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2009 Acura TL Rears Its FUGLY Nose Again?

Agent001 submitted on 07/22/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 4:55 AM
from: www.autospies.com

[99] user comments | category: Spy Shots

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Tags: 2009 Acura TL

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2009 Acura TL Rears Its FUGLY Nose Again?

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motor1 - 7/22/2008 5:07:12 AM

+13 Boost

Acura should be ashamed, letting this car actually roll of the line. Honda should totally not let them do it.

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motor1 - 7/22/2008 5:07:55 AM

+3 Boost

And the car's headlights tend to look more like a Toyota Camry.

hao420 - 7/22/2008 3:05:39 PM

0 Boost

People will pay little bit more...get the 09 RL.

randy33 - 7/23/2008 2:05:52 AM

+1 Boost

It's just terrible. I can't even bear to look at it. It's the ugliest car I've ever seen. IT IS UGLIER THAN THE AZTEC.

THIS IS THE WORST CAR EVER. What a disgrace.

528i - 7/22/2008 5:15:20 AMView My AgentSpace

+13 Boost

which one is the rear end.. I can't tell..

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Brembo - 7/22/2008 8:53:30 AM

+5 Boost

I was thinking that. LOL

Brembo - 7/22/2008 8:54:30 AM

-1 Boost

But I don't mind the design. I was the new TSX in the showroom. It looks good.

Maverick2020 - 7/22/2008 6:28:56 AM

+7 Boost

Wow. I think they should make the shield even bigger--it's not quite prominent enough.

Should appeal to the small penis crowd who can no longer afford to put gas in their HUMMER.

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SSP350 - 7/22/2008 6:34:18 AM

-3 Boost

I like it. Very distinct.

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bulldogz - 7/22/2008 8:04:05 AM

+8 Boost

Welcome to the Island of One!

golfer38 - 7/22/2008 9:18:37 AMView My AgentSpace

-6 Boost

Not true bull...I like it as well. However, being the third installment of "the grille" it looks the most prominent. Definitely something to see in person before passing final judgement.

fling85 - 7/22/2008 11:18:37 AM

-5 Boost

I kind of like this too. Once it is 100% uncover, it will look even better.

w209w114 - 7/22/2008 11:47:50 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Distinct? the Real looks like that of the Astra...

w209w114 - 7/22/2008 11:48:57 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

oops. I mean insignia

SVTruong - 7/22/2008 1:56:41 PM

+2 Boost

When I first saw the pictures I was very disgusted. However, like many of Honda/Acura's designs, eventually it started to grow on me. One thing though... it's not too successful of a design if you have to try to like it. I feel like I'm trying to like it right now...perhaps that's why. eh... =/

harbingerofsmoke - 7/22/2008 6:35:47 AM

+6 Boost

I just threw up a little bit in my mouth.

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gooch - 7/22/2008 6:37:58 AM

+3 Boost

I almost hate to say it, but despite that schnoz, I like the profile and I like the rear end. It does not look like anything else on the road and distinctiveness counts for a lot. That schnoz, though -- damn. Wow. That will take a lot of getting used to.

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w209w114 - 7/22/2008 11:48:36 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Look up the rear of a Saturn Astra

w209w114 - 7/22/2008 11:49:15 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Opel Insignia** which will become a saturn

gooch - 7/22/2008 2:57:35 PM

0 Boost

Actually, the more I look at it, the more the rear reminds me of the last-generation Maxima (the one that was just replaced), with the faux flying buttress and the short deck. Only this one is more angular, Acura-style.
That schnoz is still galling, though.

