Is This a Future TL Type-S?
Canadian Acura enthusiasts will be familiar with the A-SPEC designation, being a limited edition 2003 3.2 TL Type-S. For those living south of the border the name will be new, but the idea of custom tuning an already hot ride is part and parcel to the territory.
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| What makes the A-SPEC concept so great? Cool aerodynamic aids, enhanced handling and more power. (Photo: Acura Canada) |
Whether the A-SPEC concept launched at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week comes to market as a the Type-S, or a specially equipped version of the same, is hardly important. What matters is that something close to this prototype becomes part of the Acura lineup in Canada as well as the U.S.
What's so good about it? The formula is simple really. Cool aerodynamic aids, enhanced handling and more power.
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| A seriously revised front fascia, larger grille, raked headlight clusters and massive lower ducts make the A-SPEC concept stand apart from the current TL. (Photo: Acura Canada) |
Starting with the styling, a seriously revised front fascia, larger grille, raked headlight clusters and massive lower ducts redefine the TL's persona from sinuous long-distance runner to muscle-bound sprinter. The view from the front should appeal to Touring Car Championship aficionados as much as NASCAR fans, it's that aggressive.
Behind back a new trunk lid integrates a Kamm-style lip for increased downforce at high speed. It looks sweet too, complimented by redesigned taillight lenses and a new bumper that incorporates larger, "high flow" exhaust tips.
Nothing less than 21-inch alloy rims wrapped in performance rubber manage road control, coming off even more purposeful due to the concept's 42 mm (two-inch) wider track. To fit the wheel and tire package under the fenders they've been flared, adding to the car's machismo.