Spy photographers have caught a new Acura sedan testing in the California desert. It is obvious that the sedan in the pictures is a new Acura sedan (front grille), but it is unclear which sedan it actually is.
The prototype in these photos looks bigger than the current TSX, so it could be the next TL. Both sedans are due for redesigns in 2009. Even though the sedan looks big it is definitely not a new RL, since that isn't due for a redesign until 2010 or 2011.
Either way it is apparent that same design cues on the current TSX and TL will be carried over onto this new sedan, even though they will be more dramatic. Note the pointed grille that is more dramatic than the one on the current TL. It is not known if the new sedan will get a similar "shield" grille like the new MDX (there is a lot of camo on the front).
This new sedan is most likely all-wheel-drive, since all Acuras are expected to have it by 2009. A V8 may also be in the works since it has been rumored that Acura is finally working on a V8.
Click on the link below to see the full photos.
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Comments (13)
wtf all acuras have awd by 2009?
Posted by Paul | July 31, 2007 2:59 PM
Posted on July 31, 2007 14:59
AWD V8 Acuras?? Assuming that they get similar mileage (maybe a little worse), those should be sweet.
Posted by gm0n3y | July 31, 2007 3:04 PM
Posted on July 31, 2007 15:04
Don't act suprised (paul & gm0n3y), they need something to keep them in the entry-luxury market. This is what Audi and Volvo did.
Hopefull the generation after these AWD cars will be RWD, but that would be dumping the whole transverse engine/FWD they've had for just about ever.
Posted by Noya | July 31, 2007 3:36 PM
Posted on July 31, 2007 15:36
i like my 06 TL, but AWD would be much better than my FWD, i would get a 6 speed 3.5 liter AWD if acura had about 300 with SH-AWD and a huge navi screen like in my TL its like 8 inches and i rigged it to play my Ipod Video while i drive. that would be sweet. i would suggest that they also make there new engines with headers and not the current way that has the exhaust manifold welded to the engine block.... o way to turbo the current TL's only a weak ass 5K supercharger that you cant even intercool effectively. these concerns are very common among TL owners from Acurazine(dot)com
Posted by dennisil | July 31, 2007 4:35 PM
Posted on July 31, 2007 16:35
i like my 06 TL, but AWD would be much better than my FWD, i would get a 6 speed 3.5 liter AWD if acura had about 300 with SH-AWD and a huge navi screen like in my TL its like 8 inches and i rigged it to play my Ipod Video while i drive.
I would suggest that they also make there new engines with headers and not the current way that has the exhaust manifold welded to the engine block.... there is no way to bolt up a turbo to the current TL . There is only a weak 5K$ comptech supercharger that you cant even intercool effectively 6psi boost and around 60hp to the (front)wheels. this is a huge concern among TL owners from Acurazine(dot)com. the car is only mildly tuneable. and before you go telling me its a luxury sedan that shouldent go fast i say "go buy a caddilac."
Posted by dennisil | July 31, 2007 4:39 PM
Posted on July 31, 2007 16:39
^ thats weird sorry for the doubble posting
Posted by Dennisil | July 31, 2007 4:40 PM
Posted on July 31, 2007 16:40
I think the AWD is going to be optional, with the standard version being FWD. And all cars in the lineup are supposed to have an optional 300hp engine.
I'm looking forward to the possibility of a TSX coupe, with AWD and 300hp.
Posted by Darmok | July 31, 2007 7:19 PM
Posted on July 31, 2007 19:19
Maybe i m ignorant but where's the source (if there was ever any) about Acura switching the entire lineup over to awd by 2009?
Very imaginative news indeed. while we are at it, maybe i'd say they're gonna put hybrids engines on all models by 2008 and prices start at below hyundai's. That way they'd wipe out all other auto manufacturers.
way to go torque report.
Posted by Paul | July 31, 2007 8:51 PM
Posted on July 31, 2007 20:51
http://www.thetorquereport.com/2007/05/what_does_the_future_hold_for.html#more
Posted by Darmok | July 31, 2007 10:40 PM
Posted on July 31, 2007 22:40
I'm can't find any press releases but about 20ish website have posts saying acura made the press release. I believe it was 300hp and AWD in all cars by 2009. This isn't really asking too much of Acura considering they need something to differentiate from the Hondas a bit.
Either way I hope the fully camoed car is the TL cause it looks to big to be the TSX.
Posted by Gary | July 31, 2007 11:08 PM
Posted on July 31, 2007 23:08
It was on this site also. I posted the link above, and it's one of the related links at the bottom of the article.
Posted by Darmok | August 1, 2007 6:31 AM
Posted on August 1, 2007 06:31
Acurazine(dot)com has verified with Acura that the AWD and 300hp are a fact, and don’t worry the competition (infinity, lexus, Audi) will keep up with that besides the current TL makes 258hp and the Type S has 286hp, so 300hp is the next rational step in performance if Acura’s R&D takes a linear growth curve. And the SH-AWD is already in 3 of the 5 vehicles that Acura makes (MDX, RDX, and RL). It is a tried and true system, I test drove a few cars with it and it works, hope its standard on the next TL but I don’t really care because I want to get a Maserati Quattroporte or a Mercedes S 550. Entourage style…
Posted by dennisil | August 1, 2007 11:05 AM
Posted on August 1, 2007 11:05
My source at Honda R&D told me that the new TL is going to be longer than the current one. That should hold true since the new Accord is bigger than the previous model. Also he did confirm that the TL in 2013 will be RWD. The 2009 brand Acura are going for a more luxury than sport.
Posted by MasterTL | October 25, 2007 8:09 AM
Posted on October 25, 2007 08:09