May 2011 Motor Trend/"Now With Less Ugly"
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
May 2011 Motor Trend/"Now With Less Ugly"
I just read this review of the new 2012 TL
Enjoy, Slay
First Drive: 2012 Acura TL
Acura Celebrates 25 Years with a New TL
March 09, 2011 / By Zach Gale |
"Now with less ugly!" isn't the greatest selling point, but revised styling really is the most significant change to the refreshed 2012 Acura TL. Although Acura is marking 25 years in the United States, there's not much new product beside the TL and the recently arrived TSX wagon to help the brand celebrate. That's okay, because Acura expects TL sales to jump 20 percent this year on the strength of its improved efficiency, quieter cabin, and of course, its new duds.
It's still no Alfa Romeo, but a number of small changes to the 2012 TL have yielded one big improvement. In front, a downscaled grille is now complemented by dark headlights and a revised front fascia. A horizontal body line separates the space between the grille and bumper, helping Acura cut about an inch from the front overhang. The rear overhang is down by about a half-inch, as well. Overall, the length has decreased from 195.5 to 194.0 inches.
Acura tells us that about three-quarters of all TL buyers will go for the front-drive model, which is powered by the same 280-horse, 3.5-liter V-6 as before. No complaints here; the 3.5-liter engine has enough oomph for passing when necessary, and, thanks in large part to the new six-speed automatic, fuel economy is way up. Along with changes to the front fascia and underbody airflow, the new transmission increases efficiency from 18/26 mpg city/highway to 20/29 on FWD models. Most of the TL's weight is draped over the front axles: 61/39 percent on front-wheel-drive models, 59/41 percent on all-wheel-drive automatic models, and 58/42 percent on the all-wheel-drive manual model.
TLs equipped with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive and paired with the brand's refined 3.7-liter, 305-horse V-6 remain the most enthusiast-oriented models in the lineup. Acura still offers the six-speed manual transmission in mid-level trim for the 5 percent of buyers who want that added element of control. As before, the SH-AWD system can route 70 percent of available torque to the rear wheels and 100 percent to the left or right sides as necessary. The result is a better dynamic experience than you'll find on the front-wheel-drive models when you really push the car. The SH-AWD's improved seats get added bolstering help, too.
The TL's 17- and 18-inch wheels have been restyled, but it's the 19-inchers that get Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires, a set of rubber that Acura says offers better handling, acceleration, and braking in the snow, further improving SH-AWD's effectiveness. In the dry, we found the electric power steering lacking in feel, especially at lower speeds. The ride in front- and all-wheel-drive models ranged in harshness but was always acceptable for a car like the TL.
Except for the SH-AWD 6M model, the TL remains more of a sporty luxury sedan than a luxurious sporty sedan. The 2012 model strikes a balance between cars like the Lexus ES 350 and Infiniti G37. The TL's catch-all market positioning is reflected in Acura's ambitious choice of also noting the new Audi A6 as a competitor. Compared to the 2011 BMW 535i xDrive sedan, the TL matches the German four-door in rear seat leg and shoulder room but provides 1.3 inches less rear seat headroom. Trunk space on the TL is also not that cavernous, with 13.1 cubes on front-wheel-drive models and 12.5 for the SH-AWD cars.
With the more expensive RL growing stale on dealer lots, the Acura TL now essentially functions as the brand's flagship four-door. A new Advance Package includes ventilated front seats and a blind spot monitoring system. The Adaptive Cruise Control technology remains exclusive in Acura's sedan lineup to the RL.
A majority of TL buyers will likely go for the one step lower Technology Package, which includes a keyless access (and push-button ignition), perforated Milano leather, an 8-inch high-resolution color display screen, an upgraded sound system with 10 speakers, rearview camera, and a navigation system with traffic and weather information plus 15 gigabytes of space for music storage. All TLs come standard with HID headlights, a moonroof, heated front seats, and eight-way power on the front seats (plus two-way lumbar for the driver).
