2018 TLX A-Spec Pics
06-06-2017, 07:28 AM
#41
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 1,494
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Agreed....the '18 is so far removed from what my 2013 felt like, it does feel like a totally different car....all in a good way. After test driving the A-Spec, and the Advance, I ended up with a red over red A-spec which is now sitting in my garage.
Vibration? At any speed, it is as smooth as any car on the market....lots smoother than something like a C300, 328i, or A4. Transmission reminds me an awful lot of the one in the 335I I test drove last year.
Interior....I used to think Volvo seats were some of the best in the industry....followed by the BMW sports seats. Not anymore. A-Spec seats get the crown. They're bolstered in all the right places and comfortable. The leather (not MB TEX, not BMW vinyl)....REAL leather is creamy soft. Very high quality.
ELS always set the standard for factory stereos. This one is no different. Better than the HK in BMW or the Bang and Olufson in the A4, or the Burmeister in the C300.
There's RED led piping in the cabin that adds a nice ambiance. The Speedo and RPM gages seem to hand in mid air in the pod in front of the driver at night....looks 3D. Quite sharp.
Then, there's the drive. It may not be as fast as an S4, or a 340i, but it's still fast. Drivetrain makes WONDERFUL noises. It tracks as solid and as true as anything I've driven (including the afore mentioned BMWs and Audis). I can't think of one other option I'd want that it doesn't have.
I haven't been this excited about a new car is an awful long time. Dealer had 2 A-Specs, all gone in 48 hours. They sold 2 '18 TLXs to every one '17 TLX. They won't order any more until end of June is what the Sales Manager told me.
Acura has a hit on its hands.
Vibration? At any speed, it is as smooth as any car on the market....lots smoother than something like a C300, 328i, or A4. Transmission reminds me an awful lot of the one in the 335I I test drove last year.
Interior....I used to think Volvo seats were some of the best in the industry....followed by the BMW sports seats. Not anymore. A-Spec seats get the crown. They're bolstered in all the right places and comfortable. The leather (not MB TEX, not BMW vinyl)....REAL leather is creamy soft. Very high quality.
ELS always set the standard for factory stereos. This one is no different. Better than the HK in BMW or the Bang and Olufson in the A4, or the Burmeister in the C300.
There's RED led piping in the cabin that adds a nice ambiance. The Speedo and RPM gages seem to hand in mid air in the pod in front of the driver at night....looks 3D. Quite sharp.
Then, there's the drive. It may not be as fast as an S4, or a 340i, but it's still fast. Drivetrain makes WONDERFUL noises. It tracks as solid and as true as anything I've driven (including the afore mentioned BMWs and Audis). I can't think of one other option I'd want that it doesn't have.
I haven't been this excited about a new car is an awful long time. Dealer had 2 A-Specs, all gone in 48 hours. They sold 2 '18 TLXs to every one '17 TLX. They won't order any more until end of June is what the Sales Manager told me.
Acura has a hit on its hands.
Pics?
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graphicguy (06-08-2017)
06-06-2017, 08:07 AM
#42
Quick question for the guys that owned black cars before...and please forgive me because it is a little off topic, but is maintaining a black car the same effort if you ceramic coat it?
I never had a black car. I am more of a dark grey "graphite" color lover; and for the A Spec, I would love to see it in that color. But I'm also considering ceramic coating. I'm just wondering if it's worth it...specially for dark cars. If it is, then it opens the door for a possible
black car in the future. Just wondering. Thanks.
I never had a black car. I am more of a dark grey "graphite" color lover; and for the A Spec, I would love to see it in that color. But I'm also considering ceramic coating. I'm just wondering if it's worth it...specially for dark cars. If it is, then it opens the door for a possible
black car in the future. Just wondering. Thanks.
06-06-2017, 10:11 AM
#43
All of my cars have been black, and it doesn't take much more effort to maintain than any other paint color (aside from white or grey). The coating certainly helps. But I care for all my cars the same regardless of color.
The MMC TLX is a very nice looking car but to dub it an ASPEC with those anemic brakes is a joke. I hope Acura takes note of this and a bump in power in the next gen.
The MMC TLX is a very nice looking car but to dub it an ASPEC with those anemic brakes is a joke. I hope Acura takes note of this and a bump in power in the next gen.
06-06-2017, 11:30 AM
#44
Picked up mine last night. Very impressed so far. As a former 15 TLX owner, this new one is light years better. Got about $2500k of the MSRP and a least rate of 0.9%, so its a ctually a few bucks cheaper then the RDX I returned.
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06-06-2017, 11:30 AM
#45
Three Wheelin'
Let's not sugar coat this. Black shows everything. Yes it's harder to keep looking good. The coating will make it marginally easier to care for, but how much care it needs depends upon how picky you are about a clean car. I'm very picky.
