By Drew Johnson
Thursday, Jul 10th, 2008 @ 10:09 am

The 2009 Acura TL has been the subject of countless spy photos over the last few month, but our spy photographers have snapped the first images of the car’s interior. Expected to debut by the end of 2008, Acura engineers are likely putting the finishing touches on the sedan.

The latest spy shots reveal the Acura ’s twin-pod gauge cluster and a large hood atop the center console — likely housing the car’s navigation system. The latter seems a bit out of place but could be toned down for production.

As previously reported, both the standard FWD and the SH-AWD model (distinguished by its quad exhaust) have been seen. When it comes to redesigns, Acura appears to be on a roll — we’ve already seen the new RL and TSX this year, and the new TL should arrive before the end of 2008, too.

In April, information leaked out of an Acura dealer meeting in New Orleans regarding the new TL. According to a source who attended the meeting, the 2009 Acura TL lineup will consist of two models: a base front-wheel drive car and an up-level all-wheel drive model. The front-driver will be powered by a 280 horsepower 3.5L V6 whereas the AWD model will receive its motivation from a 3.7L V6 producing 310 horsepower.

Despite boasting 310 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the range-topping model will not sport the Type-S nameplate. In fact, the source says that Acura will not offer a Type-S model, at least not in 2009. It remains unclear if the performance model will eventually join the lineup.

However, the SH-AWD model will sport quad-exhaust and 18 inch wheels to differentiate it from lesser TL models. Our spy photos also clearly show the car’s new SH-AWD rear differential.

Acura has promised us a new TL by the end of the year so a Los Angeles Auto Show reveal seems likely, with an on-sale date shortly after.

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