It's a decent deal when you consider that prices have only increased $300 across the board. A base TL with front-wheel drive and the 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 will cost $36,465, while a top-line SH-AWD model with the Advance and Technology packages will run $45,945, still below the base price of the RL.
The TL has yet to be rated under the NHTSA's more stringent safety crash tests, but a 2010 model received five stars in every category under the old standards. The current-generation TL received a good rating from the IIHS in the organization's front- and side-impact tests. A power management system will help the TL increase battery life and will turn off interior lights if the battery's charge is low.
Despite the meaningful changes made to the TL for the 2012 model year, it still isn't a standout performer. It is much-improved, however, and should merit serious consideration from those who need more space than a 3 Series can offer and don't want to pay for a 5 Series or A6. Not to mention it's designed, engineered, and made in the good old U.S. of A.
In the end, Acura hopes buyers will give the TL another look without looking away. If they do, they'll find a comfortable, capable luxury sedan that should serve as a solid foundation on which Acura can continue to build its reputation for the next 25 years.
Enjoy, Slay
First Drive: 2012 Acura TL
Acura Celebrates 25 Years with a New TL
March 09, 2011 / By Zach Gale |
"Now with less ugly!" isn't the greatest selling point, but revised styling really is the most significant change to the refreshed 2012 Acura TL. Although Acura is marking 25 years in the United States, there's not much new product beside the TL and the recently arrived TSX wagon to help the brand celebrate. That's okay, because Acura expects TL sales to jump 20 percent this year on the strength of its improved efficiency, quieter cabin, and of course, its new duds.
It's still no Alfa Romeo, but a number of small changes to the 2012 TL have yielded one big improvement. In front, a downscaled grille is now complemented by dark headlights and a revised front fascia. A horizontal body line separates the space between the grille and bumper, helping Acura cut about an inch from the front overhang. The rear overhang is down by about a half-inch, as well. Overall, the length has decreased from 195.5 to 194.0 inches.
Acura tells us that about three-quarters of all TL buyers will go for the front-drive model, which is powered by the same 280-horse, 3.5-liter V-6 as before. No complaints here; the 3.5-liter engine has enough oomph for passing when necessary, and, thanks in large part to the new six-speed automatic, fuel economy is way up. Along with changes to the front fascia and underbody airflow, the new transmission increases efficiency from 18/26 mpg city/highway to 20/29 on FWD models. Most of the TL's weight is draped over the front axles: 61/39 percent on front-wheel-drive models, 59/41 percent on all-wheel-drive automatic models, and 58/42 percent on the all-wheel-drive manual model.
TLs equipped with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive and paired with the brand's refined 3.7-liter, 305-horse V-6 remain the most enthusiast-oriented models in the lineup. Acura still offers the six-speed manual transmission in mid-level trim for the 5 percent of buyers who want that added element of control. As before, the SH-AWD system can route 70 percent of available torque to the rear wheels and 100 percent to the left or right sides as necessary. The result is a better dynamic experience than you'll find on the front-wheel-drive models when you really push the car. The SH-AWD's improved seats get added bolstering help, too.
The TL's 17- and 18-inch wheels have been restyled, but it's the 19-inchers that get Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires, a set of rubber that Acura says offers better handling, acceleration, and braking in the snow, further improving SH-AWD's effectiveness. In the dry, we found the electric power steering lacking in feel, especially at lower speeds. The ride in front- and all-wheel-drive models ranged in harshness but was always acceptable for a car like the TL.
Except for the SH-AWD 6M model, the TL remains more of a sporty luxury sedan than a luxurious sporty sedan. The 2012 model strikes a balance between cars like the Lexus ES 350 and Infiniti G37. The TL's catch-all market positioning is reflected in Acura's ambitious choice of also noting the new Audi A6 as a competitor. Compared to the 2011 BMW 535i xDrive sedan, the TL matches the German four-door in rear seat leg and shoulder room but provides 1.3 inches less rear seat headroom. Trunk space on the TL is also not that cavernous, with 13.1 cubes on front-wheel-drive models and 12.5 for the SH-AWD cars.
