News: Acura brings TL Type-S back for 2007 - Car News After a three-year hiatus, the TL Type-S is back with even more power. BY JARED GALL, August 2006
For 2007, the Acura TL line will sprout a Type-S boasting a more powerful engine and a sport-tuned suspension. According to The Boston Globe, power output grows to 286, a gain of 28 hp, and torque rises 23 lb-ft. to 256. Previously, Acura offered a TL A-spec handling and appearance package, although it offered no bump in power. While the A-spec was a dealer-installed kit, the Type-S is a factory-produced regular model.
Of course, a sportier car has always entailed more than under-hood muscle to Acura, and this latest Type-S is no different. Suspension firms up all around and gets capped with Type-S specific wheels. Astute observers will notice the Type-S wears a mesh grille, a subtle spoiler, and quadruple exhaust outlets. Others will be clued in by the more obvious Type-S badging.
Inside, the Type-S invites shenanigans with sporty bucket seats boasting hearty bolstering, stainless steel pedals, and carbon fiber trim. A five-speed automatic will be standard on the Type-S. Thankfully, a six-speed manual also will be available. Pricing on the new Type-S should begin around $39,000.
Even with $35K out the door price the TL-S is right at the 3er/IS/G price range.
Are you kidding me? The G and TL should be considered in the same price range, and the 3 and IS in another. The G currently goes for about 3-5K off MSRP, and even better deals can be had because the 07 model will be out in November. A nicely optioned G sedan with nav & prem can be had for $33K-34K. I know this because I was at the Infiniti dealer last week. if you don't believe this, check the TMV pricing on edmunds yourself. The IS350 is about 39-40K with the same options, though with the technology package, it goes over 41K. Again...was cross shopping last weekend. There are hardly any discounts on the IS, and the same goes for the 3er. Acura needs to make sure the pricing is competitive otherwise they will be a lame duck with the new G rolling out (306hp and everything else we know about).
Thanks for the pics/link. I enjoyed them. The TL-S looks great! Happy to see that Acura moved their fog lights, updated the interior w/ a better looking instrument panel and steering wheel, cleared out tailights, lane change indicator lights on the side view mirrors, updated leather seating surfaces, mean looking dual exhaust and IMHO I like the sport look of the wheels, They look like they will hide brake dust pretty good. All in all, it's everything I expected and it's what Acura needed.I look forward to the re-design with AWD.
yep, auto designers rarely think past how the car looks "show room new". Once it gets dirty and needs a bath, wheels like this become a royal pain to clean!
LOL. I was only kidding. I think the 335i engine will be enough for me if I decide to go that route.
I was too, I have a 166 hp Accord!
The BMW 335 engine is only available on the coupe, isn't it? The 325i has 215hp, the 330i has 255 hp, only the coupe I believe comes with the 300+ horsepower twin-turbo Inline-6. I could be wrong though
Rims on 07 TL-S are awful. Style like that maybe would work on the discontinued Pontiac Aztek. At least everything would be harmonious - all ugly.
Anybody buying the 07 TL-S will be looking at TireRack web site for replacements or will try to work something out with dealer for good looking rims.
Best rims are 5-spoke that came standard with ordinary 04-06 TLs. They complimented the body lines.
Looks like Acura/Honda will do what so many other mfrs do to try and "update" an acclaimed excellent design (04-06 TL) - they screw it up. Could the Mona Lisa be updated and improved.
"Best rims are 5-spoke that came standard with ordinary 04-06 TLs." Agreed! "Looks like Acura/Honda will do what so many other mfrs do to try and "update" an acclaimed excellent design (04-06 TL)" Agreed x 2!! The original design was so good, so perfect, right out of the box that any tweaking will only screw it up!
You took the words right out of my mouth on both counts! :shades:
I nominate the Rl and Bmw 5 as the vehicles with the best headlamps in the Midsize car class and the Scion tC in the compact coupes. I was hoping acura applied the Rls headlamps to the Tl-s but i guess that will wait until 2009.
I'm sure there will be options on the rims. They probably wanted the photo-op to be with the new rims but I am sure the old styles will be available too. I honestly don't see the point in buying a Type-S unless they made it with AWD or RWD. More horses on a FWD doesn't mean as much as it would on a AWD/RWD. And anyways, the only Type-S I would get would be on the RSX if I was into the little ricer cars.
The base TL has enough power for anyone and until the AWD version comes out who needs the extra horses?
