compewterbleu

That meaning the up and coming 5G TL...that is of course if the ponies were increased via V-8, turbo or bi-turbo, HUD was added, split rear seats, added RWD version, and a few other upscale items and feature added. Not talking about what the styling would be or if they downsized it and stuff. Just if they went straight nutso and said they were were going to once and for all design a world beater with the TL. Of course for some MT, C&D, and such would have to say the ride was str8 Euro...

Treblig

I'm not sure I would be interested in a TL at +$10-12K, however, that would depend on exactly what comes with that price bump. Alternatively, I would assume that the TSX would also take a bump in price and features so I may look into it.

265 ssi

Isn't that what a RL is ?

unlemming

I would be willing to pay for some of those options, but the problem is they would be bundled with options I don't want (think driver aids like BSI) that double the price. And they would probably only be offered in grayscale colors with all black interiors.

But, would I buy my idealized TL with every pie in the sky option for 55k? Sure.

Treblig

It is now, but the RL will probably be moving up a level as well.

akiko2012

it's all about best bang for the buck. at the 50-55k range, will Acura have best value for it's options when comparing to similar vehicle in it's class? currently, with everything you get, it is certainly the best value for your money.

Mr Marco

"Introducing the first luxury hybrid from Acura."

Mark my words.

EarthPIG_0311

IMO I like my TL just the way it is. Sure extra hp would be nice but not sure if I would want a V8. The only thing that my TL doesn't have that the '12's have is ventilated seats. Nice option, especially here in SoCal. So to answer your question, no I wouldn't pay an extra $10,000-12,000 for options that don't appeal to me.

VQPower37

IMO acura does a great job of loading up cars with as many options as possible at a certain price point. so i am sure for 10k bump the car would be great in terms of features, so yes i feel that even if it bumped up i would still be strongly considering it

jnc2000

The first 350hp Acura will most likely be a hybrid - not anything close to a NA and it'll have SH-AWD for good measure.

jasonwdp10

The TL currently is larger than, performs as well as, and has as many features as cars that are $10-20k more expensive. If the $55k will feel and perform like a $65-75k car? (like a fully loaded 5 series or e550) Yes. Otherwise, no.

IMO, the most important thing is to continue to refine the TL. I'm actually kinda getting tired of even my base models noise and poor bump absorption after driving the 2012 Base Advance, which was noticeably quieter and felt like it deadened bumps better. Though most of that was probably due to the sound deadening.

Edward'TLS

If it will have 350-400hp, a definite YES.

03tLsNBP

iTrader: (9)

if Acura did come up with something ultra upscale, id probably wait a few years and buy it used.

Pete2010

Bring back the freaking NSX before you decide to build some high end TL.
And I'm talking a mid engine RWD NSX, not some hybrid...

Edward'TLS

At 350hp, no other driveline choice is possible for FWD platforms other than to go AWD.

2010_Type_SH

The current Type SH at MSRP is ~$43-$45k fully loaded. Another $10k would put it in the $55k range. For that price I think I would look at other cars. For example $55k you are well into a nicely equipped 2011 MB E350.

wakattack

No, no way, hell no. If they do that even with rwd, and a v8 it is to expensive. Acura brand just isn't going to sell well at that price point.
They need bring back a coupe, bring back some good styling, get a little smaller and a bit cheaper. They should get rid of tsx and rl.

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

No and nor would many other people. The thing that keeps Acura afloat is its lower prices when compared to its competition. They won't stray far the "smart luxury" motto that they have. The RL is the car that costs $55K, not the TL. And that car right now is a joke when compared to the $40K TL.

Acura would flop. Unless they really can step up their game.

Mr Marco

What I said.

compewterbleu

For the extra dough I think done properly they could best the MB. But the symbolism of an MB is so ingrained in Americans.

compewterbleu

I don;t think they'd flop as long as they don't go polarizing styling. If the design team for Kia or Hyundai did the TL folks wouldn't be bitchin' nearly as much as they do now. 3 versions of the TL could pull it off if they moved the RL up to the $62K range and did it right.

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

I agree that the RL could succeed at that price point if done right. It just needs more distinguishing from the TL.

Edward'TLS

I don't see why can't the hypothetical TL has two or more trim levels.

The base trim car is the current FWD base TL for those "smart luxury" bean-counting frugal buyers.

The top-of-the-line trim ($12K premium) car has all the latest bells and whistles, and most importantly, a high-powered engine (330+hp) and high-tech DSG transmission to justify that extra premium.

