Pic of the new Acura TL A-Spec

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
I'd venture to guess that you'd be lucky if 1 out of 20 (if even that many) TL's ever saw a "track". Or even an Auto-X course. Or a drag strip. Or the mythical "twisties".

The other 19 out of 20 are in stop and go traffic in a major city or put on cruise control at 75MPH where the drivetrain layout means absolutely dick for all intents and purposes.

ah, the twisties that we've all heard about and few have driven. Yes, those twisties where the FWD cars die, and people in miatas take out mustang GTs...

Twisties are overrated. Give me straight line power! I think the TL is one of the best buys out there right now, and if I had to buy new I'd take it over an 04 max, simply because the max has crap resale (and it's slower).

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: vi_edit
I'd venture to guess that you'd be lucky if 1 out of 20 (if even that many) TL's ever saw a "track". Or even an Auto-X course. Or a drag strip. Or the mythical "twisties".

The other 19 out of 20 are in stop and go traffic in a major city or put on cruise control at 75MPH where the drivetrain layout means absolutely dick for all intents and purposes.

ah, the twisties that we've all heard about and few have driven. Yes, those twisties where the FWD cars die, and people in miatas take out mustang GTs...

Twisties are overrated. Give me straight line power! I think the TL is one of the best buys out there right now, and if I had to buy new I'd take it over an 04 max, simply because the max has crap resale (and it's slower).

twisties are not overrated. this country just has a short attention span.

 

[EvilYoda]

I love this new look, although I would like most anything they do to the current TL...yum.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: bR

twisties are not overrated. this country just has a short attention span.

Actually the main prob at least for me is that there are damn few of them around, and even if I take the local twisties at max speed in my sentra I'm begging for a piggy to pull me over. Imagine it in a car that could really handle?

 

[SuperTool]

I don't know what's more useless, a sporty version of a luxo boat, or DVD audio. Where do you get these audio DVD's?
What's next, ES330 type R?

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Twisties are overrated. Give me straight line power!

Wish I had a nice maneuverable 540i for the twisties AND the straights... Would pwn my TL. Besides, I have a Lightning for straight lines.

BTW, for those of you who haven't actually driven a high powered FWD car... it really can get kinda squirrely. I've had my TL up in the rocky mountains, and you just can't accelerate well into turns without feeling like you're gonna lose it. Also, you worry about dinging up your pretty wheels when you gun it at a stop light and the wheel pulls WAY to the right. Scary stuff.

 

[Mani]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
I'd venture to guess that you'd be lucky if 1 out of 20 (if even that many) TL's ever saw a "track". Or even an Auto-X course. Or a drag strip. Or the mythical "twisties".

The other 19 out of 20 are in stop and go traffic in a major city or put on cruise control at 75MPH where the drivetrain layout means absolutely dick for all intents and purposes.

I think the drivetrain layout is much more of a factor in everyday driving than many give it credit for. First off not nearly that many people are stuck with all-highway stop-and-go commutes. I live in austin which can be a traffic nightmare and I look forward to my commute daily.

RWD cars don't just handle well, there is a distinct difference in feel - of how well-balanced the car feels, and in predictability and confidence when taking a turn. Secondly, in torquey/powerful cars especially, torque steer is HUGE. I don't want to have to fight the steering wheel every time I accelerate through a turn. And I definitely don't want to be concerned about crazy oversteer

Straightline power is fine, but I personally think one of the everyday thrills in a sport car/sedan is in powering through a turn. Be it in the backroads, the "twisties", or even being first in line at an intersection. That is where I wouldn't trade RWD for anything.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Mani

Originally posted by: vi_edit
I'd venture to guess that you'd be lucky if 1 out of 20 (if even that many) TL's ever saw a "track". Or even an Auto-X course. Or a drag strip. Or the mythical "twisties".

The other 19 out of 20 are in stop and go traffic in a major city or put on cruise control at 75MPH where the drivetrain layout means absolutely dick for all intents and purposes.

I think the drivetrain layout is much more of a factor in everyday driving than many give it credit for. First off not nearly that many people are stuck with all-highway stop-and-go commutes. I live in austin which can be a traffic nightmare and I look forward to my commute daily.

