Torrance, Calif. 11/20/2003 -- The TL A-SPEC package is the latest high-performance accessory offering from Acura and features a variety of components designed specifically for Acura's best-selling sedan. The Acura A-SPEC performance package for the 2004 TL will go on sale December 1, be priced at $5,200 plus dealer installation, and like all A-SPEC kits, be covered under a full factory warranty. The TL A-SPEC kit will include:
. High performance, track-tuned shocks and springs
. Lightweight 18x8.5 alloy wheels
. High performance Yokohama 235/40VR18 95W tires
. Performance brake pads (automatic transmission-equipped models)
. Aero kit featuring front air dam, chin spoiler, side skirts and choice of deck lid or rear wing spoiler
. A-SPEC steering wheel
. A-SPEC badging
"The TL A-SPEC package takes our high-performance accessory program to the next level," said Acura's manager of accessory marketing, Stony Furutani. "Each component, the suspension, the bigger wheels and tires, even the aero kit, is designed to further enhance the TL's impressive performance."

Acura launched its A-SPEC program (formerly Acura Factory Performance) at the 2002 SEMA show with the debut of a performance kit for the RSX Type-S Sports Coupe. The program was spearheaded by Makoto Tamamura of Honda Access Corporation, the developer of the chassis and suspension for the NSX supercar. Its goal is to provide complete dealer-installed accessory packages that highlight Acura's high performance image and conform to Acura's exacting quality standards.

The 2004 TL, which went on sale last month, was dramatically redesigned and enhanced to appeal to performance driving enthusiasts. It features bold new styling, a powerful 270-horsepower engine, sport-tuned suspension and an assortment of leading- edge technology. The TL A-SPEC kit accentuates the aggressive new styling while making the car even more responsive and fun to drive.

The suspension package features track-tuned shocks and springs that lower the car approximately one inch. This package was developed concurrently with the production TL suspension and designed specifically to meet the needs of the most demanding performance enthusiast. To achieve track-like handling in all driving conditions, the spring rates have been modified and a unique balance of compression and rebound damping has been designed into the A-SPEC suspension components. This suspension tuning technique is also utilized in the NSX supercar to help provide the ultimate in handling.

The A-SPEC kit also includes 18-inch alloy wheels. Designed using a new, advanced manufacturing process that provides forged strength and rolled manufacturing ease, the wheel rims are thinner yet stronger than a cast alloy wheel. Also, while they are one-inch larger in diameter, and half an inch wider than the production TL wheels, the

A-SPEC wheels are only slightly heavier. They are shod with high performance AVS ES100 235/40VR18 95W Yokohama tires designed specifically for the TL A-SPEC package. These tires provide excellent ride quality, especially for a 40 series aspect ratio, as well as optimum grip and predictable response under high performance conditions.

While 2004 TLs equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions feature powerful 4-piston Brembo front brakes, the A-SPEC kit for automatic transmission-equipped models includes high- performance brake pads. These pads substantially improve fade resistance while providing superior pedal feel and reduced stopping distance.

The package comes equipped with an aero kit that includes either a deck lid or rear wing spoiler. In addition to highlighting the TL's performance-oriented styling, the aero kit helps improve the car's aerodynamics, with wind tunnel testing indicating improvements in both coefficient of drag and coefficient of lift. Interior modifications include a thicker, racing-style A-SPEC steering wheel as well as A-SPEC badging.

Acura A-SPEC is a complete dealer installed accessory package that addresses the demands of performance enthusiasts by providing enhanced handling, aggressive looks, quality and durability, while maintaining the legendary Acura driving experience.

http://www.autofan.com/newsdetail.as...&mn=11&yr=2003

 

$5200 plus install

 

I'd LOVE to have those 18's on my TL-S .. if they're lighter than my stock rims .. i'm totally in .. but I can imagine them costing over $2000.00 w/ the tires... does that seem unreasonable?

For $5200.00 plus install .. i'd totally be considering another car... if it was $2500.00 .. it'd seem much more reasonable and you'd prolly see a helluva lot more people buyingthat package.

 

wouldnt that make the TL around 41k?!

What a joke

 

Yes, the number would be up there. For that price, you could get a BMW 330 w/ leather, sports package, winter package etc. (Yeah, I priced out a 330 with those options before I decided to buy my CLS).

Looks like Acura doesn't want to be the best bang for the buck anymore. It's almost like they want you to buy a car from another car company.

Don't get me wrong, I love my CLS (and plan on keeping it for awhile), but with the direction that Acura is going, I don't think I'll buy another Acura.

 

I really hope acura doesnt think they can be upscale just because they jack up the pricing on their car.

