Acura TL 2006+

frisconick · July 2005

What is this?

bodble2 · July 2005

frisco, where have you been? :P It's an online chat room. You'd have to type really really fast though

frisconick · July 2005

I can do that, even after a few drinks. :P

bodble2 · July 2005

I think you meant only after a few drinks!

delmar1 · July 2005

I think there is a spot for a sports coupe. I see Acura has a void in their line-up. RSX for the upward mobile. TL for the more discerning and sophisticated buyers. TSX sort of savvy in-betweeners. But no real pure sports coupe.

But I hope that it is differentiated from the TL. That is...look at the G35 sedan versus coupe....which are two very different animals.

Frisconick....Did you end up buying your G35 coupe? I know you were extremely close. If you do...you got to share more about your experiences.

uvawahoo · July 2005

This is Acura's biggest problem. They tried created a TL coupe, which just doesn't work. If you look at size, shape, dimension, the TSX actually lines up better w/ the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Lexus IS. The TL really in my books is at the level of a 5 series. The only reason the G35 coupe works really well, is because they had the Z platform to use. I think a TSX coupe and TSX convertible would be HUGE SELLERS! Imagine getting a TSX convertible for less than the price of a 325i sedan. Women would go crazy buying the TSX for low 30's rather than spending 40K on a BMW convertible. And if Acura wanted to attract some enthusiasts to the coupe, crank up the hp or add an ASPEC version with a new engine. Let the TL be the TL. Start playing with the TSX, a $30K convertible would be a best seller.

Tell me what you think?

kyfdx · July 2005

I agree...

Volvo is coming out with a new C70 convertible.. based on the current S40..

A folding hardtop convertible with a 218hp turbo engine..

It will probably be $35K+

If Acura could come out with something similar... based on a TSX.. and bring it in for $32K-$33K, it would sell more than the TSX, I'm thinking...

My wife would be first in line...

taxesquire · July 2005

I agree that a TSX convertable would probably be more marketable than a TL coupe or convertable. I also agree that the TL is more similar in size to a 5 series than 3. That's why I never really considered BMW. I'd want the 5, not the 3, and can't afford a 525, so I don't even bother comparing the 2.

frisconick · July 2005

No, haven't pulled the trigger yet..

I am going to go through another series of test drives in BMWs 3 and 5s. But in reality, I don't think I will change my mind. I will let you know when I get my G35 coupe, I mean if get it. :P

delmar1 · July 2005

Hey...tell me if I am right about the pricing of the G35 in the other forum that I have been slaving away on today....

Good luck with your purchase decision.....keep us informed!

merc1 · July 2005

I think the car flopped mainly due to its completely forgettable styling as others have stated. It surely wasn't because of a lack of performance and it surely wasn't because of handling. I seem to remember C&D saying it was the best handling fwd car they'd ever driven up to that point.

If Acura does another coupe it should be based on a rwd platform. Why doesn't Acura just create a rwd platform that can support and/or be modified to support the next TL, RL and CL?

If they can build a V10 (rumored) for the next NSX, then surely they can do a proper rwd platform for the volume a RL/TL/CL would produce. Then take that V10 and saw off 2 cylinders.

M

billyperks · July 2005

I ask myself the same question- why dont they modify the S2000 platform to fit the TL AND RL.

By doing so I think they will silence a lot of the critics.

jpenn · July 2005

Very interesting proposition, a TSX Coupe. I drove a TSX last month trying to get my wife to switch from Camry, its quite a car, more my style than my wife's. Now add a coupe with a retractable HT and we're looking at a real Bimmer Beater. The one big problem I see with the TSX platform is will it accomodate the SH-AWD, if not then we have to go to the S2000 RWD platform.

Let's do it.

taxesquire · July 2005

I don't understand the subject line of your post, but I had the same question re the S2000. I don't know enough about the mechanics of cars to know the answer, and hope someone around here enlightens us, but I can come up with 3 possibilities:

1. the S2000 is so different from the other cars that it can't build on its RWD platform;
2. They're saving a ton of money aby using or just slightly upgrading the flooring an other mechanisms of the Accord, and rearranging it is cost-prohibitive
3. they underestimate their clientelle

I hope it's just item 3, and they'll realize their mistake (then again, maybe a whole lotta folks who don't post are just fine with FWD). If you remember, when the IS250 came out, it didn't come with stick and it got lambasted for it. Similarly, when Acura redesigned the CL, the made it automatic only (why hasn't someone mentioned that as a reason it didn't sell?!?). Acura may underestimate the value people place on sportiness. They did everything else to the TL to make it sporty. Maybe they just figured it was enough?

jpenn · July 2005

We can fantasize all we want about would and wouldn't be the ideal coupe set up, but there one over riding factor which is paramount to this or any other car company....bottom line. If they can build it economically and they feel they have a market then they'll do it otherwise you get what they give you. That's why one of the following will happen:

1) Acura will not build a coupe because the trend is towards sedans ( the fact that the last CL was unappealing and didn't offer manual has been swept under the carpet)

2) They'll make an attempt but will use existing parts and platforms ie: Accord coupe w/FWD and TSX/TL skin.

