Acura has released the first official photo of the all-new 2009 Acura TL.
Acura hasn't released all the details on the new TL, but the automaker has confirmed that the TL will be offered with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The new TL will also feature the most powerful Acura engine ever, so expect the final horsepower rating to be at least 300 from a 3.7L V6, which of course will be mated to the SH-AWD system. The base engine is expected to be a 280 horsepower 3.5L V6 that will send the power to the ground through the front wheels.
The new TL will be available this fall. Does the new TL look better than the new TSX and RL sedans?
Expect a full press release soon.
Related Stories:
All-New 2009 Acura TL Shows Off its Rear End
2009 Acura TSX Awarded IIHS "Top Safety Pick"
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.
Comments (36)
Not too bad Acura, not too bad at all...
Posted by gilly | July 11, 2008 3:46 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 03:46
Not as bad as I was expecting, but I will have to see it in person to be sure.
Posted by Chad | July 11, 2008 5:13 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 05:13
Another 4 door coupe?
SHAWD, good call Acura. Please be rear biased.
Why is it smiling at me?
Better than expected. It'll probably look awesome in person.
Posted by idiots | July 11, 2008 5:38 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 05:38
I still think the current TL is one of the best looking cars around. Not so sure about this one. Looks kinda like a Maxima/Altima to me.
Posted by D | July 11, 2008 5:47 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 05:47
massive chunk of useless chrome emblem/grille combo. blech
Posted by Doh | July 11, 2008 5:59 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 05:59
Nice Looking, I have to say.
Sort of looks like they took a lot of design ques from GM. Saturn Auroa/Cadilac STS grille, front quarters and head lights from the Camry and from that angle a Nissan Maxima looking rear-end.
But probably will look alot different in person like the Accord did. I miss the early Acura Legends though!
Posted by Tom T | July 11, 2008 6:00 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 06:00
Some of the lines are very similar to the Infinity M35 and M45. Look at the rear window and trunk. ALso the front fenders.
I bet this car will look really good in person... or, really bad being too oblique. Then again, the caddy is also very angular.
Justin
Posted by justin | July 11, 2008 6:54 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 06:54
not as bad as the TSX, i cant stand that grill. they did follow up with the SHAWD and about 300hp, so maby this will be a good car, i wonder how much the top o' da line model will sticker for?
Posted by dennisil | July 11, 2008 7:15 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 07:15
Front fenders of the Camry bad move with a Transformer grill... Sadly still doesn't look as good as the new Malibu to me. Then again I would never purchase a Honda in the first place.
Posted by RX-7 Guy | July 11, 2008 7:28 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 07:28
Why not?
Posted by Jung | July 11, 2008 7:43 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 07:43
@RX-7 Guy you must like the reliability or the fuel efficiency of your mazda?
Posted by dennisil | July 11, 2008 8:06 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 08:06
@RX7 Guy:
Is there anywhere in the article that asks you specifically whether you'd buy an Honda/Acura? Everyone else comments on the car and you decide to tell us what you would or wouldn't buy... you're not really getting this comment forum thing are you?
Anyways, this car may end up like the last gen RL if the price isn't right. Honda seems to charge a premium for it's SH-AWD system, but hopefully they can keep the price of this TL about the same as the last TL. Either way, It's a very good looking car. The front design seems radical, but still sedate.
Posted by Jason | July 11, 2008 9:20 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 09:20
Maybe RX7 guy likes fast sports cars more than he likes commuter cars? The S2000 isn't fast, so don't mention it.
Posted by idiots | July 11, 2008 9:38 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 09:38
Most people give a reason why they wont buy a car, plainly stating it makes you seem ignorant. Please don't come here and troll, we're here to discuss, not hate on cars.
The new TL is a step forward for Acura. The AWD option definatly puts the car into a high category meanwhile the lower end is still affordable. They still need to update the look of the RL, it still looks like an accord in the side profile and the overall look of the car just doesn't say luxury. I also think if they provided an option for a larger engine on the RL, it would also sell better. They also need to release a sports car to help their brand image.
Posted by JohnBo | July 11, 2008 9:54 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 09:54
I guess some people really believe that others really give a fuck what they would or wouldn't buy.
Posted by Jung | July 11, 2008 10:09 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 10:09
@idiots
maby you dont like it maby rx7guy dosent like it maby i dont like it? who cares its just a f-n car... anyway you wont have to worry much about this car as your sports cars are not in any way going to be challenged by this car, its a passanger vehicle and the only reason its going to have 300hp is because the competition keeps upping the anty. i would say its a good car with 250hp but at 300 its certainly going to be a pleasure to drive, why dont you go to be fast and furiouse elsewhere idiot.
Posted by dennisil | July 11, 2008 10:32 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 10:32
i have the new movie title for you guys "the fast and furriouse, idiot shift"
Posted by dennisil | July 11, 2008 10:35 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 10:35
acura are getting so ugly...
i thought the previous generation was AWESOME... the RL and TSX was the less nice
the rear looks like altima/maxima.. thats way to "family" oriented...but it seems like the new trend...
the front end.. wow.. HATE THAT so ugly...!
Posted by Jettto | July 11, 2008 11:55 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 11:55
Not as bad as the TL, but I'll have to see it in person. I'm hoping they didn't add to much weight to it though, as SHAWD is not a light system... Supposedly the SHAWD system is still front biased on this one as well, so hope of RWD feel are gone.
