Acura TL 2006+

nightcrawler29

Yeah I think the wheels go very well on the TL just the way they are. Don't know... maybe there are some people out there that would like to see it with spinners, but I think it looks very classy just the way it is. I've seen some crome wheels, but don't think they look that good. I have a ilver TL also, and the wheels look great as they are.

bodble2

I hear ya. Sometimes when I get the Pepsi feeling, I'd wish I had a growling V8 with 400 hp. :P But in reality, in daily commutes, I couldn't even open up the TL! Most of the time I'd be crawling in traffic feeling the 270 horses get all choked up.

nightcrawler29

Yeah I know the feeling, today I averaged 25 MPH on my commute to and from work on the freeway....spent the whole time in traffic, and I'm afraid my 270 horses will get bored!!....MPG also went down to 21 MPG as I crawled through traffic today....

frisconick

I agree, the wheels look just great, very classy. :shades:

hco

Our good friends at Temple of VTEC just released all the 06 Acura changes.

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=384913

Not extensive enough changes

06 TL gets Tire Pressure Monitoring system
2 New colors replace two existing colors (new blue, new silver)
New engine mgmt system to help reduce torque steer
Official hp decreased due to new SAE calculation method (now 258)

Only the TSX is getting the mp3 jack

merc1

Why would anyone want a V8? Simple, for some the RL isn't a real luxury car unless it has a V8. Do I agree with that, not totally, but when everyone else offers one and the RL doesn't, the RL stands out in the wrong direction imo. I mean if Honda can do a V10 for the next NSX, why not chop off 2 cylinders and re-tune it for more torque (for luxury car duty) and give GS430, M45, and all the Euro V8 customers a reason to consider an Acura?

If you're buying a 50K car I hardly think gas prices factor into it much, if it does than you really can't "afford" the car in the first place, imo.

M

delmar1

THAT is great...to get info on the new 2006 TL. One other thing mentioned in the article (which makes me happy) is that they are discontinuing the Deep Green Pearl (which I have and which will make it more scarce). Hope that is true.

The article mentioned that the revised hp calc method nets 258. ??Anyone know what that would convert to under the previous calc method?

The TSX is going with some big-time changes. That will be an Audi A4 killer.

Too bad that the TL isn't get a MP3 jack...but that is how it goes. The system is fine enough and has ample capacity with the in-dash six CD changer.

With those the changes indicated...I would consider that the 2005 TL is good enough to go and not worth waiting for. 2006 isn't a huge change except the pricing will not be as attractive as the 2005s as today's indicated discounts will unlikely to be carried into 2006.

jbdriver

I'd have to say that I am very disappointed with what Acura is adding to the TL for 06. That's basically nothing... :mad: but I guess that's the way it goes. As delmar1 indicated, it defintiely makes a case to try to get an 05 (at a much lower price than the 06). I would hate to pay $4k more for an 06 that only has one extra feature than the 05...and a feature that is hardly worth having at that... :confuse:

billyperks

If those are the only changes for 06 then I will rather wait another year or just fork out the extras $$$ for the RL.

I am really disappointed with Acura, with all the major chages going on (Infiniti, Lexus, MB, BMW), they are only upgrading colors and Tire Monitoring system.

That's a joke.

bodble2

Is this the method used by all other manufacturers? If not, I wonder why Honda would use it? It results in lower rated HP which does nothing for marketing, or bragging rights.

And if the TSX is netting a 5 HP increase using the new method, it must translate to something like a 15 hp increase under the old method. Combined with the other additions, that might make the TSX the "one to buy" for 2006! :shades:

kyfdx

Well.. the TSX reports actual changes to the engine and tuning.... to account for the increase in HP and torque...

bodble2

Yes, I know, but I was thinking that if they rated the engine, with the tuning changes, using the old method, the increase should be up around 15 hp, or more.

kyfdx

Okay.. I get your point...

The torque numbers are up, too... but, I can't remember what the old ones were.. If the percentage increase was comparable to the HP number, then we'd really have something... Somehow, I doubt torque is up that much, though...

