 

The A-spec package is dealer-installed. In what way was my statement a contradiction? Someone was asking if the A-spec had anything to do with the 6-sp delay, and I answered them.

 

It was confusing because you said that it is a dealer installed option. You then said no part of this kit is done at the dealer.

 

I could also just be an idiot. Yes, it's dealer-installed. No you can't buy parts out of the kit and not the whole kit. I guess that's more clear.

 

I read on the edmunds site that the a-spec will have 18s, yokohama tires, suspensions, brembo brakes, aero-kit and special badging. With all the mods, do you think that the dealer will be doing all the add-ons for their a-spec customers?

Also available in auto trans.

I think will all those mods it will be pre installed from the manufacture not the dealers?!

lotta work

but who knows?????

 

Type Rs are not just sportier, they are true sports cars. The A-spec package will not make the TL a hardcore sports car, it will just make it a little better.

When you talk Type R, you say less equipment, lighter car, a lot edgier in it's performance and general dynamism than the plain edition.

 

Do any of the Acura employees know if the A-Spec aero kit will close the parallelogram around the exhaust outlets?

Meaning will the exhaust pipe poke through the hole?

 

Like I stated earlier, it can't be parted out and it is a dealer-installed accessory option. You won't be able to just buy one or two items out of the kit. It's not that much to add on there at all. There is going to be a heavy price on it, being that there is going to be a lot of labor involved.

 

Kurt this is off Hondanews

ACCESSORIES
The 2004 TL has a wide range of exterior accessories available through Acura dealers. They are factory warranted for 4 years/50,000 miles when purchased with the vehicle.

Individual exterior accessories include:

18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
Back-up sensor
Bodyside protectors
Car cover
Decklid spoiler
Door edge guards
Door window visor
Engine block heater
Front and rear splash guards
Front under spoiler
Gold emblem kit
Moonroof visor
Nose mask
Rear under spoiler
Spoiler wing
Sports shocks and springs
Wheel locks

These accessories are also available in these packages:

Aero Kit

Includes front, side and rear under body spoilers

Protection Package

Includes wheel locks, splashguards and trunk tray

Wheel Package

Includes 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tires

 

I'm not doubting that Acura is selling those listed accessory options; however, the print that you may have missed from the A-spec listing is that these items will be DISTINCTIVE. In other words, they will be different from those that are offered as the traditional accessory options offered at your local dealer. The wheels will be different, the aero kit, the steering wheel, the badging, springs, etc. will all be unique to the A-spec package. Acura has always offered underbody kits, rear spoilers, and many other accessories like these, but only on the 2004 models have they offered exclusive kits like they will for the RSX and the TL. Don't get me the wrong way. I'm not trying to start any trouble. I'm just clarifying this.

 

this also from Hondanews:

An available sport suspension kit including all four shock absorbers and springs is scheduled for release shortly after the TL launch. Known as the "A-SPEC" kit, it provides firmer damping and spring rates for sportier handling. A lower ride height further distinguishes the Sport Suspension-equipped TL cosmetically.

The A-SPEC kit includes:

Pre-assembled performance springs and shocks that lower the vehicle approximately 1.2 in. (30 mm)
18-inch wheels with 235/40ZR18 Yokohama AVS ES100 tires
Aero kit
Rear spoiler
Special steering wheel with distinctive shape and stitching
Performance brake pads (for automatic transmission vehicles only)
A-SPEC badging

 

Is'nt this very similar to the FP package currently being offered on the RSX and Civics? CAn the FP package be bought in parts?

 

Kurt I am not doubting you just I don't know A-Spec is different from your regular run of mill accessory available from dealer.

Ghost I thought A-Spec kit also allows automatic equipped owners to upgrade front caliper to Brembo.

 

Does anyone know how this will work compared to other cars with BU sensors?

This to me, should be a factory installed option.

 

Maybe like this?

http://www.honda.co.jp/ACCESS/automo.../camera02.html

 

The pilot, MDX and numerous other cars have this as dealer installed. The only thing is it will prolly be black.

 

It might be cheaper to purchase but U.S. dealers won't perform warranty work on the cars sold in Canada. My dealer has a sign hanging in the service check in area. I'm assuming it's an Acura policy.

 

It's much more likely to be a beeping proximity sensor than a camera. Rear view cameras are a big deal in Japan, where parking spaces tend to be tight. In the North American marketplace the more cheaper option of a proximity sensor is preferred by auto makers.

That's one reason why there's no talk of the 2004 Toyata Prius for N America getting automated self-parking -- an option in Japan. The other reason Toyata will avoid it here is the enormous liability issues if self-parking goes wrong and causes damage.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...ota_prius_dc_1

-ferg

 

yes, it does, one of the articles (there are too many now..can't remember which one) said a-spec allow automatic to have upgraded brakes, which is standard on 6mt; therefore since standard on 6mt is Brembo, it would be on a-spec for auto :p
so..if u have 6mt....u won't benifit as much from a-spec as auto does...

 

Are you sure Brembos are standard on the 6-Speed? Or is it extra?

 

I wish, but am not holding my breath.

I just can't figure out how a service delartment would cut apart a bumper to install sensors.