With the more expensive RL growing stale on dealer lots, the Acura TL now essentially functions as the brand's flagship four-door. A new Advance Package includes ventilated front seats and a blind spot monitoring system. The Adaptive Cruise Control technology remains exclusive in Acura's sedan lineup to the RL.
A majority of TL buyers will likely go for the one step lower Technology Package, which includes a keyless access (and push-button ignition), perforated Milano leather, an 8-inch high-resolution color display screen, an upgraded sound system with 10 speakers, rearview camera, and a navigation system with traffic and weather information plus 15 gigabytes of space for music storage. All TLs come standard with HID headlights, a moonroof, heated front seats, and eight-way power on the front seats (plus two-way lumbar for the driver).
It's a decent deal when you consider that prices have only increased $300 across the board. A base TL with front-wheel drive and the 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 will cost $36,465, while a top-line SH-AWD model with the Advance and Technology packages will run $45,945, still below the base price of the RL.
The TL has yet to be rated under the NHTSA's more stringent safety crash tests, but a 2010 model received five stars in every category under the old standards. The current-generation TL received a good rating from the IIHS in the organization's front- and side-impact tests. A power management system will help the TL increase battery life and will turn off interior lights if the battery's charge is low.
Despite the meaningful changes made to the TL for the 2012 model year, it still isn't a standout performer. It is much-improved, however, and should merit serious consideration from those who need more space than a 3 Series can offer and don't want to pay for a 5 Series or A6. Not to mention it's designed, engineered, and made in the good old U.S. of A.
In the end, Acura hopes buyers will give the TL another look without looking away. If they do, they'll find a comfortable, capable luxury sedan that should serve as a solid foundation on which Acura can continue to build its reputation for the next 25 years.
#2
2G TLX-S
Motor Trend has hit the nail on the head.
#3
Despite the meaningful changes made to the TL for the 2012 model year, it still isn't a standout performer. It is much-improved, however, and should merit serious consideration from those who need more space than a 3 Series can offer and don't want to pay for a 5 Series or A6. Not to mention it's designed, engineered, and made in the good old U.S. of A.
Anyways, the total lack of research or comment on the feel of the the HPT tires:
makes me think they just looked at the new specs and said, "Eeehhhh, it looks a little bit better, but all the old stuff sucks compared to the 3/a4 and 5/a6. Road Test?!?!? F@$k That! I gotta get back to writing my 30th annual review of how awesome the the three is!"
#5
While I am all for reading balanced and objective reviews of the new TL, its important to remember that motortrend is the automotive equivalent of Fox News.
They named the chevrolet volt their "Car of the year"
WHAT
THE
FUCK
They named the chevrolet volt their "Car of the year"
WHAT
THE
FUCK
#6
I don't know how they can say it's not a standout performer. I mean it might not feel like one while driving the car but the results and capabilities speak for themselves. Cars costing twice as much don't necessarily do what it does.
Two tests show that it outlaps and handles better than all vehicles within it's competitive set. One of those test against the 335, G37, and S4 also have it showing the best braking stats, and even in another, where it is going to head to head with the S4 (which is the other top performer in this range), has it as the better handling and braking car, although losing a little lap time to the S4 on both ocassions only because of the lack of acceleration during the course's straights in comparison. It was established that the grip and overall speed through turns was superior in the TL.
This is knowing that the car is in another size category and is heavier than most of the smaller cars it competes with. I know that is the 6MT model in those tests but the 6AT SH should be very close to the overall performance and capabilities of the 6MT and even the FWD TL with the new 6AT has got to be one of the better performing cars (if not the best) out of the Maxima, ES, LaCrosse and CC group, might also have the best fuel economy too.
Two tests show that it outlaps and handles better than all vehicles within it's competitive set. One of those test against the 335, G37, and S4 also have it showing the best braking stats, and even in another, where it is going to head to head with the S4 (which is the other top performer in this range), has it as the better handling and braking car, although losing a little lap time to the S4 on both ocassions only because of the lack of acceleration during the course's straights in comparison. It was established that the grip and overall speed through turns was superior in the TL.