My fantasy is to wake up in 2007 and have a choice of these in coupe form CLK 320, BMW 5, Lexus IS, Acura TL and last but not least an Eldorado CTS coupe.

Hey, I can dream can't I.

bodble2 · July 2005

"then again, maybe a whole lotta folks who don't post are just fine with FWD"

I think that is the reason as much as anything else.

kyfdx · July 2005

I agree that coupes aren't that popular.. But, convertibles have become wildly popular.. And, the folding hardtop convertibles, even moreso.. I think a CSX folding hardtop convertible would sell like crazy...

It says so right here...

kyfdx

autodriven · July 2005

Actually, since this would be the 3rd year for the TL it would probably have some nice "upgrades" over the past two model years. I have an '04 TL and the dealer told me the same thing about the AWD. I would probably trade in my current model for the upgrade.

Most auto manufacturers in their 3rd model year's do some type of improvements. They know their models aren't the "newest" or even the freshest face out there. After 4 years (maybe 5) on a car, the manufacturer is redesigning it. So they may slightly change the front facia to integrate fog lights, add a few more interior options and so on, but it will have enough changes to keep people interested in making a purchase (rather then run off and maybe buy a BMW '06).

bodble2 · July 2005

Yes, I agree. I'm seeing more and more convertibles here, even on the "wet coast"!
People just don't seem too excited over a coupe, unless the top can come off. :shades:

Folding hardtops are desireable because they offer the security of a regular car. You don't have worry about waking up in the morning to find that someone has slashed a hole in your roof! :mad:

merc1 · July 2005

I ask myself the same question- why dont they modify the S2000 platform to fit the TL AND RL.

Well I can see why the S2000's platform wouldn't work for a RL/TL, but the TSX should have been based on modified S2000 platform, imo. The S2000's platform is just too small for RL/TL duty, but a small sports sedan based on it would have been perfect imo, especially since the TSX only uses a 4-cylinder anyway.

Something tells me that if Honda can justify a V10 for such a low-volume car like the next NSX, they'll eventually come up with a proper rwd platform for the TL/RL the next time they get re-designed. Just a thought.

M

bodble2 · July 2005

Actually Honda can't justify a V10 for the NSX, or the NSX in general. The NSX, and other models such as the Insight, and hybrids, are not money-makers for Honda. They are technological showpieces only. Just think about how many of each of those models Honda sells. Not many! They simply cannot even come close to recouping R & D costs.

frisconick · July 2005

You are wrong about hybrids, they are the hottest selling cars, especially here in CA. They get great mileage and have punch. People are buying used hybrids because the waiting list for one is so long, especially the Toyota Prius.

merc1 · July 2005

Actually he is right about the Honda's hybrids. They've hardly set the market on fire, especially the 30K Accord hybrid. All of Honda's hybrids together still don't equal the sales of Toyota's prius last time I looked the sales numbers. The Prius and RX400h are the only runnaway success hybrids. Honda's are no big news.

M

merc1 · July 2005

Yeah I hear what you're saying and I agree, but I still don't understand why they won't do a V8 and a rwd platform that could support the whole Acura brand above the TSX, which to me would make a solid business case imo.

A new NSX with a V10 will have a year in the spotlight like the current NSX did and then fade away after a couple of years...since Honda doesn't seem to update cars like the NSX or RL enough to keep them competitive. Just going by how long the previous RL and NSX sat around long after becoming irrelevant to competition.

I think Acura has already hit a wall with TL/RL development. I mean the TL will have to get AWD to contain any more power, which will make the RL pointless. They'll probably increase the hp on the RL once the TL gets SHAWD, but there is again only so much you can do with a a V6 and the must-have-a-V8 crowd won't care either way. Also, there is only so much you can do with a super-Accord platform.

Something tells me the next TL/RL will be a radical departure for Honda. I think it is time for Honda to spend the money and let Acura get creative. There is no way I'd buy a 50K RL to have it be confused with an Accord.