Also, I wonder if the calculation for torque has changed, as well...

regards,
kyfdx

delmar1

Some may think that the additions to the 2006 TL are a joke...but I am viewing it very differently. I am seeing it more as by buying a 2005 TL as an opportunity to purchase a 2006 TL at a significant discount.

Also...come on...don't be gluttonous. They could have added a volume of changes...but the fact is that the TL still remains well equipped and amenities still compare well to its competitors. Just demonstrates how far ahead it was against peers...and still remains one of the best equipped cars in its class. If the TL got a bundle of additions...it would have bumped against the RL (test drove a RL...nah...wouldn't buy when compared to the TL)

As for the TSX...Acura answered the critics regarding low end power/torque. More horsepower and more torque for 2006 along with additional amenities when it already was ahead of peers. It will be a great car.

jbdriver

I don't think adding something like and aux input for an i-pod is being too gluttonous, but I get your point.

alman08

Has anyone seen pics of the 2008 Mercedes C class? The car looks just like the TL. :surprise:

bodble2

IIRC, the TSX was rated at 166 lb/ft of torque. So the new method results in a loss of a couple of lb/ft, at least on paper.

billyperks

I don't think I am been gluttonous.

I have the 2003 Type S and I am a few months away from completing the payments on the car.
I am palnning on selling it by myself so I can have a significant down payment on my next purchase. The 2006 TL is, or should I say was on my short list because I was expecting significant changes for the car.
As stated before in my previous post there are too many improvements going on out there for Honda to be relaxing like this.

Perfect example- have you seen a the spy pictures of the next generation Camry?
The car is nothing like its forefathers and its going to pumping out almost 260 hp.

A Camry with 260 HP - Come on Acura sweeten the pot for us!!!!!!!

I will probably wait to see where they (Acura) go with the 2007 TL in terms of improvements.

Enjoy the 05 and 06.

green5

ALong with its new all wheel drive, does anyone know whether the performance of the acura tl be any higher? I seen concept RLS that are potentially higher performance.

green5

ALong with its new all wheel drive, does anyone know whether the performance of the acura tl be any higher? I seen concept RLS that are potentially higher performance.

taxesquire

Based on today's earlier posts, apparently not. And it's not all-wheel drive either.

laurasdada

I can't imagine more TL power and SH AWD until the RL is upgraded significantly...

delmar1

I wasn't singling you out with my post. And I understand how expectations are set high with the TL and possible changes.

Remember...the indicated changes are unconfirmed and may be incomplete. There will be more goodies included...maybe with the possibility of a MP3 player adapter.

Also...the 260hp Camry is under the old hp calculation...and still falls short of the TL's previous rating. And also consider that measured hp does not tell the whole story of the total driving experience...I am certain that the Acura and Honda products will ride better than the Toyota

Either way...the point I am making is that it is always fine to wish for more and set high expectations of what the new model year will bring. However...the current ('05 / '06) still is very competitive.

Out of curiousity (from past posting before today's annoucement...I didn't notice any significant and material changes) ...what did everyone want added to the 2006 model and would it be worth paying a higher price (~$2k ?) above the discounted 2005 model ?

taxesquire

Out of curiousity (from past posting before today's annoucement...I didn't notice any significant and material changes) ...what did everyone want added to the 2006 model and would it be worth paying a higher price (~$2k ?) above the discounted 2005 model ?

Frankly, I wasn't expecting a real power boost or AWD (I don't expect it for 2007 either - maybe 2008), but here's a few goodies. Since I currently own my dream car ('04 6MT TL w/ summer tires), I've stopped paying attention to pricing. I don't know that my options wishlist would warrant a price increase, but it would warrant sellign the car for closer to MSRP:

1. Auto closing sideview mirrors
2. Auto-headlights
3. Manual rear sunshade (obviously I'd rather it be auto, but I think a manual one is more realistic)
4. Rain-sensing wipers
5. All-window auto-up/down
6. Adjustable lumbar on passenger side
7. Cooled front seats
8. Free "G35s Suck" bumper stickers (don't you agree, Frisco? :P )

billyperks

Understood.

