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What do you guys think of the new Acura TL Type-S?

You can see pics and specs here:  http://acura-tls.blogspot.com

I think even though it will be FWD, it will still be a great seller.  It'll be listed right below 40 grand.  With it's main competitor being the Lexus IS 350 and the Infiniti G35 (Which is also coming out with a new model in 07.  

Pluses for me on the Type-S.
1. More HP
2. Real Time Traffic
3. Review Camera on the Navigation System
4. Looks

Negatives
1. FWD
2. Wheels

How about you?  

I love most of the design. The interior is a plus most of the exterior styling looks good. It's just that front end. Thats the only thing that kept me from purchasing one. It just looks so plain and doesn't belong with the rest of the car. If the front end of the vehicle was redesigned it'll be a great car in my eyes. Its the grille and headlights that ruins the rest of the car.  

The Acura TL, to be sure, is an attractive automobile.  I like the car's wide, road-gripping stance as well as its overall shape.  The interior is extremely flattering, perhaps because it contains numerous Audi design elements in it.  On to the Type-S.  I like Honda's approach, I really do.  The engineers at Honda don't just put in 500 horses into a sedan and call it "performance."  No, they appear to almost take a rational, analytical route whereby they truly do recognize that performance need not replace reason.  I like the fact that the Type-S is relatively fuel efficient (19 city, 29 hwy with 6-Speed stick) and that its performance figures should be in the 0-60 5-6 second range.  There is also the presence of Brembo technology and a rather banal sounding "sport-tuned suspension," whatever they may claim that is.  In my estimation, the Type-S is rational, economical, and reliable.  Arguably, these are precisely the reasons why it will never be considered as a legitimate contender to such presumable competitors like the S4.  Automobiles like the S4 are tested and tested, to limits of performance.  Automobiles like the S4 are decidedly not very practical, nor economical, nor much reliable (although Audi may be seen as an exception).  You purchase an S4 to look good, in all probability.  However, at least some interpret and respect the S4 as track ready.  On the other hand, the small lip spoiler on the TL Type-S that just sits there without much purpose except for the looks, or those four pipes intent on making some noise are just distractions.  And that is my problem with this car.  It seems too much of a gimmick.  And that is why I would not purchase a TL Type-S.  A TL is attractive.  A TL Type-S appears simply not to be a practical alternative.  

Color is the Kinetic Blue. This color is nicer in person than pictures show. Would prefer a little darker though. I'm not a fan of the wheels, but, like the color, they are nicer in person than pictures show. Torque steer is not an issue - I think Acura is limiting the torque on take-off. This could cut into 0-60 times though. Speaking of which, here are my guesses... 0-60 in 5.6. 1/4 mile in 14.3. The car pulls more once it gets moving. A later test with my g-timer will confirm these numbers. One thing of note is the sound system. It is AWESOME. Listen to the sample DVD that comes with the car and you will be sold. Fit and finish is nice. Handling is good but they put these junk Michelins tires on stock (I was hoping for the Potenzas). Might swap those out soon. XM and NAV are of high quality and work better than most. That's all I can think of now. If you have specific questions, let me know!  

I like the looks of the TL Type-S and i'm a general fan of sportier sedans, but in a sense they're unsatisfying. It's like those being a runner that always places in the top 10 but never wins. At least you're driving in comfort, have nice options, and enough power to beat most of the sport compacts out there, but you'll get blown away by any lower level sports car and most of the V8 or supercharged V6, american sports sedans (like the lowly Pontiac Grad Prix GTP, G6 GTP, Chrystler 300C's, etc). Basically, they're a lot more show than "go".  For me, if i'm going to be paying $40k for a sport sedan, i'm going to get a BMW or Audi.  The FWD isn't that big of a deal for this class of cars, but there is definitely a difference in driving experience.

It all depends on your vantage point though. If you're wanting to buy something that just looks fast and has all the options, but you're not intersted in how sport feeling, fast it is, or how much power it puts out then the TL Type S is a pretty sweet car...but if you are concerned with those things you'd probably be happier with something a RWD or AWD and/or super/turbocharged. Just my opinion...

I have a 1997 3000GT VR4 that's pushing 400 AWD-HP, and a stock 2000 Ford Contour SVT. The Contour SVT is a compact sport sedan (if there is such a thing), w/ a nice body kit, leather, allow wheels, and other options that make it a nice "sporty looking".  It's practical and fun to drive with a 5spd transmission, sporty suspension, and 215 hp, but if i'm going to race someone, i'm immediately reaching for the keys to the VR4.