Update: The Acura TL has been respotted again, this time with much better photos.

Yeah, I know, it’s been a long while since I posted any spy shots for us. Hopefully a couple of shots of Acura’s TL will make everyone happy. Thanks to TOV forum, which snagged photos of a lightly camo’d Acura TL testing on the weekend, we can get a first glimpse of Acura’s latest offering.

I’ve been highly critical of Acura’s recent TSX and RL launches, but I’m not too sure if the TL deserves the same negativity. If anything, it’s the only car that fits the Acura brand without trying to be something that is not. Where the TSX is a re-badged Euro Accord, and the RL is a poor attempt at a premium flagship, the TL has always been honest about its unique performance and design.

That’s why I’m looking forward to seeing how the next generation works out. Will it challenge the Maxima once again? Aesthetically at least, the grille is derived from the basically unpopular RL and TSX treatment. The wheel arches and A-pillar to the tail lights continues the outgoing TL’s trademark muscular stance. Out back, the tail ligts add some much needed curve to the otherwise angular TL. All in all, I’m crossing my fingers on this one. Hopefully this will be Acura’s saving grace. I really hope so.

[TOV Forum]