SPY SHOTS! 2009 Acura TL

by Brenda Priddy | Link to Original Article @ TCC | (2007-08-22)

Although this prototype is cloaked in camouflage, this is the first time Acura's next TL sedan has been photographed while testing during daylight hours.

Although nearly everything is covered in vinyl, a closer look at the headlamps and especially the taillights, indicates that this sedan will carry over strong styling cues from Acura's Advanced Sedan Concept, which was first shown at the 2006 LA Auto Show.

We still don't know too much about the 2009 TL other than these pictures, but if Honda's reluctance to build a V-8 engine still holds, we expect a V-6 engine with 300 horsepower in the next TL, along with a version of Acura's SH-AWD system.

Click here for more hi-res shots!

That grille is worrying me. I hope it isn't MDX-ified. The current TL is simple and pleasing to the eye, let's hope Honda doesn't over complicate it with this next gen version.

That grille is worrying me. I hope it isn't MDX-ified. The current TL is simple and pleasing to the eye, let's hope Honda doesn't over complicate it with this next gen version.

i'm terrified of that grille, it looks just like the MDX front. that'll turn off buyers real fast.

is honda rebadging the new lincoln MKS?

Horndawg sold its soul to the Satoy.

i guess it doens't even matter what it looks like, it will still have no guts under the hood relative to its competition.

i guess it doens't even matter what it looks like, it will still have no guts under the hood relative to its competition.

You know what "no guts" is? It's a Cadillac CTS with only 210hp. :AH-HA_wink:

I find the MDX grille attractive, aggressive and different. It makes the car, IMO.

You know what "no guts" is? It's a Cadillac CTS with only 210hp. :AH-HA_wink:

...because Cadillac clearly neglected to offer a version that spanks anything that Acura ever produced with four doors.

i guess it doens't even matter what it looks like, it will still have no guts under the hood relative to its competition.

Being the only one here who has seen this car in action...

It's got plenty of guts and plenty of grip.

i guess it doens't even matter what it looks like, it will still have no guts under the hood relative to its competition.

Have you driven the TL man? I wouldn't say it was gutless.

On top of that, the TL and late-CL were the vehicles that set the bar in terms of horsepower -- the early 00's Type-S models were offering 260 horses in a sub-35k luxury car before Infiniti, Cadillac, BMW, Lexus, Saab, or Lincoln (I leave out Audi as they still aren't). Sure, HP isn't everything and sure, they're front drivers, but the TL is a very competent vehicle that's simply been outclassed (can you blame it -- it's one of the oldest designs in its segment)