Motor Authority - blog Category: TL

Acura first announced plans to add a manual transmission to its 2010 Acura TL exactly one year ago, and now customers can finally take home their TL’s equipped with the optional six-speed self-shifter. Complimenting the existing Sequential Sportshift five-speed automatic from the 2009 model, the new manual gearbox is available on the TL SH-AWD and is priced from $42,385.

The manual gearbox is an all-new unit that is substantially stronger than previous generation designs. In addition to using a more rigid aluminum case and heavy-duty internals, the gearbox also features special gear synchronizers for improved smoothness. Another...

Acura first announced plans to add a manual transmission to its 2010 Acura TL exactly one year ago, and now customers can finally take home their TL’s equipped with the optional six-speed self-shifter. Complimenting the existing Sequential Sportshift five-speed automatic from the 2009 model, the new manual gearbox is available on the TL SH-AWD and is priced from $42,385. The manual gearbox is an all-new unit that is substantially stronger than previous generation designs. In addition to using a more rigid aluminum case and heavy-duty internals, the gearbox also features special gear synchronizers for improved smoothness. Another special design feature is the clutch, which has been designed specifically to suit the torquey nature of the TL’s available 3.7-liter V-6 engine. Output for the 3.7-liter unit remains at 305 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5-liter unit produces 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. Other features include a Hill-Start Assist program, new suspension tuning with stiffer springs and dampers. The manual model also employs firmer engine and transmission bushings that better resist engine and transmission movement during spirited driving. Finally, the manual model also improves weight distribution by 1% compared to the automatic, generating a 58/42 ratio versus the auto’s 59/41 ratio. Part of the reason for this is that the addition of the manual benefits TL drivers by saving approximately 110 pounds from the car’s curb weight when compared to the five-speed auto. Fuel conscious buyers will be happy to know that the six-speed manual equipped TL SH-AWD powered by a 3.7-liter engine matches the standard 3.5-liter TL for fuel economy, rating in at 18/26 mpg for city/highway. Every model is available with a technology package that adds navigation, extensive electronics and a 10-speaker premium audio system. Furthermore, in addition to the powertrain and technology choices, TL buyers can further customize their cars with tire and wheel upgrades. For 2010, the standard TL is now available with 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires, while the TL SH-AWD picks up a 19-inch wheel option with summer spec high performance tires. Pricing for the 2010 Acura TL range kicks off at $35,105 for the standard 3.5-liter model equipped with a fice-speed automatic and tops out at $43,385 for the TL SH-AWD with the optional 19-inch wheel package and either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Read More

While we all like to go on about horsepower or differentials or suspension arms when discussing new cars, we often overlook the place where you and your car will spend the most time together - inside the cabin. In order to recognize this aspect of vehicle development, Ward’s Auto releases a list every year for the best car interiors in a number of different vehicle segments.

After driving the vehicles over a two month period, judges evaluated the them during their daily driving cycles and awarded points for design, material selection, fit-and-finish, ergonomics, driver information, safety, value and comfort.

For 2009, the awards were... While we all like to go on about horsepower or differentials or suspension arms when discussing new cars, we often overlook the place where you and your car will spend the most time together - inside the cabin. In order to recognize this aspect of vehicle development, Ward’s Auto releases a list every year for the best car interiors in a number of different vehicle segments. After driving the vehicles over a two month period, judges evaluated the them during their daily driving cycles and awarded points for design, material selection, fit-and-finish, ergonomics, driver information, safety, value and comfort. For 2009, the awards were not dominated by luxury car brands that like to swathe their interiors in leather and wood as you might think - rather than that it was the cheaper end of the spectrum that impressed the judges most. For example, taking out the top prize for an economy-priced car was the Honda Fit Sport, which managed to capture the judges' attention thanks to its high-quality feel and clever design. Kia's new Soul was given the award for the “grooviest interior”, and with its red dashboard and lights that flash to the beat of music we would probably have to agree with that one. Interestingly, the award for the best interior in a premium priced car was given to the Acura TL, while the award for the best interior in a popularly-priced car went to the Volkswagen CC. For sports cars, the new Nissan 370Z in Touring trim managed to claim the best interior award, while the Dodge Ram won in the popularly-priced truck category. The Ford Flex took out the award for premium-priced trucks, while the Ford Fusion hybrid won for best graphic display - giving Ford two winners in the competition, more than any other manufacturer. Meanwhile, the new Audi A4 won the award for the best interior redesign, and the premium Lexus RX 450h won an award for having “design harmony”. Finally, the award for best brand expression went to the Cadillac CTS-V, with the judges noting the car's handsome instrument stack and long list of electronic gadgets as some of the highlights. This year’s winners are as follows: - Honda Fit Sport (Economy-priced car) - Volkswagen CC (Popular-priced car) - Kia Soul (Grooviest Interior) - Acura TL (Premium-priced car) - Nissan 370Z Touring (Sports car) - Dodge Ram (Popular-priced truck) - Ford Flex (Premium-priced truck) - Audi A4 (Best Redesign) - Ford Fusion Hybrid (Best Graphic Display) - Lexus RX 450h (Design Harmony) - Cadillac CTS-V (Best Brand Expression) Read More

It's not every day that an automotive first is achieved - the industry is over a century old, after all. So that makes Acura's first-ever sweep of top marks in IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings impressive as a first as well as for the safety of its vehicles.

The final vehicle to get the top scores was the new 2009 Acura TL (pictured above). With that, all of Acura's vehicles are now certified as 5-star (NHTSA NCAP) or 'Good' (IIHS) - the top marks possible in the U.S.