DieselRules - 7/25/2008 1:22:23 AM

+2 Boost

Like the profile???
Yet another 1998 Audi A6 ... sure, it may have been one of the most nicely proportioned cars ever (and this, like all the other copies, are too cheap to put the 3rd window in) but its certainly nothing new.
Look at the latest Malibu ... this is another clone of a clone of a clone of a clone, except this one has an uglier face!

rscaffidi - 7/22/2008 7:12:54 AM

+3 Boost

On the cntrary, I think this car is trying to be too many cars at once...although the nasty schnoz clearly is Acura, the rear seems like it's trying to be some combination of a Lexus GS series and a Saturn Aura with the taillights, with a little Honda Accord Coupe thrown in for good measure. The rear three quarter view remins me of a Nissan Altima/Maxima, or maybe even a Lexus ES series...Acura always had nice looking, although somewhat blander designs compared to other automakers...now it seems like they're sacrificng beauty and flowing lines for more in-your-face distinctiveness...what a shame

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blackbr - 7/22/2008 8:06:42 AM

+5 Boost

Agree 100% with gooch. The front end is unthinkably bad, I cannot understand why Acura would give the go-ahead on this design. Side seems very Infiniti M-like, and I too like the rear end, especially the CTS-like exhaust treatment. Shame the dash was covered up because I would have liked to see the interior. Truth is, interior design is more important to me, as one doesn't drive a car from the outside. I can forgive the beak if everything else about the car is right.

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HSCenterconsole - 7/22/2008 8:20:49 AM

+1 Boost

The rear of the TL reminds me of the "bustle back" second generation Cadillace Seville from the 80's.

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HSCenterconsole - 7/22/2008 8:50:00 AM

-1 Boost

And that certainly isn't a good thing.

g2ok - 7/22/2008 8:34:45 AM

+3 Boost

It stinks. Acura has gone completely insane.

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Homer007 - 7/22/2008 8:42:25 AM

-4 Boost

People like 001 or motor 1 are getting old. Some act like they 90 years old on this website I swear! The older you are, more blind to the new designs for younger generation. Whenever there are changes...old farts are confused, stagnated with the old design and if not the same then it must be ugly is their logic. Its called going senile.

Its almost 2009! Not 1975 or 1985 or 1995 for godsakes!

This design is very very very very refreshing!

Finally a Main stream auto-giant designs that are shockingly different and controversial to some! But of course old farts will say...no it is ugly or no it can't be done this way or too out of good old fashion design scheme.

If this type of re-freshed/shocking design was on a BMW btw, I'ld have stood up for it as I have now.

I'm waiting for your reply, children.

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Homer007 - 7/22/2008 8:53:20 AM

0 Boost

EL34 be quiet you vermin. I'll do you.

Geeeeeez, the new Acura looks like a dead chipmunk carcass on the side of the road :X

Brembo - 7/22/2008 8:55:53 AM

+2 Boost

Thats funny. But I have a feeling that he'll come up with some far worse.

HSCenterconsole - 7/22/2008 9:09:25 AM

+4 Boost

I just turned 26 and I personally think this car is atrociously designed.

PlanB - 7/22/2008 3:51:41 PM

+2 Boost

I'm 29 and I also think this car needs help. Designwise Honda is just in a some sort of funk right now. The only car design that they truly got right this generation where the majority of the people love it and hasn't started any epic flame wars has been the Civic.

cktoo - 7/22/2008 8:13:43 PM

+2 Boost

The problem with your logic Homer is that this car isn't being made for the "younger generation". The TL isn't made for a 20 year old...their target market is at least 35 years old with 6 figure income, ie. a little more conservative and traditional in their tastes. The present TL was an amazing design...apparently Acura wanted to destroy it and their reputation (for design) in one fell swoop.

Needless (and sad) to say as a Honda/Acura fan this TL looks like $hit with that grill. I know someone who has driven it and they say it is a pretty awesome drive, but who cares, especially if you have to close your eyes before you get in it.

Audiphile - 7/22/2008 8:59:24 AM

+3 Boost

If Barbra Streissand couldn't sing, and she was a car, she would look like this - not bad except for the prominent probiscus!

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M35MT - 7/22/2008 9:05:01 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I dont like when license plates are mounted on the bumper as opposed to the trunk. Bad move.

