Update 07/22/2008: First real-life detailed photographs
While I’m not in love with the new Acura TL, I’m definately happy they did better than the disaster that is the Acura RL. The guys over at Car Lounge might not like what they call the “cheese grater” nose, but it looks alright. A bit busy looking yeah, but decent enough because Acura has ripped off design cues from pretty much every competitor out there. I’m trying really hard to be nice because I dont want to bite my tongue when the live shots come out. I’ll wait a bit longer before I pass my judgement.
Some people might have problems with Acura’s recent exterior aesthetics, but the spec sheet is definately impressive. The saving grace comes from earlier news that Acura’s redesigned luxury sedan will bring two distinctive versions including the first ever application of ‘Super Handling All-Wheel Drive’ (SH-AWD) on the TL. Looking back to April, Left Lane News reminds us that dealers were allegedly told the 2009 Acura TL lineup will get two models: “a base front-wheel drive car and an up-level all-wheel drive model. The front-driver will be powered by a 280 horsepower 3.5L V6 whereas the AWD model will receive its motivation from a 3.7L V6 producing 310 horsepower.” There has been no mention of a Type-S model though.
PRESS RELEASE:
All-New 2009 Acura TL to Debut This Fall
07/10/2008 -TORRANCE, Calif. - The all-new, completely redesigned 2009 Acura TL employs dramatic new styling along with a luxurious interior that includes more driver relevant technology than ever. Featuring the most powerful Acura engine ever, the 2009 TL will be available in two distinctive versions including the first ever application of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(SH-AWD) on TL. Available in the fall of 2008, the new TL will deliver a driving experience that achieves new highs within the performance luxury sedan category.
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.
7 responses so far. Have your say. ↓
1
stewie // Jul 11, 2008 at 6:05 am
It does not look bad — not great either, mind you. Not sure why they decided to make their new grill even larger than on the RL/TSX.
Clearly they are moving this up market to compete w/ the 5 Series, E Class & M but I definitely need to see this in person as well …
2
gojira // Jul 11, 2008 at 8:11 am
Looks better than I thought it would. Can we see the back now Acura?
3
Kahn // Jul 11, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Thanks for letting me know what you think. It really means a lot to me.
Stewie, wouldnt you think the gang over at Acura knows how the nose is being received? I’ve never seen such a backlash against one specific design element in all my years in the auto industry. And then they decide to make it bigger?
Gogira, hahaa. Acura will probably make an official release soon. I’ll post them up here.
4
stewie // Jul 11, 2008 at 11:18 pm
kahn: I am sure Acura is aware of how enthusiasts on the net feel about the grill but I suspect that they are more interested in what the general/buying public thinks.
In the 1st 2 full months of sales, the TSX has been breaking records … altho it is still early to declare the design a winner.
The RL was just released so we have to see how it does in the market.
Now that the TL has the Power Plenum grille, Acura will probably give it a few years to see how it does & if it fails to catch on, the mmc changes will probably address it.
Admittedly, they are not the best looking grills ever but they definitely draw your attn & gives Acura an identity …
5
Matt // Jul 16, 2008 at 12:39 am
Finally a decent Acura. I hope rumoured V10 engine will be offered!
6
Jeana // Jul 22, 2008 at 3:29 am
I really do like this car. In my personal opinion, it is better than the GS, E, G35, 5-Series and the BLAND (IMO) BMW 3-Series coupe and sedan. I will be going buy one when it comes out regardless of if i do or don’t like it better. It is an Acura so it hold it’s value and has plenty on reliability and good-dating style to go along with it.
-Current Lexus IS owner.
7
Japan Car Blog | Just Japanese Car News // Aug 24, 2008 at 8:35 am
[...] to show its ugly face (and big butt) everywhere (like here and here). We’ve even seen it naked. But in an odd twist, Acura is now showing us less. Yeah, you read right… they’re [...]
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