BTW, don't listen to EL 19. He has nothing to compare to if all he has owned is black cars and he's in denial
BTW, don't listen to EL 19. He has nothing to compare to if all he has owned is black cars and he's in denial
Last edited by jjsC5; 06-06-2017 at 11:33 AM.
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RDX10 (06-06-2017)
06-06-2017, 12:16 PM
#47
Quick question for the guys that owned black cars before...and please forgive me because it is a little off topic, but is maintaining a black car the same effort if you ceramic coat it?
I never had a black car. I am more of a dark grey "graphite" color lover; and for the A Spec, I would love to see it in that color. But I'm also considering ceramic coating. I'm just wondering if it's worth it...specially for dark cars. If it is, then it opens the door for a possible
black car in the future. Just wondering. Thanks.
I never had a black car. I am more of a dark grey "graphite" color lover; and for the A Spec, I would love to see it in that color. But I'm also considering ceramic coating. I'm just wondering if it's worth it...specially for dark cars. If it is, then it opens the door for a possible
black car in the future. Just wondering. Thanks.
This X infinity. Let's not play pretend and make statements like "black is not that bad". It's only not bad if you don't care about having a dirty car. I'm with you jjs, I'm super picky and wash my black car sometimes more than twice a week and always after a heavy rainfall. Sometimes I'll wash my car towards the evening (so the sun can't dry the water and make water spots) and park it in the fully enclosed garage for the night, I still wake up the next day to find it covered in a thin layer of dust that accumulated over night. Forget leaving it in the driveway or driving anywhere. I can firmly say that black makes any car look WAY better, but it's not worth it to me anymore. Every tiny chip or spec shows. I'm done with black for a long time.
06-06-2017, 12:19 PM
#48
LOVE the color. Congratulations man that looks sick! Why is it that people can make a car look good while heavily paid professional photographers cannot? I think it would look amazing with all gloos black accents including the wheels.
06-06-2017, 12:19 PM
#49
Team Owner
I refuse to ever own another black car again. Even if it's a car I REALLY want and it was only available in black... No dice.
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RDX10 (06-06-2017)
06-06-2017, 12:30 PM
#50
Quick question for the guys that owned black cars before...and please forgive me because it is a little off topic, but is maintaining a black car the same effort if you ceramic coat it?
I never had a black car. I am more of a dark grey "graphite" color lover; and for the A Spec, I would love to see it in that color. But I'm also considering ceramic coating. I'm just wondering if it's worth it...specially for dark cars. If it is, then it opens the door for a possible
black car in the future. Just wondering. Thanks.
I never had a black car. I am more of a dark grey "graphite" color lover; and for the A Spec, I would love to see it in that color. But I'm also considering ceramic coating. I'm just wondering if it's worth it...specially for dark cars. If it is, then it opens the door for a possible
black car in the future. Just wondering. Thanks.
06-06-2017, 12:43 PM
#51
Quick question for the guys that owned black cars before...and please forgive me because it is a little off topic, but is maintaining a black car the same effort if you ceramic coat it?
I never had a black car. I am more of a dark grey "graphite" color lover; and for the A Spec, I would love to see it in that color. But I'm also considering ceramic coating. I'm just wondering if it's worth it...specially for dark cars. If it is, then it opens the door for a possible
black car in the future. Just wondering. Thanks.
I never had a black car. I am more of a dark grey "graphite" color lover; and for the A Spec, I would love to see it in that color. But I'm also considering ceramic coating. I'm just wondering if it's worth it...specially for dark cars. If it is, then it opens the door for a possible
black car in the future. Just wondering. Thanks.
06-06-2017, 01:35 PM
#52
Racer
Same. I owned a black 1995 Integra, brand new. And it was a bitch to keep clean. It looked good immediately after I washed it. Then dirty on the first drive. I've had white, the famous 04 TL desert mist, and currently in a Palladium TSX. All of which look so much better for longer. I do really like the grey ASpec though and that could be the color I go with if I decide to purchase. It's dark, but not black and should be easier to maintain. White is also one of my favorites.
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RDX10 (06-06-2017)
06-06-2017, 01:36 PM
#53
Racer
06-06-2017, 02:12 PM
#55
Same. I owned a black 1995 Integra, brand new. And it was a bitch to keep clean. It looked good immediately after I washed it. Then dirty on the first drive. I've had white, the famous 04 TL desert mist, and currently in a Palladium TSX. All of which look so much better for longer. I do really like the grey ASpec though and that could be the color I go with if I decide to purchase. It's dark, but not black and should be easier to maintain. White is also one of my favorites.
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FLYGUY31 (06-06-2017)
06-06-2017, 03:42 PM
#56
Racer
Totally agree. But silver isn't an ASpec option and I don't think it would look good with the dark rims etc. White would be the next best color..and I do think the Aspec looks good in that color. I had a 1998 Accord Coupe V6 that looked great in white. I bought that after having my 1995 Integra in black. I wanted something a little bigger and with more power. It was a really good car.
Last edited by FLYGUY31; 06-06-2017 at 03:44 PM.
06-06-2017, 04:02 PM
#57
Intermediate
So my dealership sold the 2nd a-spec they had yesterday blue/black, and has at least 2 deposits in place (myself included) on a waitlist. This car seems to be an early hit.
06-06-2017, 04:12 PM
#58
6 Forward 1 Back
06-06-2017, 04:24 PM
#60
SHAWD A-Specs are definitely only trickling in here in So Cal. I've looked at the online inventory of numerous dealers and the first SHAWD A-Spec looks to only have arrived yesterday. Of the FWD cars available only one has the red interior (MSM exterior). All the others are either black/black or white/black. We're one of the biggest if not the biggest car markets in the US. You'd think we'd have more inventory.
06-06-2017, 05:23 PM
#63
Burning Brakes
Wow, that is a really striking car. I do agree that Acura definitely did well with this refresh. I have a 05 TL (I bought new) that I am still driving. I was all but convinced that my next car would be an A4. However the refreshed TLX has me reconsidering. If this TLX is anywhere close to as reliable as my 3G TL that I've owned since 05 then I'll jump on that.
06-06-2017, 05:35 PM
#64
Totally agree. But silver isn't an ASpec option and I don't think it would look good with the dark rims etc. White would be the next best color..and I do think the Aspec looks good in that color. I had a 1998 Accord Coupe V6 that looked great in white. I bought that after having my 1995 Integra in black. I wanted something a little bigger and with more power. It was a really good car.
Just wondering, does the red leather interior also have the power thigh support or is that only for the black alcantara interior? Also seeing how popular the A-Spec is makes me wonder how popular a true Type-S would be.
06-06-2017, 06:08 PM
#65
6 Forward 1 Back
I think you just need to click on the "Image" icon in the Reply to Thread window and paste in the URL to the pic on Flickr. It's actually easier to just take the pic and upload directly using the Image icon and dragging/dropping the pic into the Upload Picture window.
06-06-2017, 06:26 PM
#66
Racer
Wow, that is a really striking car. I do agree that Acura definitely did well with this refresh. I have a 05 TL (I bought new) that I am still driving. I was all but convinced that my next car would be an A4. However the refreshed TLX has me reconsidering. If this TLX is anywhere close to as reliable as my 3G TL that I've owned since 05 then I'll jump on that.
06-06-2017, 06:48 PM
#67
Ive owned 3 black cars and this current one will be my last. Got so sick and tired of trying to keep it clean that i just stopped cleaning it... once a month car wash is all it gets now. Lol.
I was looking forward to a silver aspec but since its not available, white or blue would be my choice if i decide to stay with acura. Otherwise, a cpo gs350 will be my next ride
I was looking forward to a silver aspec but since its not available, white or blue would be my choice if i decide to stay with acura. Otherwise, a cpo gs350 will be my next ride
Last edited by mondster; 06-06-2017 at 06:51 PM.
06-06-2017, 07:30 PM
#68
Intermediate
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06-06-2017, 08:22 PM
#69
Ive owned 3 black cars and this current one will be my last. Got so sick and tired of trying to keep it clean that i just stopped cleaning it... once a month car wash is all it gets now. Lol.
I was looking forward to a silver aspec but since its not available, white or blue would be my choice if i decide to stay with acura. Otherwise, a cpo gs350 will be my next ride
I was looking forward to a silver aspec but since its not available, white or blue would be my choice if i decide to stay with acura. Otherwise, a cpo gs350 will be my next ride
06-06-2017, 08:25 PM
#70
Senior Moderator
I will likely be relocating to the Nashville area by this time next year. Wifey looking at homes in the Franklin/Brentwood; I'm shooting for the more affordable Mt. Juliet area......stay tuned.
My last several cars:
2016 TLX 3.5 (black) - current
2015 MDX SH-AWD Tech (black) - current
2014 Accord Sport CVT (red)
2012 MDX (black)
2012 Accord EX (black)
2009 MDX base (black)
2007 Accord EX-L V6 Navi (black)
As you can see, I have a slight preference for black cars. That said, I've never tried ceramic coating my cars but have exercised a regimen of Mequiars' products to maintain the color. It's definitely a high maintenance color but IMHO it's the best looking color when properly maintained.