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gkearns56 - 7/22/2008 9:07:41 AM

+3 Boost

Homer007 You need to go back to your little cartoon series and play with your toy cars. I'd like to think when a person walks away from their car, they want to turn back around to get another glimse of their beautiful car; a car that is a well thought out design and gorgeous when you turned back around. This car is darn UGLY with the "Captain America" shield in front and fat-a@# rear (or whatever you call that). This ugly looking Acura TL will be a flop...are they taking designing lessons from the Pontiac Aztec committee; sure seems like it.

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mpwr - 7/22/2008 9:09:23 AM

+3 Boost

this is very bold, and i for one do not like it. New design direction for the lip of the hood, with it being recessed behind the grill. It may have worked better if the beak wasnt so large, ie come down as far from the crease of the hood line. The other lines I like, and of course the engineering of the last vehicle was great, so it will be a shame if this tanks an otherwise great car.

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bmwdrvr - 7/22/2008 9:12:14 AM

-2 Boost

I still think this desighn is not that bad, from the rear angle it does sorta look like an Aura, but I doubt that was intentional, the TSX is a car that doesnt look good in pics, but they are nice looking in person better than the bland could be anything last one, I commend Honda for attempting a new more daring styling theme with their Honda and Acura products, they look very futuristic like it really is almost 2009, instead of looking like something straight out of the 90s which alot cars still do, I honestly cant see how this any worse than a car like the M which has an oversized over chromed grill, chrome everywhere, huge rear tail lights, but overall a derivitive desighn. Maybe its just me but i like it, I think in person it will be a bold, and attractive car, which is more than you can say about acuras past, or recent present.

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Hachee2001 - 7/22/2008 9:15:11 AM

+2 Boost

Well, the nose is completely ridiculous, but other than that, it's certainly not ugly. The rear does look like some other cars, as does the roof line, but it's still pretty goodlooking. I happen to be a big fan of the current design, which IMO was very distinctive and has aged well. I think they should have kept the general side window profile of the current car rather than going to the unbelievably common BMW Hoffmeister kink.

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cybernetck - 7/22/2008 9:18:16 AM

0 Boost

I admit that this car looks odd, but I lean towards the camp of this design being refreshing and interesting. I suspect that this car will be a hit when it debuts;

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golfer38 - 7/22/2008 9:25:13 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

This is probably the sh-awd variant with 310 hp due to be released in Nov. The quad exhaust is the clue.

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204E60 - 7/22/2008 9:44:00 AM

+6 Boost

The bath towel used to (partially) cover the dashboard should have been used to cover the entire car... permanently. That is one really ugly machine.

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golfer38 - 7/25/2008 11:49:25 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

lol!

Star - 7/22/2008 9:53:24 AM

+5 Boost

Now that's one ugly car...

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0to60 - 7/22/2008 5:13:05 PM

+3 Boost

I think this is the first thing we ever agreed on

ExGC - 7/22/2008 10:11:59 AM

+8 Boost

Wow - Nothing wrong with it but the front . . . but holy crap, it's ugly enough to ruin the whole car!

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drew630 - 7/22/2008 10:22:43 AM

+2 Boost

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

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EL34 - 7/22/2008 10:26:53 AM

-2 Boost

It's got that trendy wedgy cheese look.

Like the Nissan GT-R.

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klossfam - 7/22/2008 10:28:42 AM

+2 Boost

Like many I had to bail on Acura/Honda (2004 TSX and Honda Pilot are now a 2008 Infiniti G35xS and Highlander Ltd)...I'm glad I got out before THE BEAK became "standard equipment"...Between the CHROME DOME schnooz of the new Pilot and the horrific beak of the TSX, RL and new TL, what is next???? These designs will not age well on top of it, making the Acura value much less inticing (the value proposition has been gone for a while, however). I was appalled when the current gen MDX came out with THE SHIELD...now it seems stylish and even tame by comparison...

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M53R - 7/22/2008 10:49:27 AMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

It does look decent and fresh. I like the rear end with sharp angles that remind me of Cadillac. But that's really it. The stupid BEAK ruins the whole front end, making the car undesirable.

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LexSucks - 7/22/2008 10:50:57 AM

+7 Boost

I see Altima (from the rear)
I see Infiniti M35/45 (C-pillar/green house)
I see a Toyota Camry (head lights)
I see the most Garish, tasteless Grill ever created
I see a Dud.


