No more mystery: Acura TL Type-S official photos hit the web
Over the weekend, the Boston Globe let loose with the first details on the new Acura TL Type-S. We didn't expect to hear any more on the subject until 9/1, when Acura was set to officially pull off the wraps, but Autoweek has accelerated things a bit by publishing official pictures and additional details.
We already told you about the car's 286-horse 3.5L V6, which is connected to either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed auto with paddles. Also covered was the new stiffer suspension for the Type-S, so let's move on to how the car looks.
Appearance-wise, the Type-S has adopted the former TL A-Spec's bodywork. The lower side skirts, the fender bulges, and the decklid spoiler that all first appeared on that package are now part of the Type-S trimmings. All TL models receive revised front fascias featuring integrated foglamps, new head and taillight assemblies, and an updated interior. The TL Type-S also gets a slightly different rear-end treatment that incorporates a new bumper cover and a pair of dual-tipped exhaust outlets (very BMW "M" if you ask us). Both the TL and TL Type-S get new wheels, too, with the Type-S rims reminding us of the ones found on the Nissan Altima SE-R. Frankly, we're a bit surprised they didn't go with a more original design. No complaints about the base TL's new 5-spokes, which look great.
The interior incorporates new gauges, a new steering wheel, and colored ambient lighting (blue for TL, red for Type-S). The available nav system has a real-time traffic feature and also acts as the display for the car's reverse camera. The now-expected-by-everyone iPod jack is hidden in the center console.
The Acura TL was and remains a sharp-looking car that's been made even more attractive thanks to the availability of the performance-oriented Type S package. Aside from the additional fun now available via the loud pedal, Acura wisely left well enough alone. We're ok with that. Now, how soon can we drive one?
Thanks to Rob C. for the tip!
(More pics after the jump)
[Source: Autoweek]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Oscar 9:08AM (8/10/2006)
Boring, boring vehicle. Had a TL loaner from the dealer and was not impressed at all. The center console looks as cheap as a $50 boombox and just as gimmicky, front wheel drive, forget it. 30 hp more is not going to fix the lameness, sorry.
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Oshawa forever 9:09AM (8/10/2006)
This is a but ugly 90's type car in style. Its a good thing that it does not have an American name plate. Or we would be screaming re-badging...Acura / Honda...
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Sleuter 9:14AM (8/10/2006)
The rear is as knock-off of BMW and Buick Lucerne. It has reached the point where there is very little new in auto design, now all the imports look alike. Oh for the days when cars had destinct designs. I can remember when you could identify an automobile from blocks away, now you have to look at the nameplate.
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_O ^ O_ 9:18AM (8/10/2006)
This is a nice looking care thats a bit old compared to its competition. It should be the last FWD TL. The next model will have style cues from the RDX/MDX and be AWD.
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DC_1 9:19AM (8/10/2006)
I'm sorry did I miss something. The TL is the best looking car in it's class.This is just a refresh not a full redesign.
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Benjamin 9:31AM (8/10/2006)
I'll take a Passat 3.6 4-motion. Thanks
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MikeW 9:33AM (8/10/2006)
Turn signal mirrors, the new altima has those.
Still red rear turn signals
Yeah high beams.
Maybe it is time to supercharge a 'new' 3.2 engine for 325 hp for the RL, small bore of Accord 86mm x long stroke of 3.5 93mm
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Ken 9:35AM (8/10/2006)
5. I'm sorry did I miss something. The TL is the best looking car in it's class.This is just a refresh not a full redesign
I wouldn't be surprised if you miss something, especially if this car drives past you or you drive past one in a parking lot. It's a typical bland, non-offensive Japanese styled car. Which maybe they used to be able to get away with because of their bullet proof reliabilty. But since they can no-longer brag about that while looking you in the eye, what's the point of owning it unless you just want to be another face in the crowd.
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Oscar 9:37AM (8/10/2006)
best looking car in its class, according to you? According to me it is the G35. What u gonna do about that?
