Acura should also be commended in continuing to offer front-wheel drive cars in a premium market that is quickly shifting to rear-wheel drive layouts.
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| Acura bucks the current trend to rear-wheel drive, placing the automaker in a unique position among premium players. (Photo: Acura) |
Japanese rivals Lexus and Infiniti have brought new RWD entry-level models to market in the last couple of years while Cadillac is in the process of reconfiguring all of its cars from front-drive to rear. Chrysler's 300M, one of the most competitive domestic sport sedans to the TL, is also swapping drive wheels. This will leave Acura as one of the only premium players offering front-wheel drive on all of its models, what could become a very positive brand positioning strategy.
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| The A-Spec special edition sports the same engine as the upgraded Type S model while adding a long list of visual enhancements. (Photo: Acura) |
As a note, a special edition TL has been offered for 2003 dubbed the A-Spec. Mechanically the even racier TL Type S is unchanged but visually the new model offers a modified front air dam, side and rear skirts, and an exclusive rear spoiler with twin accent lights. European-style side markers are accompanied by equally unique blue or black masked headlights, depending on either of two exterior color choices, Aegean Blue Pearl and Nighthawk Black Pearl. Distinct 17-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels are also part of the package. Additionally, the A-Spec gets the appropriate badges outside and in. Its seat inserts, steering wheel's lower half, door panel inserts, and shift knob are all covered in electric blue perforated leather, the latter accented with cool aluminum. Titanium-style door and console trim round out the high-tech look. Read more on the A-Spec in a separate review in this web site.
In the end the TL, in all its variations, has worn well. While not as enticing today as it was when the newest kid on the block, it's still selling quite well. When the new 2004 model arrives this fall, its updated styling and improved overall refinement should boost Acura's fortunes dramatically. Until then there will no doubt be opportunities for savvy car shoppers to save on the current model.