Here is my list for the 2006-

SHAWD-with a little more power/torque.
Sunshade on all windows and rear glass
Fog Lights on the bumper
Turn Signals on the Mirrors
Better Brakes- Honda's weak spot
Put some colors on the rear lights- all red is dangerous
Standard 18" Wheels
DVD player- only in park
Real Time Traffic

I have a hinge that the 2007 will be upgraded significantly (maybe a type S in the making).

Enjoy the 04 and 05's.

taxesquire

the manual transmission TLs have fantastic breaks. Big Brembos that work great!!!

jbdriver

I don't care about any more HP or torque either...I would have liked to have seen:
1) Turn signals in mirrors
2) Sunshade of some sort for the back seat
3) Rear Parking sensors (the IS350 is acually going to have a camera, which I think is a bit of overkill)
4) iPod input
5) Rain sensing wipers

I think that including all of this would only increase the prices slightly, and make it worth it to buy the 06...instead I get a Tire Pressure Monitoring System...who cares...I have a $2 gauge that works pretty well for that too.
Does anyone have any idea where the vtec.com website gets its info from and how reliable it is? It seemed to have some pretty specific details...exact names of new paint colors, etc.

frisconick

LOL :P

jbdriver

ok, so I have a crazy theory...on some of the other TL message boards I read something about Acura over forecasting on the 05 TLs for the last couple of months, so there is a lot of inventory out there and there are a lot of good deals to be had. What if Acura held back some of the info about the 06 TL in order to try to make it seem like a very mild upgrade. That way they'd get people who were on the fence to go ahead and buy the end of the year 05s to clear out all that excess inventory. :surprise: I know this is more wishful thinking on my part, but oh well, that's what the chat room allows you to do...put your random thoughts out on the web...
Oh yeah, as number 6 for things that they should have put in the 06 TL...1 piece key fob or keyless ignition.
Last note because I am pretty sure that someone from Acura monitors sites like this...if the data that was released is true and that is all the upgrades for 06, WTF were you thinking...have you seen what your competition is doing?? hell, I think the new VW Passat has all the things that I put on my wish list and it probably won't cost as much. Yes, I know delmar1...I'm being gluttonous again.

delmar1

Ok...ok...as Gordon Gecko would say, "Greed is Good."

Let me throw out two more things...
(A) To give a sense of relative changes...the Infiniti G35 confirmed changes for 2006 will include:

1) Optional Rear Active Steer Package ( same found on M45 Sport )
2) Sport Package now includes a new front fascia and side sills
3) Revised LED tail lights.
4) New bi-xenon headlights
5) Bluetooth wireless on all models
6) Memory seats

So...see...the G35 will pick up some stuff that is already in the 2005 TL. I am sure this is also a partial listing.

(B) Alright...I can also add a few things into the wish list. All the things mentioned in the recent posts plus these stupid little things...
a) Moving those darn cup holders out of the fold-down arm rest. I fear my kid with an Icee in the back seat. So far been lucky.
b) Sunglass holder near the ceiling maplight.
c) Cargo nets in the trunk that actually work (I cannot figure out how the heck to hook them up)
d) Body matching splash guards
e) A promise never to adopt the IDrive that BMW has done.
f) Adaptive brake lights (where the brake lights get brighter with a hard stop).
g) An exterior trunk release like the TSX has. Have all the four doors unlocked...you can hit a button under the trunk lid to open the trunk door.
h) If we cannot have a Mp3 player hookup...then have the CD players be able to play Mp3 formatted discs.

