Completely redesigned for 2009, the all-new Acura TL features a number of firsts for the company and the car. The most notable change is the addition of Super-Handling All-wheel Drive (SH-AWD) to the performance model, which replaces the TL Type-S. Honda's luxury division also boosts power, increases the car's overall size and introduces a new sequential sport-shift transmission for the 2009 TL.
The new, beefed-up powertrain features a pair of V6s, with the base 3.5L model producing 280hp (209kW) and 254lb-ft (344Nm) of torque, just 6hp (4kW) and 2lb-ft (2.7Nm) shy of the 2008 Type-S figures. The TL SH-AWD gets an even more potent V6, its 3.7L displacement managing 305hp (227kW) and 275lb-ft (372Nm) to drive all four wheels, a rise of 19hp (14kW) and 19lb-ft (27Nm) of torque. Honda/Acura's well-developed VTEC variable timing for intake and exhaust valves helps maximize performance while minimizing emissions, while the drive-by-wire throttle system and programmed fuel injection also contribute the base model's 18mpg city (13L/100km) and 26mpg (9.0L/100km) highway EPA rating. The TL SH-AWD performs just slighly poorer at 17mpg (13.8L/100km) city and 24mpg (9.8L/100km) highway.
Both cars feature the sportshift five-speed paddle-shifted transmission as the standard configuration. While the five gear ratios may be significantly outnumbered by the six-speed or more competition, Acura claims the unit has the widest gear ratio spread of any five-speed transmission in its class, though what that might imply for shifting smoothness isn't clear.
Aside from being more powerful, the new TL is also larger than its predecessor. Six inches longer, 1.8in wider but just 0.5in taller, with a 1.4in longer wheelbase and a wider track - 1.1 in wider in front, 1.8in wider in the rear - the car also promises to be a more stable, better-cornering version of itself. The extra size means rear legroom is enhanced by 1.3in and rear shoulder room grows by 0.5in as well.
Exterior styling is updated as well, with a new 'signature grille' and strong character lines sweeping C-pillars and new LED taillights. Smaller features add to the overall look, including bright HID projector-beam front headlights, pronounced wheel arches, a standard power moonroof and genuine stainless-steel body trim. Standard wheels are 17in alloy units wrapped in 245/50 rubber, but the SH-AWD with the technology package comes with 18in wheels that can be upgraded to 19in, both also wrapped in 245-width rubber.
Inside, the 2009 TL features all the basics for a luxury sport sedan, including dual-zone adaptive climate control, 10-way adjustable (8-way power seat with 2-way power lumbar support) driver seat, 8-way adjustable power front passenger seat, and steering-wheel-mounted F1-style paddle shifters for the Sequential SportShift automatic transmission. An eight-speaker, 276-watt audio system that includes a 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM radio, XM Satellite Radio, bluetooth audio, USB port and AUX jack connectivity. A technology package is available on both models that features a navigation system with an eight-inch full VGA color display, real-time traffic information, weather with Doppler-style radar mapping, Acura/ELS surround-sound audio and a keyless entry system with push-button ignition.
Standard safety features are also present, including anti-lock brakes, with brakeforce distribution and brake assist, tire pressure monitoring, daytime running lights, and a full complement of airbags. The warranty coverage for the new TL is standard four-year/50,000mi coverage with six-year/70,000mi protection for the powertrain, and comes standard with 24-hour roadside assistance.
Pricing starts at $34,955 for the 3.5L V6-equipped base model. Adding the technology package takes the MSRP to $38,685. Moving up to the 3.7L V6 and SH-AWD raises the base price to $38,505, and adding the technology package once again bumps the price by $3,730 to $42,235. Upgrading the SH-AWD with the technology package to 19" wheels raises the final price to $43,235. All models are subject to a destination charge of $760 that is not included in the MSRP.
2009 Acura TL official photos
Reader Comments
Fri Jul 11 2008 10:34 AM
stewie says
That grill is huge compared to the new RL/TSX. I do like that the lights do not seem as bulbous as other new cars lately .... not bad but not great either.
Fri Jul 11 2008 10:40 AM
Jim says
I think I'd back it into the driveway so I don't have to look at that face in the morning. The car-bra manufacturers should crank up production
Fri Jul 11 2008 12:49 PM
Turkle says
There is more vertical plane on that front then some large trucks. Whoever is going to buy this car should pick up a couple of bottles of Bug & Tar remover from PepBoys on the way home from the dealership.
Fri Jul 11 2008 1:03 PM
minilla says
Acura sure loves the 5 spoke rims. These do look better than usual tho.
Fri Jul 11 2008 1:28 PM
Andrew says
If they thought the face was ugly, Acura would have stopped putting it on cars when they saw the reception of the TSX and RL.
Fri Jul 11 2008 2:20 PM
mosura says
The TL may have been too far along in development to change the face ... & altho the people on the net may not like the new grille, I am sure Acura is waiting to see how the buying public responds before they make any changes. So far the TSX has been breaking records & the RL was just released so we shall see ... If both end up bombing, I do suspect new grills when MMC roll around.
Fri Jul 11 2008 9:35 PM
C6R says
310 hp, awd, nice... if it does not weight more than 1700 kg...
