[Sandman]

This may be an indicator what may be in the 2003 MDX. Like On-Star, maybe a larger displacement engine, new color offerings, but not much...

Would like to see: Keyless Trunk Release, Wipers on the headlights(option), Xenon (HID) Headlights(optional),BSM Standard, Dual Stainless exhaust (optional) [the current exhaust system dangles away from the underside of the body. This is great for reducing noise and vibration, but underscores that this vehicle is for use primarily on paved roads], rear mudguards (standard),an optional Type S with Vehicle Stability Assist and sport shifter, rear assist system and DVD entertainment system ported from the Pilot (optional).

Too bad the new TL Type S doesn't share the close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission of the new CL Type S. Other than Onstar,{which is probably free for the 1st year costs about $205+/yr after that- I don't know how the RL program works. This is convienant if you lock your keys inside your MDX, I am sure none of you did this yet and a vehicle locator system (kinda like a satellite powered Lojak}, new colors, not much has changed for your extra $100.


Acura Announces Pricing for 2003 3.2 TL Luxury Performance Sedan; Top-Selling Luxury Sedan Goes on Sale February 5

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Acura today announced pricing for the 2003 model 3.2 TL luxury performance sedan. The 3.2 TL comes in two fully featured models, the well-appointed 3.2 TL, priced at $28,980, and the high-performance TL Type-S, priced at $31,330. Both TL models go on sale today at Acura dealers nationwide.
The 3.2 TL has been the number one selling luxury sedan in its class for the past three years with 2001 sales totaling 69,484 units. The 2003 3.2 TL features a 225 horsepower V-6 engine with 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, four-wheel-independent double-wishbone suspension and 16-inch wheels and tires. The TL Type-S boosts engine output to 260 horsepower, features a sport-tuned suspension for even more responsive handling and adds 17-inch wheels and tires.
For the 2003 model year, all TL models equipped with the optional Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System receive the OnStar(R) in-vehicle communications service as standard equipment. In addition, two new exterior colors, Desert Mist and Royal Ruby, will be available beginning in Fall 2002.

2003 Acura 3.2 TL Highlights:
Powertrain
-- 3.2 liter, SOHC, V-6, aluminum alloy engine
-- 225 hp at 5600 rpm and 216 lb-ft of torque at 4700 rpm (TL)
-- 260 hp at 6100 rpm and 232 lb-ft of torque between 3500 and 5500 rpm
(TL Type-S)
-- Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC)
-- Dual-stage induction system and high-flow exhaust (TL Type-S)
-- Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
-- 5-speed Sequential SportShift semi-manual transmission
-- Direct ignition system
-- 105,000-mile tune-up intervals

Chassis
-- Refined double-wishbone independent front suspension
-- Multi-link, double-wishbone independent rear suspension
-- 16-inch wheel and tire diameter (3.2 TL); 17-inch wheel and tire
diameter (Type-S)
-- Large front and rear disc brakes
-- Vehicle-speed sensing rack-and-pinion power steering (3.2 TL)
-- Variable torque sensing rack-and-pinion steering (TL Type-S)
-- Standard Traction Control System (TCS) on 3.2 TL
-- Standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system on Type-S
(includes TCS)
-- Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Features
-- Leather-trimmed seats & door panels
-- Power moonroof
-- Automatic Climate Control System,
-- Acura/Bose(R) Music System with in-dash, 6-disc CD changer
-- Wood-patterned trim
-- 8-way power driver's seat with memory
-- Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights
-- Remote keyless entry system with anti-theft engine immobilizer
-- Available DVD-based Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System with
OnStar(R)

Pricing for 2003 Acura 3.2 TL
-- 3.2 TL $28,980
-- TL Type-S $31,330

-- Acura Satellite-Linked $2,150
Navigation System with
OnStar Service

Destination and handling charge $480

 

[wmquan]

Er, Acura, if you're listening, and the above list is correct ...

And I appreciate the power, the value, the availability of VSA, etc. ...

But where are the head-protection side airbags (e.g. side curtains)?

They're becoming/have become standard and expected in this class. I realize that not every buyer will consider it essential, but look at the competition. The ES300 has them. The BMW 3-series has them. So does the A4 and the C-class. I don't believe Infiniti does but they don't exactly compete well in this regard either.

Heck, you can get side curtain airbags in a Toyota Camry or VW Passat.

This sounds like the same misguided logic that led Acura to leave out stability control in the MDX (which would have helped its emergency handling capability and added icing to a good cake).

[Post edited same day at 1:50pm with the following]
I was wrong about the Infiniti. The Maxima and Infiniti I35 do not have side curtains, but they do have dual-chamber side airbags that at least provide head protection for the front occupants (not as good as side curtains, or at least extending head protection to rear passengers). So the TL really sticks out for not having any kind of head protection for side impacts.

 

[Robyjo]

Excellent point William, and arguably the only real advantage that the ML has over the MDX...so I hope they don't make the same blunder with the 03 MDX...

 

[TONYSFINS]

The Believe the MDX is still safer than the ml without thos airbags.