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Comments
M
Based on the reception of the 2004 TL concept and the similarities we are seeing with the spy photos, I expect the new TL will enjoy success similar to the '99-03 model. I don't know that it will bust the segment wide-open, however it should keep its place as a respected offering. The shift upwards in price may not make people happy, but that move is necessary to separate Acura products from Hondas.
On the Accord, I think they nailed it. The styling up front combines current trends (swept back head lights and the rakish character line along the profile) with new designs like the convex/concave treatment over the fenders, the crease-less hood, and tiny grill. I think most folks are distracted by the problems in the back and fail to notice just how unique the front and profile look. On the functional end, the new model is cleaner, more powerful, more comfortable, more fuel efficient, and it offers more options. There are things to quibble about. I won't argue there. I just think the vehicle as a whole is just as strong as the out-going models.
The TL spy pictures are interesting - but the cars are obviously a bit disguised. In addition, these could be "older" prototype bodies that they are using for mechanical testing. It will be interesting to see what the final car really looks like My current lease is up in December - just in time for a new TL! I'll keep checking here for more information from you well informed people!
BTW, someone posted earlier that he was told there would be 7 versions of the new TL. I wonder if we'd be so lucky that there would be an AWD wagon?!
In the concept model, there are no windshield wipers, but it uses a series of jet nozzles located in the cowl area to shoot high-pressure air onto the windshield.
Honda's Japan website for their cars have a few models of the Accord (The TL is one of them, but Acura doesn't exist in Japan) and they look like the new TL, but options include a diesel engine, wagon and (I believe) an AWD model. It seems like the US is the last ones to get the technology upgrade compared to Japan and Europe.
Acura has also stopped the production of the CL. I would like to see a V8 VTec RWD TL. That would be sweet.
The current TL isn't very space efficient. It has a bigger, heavier, longer body put on top of a more cramped interior than an Accord.
And I wouldn't have a problem if the exterior were even smaller than the Accord.
By the way, I am 6' 1" and have no problem with headroom in my TL. And I would hardly consider the TL interior "cramped."
An Accord wagon would be more your run-of-the-mill soccer mom daily hauler.
BTW, I found out that the RL had the electroluminescent style gauges (new Accord and TSX)...does the 04 RL also have the power window control via the remote?
There's an article over at the TOV site that says the new RL will have AWD and 300+hp V6. Would Honda market 2 sedans with similar powertrains and specs?
Usually they keep details like that away from the dealerships just so that they don't blab information before it is supposed to be released.
How do you tell when a car salesman is lying?
I didn't really believe the awd idea; although, if the car is going to have more power than the current tl-s, then it should be awd, considering it probably wont be rwd.
It might have CEDSSMACS. Computerized Electronic Steering Directional Stabilization Management and Control System.
But seriously, it could be he's not lying but he may be unknowingly giving out info leaked on the new RL.
I don't see an Acura TL starting at that price.
M
If it's assembled in Mexico, then forget it! If it's built in the U.S., well, I'll have to make sure none of my friends are working there. LOL. You know how we are, people: we often slap something together without reading or understanding the instructions and then say, "Yeah, that looks about right."
...And that's after a night of partying and little to no sleep. LOL.
I don't think there will be an issue with price. A premium packaged ES300 lists at 34.4K and we know it's not hard to spend 40K on a 330i.
Over the last few years, we've seen that Acura knows how to price their cars. As a result, the '04 TL will probably be selling at MSRP for a while. But you are right S852....Acura will not increase price by 6K on the base model from '03 to '04. That would be suicide...
Just my 2 cents.
Amazing car for the cost.
A little rough on the road, and looking to upgrade. I'm seriously considering the 2004 TL, but I hear that the type S will not be offered until 2005. Why would anyone buy the standard model if in a year for 1-2k more they could get 40 more horses or so?
Does anyone have any idea on the 0-60 on the new 2004 TL, are there any estimates out there.
I know the 2003 TL S can do about a 6.5.
Will the 2004 be under 6.0???
Take the CR-V as an example. Intro'd in 97 and went until 2000 before they gave it the SE trim. It was redesigned in 2002 and there is no SE. We expect it to return when the design is getting old and sales start to falter. Maybe 2005.
Cars that are directly performance related get the Type S up front. The RSX and CL are good examples. Both are performance-oriented vehicles. The current TL is not. It took 3-4 years for them to add the Type S trim.
That may happen again. It all depends on what Acura sees as the market position for this new TL. If they go after BMW and the RWD Infinitis, they may bring the Type S soon. If they take the approach that this new TL is both luxury and sport, it may not see a Type for quite a while.
BTW, I disagree that the current TL-S version of the 3.2 feels maxxed out. Most reviews have been favorable on its mix of power an smooth operation. I never noted any undue harshness in the CL-S.
As for power, 260 bhp in my TL Type S is not enough! Front wheel drive cars can easily handle 300 horsepower, with the right traction control and power delivery. Unfortunately, whereas the 2002-2003 TL Type S could be positioned for performance drivers, the 2004 TL has to appeal to the average near-luxury driver. That is the best arguement to wait till 2005 (2006?) for the Type S if you are any type of performance driver.
bodble2, aren't those hickups a pain in the rear? (I usually have them at 45-50mph - very annoying, but once I had one at 80mph - not very pleasant, kind of scary)
M