So alright...let us see what the official 2006 upgrades are. I still believe that the list provided is a partial listing.

dalls223

It is no secret that Acura has a niche. That is providing a high quality car, with a lot of features, that runs forever. That represents good value in the eyes of most consumers. Almost 82,000 miles strong at this point for my 2002 TL-S. No major problems to speak of at this point (knock on wood). That is why the current TL was the highest rated car ever for Consumer Reports. I know that is only one source, and some would say not the best source, but it just shows that the car is revered in the marketplace. If the rumors that I heard are true about the TL going down in power, then maybe that will start some downward thinking from other car companies. I know that I am sounding a little hypocritical, as some of you probably remember my first posts in this forum to the tune of "Give me a 300hp TL or give me death." But let's not forget that the 2006 M45 has five fewer horses than the 2004-05 versions. Yet it is still a better car, and it is faster than the old version. If there is a new formula to determine horsepower, then maybe 258 horsepower would be an upgrade over the old formula's total of 270. To me, horsepower and torque numbers don't mean a darn thing. What is important is the actual performance. How fast does it really go? The bottom line is that the 06 TL will be a better car than the 05 regardless, because more of the kinks from the previous year will be worked out. Look at the kinks that were smoothed over from the 04 to the 05 TL. I just hope that a new fob is one of those such kinks that are fixed.

And here's another thing. Maybe we should all stop being so greedy about things we want to see on the 2006 TL. Let's appreciate it for what it is, and that is one heck of a car. Every time I go on a trip that is over 50 miles, I consider myself pretty lucky because I know that I will get to my destination comfortably, quietly, and still have some fun as I use its agility to make good time, while getting 25-30 MPG. I have said it before, but what a great total package. We all have the right to dream, but we shouldn't try to live in "Fantasy Land" for too long or else we will all be disappointed.

tunrac

If memory serves me correct, Acura TL is on a 5yr cycle and the last generation saw minor updates in yr3 with a substantial update for yr4 (released in spring of yr3). In other words, the 2002 TLs were introduced in spring 2001.

So maybe they are just repeating the past and we will see the major update come next spring.

rjlaero

270 hp is already a bit much for a fwd car. You need AWD if you're going to put more than that in the TL.

taxesquire

This is not to pick on Delmar, whose posts I frequently enjoy (unless he's posting over my head ), but I think some people's wishlists are pretty unrealistic, and while it's fun to "wish," I hope you wouldn't hold it against Acura. I'm replying to Delmar's only 'cause his is the last post on this subj.

1. Integrated keyfob - no way it'd happen. Acura would probably do it with the RL and just the RL for a few years, and then add it to the others. Frankly, this is something that should've been added to the RL a few years ago when it was getting killed by the competition.
2. Electric sunshades on multiple windows. I don't know what car in Acura's class has this - maybe just a rear sunshade option, but I couldn't see Acura adding multiple sunshades or an electronic sunshade anytime soon (you'd need to add an extra motor, which means added weight). I was hoping for a manual rear sunshade.
3. Changing the rear cup holders from the fold-down arm rest. Where else should they go? Have e'm pop out of the back of the center console, so the kids can't reach 'em when they're buckled in? Guess maybe you could integrate 1 into each rear armrest, but it's a nice, clean look as is.
4. Sunglass holder near the ceiling maplight. That might be difficult to integrate with the moonroof. There's already 2 sunglass holders - 1 in each of the front doors. THat's enough for me.
5. Added HP - I think there's definitely enough HP in the TL. 1st thing to add is AWD, in order to handle the extra HP, which I couldn't see them intro after only 2 years
6. Separating the foglights - really don't think this is a big deal. We've got the lights, and I think the front fascia of the TL looks great as is.
7. Side mirror blinkers - limited utility - not a big deal.

Delmar, thanks for posting about the G35s upgrades. I guess feature-wise, the G35 is still playing catch-up. Unfortunately for the Acuras, catching up to the G35s preferred RWD platform is a lot more expensive!

BTW, Delmar, I actually like the Cargo net setup. the book has instructions on how to hook them up. Once set up, it'll stop stuff from sliding back, and you can secure things to the floor of the trunk and the side. I find the side pocket created by the nets to be especially good for holding take-out.

delmar1

Thanks taxesquire....those are very good thoughts. Yes....I totally agree that is fun to 'wish'. So ok...let me dream on with all of you.

