As we did with the Honda Accord, please list any predictions you have for the upcoming redesigned 2004 TL. Our Accord preview thread was a big hit and we were fairly accurate. With a possibility of the new TL debuting at the New York International Autoshow, it's time to make your guesses.

I predict the J-Series engine blocks will carry over, with the base TL making around 255HP and the Type-S making around 280HP. I expect to see a 6-speed manual transmission in the Type-S variant, especially if the CL goes extinct. I also expect the 5-speed automatic to replaced by the new 6-speed automatic their reportedly working on shortly after debut (similar to the 1999/2000 TL). 17" wheels on the base TL wouldn't shock me, and 18" inchers might be standard issue on the Type S.

Exterior dimensions will be about the same, but the interior will grow significantly, especially the back seat. Interior will be a little bit less plain, but nothing signiciant. LED instrumentation and an updated version of their navigation system might be the only major changes.

Pricing is hard to guess, because we now have the TSX and the expensive at $28,000 EX V-6 Coupe Accord. My guess is about $32,000 for the base and $35,000 for the Type-S, but it's hard to say.

 

I'm gonna say that there will be no type-s with this one.........just something makes me think that way....

I imagine they'll bring out a higher performance, different badging IMA version two years later.

other than that, I agree with the rest.......I bet it will be a much more stylish car this time around.

 

I think if there's a Type-S version outputing 280 or more, it would definitely need AWD. FWD isn't sufficient for that kind of power anymore. Therefore, I think rb6teg might be on to something, TL-S w/ IMA. Hopefully, the exterior will be more agressive and less over hang, both front and rear. The rest of AF's guess sounds good though.

 

Base TL: $32,500

- Bigger interior and exterior.
- FWD; 3.2L SOHC i-VTEC V6; 250 Horsepower
- Real leather, other luxury features
- 6 Speed Automatic Transmission w/SportShift
- Kick ass stereo...something like 300+ watts.
- 17" wheels with all seasonal grand touring tires

TL Type-S: $35,000
- AWD (updated VTM-4 system); 3.2L SOHC i-VTEC V6; 280 Horsepower
- 6 Speed Automatic Transmission w/SportShift
- 18" wheels with performance tires (Pilots?)

Only option is Navi. IMA will arrive in the RL and Acura will possibly put it in the TL, based on consumer response.

 

I think I'm in consensus with everything said here. However (!), I'm gonna say that the base hase no less than 260 hp. My guess is 270. Don't know why I say that, but I think 270 is the magic number. I'd guess 290-300 hp for the Type-S (due out in 2 years) with IMA. God I'd love that!!!

The sad part about it is, I don't think I'll be able to talk pops into springing for the S version. (~$35K) Oh well....

That is my prediction...And bring on the killer stereo!

 

I can tell you why!!! Honda wants to say :fawk: to Nissan's Infiniti G35.

 

I think if there is an S version, it will be a little pricier than $35,000.......I'm guessing it will start at $37,000......maybe a little more distance between the base and the S that can be bridged with options......The TSX is turning out to be slightly more money than people anticipated, and I expect the same thing with the TL.

How to build a luxury reputation? Put the prices out of reach of most consumers.......make most people want it, but not able to afford it.

 

I think Honda is far more interested in selling vehicles than making petty reputations.

 

Honda yes, but when it comes to a luxury brand......petty reputations count.....just look at Mercedes......

I'll agree that the reputation is only part of selling the car, but it is an important part, IMO. It's a part that Acura doesn't quite have nailed down. Telling someone you own an Acura doesn't have as much of the "wow" factor that telling someone you own a mercedes does.

 

Definately RWD with a V8 J/K

You guys touched on everything I would have said. One question I have is why single cam V6s...I would think that the Type-S might get a DOHC version. No?