2003 Acura Concept TL - The Real Thing Wont Look Much Different

At major auto shows like New Yorks last month, automakers unveil out of this world concept cars as well as what seem like barely disguised future production models. Acuras Concept TL should be placed firmly in the latter category.

Why can I be so sure? Just look at its conservative lines. Replace the outside rearview cameras with a pair of conventional mirrors, clean up a few custom trim pieces and viola, a larger TSX with its own distinct taillights. And if you dont believe me, how about Tom Elliott, Acuras Executive Vice President of Auto Operations? During the press event he stated, "The Concept TLs dynamic design is a pure expression of Acura and provides an advance preview of the all-new 2004 TL." There you have it.

While radical concepts like last years Dn-X stretch the imagination barriers, soft concepts like the TL are in some ways even more interesting. After all, once the initial stimulation brought on by the future shock space car wears off, weve all got to drive home from the show in something

Acuras Concept TL being debuted during lunch at the New York Auto Show. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

The Concept TL is true to Acuras design lineage. No surprises here, just a new adaptation of the crisp, clean lines that have made the current midsize Acura sedan such a popular seller in the first place.

"Every aspect of this concepts design, from the aggressive front end to the short rear overhang, contributes to an aggressive, muscular style that conveys the TLs high-performance nature," added Elliott.

Compared to the current TL, the new concept is several inches shorter, giving it a sportier appearance. The wedge shaped profile looks wind cheating while slightly exaggerated wheel arches give it a hunkered down, glued to the road appearance. Behind the 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels are a bright red set of 4-piston

Its taillights are quite distinct, possibly preluding a new direction for Acura design overall. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Xenon high-intensity headlamps flank the modified Acura trademark grille, complete with a thick strip of brushed aluminum trim displaying the brands compass logo at center. The LED taillights are especially attractive, giving the TL a unique presence within the Acura family, as well as separating it from most other cars available today.

One item that wont make production, at least not yet, is a series of jet nozzles that replace the windshield wipers. They shoot high-pressure air from their cowl location onto the windshield to keep it free from precipitation, providing a similar effect to the hot air blasters that dry off your car on the way out of an automatic carwash.

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