A couple of things.
** Yes...a rear shade would be great...had in previous cars.
** Rear cup holders that are in the arm rest could go into the back of the center console like other cars do. Visualize this..a pull out plastic housing right above the rear floor hump that is stable and secure for the Icee. That is unlike the Acura's rear cup holder that is on the arm rest...which kids and clumsy adults can jiggle and spill.
**I find the current sunglass holders in the side pockets to be awkward in their position. Placing them above allows easier access...and is possible even with a moonroof like many other cars.
** I agree that foglights don't need to be separated as it would distract from the visual lines and placements of the lines. The current integrated foglights work great in its current placement.
** I do like the mirror turn signals..but after further thought...it would probably complicate the lines and distract from the other exterior features.
** Cargo net...maybe I cannot figure it out because I have a trunk tray? Maybe. Let me try again this weekend.

I still say that there are more additions to the 2006 TL.

As for the conspiracy theory....perhaps. However all this talk of excess supply...I do not know. Perhaps a fresh batch of production units hit the market (as I doubt the production is even flow and steady). But I would say that the dealers are about to receive the last batch of deliveries as the factory retools....and there is enough demand to sell them all. For instance...I wonder how units each dealer sells? Probably enough to sell them all within a month or so.

jbdriver

ok, just let me make one point. I think all this wishing is a good thing and it is not greed. This is free market research for Acura if they monitor the Edmund's chat boards, which I'm pretty sure that most major manufacturers do to some degree or another.
I agree that Acura my be a bit of a niche car, but there are a lot of cars that play in this price and performance segment (with a few thousand in pricing either direction), with more entering every year. If Acura wants to maintain the success that they have had, they can't sit and say 'we were so far ahead of the everyone else that we can take the year off' and watch as everyone catches up to them and expect that they won't lose market share.
A lot of the things that are being requested are not unreasonable or that pricey and will currently be offered by lots of other cars playing in this segment this year. So, I guess I just want Acura to keep its edge above the competition by offereing the things ahead of the industry curve. Is that too much to ask? I don't think so.

agmperfect

Does anyone have any idea when the '06 model TL's will be ariving in dealer show rooms? Hopefully sometime this month or sometime in Sept.

Does anyone recall when the 05 model TL's started ariving in dealer showrooms?

timny

I agree. I went back and forth RL vs. TL. (Now I am debating TL vs. 330i, but that's another story). The RL has a slightly more refined ride and some novel electronics that are forward-thinking. But the TL is a great buy as it. Furnish it with SH-AWD and TL would see the RL turned out on the discount lot. Already steep discounts are being offered on the RL (opening offer to me from one dealer was $44,106). Even though it's new, the RL needs to undergo a styling change. If Acura can do for the RL what it did for the TL, the story would be different; as it is, the RL is a stepped-up Accord with a lower residual!

... or maybe I am just rationalizing.

mitchflorida

I am disappointed they didn't add an electronic compass to the 2006. Also I have to say the styling is not growing on me . . The car has a ride that is too firm due to the tires . . I am taking this off my purchase list.

delmar1

jbdriver...I am viewing Acura as fine tuning their overall line-up 'product placement' by making the most modifications to the TSX for 2006 as that is the market segment they believe requires attention.

It appears they have surveyed the TL market segment and determined that the TL is highly competitive, have sufficient momentum, and decided to make slight strategic modifications...that will not intrude upon the RL space. And is possible that they have a product roadmap and lifecycle strategy they are following for the TL where perhaps 2007 will be the year significant changes will be made. Making huge changes in 2006 and being myopic would only dillute the changes they have reserved for 2007. Many businesses make similar product management decisions.

Honda and Acura are savvy at their craft. I doubt they are sitting on their hands and decided to go with the market curve. Just look at the innovative smaller mini-SUV that they are releasing in 2006.

So perhaps for your purchase...you might wish to hold off for the 2007 model year. At that time, make a wise choice in your purchasing decision.

At the current time, the 2005 and 2006 TL in my mind is a very appealing, well equipped, and is competitive to its rivals.

