Acura Teases The All New TL for 2009

Someone's going to make a fortune selling aftermarket grills for Acuras.

— sold2early (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 9:45:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 23   

That's a shame. This was their best car in my opinion, and now they added "the sheild" or "the buck tooth" to the front. Headlights look cool, the rest seems ok, but that grill...there is something just wrong with it.

— IVANURI97 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 9:47:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 11   

Actually, this new picture is so much better than the one we been seeing.

— fling85 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 10:01:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

Strange looking car in my opinion. The grill looks like a metallic beak. I see a lot of Maxima in the rear. And they ripped off the Hoffmeister kink as well. What is Acura thinking?

— HSCenterconsole (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 10:02:21 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Wow, I think it looks phenominal. In regards to the grille, I like their willingness to try something different and dramatic. Seeing the TSX in person changed my mind about the look. Likewise, I believe this car will look alot better in the flesh.

— golfer38 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 10:25:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

The last generation TL and TSX were such great, clean looking cars. Their SUVs now look better than their cars.

— iwantanS2000 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 10:28:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

Whoever at Acura approved putting shields on the noses of all their new models needs to turn in their resignation immediately.

— PlanB (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 10:29:08 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 10   

nice work acura its good to see ur not discriminating against blind designers and execs

— fooi (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 10:40:25 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 13   

For those of you who didn't know already... I do sell Acuras for a very comfortable living. Having said that, I am with the majority here in saying that the new grilles are hideous. You could walk right up to the TSX grill and rip it off with one hand if so inclined. But, the car is selling very well for us and it is a very good car. For those of you who haven't seen one, let alone drive one, please hold your judgement. The TL should do very well for us as long as the price remains in check. The 2009 RL is a GREAT car for it's segment, but it will be a disaster in sales.
On another note, it's good to see ACURA generating some serious interest with the the sport coupe all over the internet. (intial reaction: not NSX) Hopefully with ACURAs determination to go to TIER 1 and with 8-10 new models coming in the next 12-18 months, ACURA will finally take the reigns off their engineers and let them do what it takes.
But this could be all moot, we'll all be driven HYDROGEN cars in 5 years anyway.

V-10 NSX

— jsell (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 10:55:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I loved, loved, loved the almost Italian sleekness and detail of the outgoing TL. Now this car has gotten all slabby and Judge Dredd. Totally lacks the beauty and finesse of the current car.

— 222max (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 11:00:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

The Bangle led redesign of BMW was always controversial, but there's no argueing the success that design has had and I'm sure that they were heavily criticized at first. I'm hoping Acura's very risky design theme will see the same kind of outcome.

— golfer38 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 11:03:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Looks like the outgoing 2008 Maxima

— montyz81 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 11:04:47 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Doesn't look that bad there.

It is a shame how the front end does throw the whole car off.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 11:05:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

wthell have they done?? the current car looks so much better. the TL is one of the best looking cars acura has ever made and now this new one is the worst looking car i've seen a while.

— gfunkmoney06 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 11:14:58 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

I too dislike the beak but will withhold judgment until I see the rest of the car.

I hope the interior is a little less busy than other recent Acuras (RDX, TSX). And I hope the car isn't growing at all in size (or price!).

My 2007 TL comes off lease in 12 to 18 months so I'll be looking to this, the TSX or the new Maxima as possible replacements.

— blackbr (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 11:17:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

The TL will still be Acura's best car even with this shield that all of us here seem to be disliking. The current car didn't grow on me for the first couple years and then one day I woke up and said "hey, that doesn't look half-bad now". Mind you it was the TL A-Spec so it was more slick looking. This one is a more up to date. I hope the RL follow suit and make something worthy of being called the flagship.

Acura deserves more than a crappy looking RL. I actually like what they've done. Their cars are reliable despite previous tranny problems. I can see them being a solid #2 behind Lexus and leaving Infiniti in the dust. I really do.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 11:43:03 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

I like how they added details, such as the grill,...but hell, man...it looks weird...

— WorldofLuxury (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 12:13:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

it doesnt look bad, but not great. it has a few dramatic lines, but the grill just doesnt work.

— maximafan1 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 12:31:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

The two fog lights or turn signal and fog light at the bottom is weird too. Funny how the grill causes you to not notice this.

— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 12:53:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

The bird beak grille doesn't look so bad in person (on the TSX), so maybe this will look awesome in real life.

— kut17 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 1:00:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Grille aside, I think the single most awful part of the design is the bulge above the front wheel well- it is way too dramatic....almost cartoon-ish.

— cdoke (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 1:12:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Looks 100x better than that ridiculous and hideous 2009 maxima. And I for one applaud them for the new grille; at least they HAVE a signature now, a la BMW and audi, while the other japs just keep the same boring 5 point grille.

— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 1:26:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Don't like the grille in the picture either. However, hated the grille when I saw the picture of the TSX, but it looks much better in person. So, this new TL may have a chance after all. . .

— klipprand (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 2:16:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

It's nice but not great. I'll wait to see it in person as the TSX was not very good in photos and much nicer in person.

— _43LE (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 2:56:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Tier Two and always will be....they are just hoping they can attract some of the Honda buyers wanting to move up a notch. They will never compete with the Germans with these autos.

— ICON (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 3:36:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

The grille actually reminds me of a guillotine. Stick your hand inside and it will fly down and chop it off.

Hopefully, the car will look better in the flesh. The current TL is a very nice-looking car.

— gooch (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 3:44:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

What is wrong with Honda. Are they trying to turn Acura into an economy brand like Scion?