That said, seeing that red A-Spec of MTD could lure me back to red once my TLX lease is up in 18 months.
Originally Posted by Sloppy305
Quick question for the guys that owned black cars before...and please forgive me because it is a little off topic, but is maintaining a black car the same effort if you ceramic coat it?
I never had a black car. I am more of a dark grey "graphite" color lover; and for the A Spec, I would love to see it in that color. But I'm also considering ceramic coating. I'm just wondering if it's worth it...specially for dark cars. If it is, then it opens the door for a possible black car in the future. Just wondering. Thanks.
I never had a black car. I am more of a dark grey "graphite" color lover; and for the A Spec, I would love to see it in that color. But I'm also considering ceramic coating. I'm just wondering if it's worth it...specially for dark cars. If it is, then it opens the door for a possible black car in the future. Just wondering. Thanks.
2016 TLX 3.5 (black) - current
2015 MDX SH-AWD Tech (black) - current
2014 Accord Sport CVT (red)
2012 MDX (black)
2012 Accord EX (black)
2009 MDX base (black)
2007 Accord EX-L V6 Navi (black)
As you can see, I have a slight preference for black cars. That said, I've never tried ceramic coating my cars but have exercised a regimen of Mequiars' products to maintain the color. It's definitely a high maintenance color but IMHO it's the best looking color when properly maintained.
That said, seeing that red A-Spec of MTD could lure me back to red once my TLX lease is up in 18 months.
06-06-2017, 10:28 PM
#71
Intermediate
Awesome! It's a great area to live. We love it and haven't looked back. We actually live in Franklin. Every town here has its own personality and pros/cons depending on what you want.
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F23A4 (06-07-2017)
06-07-2017, 11:51 AM
#72
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC - USA
Age: 82
Posts: 7,674
Received 2,599 Likes
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I will likely be relocating to the Nashville area by this time next year.Wifey looking at homes in the Franklin/Brentwood; I'm shooting for the more affordable Mt. Juliet area......stay tuned.
My last several cars:
2016 TLX 3.5 (black) - current
2015 MDX SH-AWD Tech (black) - current
2014 Accord Sport CVT (red)
2012 MDX (black)
2012 Accord EX (black)
2009 MDX base (black)
2007 Accord EX-L V6 Navi (black)
As you can see, I have a slight preference for black cars. That said, I've never tried ceramic coating my cars but have exercised a regimen of Mequiars' products to maintain the color. It's definitely a high maintenance color but IMHO it's the best looking color when properly maintained.
That said, seeing that red A-Spec of MTD could lure me back to red once my TLX lease is up in 18 months.
My last several cars:
2016 TLX 3.5 (black) - current
2015 MDX SH-AWD Tech (black) - current
2014 Accord Sport CVT (red)
2012 MDX (black)
2012 Accord EX (black)
2009 MDX base (black)
2007 Accord EX-L V6 Navi (black)
As you can see, I have a slight preference for black cars. That said, I've never tried ceramic coating my cars but have exercised a regimen of Mequiars' products to maintain the color. It's definitely a high maintenance color but IMHO it's the best looking color when properly maintained.
That said, seeing that red A-Spec of MTD could lure me back to red once my TLX lease is up in 18 months.
Right now the cars are.
440 Dark Gray (graphite) (almost here)
435 Black (almost gone)
Ranger Red
135 Dark Gray (graphite)
Cobra Dark Red
Genesis Black
Expedition Light Gray
CX-5 Red
06-07-2017, 09:12 PM
#74
Intermediate
Officially have a 2018 TLX AWD Aspec in white w/ red leather on order. Build date 6/14-6/18, delivery by month-end. Thought I was done with the brand, but car play + an exciting/sporty package brought me back. Keep it up Acura, you're moving in the right direction.
06-07-2017, 10:03 PM
#75
Blue? Ugh. My dealer said that Acura isn't even making Blues right now. Also said they are only getting one more a spec in the few months. That seems all sorts of wrong. Wondering if it is a tactic to try to get me to commit.
06-07-2017, 11:37 PM
#76
Taco and justn are not liking this thread
06-07-2017, 11:37 PM
#77
06-07-2017, 11:42 PM
#78
I think your dealer is lying to you. Acura can't sell 50K units a year if they don't put the product in the dealerships. The timing of this rollout is aggressive. The cars will be there. Just give it a few weeks.
06-08-2017, 12:38 AM
#79
6 Forward 1 Back
I hate dealerships like that. Why do they have to bullshit? They'll come begging for TLX sales after the hype dies down.
06-08-2017, 12:46 AM
#80
Team Owner