Yes the 335i will also be a bad to the bone Sedan.
Bad as in styling. 3 series grilles are OK because of traditional face, but rest of car (side and rear) could easily be mistaken for some kind of Asian import like Kia, Mitsu, Hyundai, Suzuki. In fact when I see the back end of current 3 series in traffic, have to look hard to realize that it is a 3 and not a cheapo compact. Actually, I think that EPA categorizes 3 series as a compact car.
Acura TL (04-07) has BMW 3 beat on styling from all angles. Not even close. 3 series styling should be compared to compacts from Asia.
"More horses on a FWD doesn't mean as much as it would on a AWD/RWD."
I disagree. 30 more horsepower makes a huge difference, regardless of the drive wheels. More importantly, the torque increase on the TL-S is huge. When I test drove the base TL, the lowend torque was weak compared to the Infiniti G35. This increase makes it much more competitive.
Does anyone else find it ironic that the RSX Type S is derisively categorized by bearvp as a "little ricer car", but the TL is OK? I didn't think anyone driving around in or considering a TL would be so snobbish - or zenophobic - but nothing surprises me nowadays. :confuse:
Every Honda/Acura with "Type-S" emblem on it looks ricer to me.
Um, that means the RSX Type-S looks like a ricer... There are no other Type-S vehicles currently on sale. The older "Type-S" CL and TL really don't look different, other than slightly different wheel designs.
Every Honda/Acura with "Type-S" emblem on it FEELS ricer to me.
I'm not trying to find fault with ya, I promise, but I'm not sure I understand what you mean by it "feels" ricer... Are you referring to how it drives? Again, I'm not trying to be a pest, I promise!!!
That's wierd, and I always thought the TL copied the styling of the previous E46 BMW. I'm not saying it's not a nice looking vehicle (I happen love Honda's) but check out that side profile shot with the character line. Total E46 copy.
I don't like the E90 rear styling as much as the E46 but if you can envision the white area as blending in the rear (esp. on light colors) the shape of the tail lamps are similar to the old style E46.
The new 335i coupe is particularly stunning while not breaking major new ground like the E60 5-series. Speaking of, Toyota may has well have just hired Bangle instead of ripping him off! New generation BMW styling is showing up everywhere especially Toyota, whereas Acura still copies the old Bimmers. Ha!
When I say feel it's just the general feeling. Like whenever I hear something something "Type-S" or something something "Type-R" the first thing pops in my mind is...ricer.
Ok, I gotcha now... I was completely mistunderstanding what you were trying to say... the fault of trying to converse via-internet I guess. You mean the 'moniker' of Type-S feels ricer. I understand. Like if it was a "TL Sport" it would be nicer; not necessarily referring to the car itself. Sorry I misunderstood!
And no, it's really not wierd. I personally dislike the fact that many carmakers took away names for cars (I think it sounds cooler to drive an Acura Legend or Vigor than a TL or TSX). I'm weird too!
See, now I just don't get that. The same character line on the E46 also appears on the 1996 Civic. In fact, I think the E46 has more in common with the old Civics than it does with the TL. (I'm not saying they look like one another, they just have more common details/shapes.)
Depending on which end you're looking at, I see more common design cues between the TL and a few of Alfa's cars than any BMW.
Well, maybe, but I am looking forward to the auto mag tests of this baby. With more HP/torque, I think "torque steer" is likely to be a problem with this front driver. While the TL is (and has been) and very nice car, I doubt that it will be a serious contender for enthusiasts in this market space who will also be looking at the new G and the 335.
Was at a local Acura dealer this weekend and the saleman was showing me a brochure with the colors for the 2007 Acura TLs. In the brochure, it mentions Sports Edition, which I presume to mean the Type-S, will have the option for a two-tone Ebony/Silver interior.
No definative word on when 07's will be in the showrooms. Word is production of 06's will continue until mid-Sept. Couple of dealers mentioned late October early November before 07 TL's hit the show room. No word on MSRP, but destination charge has already gone up from $615 to $670 for all TL's after August 15, 2006.
Now that I can see it on the Acura site... I'm kinda liking it. I'm still leaning toward the IS350/G35x options, but I will certainly give this a nice beat run before deciding!