I'd hate to be an Acura Fan right now. LOL!
This car will not steal any BMW sales.


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answer - 7/22/2008 11:10:12 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

The worst thing about this, and what makes the design of the new TL/RL so sad, is that Acura is capable of so much more.

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cktoo - 7/22/2008 8:18:08 PM

+2 Boost

True, and to give a little credit, I actually saw the RL in person last week and it looks pretty sharp...EXCEPT for that damn grill. Same with the TSX, nice looking car, but grill sucks. Looks like third time (TL) was the charm...for most awful grill of the bunch.

atomicbri - 7/22/2008 11:23:31 AMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

HOT! I love IT!!! Much better than any Lexus or Infiniti, BMW or Merc!!!... in an alternate universe maybe. No, no, no Acura. This is horrible. The side and back not so much but it is not good either. It is a hodge podge of many designs rolled onto one horrid shield. Wow, really, really ugly. I drove a TSX and I wasn't really too impressed with it either. Steering was disconnected and had no road feel at all. Guess I am just spoiled by my current car. Also the sat-nav system is in a horrible place, all I saw was glare from the sun and could barely make out the nav map on it without moving my head over the center console then up towards it. Not a "bright" move Acura. So many drops here lately, now this, one car that was decent, now ugly beyond belief!

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auto001 - 7/22/2008 11:28:22 AM

-4 Boost

Wow, what a bold, futuristic design :) this one belongs in the movie Minority Report, while BMW's belong in the movie Shrek.

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g2ok - 7/22/2008 11:28:38 AM

+1 Boost

Does anyone know who is in charge at Acura? Maybe a letter writing campaign or petition to stop making ugly cars would give them a clue.

The designs are not ground breaking, but derivative and impart a measure desparation. 5 years from now these Acura cars are going to look very dated whereas your Mercedes, Lexus, BMW will still look nice.

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bulldogz - 7/22/2008 11:40:44 AM

+7 Boost

...needs more camo.

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SHOoff92 - 7/22/2008 12:04:02 PM

+1 Boost

I still don't understand why Acura needs to have quad exhaust tips on a V-6 car, they look terrible.

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DieselRules - 7/25/2008 1:28:41 AM

+1 Boost

Because Honda has dual exits on a V6 (note: not dual exhaust ... its a single exhaust splitting to 2 mufflers ... the opposite of many real performance cars that run dual exhausts into a single muffler)
And Acura has to be "better" than other Hondas to justify the price.

mattman953 - 7/22/2008 12:44:17 PM

+2 Boost

How sad.

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supermoto - 7/22/2008 1:00:18 PM

+3 Boost

The whole car should be covered by the blanket, not just the dash. Does the car come with ski masks? I would be embarassed to be seen I were driving this car.

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Agent63 - 7/22/2008 1:03:10 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

WHY that rear end The TL was my favorite Acura. Am I waiting for the NSX to save my opinion of the company?

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vladyxa - 7/22/2008 1:21:25 PM

+1 Boost

Rear looks like Saturn.
Front looks just... supermoto is right, it should wear mask.

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Whelan - 7/22/2008 1:24:41 PM

+2 Boost

Front looks like the old TL with the ugly new grille from the RL slapped on it.

The rear reminds me of the Saturn Aura with a more bangle styles trunk. And please tell me they did not ditch the LED taillamps?

I never understood why companies feel the need to go backwards. LEDs are brighter, light up faster, and last longer than a conventional bulb, yet Honda ditched them on the new Accord for some reason. Not to mention they use less power.

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LexSucks - 7/22/2008 1:42:00 PM

-1 Boost

LEDs were ditched as a cost cutting measure. My next car has to have LED tail-lights but most folks just dont care.

markanthony0419 - 7/22/2008 1:40:21 PM

-2 Boost

I had a 2003 tl type s after that it was all down hill for acura. frist they do away with the 95 legend coupe (maybe one of the best cars under 35k) then in 2004 they change the shape of the tl for the worse. now 2009 i dont even know wha to say.