M

frisconick · July 2005

I had no idea that the Honda hybrid cost so much. Its not competitive with the Prius that goes for just over 20k.

bodble2 · July 2005

I think we haven't seen a V8 and RWD from Honda is because, as good as Honda is, they can be market-stubborn. They tend to stick to their ideals for too long even in the face of obvious market demands. Look at how they lagged in bringing to market a fully automatic transmission, a V6 for the Accord, a full-size minivan, an SUV, a pickup truck, etc. I think, eventually, they will introduce a V8 and a RWD platform.

frisconick · July 2005

Honda is a conservative company, as are other Japanese car companies. However, they are the best cars in the world, so why change? :P

bodble2 · July 2005

Except for Nissan. They are anti-conservative! But then, if you look at some of their wacky styling, you'd wish they were more conversative! :P

frisconick · July 2005

Wacky? Honda Accord, Camry? :surprise:

bodble2 · July 2005

I meant Nissan is wacky.

frisconick · July 2005

I do believe that the TL exterior style is very bold and exciting. It resembles an Afla from the front and BMW from the side. Very bold indeed. :P

jbdriver · July 2005

My post is a little off the current string...
Is it me or are the wheels that are on the 05 TL a bit plain. The 3 series, A4, G35 and Lexus IS 350 all have much more interesting standard offerings. Mybe this goes to what you all were saying about Honda/Acura not being very risk taking in some of their design attributes...so maybe I'm not too far off the current chain.
I am not asking for high polish chromed bling in the 06, just something that doesn't look quite as plain as the current ones....

merc1 · July 2005

I think we haven't seen a V8 and RWD from Honda is because, as good as Honda is, they can be market-stubborn. They tend to stick to their ideals for too long even in the face of obvious market demands.

I agree, but the good news is that eventually they'll give in and it should be something to see....a Vtec V8 in a rwd sedan from Honda/Acura.

M

frisconick · July 2005

At first, I had the same impression. But I now like they don't stand out too much, but my silver has wheels same color of the car, I think it's a really classy look. I really like it now. :shades:

jbdriver · July 2005

Ok, on the silver color, I'd agree. A friend of mine has the same color and it looks nice...but most every other color just scream "plain"

delmar1 · July 2005

I actually think on a personal taste the muted colored rims look great on darker color cars (mine a dark green pearl).

Enough contrast to the body color...and a nice compliment to the black window trims. Also by being a muted color...you see more of the details and curvatures of the rim.

I really did not want a high polish chrome rim because I would end up cleaning and polishing that darn thing every other day during the summer...and washing and cleaning it every day with the moisture of the winter. That would not be fun. Also...the rims would distract from the other lines of the cars.

jbdriver · July 2005

I guess it's a personal preference thing. Like I said before, I don't particularly care for the high polish chrome look myself, but just the general style of the TL wheel is not my taste. I don;t dislike it, but I'm not wild about it either. I like the simple ones that are on the 06 330i sport package. Not fancy, not high polish chrome, just nice clean good looking lines. I just think Acura can do better without going crazy.

taxesquire · July 2005

I don't like flashy rims, but would like Acura to develop a design that doesn't hold on to so much brake dust. I'd guess that if they rim spoke bowed out instead of in, the wind would blow off more of the dust, but I'm certainly no expert.

I think cars, in general, have added to much chrome. The G35 interior is aprime example. I prefer the muted look, and am glad the TL continues to use chrome as accents, not as a major styling technique.

That being said, I have seen a lot fo other rims that look understated and I think are prettier. I think more spokes taht are much thinner is a common theme in the wheels I really like, and with thinner spokes, I don't think you notice the dust as much.

bodble2 · July 2005

Yes, I agree. I think the rims look great with my Abyss Blue (when the car is clean!). :shades:

woofx · July 2005

The wheels may look plain standing still, but rolling by slowly they are pure poetry. I love them myself, both still and moving.

bodble2 · July 2005

"but rolling by slowly they are pure poetry"

So true, so true. You took the words right out of my mouth!

frisconick · July 2005

I love the Blue, but you got to keep it clean all the time. :shades:

delmar1 · July 2005

I like them more when they are accelerating :P

billyperks · July 2005

Just like the 17 on my 2003 S- when it is rolling it looks queit amazing, I can actually diffrenciate the S from the regular star fish rim on the base model when its rolling.

I know I am a little off topic but bare with me.

bodble2 · July 2005

"...but bare with me."

Sorry, no can do! This is not that kind of site!

:P

frisconick · July 2005

I like them more when they are accelerating

Oh I agree, I love the roar of the car. :P I wonder if the '06 will come with a 280 hp car.

delmar1 · July 2005

270hp...280hp...not sure if there would be a noticeable difference.

Telling you....just incredible how the horsepower in cars are ramping up. I was at the light in the neighborhood right next to a Mercedes SL55 with 493HP. You could feel that engine surge even at a standstill.

sterrico · July 2005

Does anyone know what the blank switch next to the power mirrors button is for?

taxesquire · July 2005

If you mean to the right of the switch, where there appears to be a cut out, I don't think it does anything.

If you mean the black button to the left, it turns off the traction control.

nightcrawler29 · July 2005

A V8?? why the heck would anyone want a V8 with current gas prices?!?!?!... and then what for. The TL is a V6 with 270 hp... that's plenty of power for me, and there's plenty of traffic to keep you from using all that power anyway.

Acura TL 2006+

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