Acura definitely did a great job making it look great on their site, and I like the new blue
My prediction is the TL-S will not sell well. The modifications, IMO, are too insignificant to justify the additional cost. And it looks too boy-racerish. The power boost is significant, but as far as I can tell, not too many current TL owners wished for more power (unless it came with RWD or AWD).
"My prediction is the TL-S will not sell well. The modifications, IMO, are too insignificant to justify the additional cost. And it looks too boy-racerish. The power boost is significant, but as far as I can tell, not too many current TL owners wished for more power (unless it came with RWD or AWD)."
My prediction is the TL-S will not sell well. The modifications, IMO, are too insignificant to justify the additional cost. And it looks too boy-racerish.
I agree. The large photo of it at acura.com makes it look un-glamorous. The grotesque wheels are especially highlighted in the photo. Hopefully, Acura/Honda did not screw up the basic 07 TL. I think that TL buyers have good taste and appreciation of fine design are drawn to the elegance of the basic 04-06 TL. They will judge the 07 Type S to be garish. Think that BMW handles styling of their M's much better than will be Acura Type S. However (IMO), Acura TL still outclasses 3 series in overall styling. The 3 series has too much of the look of compact sedans from Korea or Japan.
"Looks to me the intended target for the TL-S are 20-30 year-old man with around $90K income. I know there are some of those out there but the problem is how many of them are going to buy a FWD car at around $40K."
I am exactly in that demographic and I would consider paying $40k for the TL, but ONLY if it had the SH-AWD. I wouldnt consider it for that price just for the hp...def not as a FWD car.
Comments
After a three-year hiatus, the TL Type-S is back with even more power.
BY JARED GALL, August 2006
For 2007, the Acura TL line will sprout a Type-S boasting a more powerful engine and a sport-tuned suspension. According to The Boston Globe, power output grows to 286, a gain of 28 hp, and torque rises 23 lb-ft. to 256. Previously, Acura offered a TL A-spec handling and appearance package, although it offered no bump in power. While the A-spec was a dealer-installed kit, the Type-S is a factory-produced regular model.
Of course, a sportier car has always entailed more than under-hood muscle to Acura, and this latest Type-S is no different. Suspension firms up all around and gets capped with Type-S specific wheels. Astute observers will notice the Type-S wears a mesh grille, a subtle spoiler, and quadruple exhaust outlets. Others will be clued in by the more obvious Type-S badging.
Inside, the Type-S invites shenanigans with sporty bucket seats boasting hearty bolstering, stainless steel pedals, and carbon fiber trim. A five-speed automatic will be standard on the Type-S. Thankfully, a six-speed manual also will be available. Pricing on the new Type-S should begin around $39,000.
link title
Pricing on the new Type-S should begin around $39,000.
Does that mean the $39K is WITHOUT Navi? I seriously hope that C&D is wrong on this, otherwise that'll be the stupidest move ever made by Acura.
For more pictures here's the link...
Complete 2007 TL-S Pictures
Are you kidding me? The G and TL should be considered in the same price range, and the 3 and IS in another. The G currently goes for about 3-5K off MSRP, and even better deals can be had because the 07 model will be out in November. A nicely optioned G sedan with nav & prem can be had for $33K-34K. I know this because I was at the Infiniti dealer last week. if you don't believe this, check the TMV pricing on edmunds yourself. The IS350 is about 39-40K with the same options, though with the technology package, it goes over 41K. Again...was cross shopping last weekend. There are hardly any discounts on the IS, and the same goes for the 3er. Acura needs to make sure the pricing is competitive otherwise they will be a lame duck with the new G rolling out (306hp and everything else we know about).
Maybe. But try cleaning those wheels. 10 prongs. Thats 20 sides to clean. Ouch.
-Cj :shades:
Judge it yourself...
-Cj :shades:
Plus - who needs 350hp in a family sedan?
Rocky
Rocky
350? I need at least 360!
Rocky
I was too, I have a 166 hp Accord!
The BMW 335 engine is only available on the coupe, isn't it? The 325i has 215hp, the 330i has 255 hp, only the coupe I believe comes with the 300+ horsepower twin-turbo Inline-6. I could be wrong though
BMW is dropping the 330i and 325i and replacing them with 335i and 328i for both coupe and sedan.
Anybody buying the 07 TL-S will be looking at TireRack web site for replacements or will try to work something out with dealer for good looking rims.
Best rims are 5-spoke that came standard with ordinary 04-06 TLs. They complimented the body lines.