RWD cars don't just handle well, there is a distinct difference in feel - of how well-balanced the car feels, and in predictability and confidence when taking a turn. Secondly, in torquey/powerful cars especially, torque steer is HUGE. I don't want to have to fight the steering wheel every time I accelerate through a turn. And I definitely don't want to be concerned about crazy oversteer

Straightline power is fine, but I personally think one of the everyday thrills in a sport car/sedan is in powering through a turn. Be it in the backroads, the "twisties", or even being first in line at an intersection. That is where I wouldn't trade RWD for anything.

You get oversteer with FWD vehicles?

 

[Doggiedog]

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: Mani

Originally posted by: vi_edit
I'd venture to guess that you'd be lucky if 1 out of 20 (if even that many) TL's ever saw a "track". Or even an Auto-X course. Or a drag strip. Or the mythical "twisties".

The other 19 out of 20 are in stop and go traffic in a major city or put on cruise control at 75MPH where the drivetrain layout means absolutely dick for all intents and purposes.

I think the drivetrain layout is much more of a factor in everyday driving than many give it credit for. First off not nearly that many people are stuck with all-highway stop-and-go commutes. I live in austin which can be a traffic nightmare and I look forward to my commute daily.

RWD cars don't just handle well, there is a distinct difference in feel - of how well-balanced the car feels, and in predictability and confidence when taking a turn. Secondly, in torquey/powerful cars especially, torque steer is HUGE. I don't want to have to fight the steering wheel every time I accelerate through a turn. And I definitely don't want to be concerned about crazy oversteer

Straightline power is fine, but I personally think one of the everyday thrills in a sport car/sedan is in powering through a turn. Be it in the backroads, the "twisties", or even being first in line at an intersection. That is where I wouldn't trade RWD for anything.

You get oversteer with FWD vehicles?

Not positive but my old Honda Prelude SH might have had some oversteer. It had some experimental technology (ATTS I believe) in it that spun the outside front wheels faster in order to get better turn in. C&D rated it the best handling car under $30K. IMO the handling was fantastic. It was very sharp.

 

[UNCjigga]

Meh, if I ever get a TL (definately a possibility once my lease is up) I'd wait for someone to make a bodykit replica of the A-Spec concept car. That thing is sssmmokkin!!!

 

[Mani]

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: Mani

Originally posted by: vi_edit
I'd venture to guess that you'd be lucky if 1 out of 20 (if even that many) TL's ever saw a "track". Or even an Auto-X course. Or a drag strip. Or the mythical "twisties".

The other 19 out of 20 are in stop and go traffic in a major city or put on cruise control at 75MPH where the drivetrain layout means absolutely dick for all intents and purposes.

I think the drivetrain layout is much more of a factor in everyday driving than many give it credit for. First off not nearly that many people are stuck with all-highway stop-and-go commutes. I live in austin which can be a traffic nightmare and I look forward to my commute daily.

RWD cars don't just handle well, there is a distinct difference in feel - of how well-balanced the car feels, and in predictability and confidence when taking a turn. Secondly, in torquey/powerful cars especially, torque steer is HUGE. I don't want to have to fight the steering wheel every time I accelerate through a turn. And I definitely don't want to be concerned about crazy oversteer

Straightline power is fine, but I personally think one of the everyday thrills in a sport car/sedan is in powering through a turn. Be it in the backroads, the "twisties", or even being first in line at an intersection. That is where I wouldn't trade RWD for anything.

You get oversteer with FWD vehicles?

My bad...I was thinking understeer but wrote oversteer and didn't finish the sentence. What I was going to say was that I hate having to worry about crazy understeer in a turn and helplessly going headfirst off the side of the road. I find it's preferable (and fun) to compensate for oversteer and a loose rear end.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: Jigga
Meh, if I ever get a TL (definately a possibility once my lease is up) I'd wait for someone to make a bodykit replica of the A-Spec concept car. That thing is sssmmokkin!!!

Actual photos

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

What's with the exhaust? Looks ugly. But the rims are definitely nice

 

[Lithium381]

eh, the back looks a bit overdone

 

[boyRacer]

When it comes to the point that the drive train layout is "limiting" your commute... i think you're driving faster than you should be and you're in the wrong car.

 

[OS]

you guys seriously need to stop jacking off to RWD. Drivetrain layout alone doesn't determine handling ability. IMO suspension type and tuning play a bigger role in handling than what wheels are being driven. Of course it's easier to remember FWD, RWD, AWD than it is to remember all the pesky details and various types of suspension. Lets not muddy the waters with facts. suspension guide

The accord platform as long as I can remember has always had double wishbone suspension at all 4 wheels. For passenger cars, this suspension type is one of the best because it keeps the tire at the correct geometry during cornering to provide an even and maximum contact patch area.

