Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - Acura to promote all-new 2004 TL at series of "higher performance" national sponsorships

First automotive sponsor of "Walt Disney Concert Hall" new technology to be showcased at CES/Macworld conventions

Torrance, Calif. 01/07/2004 -- Acura has secured a series of high-profile sponsorships as part of the company's launch of the all-new 2004 Acura TL. These sponsorships support the vehicle's positioning, "A Higher Form of Performance," and reflect the same elevated level of innovation, design and performance found in the new 270-hp 2004 Acura TL. The sponsorships include events at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles; Experience Music Project in Seattle; and Milwaukee Art Museum as well as a significant presence at International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and Macworld Conference and Expo in San Francisco.

The Acura TL Launch tour will showcase the new performance luxury sedan's advancements in design and technology as reflected in these contemporary, high tech gathering points across the U.S.

"We're very excited to be involved with these unique cultural destinations," said Charles Koch, Manager of Regional Marketing at Acura. "The all-new Acura TL provides new levels of automotive excellence. The vehicle features advancements in design, technology and performance, qualities we feel are reflected in these world class destinations."

Industry Firsts

The 2004 TL features the first automotive application of a multi-channel DVD-Audio System as standard equipment. Developed with Grammy(R) winning music producer Elliot Scheiner, this DVD-Audio system utilizes six distinct channels (compared with two on the typical premium sound system) to deliver sound resolution 500 times greater than CD. The state-of-the-art system plays standard CDs, DVD-Audio discs, and DTS-enabled CDs and incorporates XM(R) Satellite Radio for more than 100 channels of premium quality entertainment.

The TL is also the first automobile to offer a Bluetooth(R) hands-free phone system as standard equipment. The system, called HandsFreeLink(TM), utilizes a Bluetooth wireless interface with mobile phones allowing calls to be made and received using the TL's voice recognition and audio interfaces.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Architect Frank Gehry and acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota, designed Walt Disney Concert Hall to be one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world. The building's stainless steel curves are already a famous landmark in downtown Los Angeles and will soon be recognizable around the world.

Acura will showcase the all-new TL as the exclusive automotive sponsor for Los Angeles Philharmonic's inaugural season at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The season ends in June 2004 and will include title sponsorship of six performances as well as vehicle displays at nearly 150 concerts.

Experience Music Project

Experience Music Project (EMP) in Seattle is a one-of-a-kind music museum combining interactive and interpretive exhibits to tell the story of the creative, innovative and rebellious expression that defines American popular music. The unique building was designed by architect Frank Gehry and the museum features a world-class collection of artifacts and state-of-the-art interactive technology.

Acura TL will sponsor EMP's Setting the Stage in Seattle, a five-part series of special concerts that will benefit EMP's at-risk youth outreach program. The series runs from February 2004 - May 2004.

Milwaukee Art Museum

Set on Milwaukee's lakefront, this innovative design is the first building in the United States by architect Santiago Calatrava. The Milwaukee Art Museum features a 90-foot high glass-walled reception hall enclosed by the Burke Brise Soleil, a sunscreen that can be raised or lowered creating a unique moving sculpture.

Acura will sponsor Milwaukee Art Museum's "First Fridays" which run through May 2004. This monthly concert series takes place the first Friday of every month (except January) and offers visitors an evening of exciting music, great food and beautiful art in an inspiring venue.

International CES

International CES, which takes place in Las Vegas from January 8-11, 2004, is the world's largest annual tradeshow for consumer technology and America's largest annual tradeshow of any kind.

The Acura TL will be the official automobile of CES. In addition, multiple Grammy(R) winner Elliot Scheiner, who designed the TL's audio system with Panasonic, will be holding personal demonstrations of the technology at the TL display. The 2004 Acura TL provides the first automotive application of DVD-Audio and Bluetooth(R) hands-free wireless technology as standard equipment.

Macworld Conference and Expo

Macworld Conference and Expo takes place in San Francisco from January 6-9, 2004. This is the world's most comprehensive Macintosh OS event for Mac users, professionals, developers and enthusiasts.

Acura TL's sponsorship will include vehicle displays, signage at the event and an advertisement in the program and buyer's guide.