Looks like Acura/Honda will do what so many other mfrs do to try and "update" an acclaimed excellent design (04-06 TL) - they screw it up. Could the Mona Lisa be updated and improved.
Yeah, if the 39K price is without NAV, I think they've got a problem. But what I'm reading elsewhere suggests C&D is mistaken about that.
Ahh, didn't know that. Thanks for updating me!
"Looks like Acura/Honda will do what so many other mfrs do to try and "update" an acclaimed excellent design (04-06 TL)" Agreed x 2!! The original design was so good, so perfect, right out of the box that any tweaking will only screw it up!
You took the words right out of my mouth on both counts! :shades:
-Cj
Rocky :shades:
The base TL has enough power for anyone and until the AWD version comes out who needs the extra horses?
Bad as in styling. 3 series grilles are OK because of traditional face, but rest of car (side and rear) could easily be mistaken for some kind of Asian import like Kia, Mitsu, Hyundai, Suzuki. In fact when I see the back end of current 3 series in traffic, have to look hard to realize that it is a 3 and not a cheapo compact. Actually, I think that EPA categorizes 3 series as a compact car.
Acura TL (04-07) has BMW 3 beat on styling from all angles. Not even close. 3 series styling should be compared to compacts from Asia.
I disagree. 30 more horsepower makes a huge difference, regardless of the drive wheels. More importantly, the torque increase on the TL-S is huge. When I test drove the base TL, the lowend torque was weak compared to the Infiniti G35. This increase makes it much more competitive.
Does anyone else find it ironic that the RSX Type S is derisively categorized by bearvp as a "little ricer car", but the TL is OK? I didn't think anyone driving around in or considering a TL would be so snobbish - or zenophobic - but nothing surprises me nowadays. :confuse:
Um, that means the RSX Type-S looks like a ricer... There are no other Type-S vehicles currently on sale. The older "Type-S" CL and TL really don't look different, other than slightly different wheel designs.
Every Honda/Acura with "Type-S" emblem on it FEELS ricer to me.
I'm not trying to find fault with ya, I promise, but I'm not sure I understand what you mean by it "feels" ricer... Are you referring to how it drives? Again, I'm not trying to be a pest, I promise!!!
I don't like the E90 rear styling as much as the E46 but if you can envision the white area as blending in the rear (esp. on light colors) the shape of the tail lamps are similar to the old style E46.
The new 335i coupe is particularly stunning while not breaking major new ground like the E60 5-series. Speaking of, Toyota may has well have just hired Bangle instead of ripping him off! New generation BMW styling is showing up everywhere especially Toyota, whereas Acura still copies the old Bimmers. Ha!
When I say feel it's just the general feeling. Like whenever I hear something something "Type-S" or something something "Type-R" the first thing pops in my mind is...ricer.
I know it's weird.
And no, it's really not wierd. I personally dislike the fact that many carmakers took away names for cars (I think it sounds cooler to drive an Acura Legend or Vigor than a TL or TSX). I'm weird too!
Suggestions anyone?
Depending on which end you're looking at, I see more common design cues between the TL and a few of Alfa's cars than any BMW.
Well, maybe, but I am looking forward to the auto mag tests of this baby. With more HP/torque, I think "torque steer" is likely to be a problem with this front driver. While the TL is (and has been) and very nice car, I doubt that it will be a serious contender for enthusiasts in this market space who will also be looking at the new G and the 335.
When will the 07's be in dealer lots/showrooms? Any word on MSRP's?
Acura.com now has TL-S on its website.
I'm still leaning toward the IS350/G35x options, but I will certainly give this a nice beat run before deciding!
Acura definitely did a great job making it look great on their site, and I like the new blue
Rocky
I'll take your side of that bet, as well.
I agree. The large photo of it at acura.com makes it look un-glamorous. The grotesque wheels are especially highlighted in the photo. Hopefully, Acura/Honda did not screw up the basic 07 TL. I think that TL buyers have good taste and appreciation of fine design are drawn to the elegance of the basic 04-06 TL. They will judge the 07 Type S to be garish. Think that BMW handles styling of their M's much better than will be Acura Type S. However (IMO), Acura TL still outclasses 3 series in overall styling. The 3 series has too much of the look of compact sedans from Korea or Japan.
I am exactly in that demographic and I would consider paying $40k for the TL, but ONLY if it had the SH-AWD. I wouldnt consider it for that price just for the hp...def not as a FWD car.