Autoblog

In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Acura

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Acura L SH-AWD

2008 has been a busy year for Acura's design and manufacturing engineering staff. It's not often that a brand refreshes its entire sedan lineup in the span of just over six months. Of course, in Acura's case that only amounts to three cars, but includes two completely redesigned cars with the TL and TSX and one heavy face-lift for the RL. Actually, "heavy face-lift" is something that applies to all three, as Acura has implemented a new front end design for its sedans that has seemingly gone over with pundits like the proverbial lead balloon.

We use the word "seemingly" because while most of the media and the majority of commenters here on Autoblog have howled in visual pain whenever the new shield grille pops up, it doesn't seem to have hurt sales. In fact, sales of the both the TSX and TL have been up significantly in the first few months that the cars have been on sale. Now that Acura has dropped off a 2009 TL SH-AWD in the Autoblog Garage for a week, it's time to see if our initial impressions need adjusting.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD

In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Acura dealer takes the TL's nose in for rhinoplasty

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Acura

Acura's new corporate fascia hasn't gained the affection of the automotive press, not to mention our commentators. And to make matters worse, not only is "The Shield" employed on the MDX, TSX and TL, it's expected to infect the rest of Acura's lineup into the next decade.

We're still far from convinced that the new nose was a smart move, but we've conceded that it doesn't look nearly as bad on a silver TSX, matching the lines and the color to slightly better effect.

An Acura dealer seems to have a similar idea, and after taking delivery of one burgundy TL, had the grille painted to match the rest of the exterior. While it's an improvement, we'd love to see something similar to the 2009 Legend's schnoz retrofitting an Acura emblem in place of the Big H.

[Source: Acurazine via Motive]

Acura dealer takes the TL's nose in for rhinoplasty originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2009 Acura TL priced from $34,955

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Acura

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Acura TL

Acura has finally revealed the pricing structure of its new 2009 TL sedan, and the base price jumps to $34,995, a little over a thousand bucks more than the last entry-level model. Replacing last year's Type-S is a new model with a version of Acura's SH-AWD and, at 305-horsepower, the most powerful V6 that parent company Honda has ever offered for sale. That top-level model will run you $38,505, which is pretty close to what the abandoned Type-S went for last year, though standard navigation is dropped. Adding the Technology Package -- which includes niceties like GPS, keyless access, push-button start and the Acura/ELS Surround sound audio system we liked so much when we got our first drive -- to either model will add about $4K to the asking price.

The looks are extremely polarizing, and these price increases aren't likely to win over the TL's detractors. Still, there is no doubting that the TL remains a lot of car for the money. Time will tell if it remains the sales success that its younger self undoubtedly was. Get all of the pricing details after the break.

Gallery: 2009 Acura TL

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading 2009 Acura TL priced from $34,955

2009 Acura TL priced from $34,955 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog First Drive: 2009 Acura TL [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura, First Drives

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Acura TL

Beginning in February at the Chicago Auto Show, Acura began rolling out redesigned versions of its three sedans in the span of six months. Beginning with the RL in Chicago, Acura has rolled out its new design ethos intended to make these cars stand out in the increasingly crowded entry luxury segment. When we first showed you the RL, it got what would charitably be described as a negative reception. The new shield grille design was almost universally reviled both in the media and amongst you readers. By the time the entry-level TSX arrived a month later, reactions softened somewhat as people became accustomed to the look. In its first few months on the street, sales of the new TSX have jumped more than 20 percent compared to the old model.

The last to arrive and arguably the best looking of the three is the mid-level TL, which arrives this September to replace the best selling sedan in Acura's lineup. Acura invited us to New York to sample its new mainstream model on the roads of Connecticut and the Empire State in mid-July. While the TL was the last to be unveiled, it is actually the first and only one of the three sedans to be completely designed around this new look. Read more about the new TL and our first drive impressions after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Acura TL

Gallery: 2009 Acura TL

Continue reading Autoblog First Drive: 2009 Acura TL [w/VIDEO]

Autoblog First Drive: 2009 Acura TL [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2009 Acura TL shows its face, AWD confirmed

Alex Nunez — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 01:13:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura

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.

View Poll

[Source: Acura]

Continue reading 2009 Acura TL shows its face, AWD confirmed

2009 Acura TL shows its face, AWD confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 01:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2009 Acura TL continues triangular theme

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Acura

Acura is in the midst of a major restyling of its entire range of sedans. While we've already seen the new TSX and RL (though an even newer RL has been spied), it's the TL that is the bread-and-butter model of the line. From what has been seen already, we're expecting a version of the blocky metal triangle at the front of the model, though the latest spy photos reveal that the angular theme will be carried over to the rear of the vehicle as well. It's always risky to make major changes to the high-volume model, but it appears as if Acura is not content to just play it safe with its line of uber-Hondas. While the stylists attempt to set new trends, we're pretty sure that the TL will continue to use a front wheel drive architecture and V6 engines, though a form of the automaker's SH AWD seems a distinct possibility.

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Spy Shots: 2009 Acura TL continues triangular theme originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: 2009 Acura TL coming in 2 flavors, gets AWD

Alex Nunez — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:41:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura, Rumormill

Honda/Acura had its 2009 dealer meeting in New Orleans last week, and a little birdie that claims to have attended has whispered some details about the 2009 Acura TL in our ears. According to our anonymous tipster, the '09 TL range will consist of two models. The front-wheel-drive car will be powered by a 3.5L V6 delivering 280 horsepower. The step-up version will feature SH AWD and have a 3.7L, 300-horsepower V6 underhood (presumably the same one used in the MDX). We're told the latter car is not a Type-S, by the way -- that trim level goes back into hibernation with the arrival of the '09. Word is, the car "looks amazing." The TL in its current state is Acura's best-looking vehicle, so our curiosity is definitely piqued.

Rumormill: 2009 Acura TL coming in 2 flavors, gets AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments