Spy Shots: Even better pics of the new '09 Acura TL
by Frank Filipponio on Jun 24th 2008 at 3:02PM 
Click image above for additional pics of the 2009 Acura TL
We just showed you some spy pics of the 2009 Acura TL yesterday, but when one automotive photog saw the lo-res cellphone pics we ran, he knew he could do better. Our buddy Rich Truesdell of Automotive Traveler sent over a small patch of pics that he shot of the new mid-level Acura in action out in the Mojave. Just as with the new TSX and RL, the '09 TL seems to be adopting the corporate blocky metal triangle look. To paraphrase Fletch, "It's all about blocky metal triangles these days." Besides that signature fascia treatment, however, the rest of the car could easily be mistaken for a G37 sedan. Not bad, mind you, but not very distinctive either and surprising given the aggressively styled nose and tail. We'd say the best view is the rear-3/4 shot showing how the C-pillars continue out past the rear glass at their trailing edge and become the top edge of the rear deck. Pretty nifty. Check out our gallery below and Automotive Traveler to read about their encounter with the new TL.
Gallery: 2009 Acura TL spy shots
[Source: Automotive Traveler]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
LimeDaiquiri 3:04PM (6/24/2008)
Oh Lawd. Looks bad alreedee...
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Xcountryflyer 3:25PM (6/24/2008)
Honda/Acura clearly impressing us with their hodge podge and derivative design. Hope it drives well at least.
2004m3driver 3:07PM (6/24/2008)
That whole snow shovel grill doesn't translate too well across the whole line up. Otherwise it looks fine. If not forgettable.
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TJ 3:08PM (6/24/2008)
G37 mated with a last-gen Maxima and had one hell of an ugly child.
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Soccer Mom 3:08PM (6/24/2008)
Honda's design team: we couldn't do well, so we did odd
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8189720 10:58AM (6/25/2008)
HA HA LOL!
BlackCanary 3:11PM (6/24/2008)
U.G.L.Y, you aint got no allaby you UGLY, oh yeah you UGLY!
What happened to the company that penned the beautiful 89-95 Legend? Please go back to the dude that did that design! Quick
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vkchu 3:19PM (6/24/2008)
alibi :]
BlackCanary 3:25PM (6/24/2008)
VK - you're right, not even close on that spelling.
George 4:25PM (6/24/2008)
The 89-95 Legend is classic design. Unfortunately, it will stay classic because the low door height won't pass today's crash requirements. These crash requirements are basically why all cars are starting to look alike.
The new TL looks like a Honda Avalon....meh
KG 3:13PM (6/24/2008)
The front of this car looks like Stay Puff from Ghostbusters! I hate it.
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Soccer Mom 3:14PM (6/24/2008)
I must be real special in some way, which still remains obscure to me. Otherwise, who would buy a front-wheel drive Honda Accord retrofitted with a Zelda shield for the price similar to that of Audi, BMW, MB and Infiniti?
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psu48187 3:17PM (6/24/2008)
The more and more I see pictures of the new TL, the less I'm impressed by it. The rear end, the guillotine front grille and those goofy looking signals mounted in the mirror. Why?
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carnut 3:41PM (6/24/2008)
dont really needthe 230 but it will make it easier to get a version w/ 170-180, so yippee.
like the concept wheels better.
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Keith 3:23PM (6/24/2008)
Zelda shield...ftw.
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John R 3:23PM (6/24/2008)
"Welcome to Lux-Donalds! Do you prefer you executive sedan curvy (G35) or slanty (new ugly TL)?"
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Eddie 3:24PM (6/24/2008)
How can anyone buy that over a 3 series, C class, G35 or Lexus IS?
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BlackCanary 3:32PM (6/24/2008)
only thing I can think of is a better price (maybe) or the Honda reliability, but you still have the Lexus to contend with there. The Acura does not look sporty, expensive, or refined. Not sure how this is a luxury car anymore. I would take a CTS or a IS or a C any day over this pile.
SOhp101 3:33PM (6/24/2008)
You forgot the A4 (the new one), which will look much, much sexier.
Ben Kessler 4:45PM (6/24/2008)
The new TL will have way more interior space than any of those cars. It will also be well priced in comparison when fully loaded - usually Acura only has one option which is the Tech Package that includes everything. BMW, MB, etc. are all a la carte - making the price go through the roof for a fully loaded vehicle.