Our intrepid spy photographers have captured images of the 2012 Acura TL, including the range topping TL SH-AWD model. The big news is what you don’t see on this lightly disguised test mule, specifically the large metal beak that’s affixed to the nose of the current model.
Acura calls this the “Power Plenum” grill. But Acura dealers might suggest calling it a styling disaster. The TL sedan is Acura’s best-selling vehicle, yet sales are less than half of what they were only four years ago. These spy images prove Acura heard the criticism and is scaling back the size of the controversial styling feature.
The chrome strip along the trunklid is also shrinking. Subtle changes to the front and rear bumpers are likely during this midcycle refresh—although they remain hard to spot in these images. The eagle-eyed amongst us will have noticed the SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) model no longer has its own quad-outlet exhaust tips.
We’ve always enjoyed driving the TL, especially the SH-AWD model with its 305-bhp 3.7-liter V-6 and 6-speed manual transmission. Tech-savvy car buyers will appreciate available options like the navigation system with voice recognition, real-time weather and traffic reports, as well as Acura/ELS Surround audio and Bluetooth compatibility.
With a less-polarizing design, the 2012 TL could claw back some lost sales. We’ll get a better look at this new TL when it makes its debut at either the 2011 Detroit or New York Auto Show. Sales are expected to begin sometime before next summer.