This is knowing that the car is in another size category and is heavier than most of the smaller cars it competes with. I know that is the 6MT model in those tests but the 6AT SH should be very close to the overall performance and capabilities of the 6MT and even the FWD TL with the new 6AT has got to be one of the better performing cars (if not the best) out of the Maxima, ES, LaCrosse and CC group, might also have the best fuel economy too.
Last edited by winstrolvtec; 04-07-2011 at 11:14 PM.
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#8
Well, naturally, yes, they make everything better. It would only work though if they were solar powered lambo doors, because that saves the environment and shit
#9
16GS FSprt,03Max,12 335is
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Manhattan Beach, Ca / Dallas, Tx
Age: 50
Posts: 976
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4 Posts
I don't know how they can say it's not a standout performer. I mean it might not feel like one while driving the car but the results and capabilities speak for themselves. Cars costing twice as much don't necessarily do what it does.
Two tests show that it outlaps and handles better than all vehicles within it's competitive set. One of those test against the 335, G37, and S4 also have it showing the best braking stats, and even in another, where it is going to head to head with the S4 (which is the other top performer in this range), has it as the better handling and braking car, although losing a little lap time to the S4 on both ocassions only because of the lack of acceleration during the course's straights in comparison. It was established that the grip and overall speed through turns was superior in the TL.
This is knowing that the car is in another size category and is heavier than most of the smaller cars it competes with. I know that is the 6MT model in those tests but the 6AT SH should be very close to the overall performance and capabilities of the 6MT and even the FWD TL with the new 6AT has got to be one of the better performing cars (if not the best) out of the Maxima, ES, LaCrosse and CC group, might also have the best fuel economy too.
Two tests show that it outlaps and handles better than all vehicles within it's competitive set. One of those test against the 335, G37, and S4 also have it showing the best braking stats, and even in another, where it is going to head to head with the S4 (which is the other top performer in this range), has it as the better handling and braking car, although losing a little lap time to the S4 on both ocassions only because of the lack of acceleration during the course's straights in comparison. It was established that the grip and overall speed through turns was superior in the TL.
This is knowing that the car is in another size category and is heavier than most of the smaller cars it competes with. I know that is the 6MT model in those tests but the 6AT SH should be very close to the overall performance and capabilities of the 6MT and even the FWD TL with the new 6AT has got to be one of the better performing cars (if not the best) out of the Maxima, ES, LaCrosse and CC group, might also have the best fuel economy too.
Last edited by Monte TLS,MAX; 04-08-2011 at 12:11 AM.
#10
Drifting
You know what, I love the car and it meets all of my expectations and then some. Case closed.
#11
Pro
iTrader: (1)
it's almost to the point majority of people can't think for them selves to sit a say this is what i like ....they will only get what others like ...............i tend to like to be different ,edgy ,stand alone...........progressive.......
#12
Pro
iTrader: (1)
Would love to see a comparo with the base TL vs Maxima SV and the others you mentioned but mainly these 2 as they lean more toward/marketed on the sporty end of these cars. The Max was the quickest of the bunch posting a 5.8 to 60 with a dang near 100 mph trap in test but now with the new 6spd auto it should be interesting between the 2. I also wonder what Nissan has up its sleeve for the 12 Max.
#14
Pro
#15
Walk the walk
Agree it is a rag. They are all geared to be soft core car porn based on advertising dollars. Objectivity or actual analytic thought is better found on youtube.
#16
Motor Trend does favor the Germans just like car and driver love their hondas. I really dont care what journalist say anyway, i work for a dealer and ive driven preety much everything and my 6MT TL is still one of the best cars ive EVER driven PERIOD! For me to get everything i have in this TL in any german car.....it would probably cost me at least 10 to 15k more. Ill keep my TL ;-)
#17
Pro
iTrader: (1)
Motor Trend does favor the Germans just like car and driver love their hondas. I really dont care what journalist say anyway, i work for a dealer and ive driven preety much everything and my 6MT TL is still one of the best cars ive EVER driven PERIOD! For me to get everything i have in this TL in any german car.....it would probably cost me at least 10 to 15k more. Ill keep my TL ;-)
i know i know i was one to bash also intitially even though i own one ...but that was just a littel buyer regret because i thought for what i payed i couldve gotten more ...........REALLY no i wouldve ended up with a trade in or lease end ....2 or 3 years older with 35k plus miles ....................