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NISSANINFINITI - 7/22/2008 2:14:18 PM

+1 Boost

I love this TL from the side only...i think the profile is totally AWSOME!!!!! the front of the car is EXTREMELY exaggerated.... that grill is ridiculously HUGE!!! and the rear end of it looks CHEAP. I think a few have said it best when they said Saturn Aura or whatever car..... thats really sad that Acura which was a very close second to Lexus when the companies began, has gone so far left its not funny.

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BenzMan - 7/22/2008 2:22:28 PM

+3 Boost

That car looks horrible. I do like the previous generation TSX though, and the last generation RL that had a side profile similar to my 98 E-class. But maybe I am too old fashioned.

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Caraficionado - 7/22/2008 2:23:36 PM

+2 Boost

That nose can't be real

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BmwVoyager - 7/22/2008 2:36:30 PM

+1 Boost

eww

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Options - 7/22/2008 2:43:17 PM

+1 Boost

Did Bangle design this?

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Milton - 7/22/2008 3:00:26 PM

-4 Boost

I actually like it.Looks very sporty.

I really don't understand why you guys dislike it.

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LexSucks - 7/22/2008 3:30:14 PM

+4 Boost

You need to have your eyes checked.

wkc5354 - 7/22/2008 3:06:54 PM

+1 Boost

Back and side view look ok but the front is Ugly!!!
and why did Acura get rid of the RSX (or the Integra Name) Bad mistake because i remember Integra name was selling.

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LexSucks - 7/22/2008 3:31:26 PM

+2 Boost

Acura got rid of the "Legend" and "Integra" name because they are clueless when it comes to naming their cars.

NISSANINFINITI - 7/23/2008 5:50:23 PM

+2 Boost

They got rid of the car "names" and went alpha numeric because Lexus aand Infiniti (and of course the originators of luxury BMW & MB & Audi but im not including them because they were not competetors back then)were their luxury competetors and they all had alpha numeric names so they followed suit.

finishline - 7/22/2008 3:49:25 PM

+4 Boost

They should have left the cow catcher for the after-market. Otherwise I think it's a nice looking car. I'm driving a TL now, but won't be trading for this new one, based on looks alone. I admit it. I'm judging a book by its cover. Just like if you're wearing Crocs, I won't stick around to see if you have a nice personality.

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Whelan - 7/22/2008 4:10:38 PM

+2 Boost

to wkc5354. Acura ditched the Integra for the RSX. Then ditched the RSX because when the new Civic Si debuted it had the same engine, transmission, and offered an LSD (Which the RSX never offered stock). And it cost less. So they saw no need to continue with it.

I personally would have done several things with Acura:

1) Redo the RSX to be more like a G35 coupe competitor

2) Made an S2000 version similar to a BMW Z4

3) Given the range AWD. TSX uses the same engine out of the Element and CR-V 2.4L 4cyl. So putting the system in would not be difficult. And for the TL, you could easily fit an AWD system in to the car.



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wbradd3797 - 7/22/2008 4:23:05 PM

+2 Boost

I think this is a prank by the Acura designers just to see who would take a spy photo seriously. They gotcha!!!

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tecnopolis - 7/22/2008 4:30:40 PM

+3 Boost

Saturn and Nissan should be impressed they copied a "lil" of each of the Aura and Maxima when designing the rear of this creature.

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iamthehighway - 7/22/2008 5:50:08 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

nice car as a whole, but i just can't get over the hideous schnoz on it... looks like a giant paper clip... needs to be scheduled for a rhinoplasty asap!

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chonnes - 7/22/2008 6:46:53 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Anyone else notice how "whacked" the stacked driving/cornering lights look? I actually like the quad exhaust look. Unfortunately, it's gonna take a lot more than trick exhaust for me to plunk down $35K. Sad thing is that I loved the previous TL and really wanted to like the new generation. Whatta shame.

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enthusiastx11 - 7/22/2008 8:56:07 PM

+5 Boost