Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Acura
2009 Acura TL shows its face, AWD confirmed
by Alex Nunez on Jul 11th 2008 at 1:13AM 
Click above image to enlarge
The 2009 Acura TL is coming this fall, and Acura has released the first official image of the car. Acura's love-it-or-hate-it new shield-grille face is affixed to the front end of the new sedan, which also sports thin, slanted headlamps and a pair of angular lower intakes. A pronounced accent line sweeps down from back to front, where it leads directly into a very pronounced wheel arch. Looks like we'll have to wait a little longer to see the car's posterior.
Two TL flavors will be offered, confirming the preview report that we ran back in April. Honda doesn't announce powertrain specifics other than to confirm that the new TL will be available with Acura's SH-AWD system and also offer the marque's "most powerful engine ever." We assume that to mean the 300-horsepower 3.7L engine used in the RL and MDX will also be making an appearance in the TL. Based on what we were told back in April, look for a 280-horsepower 3.5L to serve as the base engine in the FWD car.
So, now that you've had your first look at the new TL, tell us what you think.
[Source: Acura]
PRESS RELEASE:
All-New 2009 Acura TL to Debut This Fall
07/10/2008 -TORRANCE, Calif. - The all-new, completely redesigned 2009 Acura TL employs dramatic new styling along with a luxurious interior that includes more driver relevant technology than ever. Featuring the most powerful Acura engine ever, the 2009 TL will be available in two distinctive versions including the first ever application of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(SH-AWD) on TL. Available in the fall of 2008, the new TL will deliver a driving experience that achieves new highs within the performance luxury sedan category.
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 9)
User 1:15AM (7/11/2008)
At first it looked bad. But once you really look at it, it's a good update. It doesn't look very aerodynamic, though. But this is a big update to Acura's usually overly conservative styling.
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66BFM 1:22AM (7/11/2008)
Agreed, it does look like a decent update. I've been kind of on the fence with a lot of Acura's new styling... didn't really care for the RL or the TSX, but I really like this.
meshies 2:22AM (7/11/2008)
http://www.globosapiens.net/data/gallery/re/pictures_468/--reunion--reunion--id=25491.jpg
That's the first thing that pops into my head when I look at it. But it doesn't necessarily look bad. I guess the grille has to grow on me.
Torrent 2:24AM (7/11/2008)
I agree the new TL looks sharp, but it shouldn't look so sharp that it could actually cut you.
SOhp101 2:46AM (7/11/2008)
I was really worried when I saw the TL in camo but I'm relieved. Right now it just looks okay but I can see it growing on me.
The current TL looks dated already.
Franz 3:16AM (7/11/2008)
It's not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. I actually think it looks quite nice. Very distinctive. This is one Honda/Acura that's anything but boring.
Richard 10:30AM (7/11/2008)
+1 on Torrent's comment!
This one isn't so bad, but the RL - which is a very competent, albeit conservative car - WTF!
Transformer, Iron Giant or Hell Boy. From which one of these has Acura taken their inspiration for this new, helmet face.
Kotse 10:38AM (7/11/2008)
From this angle, it looks like a sharpened Lexus GS. The front is uniquely Acura (the grille..it has to go though). Granted, this update is well needed for the usually sedate Acura line-up. I'd give it a thumbs up...
MGBYG 11:27AM (7/11/2008)
At first look, it looked bad. On second look, it is even worse.
What video game is this cartoon from?
Thick, gaudy, clunky, immature form. The DRG are "high-school doodle".
Can Honda just rehire the folks at Pinninfarina??
P.V. 6:40PM (7/11/2008)
Looks sharp! Probably the best application of the shield grill yet.
I like it. And yes, the rear does make it look a bit like a Lexus GS.
Looking at the spy shots, though, I hope the rear isn't as bad as I've seen it to be.
Matthew Elliott 6:24PM (10/27/2008)
Hey guys. I felt the EXACT same way about the Acura TL nose. In fact I felt so strongly about it, that I created a petition to have it changed in the 2010 model. Please feel free to sign it and pass this link along to any other car lovers you know. Send it to you dealership too. :-)
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-acura-from-creating-huge-unattractive-grills-on-the-09-acura-tl
Thanks
MLE
Jon 1:17AM (7/11/2008)
Looks pretty good...the lower intakes are a tad busy, but a great looking shape overall....still not a big fan of the shield grill
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Michael 2:17AM (7/11/2008)
I'm not digging the grill either. I think the hood should of came farther down up to that top line of the grill. But I like the strong hip line, the front bumper and headlights, and the side rear window shapes are similar to the g37, I like that.
Torrent 2:28AM (7/11/2008)
I decided to check Autoblog one more time before bed, and now that I looked at this Transformer, I can't sleep.
Tony2X 2:52AM (7/11/2008)
I didn't like the shield grill until I saw a TSX in the metal, I think this TL looks great and finally getting SH-AWD, it's going to be quite formidable in its class.
JasonK 1:18AM (7/11/2008)
If I wanted a Toyota Camry with a premium badge I would have bought a ES350. I mean seriously wtf is this crap? At the very least I will need to see different angles/colors to make my final judgment; for now it is what it is, a Camry.
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Amber 1:27AM (7/11/2008)
Is it missing a Ford emblem for you to like it? Im not saying its the most beautiful car out there but It doesnt look like a Camry or ES350.
nor does it deserve comments like "wtf is this crap".
User 1:30AM (7/11/2008)
Drive a Camry. Drive an ES.
There is an extraordinarily big difference in quality.
why not the LS2LS7? 3:09AM (7/11/2008)
What, the Japanese principle now is you have to pay more to get quality?
big jim slade 8:45AM (7/11/2008)
I'd probably take the Camry too.
If this thing is going to have an interior like a lot of other Acuras or anything resembling the ridiculous buttonfest in the new Accord, you couldn't pay me to drive it.
And I wouldn't say it looks like a Camry as opposed to saying all large sedans are starting to look the same. Other than that hideous front grill I could never tell this thing apart from a lot of other commuter cars on the road.
McYawnda.