Spy Shots: Next Acura TL getting rhinoplasty?

When it comes to Acura's corporate schnoz, you likely fall into one of two camps: you either loathe the chrome nose or you really loathe the chrome nose. There doesn't seem to be much in between. So to address its derisive looks, Acura appears to be tweaking the front end of the TL for the 2011 model year.

While it's highly doubtful that Acura is going to completely dispatch the metal overbite found throughout its lineup, the new nose appears more refined and slightly toned down. Judging by the heavily-camo'd shot above, there's sure to be some revisions to the lower fascia, but the real changes can be seen on the pic below, including some new slatting and a slightly smaller shield.

On this particular prototype, there's also a fair amount of wires protruding from one of the exhaust outlets and leading into the trunk, so it's likely safe to assume that some kind of engine or electronics upgrades are in the works for this mid-cycle refresh. With hot-weather testing fully underway, we suspect the mildly restyled TL will debut later this year before going on sale in the first half of 2011.


Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-s...ra-tl/#3157374

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/08/s...g-rhinoplasty/

 

well let me be the first to say, it'll still probably look hideous~

 

A facelift can only do so much.

 

still looks the same. Look closer. It still has the beak. They just shortened it. People can change the grilles out at the dealership for a few hundred. The TL is a nice looking car with a new grille and wheels. I saw one on 20's once and I followed it like it was a supercar. It looked HOT

 

I hope they fix the goofy looking rear end while they are at it.

 

It already looks better with the camo

 

From what I can tell, it looks like they fixed the most offensive part - the part of the grill that folds over the hood. Although the masking makes this presumption inconclusive. I think the front is going to look really good if this is the case which aligns the top of the grill with the top of the headlights. This will bring it in line with the TSX's front end, which I find really nice looking.

Doesn't appear so. Although the brushed "metal" (plastic really) strip below the trunk lid may be gone judging by this pic. That's the part that people say gives it a "smiley face".

 

It is one of the ugliest most childish designed car ever. No facelift can save it. Its ugly all over. The car was Acura's volume sedan and has failed miserably. Imagine if Lexus screwed up the ES like this.

Changing the beak so soon only acknowledges the ugly mistake it was in the first place.


lol at the pic OCH

 

Dude, I'm running out of funny unicorn pics.

 

the only way to save the beak is to put it in a fire.

 

I've seen plenty of cars that look worse. What's with the Honda/Acura hate here? The beak isn't good, but it aint horrendous. That's reserved for a few GM and Chrysler products.

 

It doesn't need a face lift, it needs and Extreme Makeover, or maybe hospice care.

 

I agree. Along with the beak shield, the rear smily face is the worst. If they eliminate it or make it body-colored, it would help a lot. Otherwise, it's going to take another rediesign to get this car back on planet earth.

 

Look at it this way, can it really get worse?

(note: I have concern that I may need to eat these words later on)

 

Huh? GM and Chrysler? You have got to be kidding. Although they may be complete junk, Chrysler has always had excellent designs. New GM cars have been very stylish. I have never seen a GM or Chrysler product that looks as bad as the TL. Seriously, even the Aztec looked better. The Aztec may have been ugly but there's no denying its outstanding utility. No, the TL is barf, barf, ugly.