However, if the $12K-premium car has no high-power engine nor high-tech DSG to accompany it, it will flop big time. This car exist today. It is the current RL sedan.

compewterbleu

They (Acura) are allowing the RL to just linger on the vine. They have a reason whether it's justifiable or not. Looking at Lexus and Infiniti as they are now, Acura may not be able to over take them in one felled swoop but they could get a lot closer...
The line between smart buying and cheap is often very skewed.

unlemming

I think that's the point of this pipe dream thread?

compewterbleu

It's not so much of a pipe dream as it is a manufacture realizing they want to stay in business and be profitable. Think about it, Apple was nearly dead and look at Apple now...was past Microsoft and IBM is out of that line of computer business. Who would of thought it?

Treblig

Linger is right! I had a 2006 RL. Great car and probably the automotive worlds best keep secret. That was the problem, Acura seemed content to keep it a secret or was unable not too. In addition, they failed to move it along developmentally and technologically and let it, as you say, "linger". However, I think that they will get it sorted out and the next gen RL will be a more segment competitive car. Or maybe not.

Edward'TLS

The RL is in a really bad situation right now, especially after the release of the MMC TL.

The MMC TL has exactly the same configuration as the Acura flagship RL sedan : ~300hp 3.7L-V6, 6-speed auto, SH-AWD. I just don't see any buyer can justify that extra 5K-10K premium buying the RL over the MMC TL.

But for Lexus and Infiniti, it is totally different. Both the Lexus GS and the Infiniti M have V8 options to set them apart from the lower models.

Edward'TLS

Let's look at it this way. Without the ingenious Steve Jobs and his superb products (such as Ipod, Iphone, Ipad, etc.), Apple would never have survived and flourished to this day.

For the past five years, the Honda CEO has changed hands, and the business direction for the Acura brand is constantly changing. As for superb Acura products, the "power plenum" design is definitely NOT one of them.

7 Tl

thats gonna probably happen if the RL gets taken over by the TL..Price difference right now between the two isn't much, not to mention the options. The RL is one of a kind though.

winstrolvtec

Yes, as long as Acura can maintain a similar degree of value. Increased price doesn't mean decreased value, in other words, price doesn't dictate value. It's like the above comment about the difference between cheap buyers and value buyers.

As it is, when you compare the TL SH and competitors at the same price, considering all areas and aspects overall, not focusing or placing precedence on any one or maybe two areas too much, it's a no brainer, provided the subjective areas aren't complete deal breakers. If that remains, not only would it be top of the mid level class but also at the best price.

04TLVTEC

Honda doesn't have a V8 in the parts warehouse and they have been on the record saying they don't want to develop one. If they want start making FI J series and offering it on a 5G TL that would awesome coupled with the 6MT and SHAWD

halls120

tough question. Before I bought my 04 TL and recently my 11 SH-AWD TL (both with MT), I looked long and hard at Audi, BMW and Mercedes, and decided in both cases the extra 10-15K I would have paid for those cars wasn't worth it in the long run. If Acura built this hypothetical model, I suppose it would come down to purely aesthetic factors, and it would be hard to say which car I'd go for.

That said, I hope Acura is looking at a 5G with better fuel economy and a return to a little more upscale interior.

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

I would.

compewterbleu

Interesting. From what I understand their is a developed RWD platform and a V-8. Whether it hits the street is another thing.

TechnoCat

Pretty much everyone here did buy a TL. (Mine was a SH-AWD 6MT.) But every car has a lot of compromises, the TL included, and some of them are painful for some people at the current price-point.

So the question is, do you aim the upscale one at people who adore the size of the TL, the current features and mostly like it, or do you try to expand the audience while risking the hard-core fans? Many posts claim to prefer the 09-11 style, even though it didn't sell well, or to consider (e.g.) folding seats and an adjustable head restraint unnecessary and useful omissions to achieve the value-point.

I don't think Acura is ready for the super-executive car yet. Maybe they should channel the Prelude/del Sol and do a more stylish comfortable but value-laden two-seater.

Rocketsfan

Heck no. The TL presents to me everything I need in a package I want for the price I want. An additional price bump of that much would be more than I would want to pay for any car. I don't think there would be enough reason for me to buy such a car because I don't think the added gadgetry/tech would return enough for the "investment".

compewterbleu

I have to give you props on this post Tecnnokitty. Acura does have some of the hardest core fans. And the 09-11 look seems to be a dividing line case of love it or leave it.
Super-executive....I agree on that point. I don't think even Infin's M comes really close to that big dawg LS. A freind of mine's dad has one and to me it's like the Caddy Deville of the early 80's, my old man's car.
Now I would love for them to have taken the Prelude or Del Sol and create a Acura version, you know Toyota would have dared to due so.

compewterbleu

Great points.

TRIUMPHT

iTrader: (1)

that's a toss up for me ...i purchase acura's because you get more for you're money with them in my opinion..........35K starting ending roughly around 45K ......with alot of options that some of the competitors don't come with at those prices..........if they were to jump up that high they would have to do the same ....beat out the competitors all around as they are doing now .............then i wouldn't mind shelling out that extra cash.........especially if they are still just as reliable