I am in the slow process of building up the suspension in my 2003 accord. I have EX alloys and 20mm 04 6MT TL rear sway bar in my car as of the moment. Handling is pretty good, in fact the factory tires are the limiting factor right now. Large sweeping freeway turns I can progressively apply more and more throttle and the car digs in and grips harder.

I definitely need to get new tires and I am probably going to buy a TSX strut bar soon. Shocks and struts ideally i wanted honda HFP ones but honda doesn't sell them without the stupid body kit and wheels. :frown: Either that or buy a used set of TSX springs and struts.

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: OS
you guys seriously need to stop jacking off to RWD. Drivetrain layout alone doesn't determine handling ability. IMO suspension type and tuning play a bigger role in handling than what wheels are being driven. Of course it's easier to remember FWD, RWD, AWD than it is to remember all the pesky details and various types of suspension. Lets not muddy the waters with facts. suspension guide

The accord platform as long as I can remember has always had double wishbone suspension at all 4 wheels. For passenger cars, this suspension type is one of the best because it keeps the tire at the correct geometry during cornering to provide an even and maximum contact patch area.

I am in the slow process of building up the suspension in my 2003 accord. I have EX alloys and 20mm 04 6MT TL rear sway bar in my car as of the moment. Handling is pretty good, in fact the factory tires are the limiting factor right now. Large sweeping freeway turns I can progressively apply more and more throttle and the car digs in and grips harder.

I definitely need to get new tires and I am probably going to buy a TSX strut bar soon. Shocks and struts ideally i wanted honda HFP ones but honda doesn't sell them without the stupid body kit and wheels. :frown: Either that or buy a used set of TSX springs and struts.

Sounds like a lot of mods to an Accord just to get to where a stock f body stands... In case you didn't know, f bodies handle like lotus elises.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: Nebor

Sounds like a lot of mods to an Accord just to get to where a stock f body stands... In case you didn't know, f bodies handle like lotus elises.

Man, another dick waver. With the live axle, how about on anything besides glass smooth pavement?

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: Nebor

Sounds like a lot of mods to an Accord just to get to where a stock f body stands... In case you didn't know, f bodies handle like lotus elises.

Man, another dick waver. With the live axle, how about on anything besides glass smooth pavement?

Why would you drive your sports car in less than optimal conditions? My Lightning has never seen rain, or driven through a puddle. I don't drive on bump roads. Almost 3 years old and still in perfect condition.

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis
Why would you buy this when there are better RWD sedans available? Or hell, you could wait a few months for the new Legacy. It's one thing buying a FWD luxury sedan. It's another thing buying a FWD "sport sedan".

Better in what way? The TL has more standard options than ANY of it's competitors for THOUSANDS less. Let's think about this for a second

At the same price, NO BMW, Audi, Lexus, Mercedes, or Infiniti can compete with the sheer amount of standard features this car comes with, nor will they have as powerful of an engine (well, except for the G35).

Lets not forget about the sound system that comes standard on the TL - DVD-A quality better than all of it's comptitors at the same price point - the only other manufacturer that offers one that can compete is Lexus with it's Mark Levenson packages. The optional navigation is one of the best in the industry, has the largest screen, and is one of the easiest to use - again, it's only competitor that offers a navigation system that is nearly as good is Lexus.

98% of buyers could care less what wheel drive the car, hell, most probably couldn't even tell the differences in handing unless someone pointed them out. FWD is ideal for most car buyers because it's easier to control in the snow and rain than ANY RWD vehicle, and it will be easier to control for most drivers.

Keep talking out of your ass, it's obvious you've never driven this vehicle, let alone seen one in person. Enjoy your overpriced RWD "sports" sedan when a similarly priced TL hands you your ass on the track.

I said that a FWD luxury sedan makes sense, but a FWD sport sedan does not. What don't you understand about that? And what track are you talking about? What does 1/4 mile time matter in the real world??? DVD audio? How many DVD audio discs do you have?

The point of the A Spec is to be a sport sedan. Not a luxury sedan that owners won't push to the limits. You can pretend FWD/RWD doesn't matter, but in this segment, it does.

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis
Why would you buy this when there are better RWD sedans available? Or hell, you could wait a few months for the new Legacy. It's one thing buying a FWD luxury sedan. It's another thing buying a FWD "sport sedan".