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Rob 9:38AM (8/10/2006)
Oshawa forever,
you're a dumbass. re-badging is when you have two cars that look almost identical except for the nameplates, i.e. all the GM minivans.
there is no car on the market that is a "rebadged" TL. i'd love for you to find one. if you're referring to the Accord, they share nothing but the platform. Thats why there's a $6000-7000 difference between them. now the TSX is another story, but then again, the European Accord isn't sold here and this post isn't about the TSX.
Sleuter,
you're also a dumbass. the rear cannot be a knockoff of the buick lucerne, considering this iteration of the TL came out in 2003/2004 and the only real changes to the rear have been the tailights. please don't even compare the two, it hurts my heart.
and to be honest, i much prefer the looks of my 04 TL, this new refresh makes it look less upscale, especially the Type-S which looks kinda ricey (i think its the wheels). i do love the new seats though..they look extra comfortable.
also, the blue ambient interior lighting is not new, it is in all 2004-06 TLs already.
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Rob 9:44AM (8/10/2006)
ken,
as far as i know, not too many Acuras (or Hondas, at that) have been recalled lately. so i guess i can still brag about my reliability. well, at least more than you can for your ford, or lincoln, or whatever piece of crap you have.
oh, and i get plenty of compliments about my bland, non-offensive car. often. thanks.
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Dubbedinenglish 9:46AM (8/10/2006)
GT500 rims?
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Agent 9:46AM (8/10/2006)
What a surprise to read blanket hatred for imports by Autoblog commenters.
It is sort of an informal straw poll.
Do the protectionist Democrats have a chance in the mid-terms?
Nope. They are still stuck on 'Buy Union Made'. No matter what!
Go ahead you Toyota/Honda haters....keep voting for Democrats and watch American companies suffer.
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Manolo 9:50AM (8/10/2006)
I agree with Rob.
This car pre-dates the new BMW so how can it be a copy?
This car has been a success for Acura mainly due to ots great looks.
To say the car is boring is probably a real stretch.
My guess is that "Oscar" likes the looks of a Mitsu Evo or Subaru Sti with spoilers and all that kid racers look.
This car is a great looking car from day one.
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epilonious 10:02AM (8/10/2006)
Like most Acuras... This seems like a Honda experiment to see if they can push that niche that sits between "standard" trim cars and actual luxury cars in price and performance.
In the meantime, I expect lots of devoted Hondacura fansto violently defend how this is so much more valuable than the actual luxury marques and yet somehow worth the premium over the higher-performance-yet-cheaper cars like the Subaru Legacy 2.5GT and MazdaSpeed6. Logical fallacies to include lots of "Ad Hominem" because no argument is better than "well I think you suck so nyah!"
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Dr. Woo 10:05AM (8/10/2006)
The Type-S is tacky and way too boy-racer to be a sophisticated performance sedan, especially with FWD in such a large vehicle.
Yet another wannabe in a sea of superior sport sedans.
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epilonious 10:05AM (8/10/2006)
Oh, speaking of Acura fanchildren with a penchant for nasty personal attacks...
Hello again Rob. *waves* If your TL gets you to locations as fast as you pop up in an Acura thread I seriously underestimated it's capabilities.
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Kamil 10:10AM (8/10/2006)
Posts like most of the nes above make me stay away from this site.
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Sebath 10:11AM (8/10/2006)
Yes, I agree with Oscar and oshaba forever.
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Brian 10:12AM (8/10/2006)
You are all dumbasses! My car is better than this and all of your cars by far! this is just the same old complaining that my car is always better than everything! in fact it is the bestest! whine whine bitch bitch, who cares! (for those who do not understand this is sarcasm about the above posts).
PS I actually have a 02 Maxima 6 Speed and a Mini Cooper S, and I would happily trade the Maxima for a TL as it is a better car than my nissan, unfortunately you pay a lot for a little better and it is not worth it to me.
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