Sat Jul 12 2008 1:20 AM
InkMaster says
Hmm... interesting... But I'd be nice to see some shots of the back... looks a bit weird at this angle. I do love the new rims and how it looks "bold" in general, though I'm still not sure about the grill. While it doesn't look at horrible in person it still has tons of room for improvement...
Sat Jul 12 2008 10:43 PM
David Moll says
In virtually every case, I have scorned manufacturers for rubber-stamping the same "corporate" front end on every car in their portfolio. IMO, Audi took a horrid turn for the worse when they stuck that humongous grille from the Nuvolari concept onto everything they make.
But unlike the TSX and the RL, Acura actually came through with a pretty cohesive design this time round. I'm pleasantly surprised, partly because it's nowhere near as bad as I had feared.
Tue Jul 15 2008 4:38 AM
CommanderCool says
I seriously hate these new Acura grills..they look so disgusting. FWD...sigh...
Sat Aug 9 2008 3:45 AM
InkMaster says
The first shot looked like it had some promise but seeing it from other sides.... wow..... this thing is horrible. Whoever is in charge of the new direction of design @ Honda/Acura should go...
Sat Aug 9 2008 4:38 AM
autoque says
Back of the vehicle is just RETARDED. It looks like futuristic imagination of a car from a B rated comedy movie in the 70's.
Hate the grill as well. Not in very good proportion with the headlights.
Sat Aug 9 2008 1:51 PM
varan says
looks better each time i see it ... the interior is nice
Sat Aug 9 2008 7:22 PM
Andrew says
Well, with the new images of the back, I have to retract my statement earlier. Even I think the rear end is ugly. And I actually like this new styling direction.
Sat Aug 9 2008 7:29 PM
worker bee says
i think acura misunsterstands the american public, their american market cars always stink (glad i only get japanese market hondas)
Sat Aug 9 2008 9:22 PM
Jonathan says
Could there be an uglier car? The current TL has a light and agile stance with a delicacy that is rarely seen. The new design is chunky, clunky and that front end is just downright bizarre! The car is an amalgam of so many others - a bastard child with oversized wheel arches, a rear-end that is a cross between a Saturn Aura and a Honda Accord - mashed together with so little finesse. The corporate front looks like a snaggle-tooth only in this case, its huge. OK, how do I really feel? This is one of the worst designs I have ever seen (and I thought the Honda Accord was bad - this is the American version of it!)
Mon Aug 11 2008 10:23 AM
craigs says
The front looks so disproportionate, it is very long between the windscreen and the tip of the nose of the car, also the hood/bonnet looks like a huge flat slab. Not too flattering in my opinion. I can't decide if I hate or like the rear. The wheels look great and the interior looks good as well.
Mon Aug 11 2008 6:04 PM
gino says
How many wheels does a miscarriage have?
Mon Aug 11 2008 7:32 PM
amac says
The grille slices, dices and opens bottles. Now that's luxury.
Mon Aug 11 2008 9:25 PM
HECTOR says
@ Gino. If you look at the entire Acura lineup... 1, 2, 3, 4... 16?
I will buy an Accord (if they turn off the DRLs) and have enough left over to drive it up and down Florida for a week.
Wed Aug 20 2008 1:30 AM
Tino says
Well, I guess this is the last generation of the TL , i looks like a oversized accord or a bad concept sketch , the old TL looks way better ,might have to settle for the TSX when lease is up,
This is just my opion , if you like it , id advise to havve you vision checked :)
Sun Aug 24 2008 11:54 PM
Tgone says
Finally a car worth trashing.
Tue Aug 26 2008 3:22 AM
ed says
I think it's ugly!
Sat Sep 13 2008 9:41 PM
Jeff says
Had an 05 TL that the lease was up on and was going to wait and lease the 09 when it came out; this new design is so ugly that I decided to buy a 08 TL since its going to be the last nice looking TL for a long time....
Mon Sep 15 2008 9:48 PM
NoNameDenton says
The grille looks French, someone go find a relative of the former French royalty to test it out?
Tue Sep 16 2008 12:50 AM
Guber says
Usually I find myself defending japanese's make. Howeva, how can I defend what I see here, Acura really blew it bIG time, rear end as ugly as BMW X6.
Tue Sep 16 2008 9:17 AM
craigs says
I'm not a fan of the front of this car but the side and rear views are slowly growing on me. I'll check this car out when the AWD versions hits dealers.
Mon Oct 27 2008 1:15 PM
TomE says
I have been a Honda owner since 1984. Not by loyalty but by respect. I thought Honda made the best car for the money. I bought my first wife a Prelude and when she left me I bought a 88 Prelude for myself. Then a 94 Accord for work and a new 2000 Prelude for my self. Then moved up to the 2004 TL w/Nav that had to be the best Honda ever. I couldn't wait to buy a new TL and then after seeing the new 09 I am so disapointed it is worse then my first wife leaving me. I hate the center Knob in the interior, the front nose, the rear, the extra size, and wight. This car needs to go on a diet. UGLY!!! I am franticly looking for a 2008 with the color and Nav I want. If I can't I am going to start looking elseware.
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