Mpunk

These were posted on Edmunds.com yesterday. Apparently Honda was planning to release these next week. The front shot we've seen, but here is (ugh) the rest of the car. Also, no manual tranny offered as of yet - only an antiquated 5AT. Amazingly, it takes Acura 3.7 litres to push out 305hp. And that push button start looks so slapped on. The '08 TLS looks better and better.


Images and information about the 2009 Acura TL were leaked on the Web today, ahead of Acura's intended release date.



Two drivetrains will be offered on the new TL: front-wheel and all-wheel drive.



The front-wheel-drive model is mated to a 3.5-liter V6, and the all-wheel-drive model uses a 3.7-liter V6.



A five-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment for both engines and features shift paddles on the steering wheel.



The chassis features double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear suspension.



The new TL now includes a central multifunction display.



An Acura/ELS audio system with 10 speakers, surround-sound and DVD-A compatibility is available.












08/08/08
Information about the 2009 Acura TL leaked out today, revealing full details of the fourth-generation sedan from Honda's premium division. Two different models of the TL will be available: a front-wheel-drive TL with a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and the all-wheel-drive TL SH-AWD with a 305-hp 3.7-liter V6.

The 2009 Acura TL moves further upmarket with a more aggressive interpretation of Acura's latest styling vocabulary, known as "Keen Edge Dynamic." The size of the car has increased slightly as a consequence, and the wheelbase has been stretched 1.4 inches to 109.3 inches. The car is also 6.2 inches longer overall, 1.8 inches wider and 0.5 inch taller. Rear legroom improves by 1.3 inches and rear shoulder room increases by 0.5 inch. The all-new package also improves structural rigidity significantly, thanks in part to the use of high-strength steel in 47.6 percent of the chassis.

The standard TL will be front-wheel drive and is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 280 hp and 254 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 22 hp and 21 lb-ft over the previous 3.2-liter V6. The new TL SH-AWD ("Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive") replaces the previous TL Type-S and is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 305 hp and 275 lbs-ft, an increase of 19 hp and 19 lb-ft over the 3.5-liter V6 of the Type-S. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment for both engines and features shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The chassis features double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear suspension. Electric power steering is standard for both models. The TL rides on 245/50R17 tires, the TL SH-AWD has 245/45R18 tires and 245/40ZR19 summer performance tires are optional for the TL SH-AWD.

As before, the 2009 Acura TL continues to provide an extensive list of electronic convenience items, now including a central multifunction display, an eight-speaker audio system with a six-disc CD changer, XM Satellite Radio and USB port connectivity. An Acura/ELS audio system with 10 speakers, surround-sound and DVD-A compatibility is available.

Edmunds.com Quote: Mixed reactions from the press room here as we start to digest the TL's new look. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor

Newplay1

Love that new interior, need some pictures with new A-spec kit and maybe in darker color exterior.

rimz

camry tail lights...

...so did the 3G TL designer quit or something...?

neuronbob

"Keen Edge" WHAT?

And no manual?

Props for the optional 19" wheels and that awesome interior, though.

Thanks for the post.

Nogard13

U-G-L-Y!

That's all I have to say. They even made the trunk look like the horrendous grill. I was planning on moving up to the TL from my TSX next year, but now the Cadillac CTS looks like the front runner.

nhousepro

I believe the 4G TL will be a buffer for a true redesign of the TL in about 2 yrs. Nissan did this with the 5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) inwhich they basically beefed up the 4th Gen and added better technology. The 4G TL has many similar features of the 3G from the front fascia to the interior contour. Acura seemed to have added a more up-to-date touch to it. The rear is the only part that seems totally redesigned but carried over from the Civic. The technology is gradually overhauled for the 4G TL but comes from the RL, RDX, and MDX. I personally dont think that 3G owners, especially 2006-2008 models, should trade thier cars for the 4G unless you get a excellent deal. That's just my opinion!

neuronbob

No, it won't. Acura intends this to be a five-year model as this is its Major Model Change. They'll likely do a Mid-Model Change as always in year 3 to increase sales. Hopefully the MMC will get rid of that awful Power Plenum grille.

The RL is the car with planned change in two more model years. Its Mid-Model Change is this year and it addresses most of the criticisms we owners had about it. Unfortunately, the PP grille was added to that, too.

wilsel

Everytime I look at it I picture someone with down syndrome.



Mod edit (neuronbob): C'mon, how can you do that to someone with Down syndrome, a serious medical problem? Pic edited out.

timmahh

You're totally going to hell.

cbusAcuracls

^^^^ agree that was a little over the line.

Any news/specs of the weight of these beast? (base/sh-awd)

KrayzieDxC

dam that shit is real ugly!!

interior looks great,very future ristic

christof

This is a joke right? It's a maxima with a body kit? Where is the tape deck that is in my 2005 3G made 10 years after you can't even buy a tape in the store WTF....I have to have my damn tape deck!

Sorry Acura...won't be purchasing a new TL. Lexus or Infinity here I come.