This design is not working at all.

— monkeyrun (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 3:46:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

well i don't find the grille that bad unlike many of u. It's pretty ok, infact there are many brands which put even uglier grilles.

But because there are so many complaintes, i hope Acura offers more than one grille, like Mercedes (C class Avant/eleg), Audi (A4/ S-line)...etc.

overall i think this new TL looks very good, very sharp and stylish, but in the rear i could also see some current Maxima. Overall pretty nice design.

JUGNU

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 4:33:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I don't have the patience for their grille to "grow on me". I think it's ugly and has to go!

— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 5:05:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Looks like its got Toyota Camry headlights

DUD

Why stuff up the Acura TL with some nauseating grille! This is just like the bangle butt, except a million times more disgusting. Whoever designed the grille on the car must have used their mouth to hold the pencil.

— motor1 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 8:04:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I see some Lexus GS, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Maxima design in this new Acura TL. I hope it will look more stunning than the current version. The current version Acura TL is also very good looking as well.

— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 9:29:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I'm surprised how many people here have said so many negative things about Acura's new grill. I'm willing to bet many haven't seen the new grill in person yet, only pictures. As most of us know, seeing a car in pictures and in person is like night and day sometimes. I was at the Acura dealership recently and saw the new TSX. I actually like the grill and it finally gives the Acura brand a distinctive 'look', just like BMW with it's twin kidney shaped grills.
Judging by history, any time a company leads the way and puts out a very distinctive and futuristic design, it always gets very negative reviews at first. I easily recall in 2003 when BMW decided to radically restyle their cars, especially the 5 series. All the other luxury makes were conservative at the time. When the new 5 first came out, people said it was ugly, hideous, etc, etc.......But then it was obvious Lexus took design cues with their new GS, and other companies followed suit after BMW's lead. Now Acura is stepping out of it's conservative shell and is deciding to go Tier 1. It's radically restyling their cars like BMW did, and is still doing now. People will say the new Acuras are 'ugly' now, but in a due time, it will grow on people and perceptions will change for sure.
So in 2003, the styling of the BMW 5 series was heavily criticized. In 2007, I leased the new 2008 BMW 535i and while the car was at the dealership(with a very minor facelift), everyone was saying how awesome the car looked. When I drove it home, people on the street were saying how good it looked.
I predict the same thing for Acura's new daring design direction.

— Dave (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 10:36:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

In the words of Car and Driver - "Baby, what happened to your face?"

— delan (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 10:54:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I like it. A bit prev-gen Maxima and current-gen G35, but it's a good, aggressive design. Regarding the grille, it actually fits well on this car vs. on the RL or TSX. Though I have seen several TSXs in person and it doesn't look bad at all.

— senorgato (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 11:23:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

This is a home run for Acura. This car will sell out in no time. Good handling, refinement, reliable and Acura always gets the styling right :)

— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 7/11/2008 11:47:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

SH-AWD takes care of the FWD complaints.

They should just axe the RL until they get a decent, bigger design.

You're not going to mistake Acura for any other car now.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2008 12:03:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I have sold Acura's as well but where I live they cannot give them away. Oddly tho, this town is full of Honda's. Dave might be right but I also remember when last gen Taurus was introduced............. To me it looks like a cross between the upcoming Mazda6 front fender bulges, and a Maxima rear. I dunno Honda is in such a good position with its cars as far as fuel economy, ergonomics, ect. Their design direction is really baffling.

— schinbone (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2008 1:08:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Bulldogz before you make comments do your research they were the first out of the japanese to go AWD in a sedan the RL and possibly have the best AWD system on the market!

— mikeydred20 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2008 12:08:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

I LOVE IT! For me this is the best sports sedan ever. I'll get in line to purchase right now!

— SteadFast (View Profile)

Posted on 7/12/2008 5:07:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Wacura

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 7/13/2008 6:26:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

I really have to say,i miss the previous model.

— HokkaidoWind (View Profile)

Posted on 7/14/2008 2:26:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Similar to the grille is over the top. Also the front end has the seam on the bumper like the MDX. That vertical line distracts from the angular-horizontal lines.

I think Acura is on the wrong track.

Please someone needs to make an aftermarket grille and body-color bumper covers for the MDX.

— g2ok (View Profile)

Posted on 7/14/2008 6:28:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I like it.. and I thought I had another comment up here but maybe it was deleted for some reason?

Anywho, TSX pics were ehh.. so so, but much better in person. Same probably applies for this; the digital drawing of this car is more pronounced - when you look at the actual spy photos you can tell the wheel arches, etc. aren't that big.

I see a lot of Bangle comments in here though, when the sheep see that people like it they'll like it.

Example.. I liked the redesign of the 7 & 5 series from the beginning, thought they looked good, and talking to people about cars would bring up "omg it's hideous" when you mentioned one of the new BMWs.. and now.. well now that everyone likes them, they like them too!

My only complaint is about how GS looking that rear pillar is! :)

— fuzion (View Profile)

Posted on 7/14/2008 6:47:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I think it looks really nice actually even with the grille....its does take away from it but overall the grille looks much much better on the TL than it does on any other Acura. It does remind me of the current Lexus GS, the 2009 Nissan Maxima (and i know im gonna get yelled at for saying this but its my opinion)but in the mid front around the mirros on the door and the lines around the front windshield it looks kinda like a BMW 7 series.......dont kill me...lol

— NISSANINFINITI (View Profile)

Posted on 7/14/2008 10:53:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1