It is all a matter of choice and knowing each and every year new features will be introduced. Your point is well taken. And it is possible that there is a conspiracy theory going and that Acura might be missing the boat with their product management decisions. Who knows.

delmar1

Mitch...which car are you buying?

jbdriver

delmar. Thanks for reeling me back in. I ofter have a hard time seeing the bigger picture. I work in R&D in my company and my wife works on the brand management side and she is always reeling me in and explaining the other side of things when I go off on rants. I guess I just don't always believe it since I have seen our company and others worry about not diluting the brand and then come out with products that fit that mind set that then struggle in the market place...and then R&D gets blamed for providing a bad product...I think this sort of argument is not uncommon in many companies.
But I appreciate your input nonetheless.

taxesquire

Mitch - if you think the TL ride is too harsh, you might want to check out the Accord. It's a softer ride and doesn't handle as well, but it might suit you better. As far as a compass (I assume you're not getting a nav system), you might be able to get an aftermarket rearview mirror with one of those on it. G35 has a compass, but it's a harsher ride than the TL.

Cadillac CTS might also be worth examining - it's a softer ride, too.

delmar1

jbdriver...glad you were receptive to an alternate perspective. Yeah...from what I can gather from my 5 Acuras I have owned...they has been historically been pretty generous when they create new model releases (ie the 2004 TL was significantly different from its predecessors) and load the boat with the latest amenities...then make moderate modifications in subsequent releases.

One thing I do like about Acura's philosophy is not to create many options and various 'packages' like other makers where you have to buy them at a premium. This also holds true to the new model years...where other makers will make certain new options available...but only if you are willing to pay a premium.

taxesquire

One thing I do like about Acura's philosophy is not to create many options and various 'packages' like other makers where you have to buy them at a premium.

That is one of the things I really appreciated about Acura. Especially after negotating my wife's Sienna,which had about 30 option packages!!!!

Anyway, I wonder if this tactic plays a part in residual values since it's much easier for a potential buyer to determine if the Acura s/he wants has the desired features. I know when I looked at used '04 TLs, I just needed to concern myself with whether it had a manual tansmission and a navigation system. This made me feel much more comfortable that I was getting the car I wanted. If part of the residual calculations factor in how many are sold on the secondary market, I bet this would play a factor.

frisconick

That's good to know delmar1, I would be really ticked if the 06 TL has significant improvements than the 05. I am new to Acura so don't really know what to expect. It's really nice to get info from you "old" Acura owners :P

delmar1

"Old" you say? Me...old? Suggesting I trade myself in for a Buick perhaps?

Hey...speaking of old...I may be getting senile. I was driving my wife's TSX and I accidently ... before I drove five feet...I had all kinds of warning chimes. Turns out I accidently didn't release the hand brake all the way down. Wow...what advancement in these Acuras. [btw...I suggest none of you try this on your Acuras....and also...better her TSX than my TL :P And nick...now you have one less thing to worry that your wife will do to your TL ]

However...yes....Acura seems to do well in not alienating their current owners by making wholesale changes between years. Rather their philosophy is to load the car up with goodies to begin with...then wait until the revamped car is released to unleash major upgrades. My guess...based upon past experience with Acura....2007 TL (fourth year in current production) may have modifications to lights and some interior changes...or a release of a "S" series. Either way...the 2005 TL is well equipped and will keep me happy for years.

bodble2

The TL actually goes one better --- in addition to a chime, it actually shows a message on the multi-information display to alert you to release the parking brake! Sweat, ain't it?

One caveat though. If you stop after driving for awhile, and pull on the parking brake without shutting off the engine, the warning won't come on if you drive off again without releasing the parking brake. :sick:

sriggs1

Does anyone know when the 2006 will hit showrooms. I can't find anyone who knows, including dealerships and leases maturity center. I have one coming off lease in early October and would like to buy a new one (2006). Any help???

delmar1

My understanding is that the 2006 Acuras will be available early/mid October.

If you are coming off a lease and the cars are not available...I would not feel pressured to buy if they are not there. If you have to rent a car for a few weeks, I would. Never let anything pressure you to purchase...as that leads to bad decisions.