TL brand new base 36k ...first owner, brand new,PRICELESS
#18
^ i thought i would never see the day ..........on this forum that i would see someone other than myself....going to bat for the 4th gen TL..........
i know i know i was one to bash also intitially even though i own one ...but that was just a littel buyer regret because i thought for what i payed i couldve gotten more ...........REALLY no i wouldve ended up with a trade in or lease end ....2 or 3 years older with 35k plus miles ....................
TL brand new base 36k ...first owner, brand new,PRICELESS
i know i know i was one to bash also intitially even though i own one ...but that was just a littel buyer regret because i thought for what i payed i couldve gotten more ...........REALLY no i wouldve ended up with a trade in or lease end ....2 or 3 years older with 35k plus miles ....................
TL brand new base 36k ...first owner, brand new,PRICELESS
#20
I'll say +1 to that! I've only had my TL for for a few weeks, but I also find any excuse to take it out for a spin. I have a short commute to work, but lately I'm wishing it was just a few minutes longer.
#21
Same here!! its 10-15 mins to work for me so i have to take the scenic route sometimes for a longer drive!!
#22
Man, I enjoy reading MT from time to time, but they love them some German engineering above all else. I get it, I dig the bimmers and audis.
Anyways, the total lack of research or comment on the feel of the the HPT tires:
makes me think they just looked at the new specs and said, "Eeehhhh, it looks a little bit better, but all the old stuff sucks compared to the 3/a4 and 5/a6. Road Test?!?!? F@$k That! I gotta get back to writing my 30th annual review of how awesome the the three is!"
Anyways, the total lack of research or comment on the feel of the the HPT tires:
makes me think they just looked at the new specs and said, "Eeehhhh, it looks a little bit better, but all the old stuff sucks compared to the 3/a4 and 5/a6. Road Test?!?!? F@$k That! I gotta get back to writing my 30th annual review of how awesome the the three is!"
I cancelled my MT subscription when they declaired the Chrystler 300 car of the year in 2005.
#24
Mademoiselle Chanel!!
#26
Instructor
Thread Starter
Guys, after reading some of the responses I noticed many are not happy with the review. Personally I think the review was quite accurate and MT fairly reviewed the changes as well as improvements to the 2012. There also were some reponses that totally brought no value other then, "I'm Love my TL". If you love the looks and performace of your TL, great! I would hope you wouldn't drive a car you truly didn't like and had to learn to love it. With that said, after reading the review, what was stated inaccurately and what would you like to see improved?
I'm sure Acura reads these threads and this is the best forum to voice your opinions for future improvements to the 5G being it's only around the corner.
I'm sure Acura reads these threads and this is the best forum to voice your opinions for future improvements to the 5G being it's only around the corner.
#27
Racer
All said, the new TL is getting much better reviews than the 2010-2011 models. Better interior materials (a gripe of mine) and the better styling help. It will be fascinating to track the sales. (I'm also curious as to if they fixed the front seats, but not enough to test-drive one.)
#28
Drifting
What was wrong with the front seats?
#29
keep in mind you have to take most reviews with a grain of salt, as ad $$$ can influence the writing.
I always laugh how most articles about 4th gen TL's rarely mention some of the most important criteria: resale value, reliability, navigation that allows you to use it while you drive (many cars don't allow this), how Honda's SH-AWD is superior to most other systems or a big option $$$ in other cars. Is the TL perfect, heck no, no car is. But it astonishes me how most mags fail to include some of the most important real world criteria when evaluating cars.