Better in what way? The TL has more standard options than ANY of it's competitors for THOUSANDS less. Let's think about this for a second

At the same price, NO BMW, Audi, Lexus, Mercedes, or Infiniti can compete with the sheer amount of standard features this car comes with, nor will they have as powerful of an engine (well, except for the G35).

Lets not forget about the sound system that comes standard on the TL - DVD-A quality better than all of it's comptitors at the same price point - the only other manufacturer that offers one that can compete is Lexus with it's Mark Levenson packages. The optional navigation is one of the best in the industry, has the largest screen, and is one of the easiest to use - again, it's only competitor that offers a navigation system that is nearly as good is Lexus.

98% of buyers could care less what wheel drive the car, hell, most probably couldn't even tell the differences in handing unless someone pointed them out. FWD is ideal for most car buyers because it's easier to control in the snow and rain than ANY RWD vehicle, and it will be easier to control for most drivers.

Keep talking out of your ass, it's obvious you've never driven this vehicle, let alone seen one in person. Enjoy your overpriced RWD "sports" sedan when a similarly priced TL hands you your ass on the track.

I said that a FWD luxury sedan makes sense, but a FWD sport sedan does not. What don't you understand about that? And what track are you talking about? What does 1/4 mile time matter in the real world???

1/4 mile time matters a lot more in the real world than track times. Stop lights are proving grounds, and if you can't keep up there, you lose respect.

I live my life a quarter mile at a time. /Vin Diesel.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: Nebor

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: Nebor

Sounds like a lot of mods to an Accord just to get to where a stock f body stands... In case you didn't know, f bodies handle like lotus elises.

Man, another dick waver. With the live axle, how about on anything besides glass smooth pavement?

Why would you drive your sports car in less than optimal conditions? My Lightning has never seen rain, or driven through a puddle. I don't drive on bump roads. Almost 3 years old and still in perfect condition.

Maybe because my car is a daily driver? Besides, you need to account for the fact that f bodies come with better tires than accords.

At anyrate, I need something to substantiate your lotus elise claim. Body weight works heavily against handling and the elise is a much lighter car. Although the handling on my car is much improved now, it still does not match a stock civic for quickness in turning because of the weight.

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: Nebor

Originally posted by: OS
you guys seriously need to stop jacking off to RWD. Drivetrain layout alone doesn't determine handling ability. IMO suspension type and tuning play a bigger role in handling than what wheels are being driven. Of course it's easier to remember FWD, RWD, AWD than it is to remember all the pesky details and various types of suspension. Lets not muddy the waters with facts. suspension guide

The accord platform as long as I can remember has always had double wishbone suspension at all 4 wheels. For passenger cars, this suspension type is one of the best because it keeps the tire at the correct geometry during cornering to provide an even and maximum contact patch area.

I am in the slow process of building up the suspension in my 2003 accord. I have EX alloys and 20mm 04 6MT TL rear sway bar in my car as of the moment. Handling is pretty good, in fact the factory tires are the limiting factor right now. Large sweeping freeway turns I can progressively apply more and more throttle and the car digs in and grips harder.

I definitely need to get new tires and I am probably going to buy a TSX strut bar soon. Shocks and struts ideally i wanted honda HFP ones but honda doesn't sell them without the stupid body kit and wheels. :frown: Either that or buy a used set of TSX springs and struts.

Sounds like a lot of mods to an Accord just to get to where a stock f body stands... In case you didn't know, f bodies handle like lotus elises.

hahahaha... riiight... thats a 1000lbs difference at the least. im not saying an f-body handles like crap... in the right hands they can be tuned to handle pretty damn good. but why the hell are you comparing an accord to an f-body anyway... a car is as fast as its driver.

 

[Lore]

My TL handles just fine, and I've never experienced any of the oft-touted "torque steer" due to its FWD layout. If any of you visit the Temple of VTEC they did a quick underbody analysis of the TL and pointed out some engineering considerations to make sure that the TL did not experience torque steer.

Whenever I've pushed my car at those highway turns, I can apply quite a bit of gas without feeling like I'm about to spin out. While I agree that the power steering seems to be way too loose at higher speeds, I feel very comfortable with the handling.

 

[boyRacer]

Freeway != race track

I don't know what these people are complaining about... they must be doing some spirited driving that they oh so need a RWD for their commute. Damn parking lots must be so twisty.