Posted by Gary | July 11, 2008 12:34 PM
Posted on July 11, 2008 12:34
to != too
Posted by Jung | July 11, 2008 12:53 PM
Posted on July 11, 2008 12:53
"Modern cars - they all look like electric shavers." - Marv, Sin City
That about sums up this one.
Posted by AutoBot | July 11, 2008 1:07 PM
Posted on July 11, 2008 13:07
What shape would you like?
Posted by Jung | July 11, 2008 2:01 PM
Posted on July 11, 2008 14:01
Something about that photo (besides the front grille) just isn't right. Hopefully the final version looks better.
Posted by gm0n3y | July 11, 2008 2:24 PM
Posted on July 11, 2008 14:24
I was thinking more Lexus GS at the back. The front is definitely current Acura family fron end...
Posted by bliq | July 11, 2008 4:31 PM
Posted on July 11, 2008 16:31
kind of embarassing that the NSX is not the most powerful acura but the new one will be king eventually
Posted by 09 | July 11, 2008 5:20 PM
Posted on July 11, 2008 17:20
Overall, I like the styling but the grille is tacky. However, I really like the side view , especially the body line that bisects the side view and pronounced wheel arches.
Posted by longdxcommuter | July 11, 2008 5:35 PM
Posted on July 11, 2008 17:35
I was establishing the fact that I would never by a Honda product so everyone would know that I’m not a perspective buyer. That helps some people qualify opinions or remarks. It's kind of like all those American manufacture hate post that frequently litter this site but less abrasive.
Why I wouldn’t buy a Honda has nothing to do with what I drive and more to do with my personal experience with the overpriced and over hyped Honda brand. Their cars are mostly bland and like my cars to be sexy which is something that few Asian makes have ever done.
In this case they pretty much copied the Camry front end with a new grill insert. The high angler fender arch is just silly looking and if like the Toyota it's worse from inside the car. At the price point, I'm guessing of $40ish there are better and far more exiting options, both domestic and foreign.
Posted by RX-7 Guy | July 11, 2008 6:48 PM
Posted on July 11, 2008 18:48
BEAUTIFUL!!! Acura is definitely going in the right direction. Too bad I don't sell them anymore. This will sell extremely well. I can't wait to see the interior and other angles!!
Posted by Cappy | July 11, 2008 8:10 PM
Posted on July 11, 2008 20:10
Beautiful???? As ugly as Transformers
Posted by Seiya | July 12, 2008 12:33 AM
Posted on July 12, 2008 00:33
Great looking car, SH-AWD-300HP sounds very exciting.
However, I think Acura/Honda missed a good opportunity to unveil a real new car and not a Lexus GS look alike.
I was hoping for the Sport 4 concept...
Posted by hybridriver | July 13, 2008 10:19 AM
Posted on July 13, 2008 10:19
Great looking car, SH-AWD-300HP sounds very exciting.
However, I think Acura/Honda missed a good opportunity to unveil a real new car and not a Lexus GS look alike.
I was hoping for something along the line of the Sport 4 concept...
Posted by hybridriver | July 13, 2008 10:20 AM
Posted on July 13, 2008 10:20
@Seiya:
Hey, don't be that harsh on the Transformers.
Posted by Gary | July 13, 2008 11:00 AM
Posted on July 13, 2008 11:00
I guess the transformers grill does look kinda out of place, I wonder if anyone would know the diff if they switched the acura emblem with a autobot/decepticon emblem? Can't argue with Acura trying the futuristic robot look, it might appeal to the young-want-to-buy-luxury crowd. I think the old money crowd will prolly stick to Benz/Beemer/Lexus and Infiniti class of lux sedans. Acura has always been a second tier lux brand after the aforementioned manufacturers. Just my 2sense.
Posted by Spec4Mech | July 13, 2008 1:52 PM
Posted on July 13, 2008 13:52
@Spec4Mech
You're right about one thing. They are going for the younger crowd. Smart move considering people who want technology are a growing group compared to the old farts who say "what's a computer for?" and "that's too flashy for me" The old money crowd will leave their money to somebody right? These will be the aforementioned group. As far as Acura being 2nd tier absolutely not. Thier Brand image to people who don't know any better is second tier but as far as quality, performance, technology, and safety go they are not 2nd tier at all. Is there a better SUV than the MDX right now in that price range? No way!!!!!!!
Posted by Cappy | July 14, 2008 9:44 AM
Posted on July 14, 2008 09:44
Um, why does it look like the Voltron chest plate? C'mon, can't we get something that looks stylish and modern like Audi? It's like Anime on wheels...
Posted by sundragon | July 15, 2008 7:48 AM
Posted on July 15, 2008 07:48
@ Sundragon
It's the whole embodiment of Japanese culture, from Godzilla to Gundam. This design is a direct reflection of Japanese design and Japanese pop culture, I mean the style and design is indicative of this presumption. I think toyota and nissan are still conservative in their design ideas and Honda aka Tuners-R-Us, approach is translating into less than conservative approach, the new TL is apparently Japanese pop culture incarnate.
Posted by Spec4Mech | July 15, 2008 7:18 PM
Posted on July 15, 2008 19:18