2009 Acura TL: new photos emerge

[ekool]

Nearly three weeks ago, Acura released a single image of its redesign 2009 TL sedan, along with some official specs. So far, the Honda subsidiary hasn’t released any further images or information. Luckily, a quick thinking photographer managed to snap a few photos of a virtually undisguised ‘09 TL at a store parking lot.

The redesigned 2009 Acura TL will arrive in showrooms this fall. The luxury sedan will be available in two distinctive versions including the first ever application of ‘Super Handling All-Wheel Drive’ (SH-AWD) on TL.

So far, details are sparse, and only a single image has been released. As previously reported, both the standard FWD and the SH-AWD model (distinguished by its quad exhaust) have been seen. When it comes to redesigns, Acura appears to be on a roll — we’ve already seen the new RL and TSX this year, and the new TL should arrive before the end of 2008, too.

In April, information leaked out of an Acura dealer meeting in New Orleans regarding the new TL. According to a source who attended the meeting, the 2009 Acura TL lineup will consist of two models: a base front-wheel drive car and an up-level all-wheel drive model. The front-driver will be powered by a 280 horsepower 3.5L V6 whereas the AWD model will receive its motivation from a 3.7L V6 producing 310 horsepower.

Despite boasting 310 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the range-topping model will not sport the Type-S nameplate. In fact, the source says that Acura will not offer a Type-S model, at least not in 2009. It remains unclear if the performance model will eventually join the lineup.

However, the SH-AWD model will sport quad-exhaust and 18 inch wheels to differentiate it from lesser TL models. Our spy photos also clearly show the car’s new SH-AWD rear differential.

Acura has promised us a new TL by the end of the year so a Los Angeles Auto Show reveal seems likely, with an on-sale date shortly after.

Via: 2009 Acura TL: new photos emerge

[Pikes Peak Acura]

First of all, I cannot wait until this comes out....Any takers?

[duckdog]

Originally Posted by Pikes Peak Acura

First of all, I cannot wait until this comes out....Any takers?

Not this side of hell.

You have to understand that most of us here really hate the new grill and the ghey fascia front and rear. In another thread here someplace on the site a member posted what the JDM Honda Legend has for a grill and that makes a 100% difference in appearance.

New North American models? Epic Fail.

[MC Teg]

I wonder how low North American sales are going to be like for the new model

[Acura_Kid]

kinda fugly IMHO. whats with the bump-up in the front fender? does the tire really articulate that high?? looks like a morph that failed to complete during the SG rendering process, or something....

[01silmdxt]

It's definitely uglier than the previous model, to me though.