I always laugh how most articles about 4th gen TL's rarely mention some of the most important criteria: resale value, reliability, navigation that allows you to use it while you drive (many cars don't allow this), how Honda's SH-AWD is superior to most other systems or a big option $$$ in other cars. Is the TL perfect, heck no, no car is. But it astonishes me how most mags fail to include some of the most important real world criteria when evaluating cars.
#30
#33
Racer
Most people found them great. Both my fiancee (now wife) and I, and quite a few other people on this board, found the head restraints overly aggressive to the point of causing neck pain. The usual answer here was that we're in the wrong position, but since we don't have that problem with other cars, we figure the car should be more adjustable.
Of course, being accustomed to Audis (which as Stew4HD points out, do cost more for similar performance), I could name 30 things the S4 does better... but that also equates to several hundred dollars per "thing". The TL is a far better bargain if you're happy with what it does and how it does it.
Of course, being accustomed to Audis (which as Stew4HD points out, do cost more for similar performance), I could name 30 things the S4 does better... but that also equates to several hundred dollars per "thing". The TL is a far better bargain if you're happy with what it does and how it does it.
#34
Three Wheelin'
keep in mind you have to take most reviews with a grain of salt, as ad $$$ can influence the writing.
I always laugh how most articles about 4th gen TL's rarely mention some of the most important criteria: resale value, reliability, navigation that allows you to use it while you drive (many cars don't allow this), how Honda's SH-AWD is superior to most other systems or a big option $$$ in other cars...it astonishes me how most mags fail to include some of the most important real world criteria when evaluating cars.
I always laugh how most articles about 4th gen TL's rarely mention some of the most important criteria: resale value, reliability, navigation that allows you to use it while you drive (many cars don't allow this), how Honda's SH-AWD is superior to most other systems or a big option $$$ in other cars...it astonishes me how most mags fail to include some of the most important real world criteria when evaluating cars.
And I don't see what the big deal is about the Volt being COY
#35
Instructor
Very pleased w/my 2012, IMO a substantial improvement in comfort and cabin noise over our 2008. MT hit the nail on the head.
The "VOLT" may have won COY but when it's out of warranty and the battery system takes a dump it will take cubic dollars to repair it. A friend just had his Civic Hybrid batteries replaced (out of warranty) and paid $4200 for the privledge to get it done. That + the original $4K purchase premium blows a giant hole in whatever savings compared to what the gas Civic achieves in MPG. Until gasoline hits $6 a gallon the economics of hybrid & electrics just aren't there. My 2¢
.
The "VOLT" may have won COY but when it's out of warranty and the battery system takes a dump it will take cubic dollars to repair it. A friend just had his Civic Hybrid batteries replaced (out of warranty) and paid $4200 for the privledge to get it done. That + the original $4K purchase premium blows a giant hole in whatever savings compared to what the gas Civic achieves in MPG. Until gasoline hits $6 a gallon the economics of hybrid & electrics just aren't there. My 2¢
.
#36
Instructor
Thread Starter
Very pleased w/my 2012, IMO a substantial improvement in comfort and cabin noise over our 2008. MT hit the nail on the head.
The "VOLT" may have won COY but when it's out of warranty and the battery system takes a dump it will take cubic dollars to repair it. A friend just had his Civic Hybrid batteries replaced (out of warranty) and paid $4200 for the privledge to get it done. That + the original $4K purchase premium blows a giant hole in whatever savings compared to what the gas Civic achieves in MPG. Until gasoline hits $6 a gallon the economics of hybrid & electrics just aren't there. My 2¢
.
The "VOLT" may have won COY but when it's out of warranty and the battery system takes a dump it will take cubic dollars to repair it. A friend just had his Civic Hybrid batteries replaced (out of warranty) and paid $4200 for the privledge to get it done. That + the original $4K purchase premium blows a giant hole in whatever savings compared to what the gas Civic achieves in MPG. Until gasoline hits $6 a gallon the economics of hybrid & electrics just aren't there. My 2¢
.
But in regards to the car of the year award, I'm sure it was awarded based on innovation and nothing more. So basically this will be the first and last award the Volt is awarded. IMHO.
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