AZuser

The exterior design is still kinda while the interior is

It does look better in a darker color though...

Revolutions

all cars look good in dark colors cuz it hides a lot of the ugly body lines

neuronbob

I agree, that was WAY over the line. I don't usually edit posts, but that one was offensive enough that I edited the pic out.

ACURA TSX'D

I believe this car looks really good. Am I the only one? This will be my next car for damn sure...

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Overall, the car looks ok, but there are definitely certain elements of it that need a little work. The fact that there is no 6MT (though according to other reports, one is coming in a year or two to go with the SH-AWD model) is hugely disappointing.

Plus, the fact that the car got even bigger is annoying. I find myself already reaching the edge of my comfort zone in the TL-S so for the new TL to be some 6-inches longer is pretty much insane to me.

I will say, I do like those wheels so I hope the offsets have not changed too much as I would like to get a set for my TL-S.

krio

Maybe Acura is leaving the 6MT ONLY for the future Type-S TL.
It doesen't justify anything, I know, but it's possible...

KeithL

I do not agree, if the new styling is a dud then they'll do some hail mary restyling in 2-3 years like they did on RL to re-invigorate it.

mondo540

Wow, not sure what Acura is doing to their cars....it looks, um, Chinese like...I am surprised more people aren't ranting over the 5 spd...in this day and age? A 6 spd is a reqt. New G37 will have a 7 spd auto...Infiniti is looking better and better to me....

ragin

Agreed on the Infiniti comment. I think the only thing that appeals to me is the SH-AWD.

Razzi

it lost all sense of sportiness. if manbearpig drove a car it'd look like this.
the tsx looks like what the manbearpig would crap out. what is there to buy from acura now...

TheNip73

Looks like I can scrap the idea of upgrading my 04 TL. This "thing" is disgusting. I can't even call it a car.

neuronbob

The RL is a little bigger than the current TL. SH-AWD really makes a big difference in handling....the RL handles like a car half its size when SH-AWD is working. The TL should be quite the handler with SH-AWD. If not for the looks, it would be unstoppable in the sporty luxury sedan segment.

As I've been saying in the RL section for almost two years....SH-AWD is the shiznit. I'm not kidding. You TL guys will REALLY enjoy it, guaranteed.

SBTL

Same goes for me...

2009 is BUTT UGLY

When it's time to upgrade I will be considering...

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP 6MT
2009 Infiniti G37 (sedan) 6MT
2009 Audi A4 (6MT...if they make it)

markjrenna

I'm glad I picked up an 08 earlier this year. It is different in many ways from the 04 I had. When I am ready in 2011 I suspect (and maybe hoping) it will be different than the 09.

I also suspect that when people see and drive the 09 their negative opinion may change as well.

XxAfG786xX

uglyyyyy

sixsixfour

ugly. and only 5AT? sheesh.

Colin

I hear you, but the funny thing is that when you look at the Accord, they keep making it bigger and they keep selling more. What message does that send to AHM? On a side note, one of the criticisms of the RL is the smallish back seat and trunk. With SH on the way for the TL, I'm sure they want to insure it will be adequately sized. It seems the new car will be the same length as the G2 TL around 193, its not that bad.

XxAfG786xX

they should come out with a 2 door version

Colin

They are working on a new 2 door. i don't know what it will be but i know what it WON'T be. It won't be an RSX and it won't be a CL.

XxAfG786xX

lol hopefully a TL 2 door...

Colin

Heh, I hope they don't call it a TL coupe, but if they did, it would allow them to combine all TL sales like Infiniti does with the G. Hopefully they come up with a new name and don't reuse the CL moniker. That car was a disaster and nobody wants to repeat that fiasco.

carlos9827

iTrader: (2)

I think he did UNFORTUNTELY

Colin

No, Jon Ikeda did the 3G and he now heads up Acura's new Design Center. While I have yet to find out if he personally penned the new car, if he didn't he would have had to sign off in the design.

didier

Is Superrrrrrrrrr Ugly
I Hate Tha Cheat ,i Like Much Better My 07 Tl S

didier

My Next Ride Is Going 2be A Bmw 550i Or New Escalade

didier

Everything Is Uggly Men Look Like A Civic Or Maxima Very Bad Job Acura Is One Of My Faborite Cars ,but This One Killme Thats Suck

ed99

Said it before and will say it again NOW with the real thing this TL is UGLY and nothing spectacular about it. The only thing I like is the interior!! I guess my next car will be either a Mercedez C-class or Lexus IS model. Goodluck in the sales Acura!!!

cbusAcuracls

Bet you I see more 2gen CL's on the road then 09 tsx's and 09 TL's.
My 01 Cl's is 10x better than the 09 tsx anyday. Even with the tranny problems.


In Ohio here you can't keep the CL's on the dealers lots....any year.
My dealer Acura of Columbus said its the most wanted car on the lots..next to the 3g TL's esp. now that these ungly Acura's are coming out.