They arent BMW

 

damn.. what a tease... i was hoping pics..

 

why they dont add more power !?

 

cuz having more than 270hp in a FWD car is dumb as it is.

What they need is a AWD version. Now thats worth 5k!! :P

 

I saw a CT TL-S at the dealer before I really knew what CT was. It had springs, sways, a kit, and rims, I think. It was ~ $38k, if I remember...for an '02.

 

That's WAY too much money for what you get.
And they don't even do anything under the hood.

 

I have a cls-6 with the helical limited-slip which makes it a great front driver. I never had any problems with the fact that it is a front driver. It's the best front drive car there is and it could have more hp without any problems. being front drive, it's wasy to drive in the winter without the added weight and price of 4wd...

 

Acura is reaching in all directions--but not sticking with any.

IMO, Type S is waaaaaaay more appealing than A-Spec!!!!

 

Yes, if they'd do a type-s of the new TL... that would be amazing.

 

complete rip off

 

where are the pics?

 

http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/show...?threadid=4223

 

nice but a ripoff

 

What a complete rip...

 

Holy Shit, thats alot of flow

 

Rims look nice, but that's about it. Those exhaust tips look wicked retaahhded...like they belong on a Bonneville. :shakehd:

Seems like waaaayyy too much dough to me. Maybe there's a market, though.

 

Their CRAZY! What is Acura thinking? Most performance packages from other car makers don't cost that much?

 

I really hate the name A-Spec.

That sounds very retarded.

If you add up what you are paying for:

The same wheels can be foundfor 230$ each=$920
Tires = 600$
Konis = 600$
Springs = 300$
Bodykit = 1500$

Who cares about a steering wheel and badges--

To me that only adds up to $3920 plus another couple of hundred in labor.


The funny thing is, I remember the debate way back when whether or not the "Type S" was a joke in terms of a performance package.

Well, I think clearly the A-Spec is a joke.

 

My thoughts exactly. What on earth would labor to install be?

 

WHERE CAN U FIND THOSE WHEELS I LOVE THEM!

 

And I thought the sport package on the 330i was expensive...

 

Talk to your dealer about the wheels. I believe the dealer sell them for under $1000(no tires) at mine dealer.

 

that TL looks mean as hell. But that price hurts to think about. After the awe of looking at it passes, it makes me think I am wise to hold on to my CL for a while longer, considering it only has 30k miles on it, and is paid off. I like not making payments every month.

 

Its still the same as it always was. $5k+ for mostly cosmetic mods. :thumbsdn:

 

You guys doing the calculations are forgetting something else.
When you MOD yourself you have the original factory parts that you can sell or keep.
Acura is keeping these parts for themselves to use on another car.
That alone should lower the price and you should just pay for the difference between the two.
Think about THAT and the price seems even WORSE !!!

 

I'd never give 'em the $$$$$$$ for the A spec, the only mod I'd be interested in wld be the brakes and they come standard on the 6spd anyways! I'd put my RH's on there or order some Se7en's instead before "upgrading" to those wheels. Maybe someday I'd put the body kit on there too. 5K buys a lot of mods (SC for one!)

 

The search button is your friend http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...ighlight=aspec

Anyway, I guess that they are releasing this in all of North America vs. just Canada like the previous A-spec?

Either way I agree with the masses..... it's a rip off. I'd just get the parts myself and turn it into the A-Spec. I personally don't care about the badges anyway.....

 

I'm sure you'll be able to buy everything including the kitchen sink on the net for about a 50% discount (give or take)

"badges, we don't need no f*ing badges."

 

I'd just buy them through our vendors and install everything myself. Then again I don't have nor do I want a 2004 TL, so I guess it doesn't matter for me

 

Myself as well, the TL is nice.....but for the time being my car buying days are over.:o

 

im pretty sure you get to keep you original parts

 

y dont u just buy the wheels from the dealer. and find another place to get the kit. im sure they will eventually have it on some websites...

 

I actually just don't like the new TL. I'm sure once I start seeing some modified ones it may win me over, but the styling just hasn't grown on me yet....

 

The service advisor I spoke to at the Acura dealer is dreading the brake pads on the A-spec automatic. They are way too soft, way too limited in life span and loud.

Am I the only one who hates having no sidewall on your tires? I will stick with 17", thank you.

 

If you want performance braking, you're going to have to put up with short-lived and sometimes noisy brakes.

My Brembos sometimes moan when I've just about stopped my car. People sometimes give me a strange look, but I don't really care.

People who buy the A-spec should be informed that they may hear some grumblings from the brakes, and brake dust will be common.

I can live with both considering the stopping power I have.