I wonder of Jon Ikeda likes the 3rd Gen TL more...
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02-10-2011 14:41
Waatdaehell wrote: I've always wondered why Acura strayed away from the 3rd Gen TL design. The 3rd Generation was such a huge leap forward for Acura, in terms of design and presence. And from what I've read, it was one of Acura's most well-received and liked designs. I don't understand why it had to be so drastically changed when the 4th Gen came around. I'd buy the 3rd Gen TL today if it was still available, but never ever the 4th Gen.
I echoed most of those sentiments to Jon Ikeda yesterday. He sort of danced around the issue. Eventually he said they 4th TL was designed to be bold and excessive, sort of in the vein of the Escalade (a vehicle which I absolutely despise to the very core, which justifies my gag reflex upon first seeing the 4th TL). He pointed out that "in those days" the people were spending the money were looking for "statements" like that. That philosophy is very different from my own personal outlook - I don't have a problem with things that stand out, but the key selling point has to be something with credibility - not just a superficial look.
It's too bad Acura decided to take that path because I think it set them back quite a bit. Now, if the look came along with a world beating vehicle, I probably would have let the styling slide. The TL is a good vehicle but it's not really a standout and the underpinnings just didn't have the bloodline to support that sort of styling effort.
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