But there's bound to be at least one asterisk next to the entry in the record books: Acura isn't really a full-line carmaker. Sure, it offers a crossover, an SUV, and a trio of ... It's not every day that an automotive first is achieved - the industry is over a century old, after all. So that makes Acura's first-ever sweep of top marks in IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings impressive as a first as well as for the safety of its vehicles. The final vehicle to get the top scores was the new 2009 Acura TL (pictured above). With that, all of Acura's vehicles are now certified as 5-star (NHTSA NCAP) or 'Good' (IIHS) - the top marks possible in the U.S. But there's bound to be at least one asterisk next to the entry in the record books: Acura isn't really a full-line carmaker. Sure, it offers a crossover, an SUV, and a trio of sedans, but compared to BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Lexus Acura's five models are but a drop in the bucket. Still, considering recently tightened safety regulations and electronic stability control requirements, the win across its lineup does mean Acura's cars are also some of the more technologically advanced when it comes to safety features. Things like Acura's ACE body structure, designed to help absorb the energy of a frontal crash, and standard features like full airbags, ABS, stability and traction control are supplemented by more advanced tech like the Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) that interacts with the front side airbags to provide intelligent airbag deployment. Together, the whole package yields the safest lineup in the industry - no matter the size.2009 Acura TL2009 Acura TL IIHS side impact test Read More

Apart from Lexus, Japanese luxury brands still pale in comparison to their German rivals in terms of the number of models they produce and the prices they can command. Overall image in the marketplace and status on the street have likewise proven difficult to develop. That's why Acura is making a hard push specifically to boost its image and achieve 'tier 1' luxury carmaker status.

The Acura plan for becoming top-tier doesn't focus on the cars, however. "Being a premium luxury brand is not just about product. It's the way dealers handle customers. You've got to earn your way into the segment. You don't necessarily have to have a $90,000... Apart from Lexus, Japanese luxury brands still pale in comparison to their German rivals in terms of the number of models they produce and the prices they can command. Overall image in the marketplace and status on the street have likewise proven difficult to develop. That's why Acura is making a hard push specifically to boost its image and achieve 'tier 1' luxury carmaker status. The Acura plan for becoming top-tier doesn't focus on the cars, however. "Being a premium luxury brand is not just about product. It's the way dealers handle customers. You've got to earn your way into the segment. You don't necessarily have to have a $90,000 sedan to get there," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co. in an interview with Automotive News. But that doesn't mean that new, better cars aren't part of the plan. In fact, the door remains open on whether the NSX will eventually see production. The car's development is "mostly done" according to Colliver, and that means it would be a quick move to market if given the green light. The reasoning behind dropping the NSX plan in the first place was largely centered around the weak economy and Honda's plans to cut costs. If the market turns around, there's no reason not to bring the NSX out of mothballs. More every-day cars will be part of the brand push as well. Acura previously announced its intent to move toward tier 1 status at a dealer conference last year, and has since been working toward that with its new model run. The first of these new models include the RL and TSX sedans, plus the new - though oft-maligned - 2009 TL. If Acura is really serious about competing with brands like BMW and Mercedes it will also likely need to more premium options such as RWD powertrains and high-output engines - both of which make a strong argument for revival of the NSX program. The next model likely to come from Acura won't be a RWD sedan or a next-gen supercar, however. Instead, it is likely to be a mid-sized crossover, fitting between the current RDX (read our review here) and MDX.2009 Acura TLAcura RL 092009 Acura TSX Read More

Acura unveiled its completely redesigned 2009 TL sedan earlier this month, adding the company’s SH-AWD system to the lineup and introducing two new V6 engines. Both cars were announced with a Sequential Sportshift five-speed automatic gearbox as standard but Acura has now revealed that its 2010 TL will be available with an optional six-speed manual as well.

Targeted at performance minded drivers, the TL manual will also be available with the SH-AWD option – the first time the trick AWD system has been paired with a manual gearbox. The addition of the manual also benefits TL drivers by saving approximately 110lbs compared to the... Acura unveiled its completely redesigned 2009 TL sedan earlier this month, adding the company’s SH-AWD system to the lineup and introducing two new V6 engines. Both cars were announced with a Sequential Sportshift five-speed automatic gearbox as standard but Acura has now revealed that its 2010 TL will be available with an optional six-speed manual as well. Targeted at performance minded drivers, the TL manual will also be available with the SH-AWD option – the first time the trick AWD system has been paired with a manual gearbox. The addition of the manual also benefits TL drivers by saving approximately 110lbs compared to the five-speed auto. The manual gearbox is an all-new unit that is substantially stronger than previous generation designs. In addition to using a more rigid aluminum case and heavy-duty internals, the gearbox also features new gear synchronizers for improved smoothness. Also new is the clutch, which has been uprated to suit the torquey nature of the 3.7L V6 engine. Output for the 3.7L unit remains at 305hp (227kW) and 275lb-ft (372Nm), while the 3.5L unit still produces 280hp (209kW) and 254lb-ft (344Nm) of torque. Other features include a Hill-Start Assist program, new suspension tuning with stiffer springs and dampers. The manual model also employs firmer engine and transmission bushings that better resist engine and/or transmission movement during spirited driving. Finally, the manual model also improves weight distribution by 1% compared to the automatic, generating a 58/42 ratio versus the auto’s 59/41 ratio. The 2010 TL will go on sale in the second half of next year, with pricing expected to be announced closer to launch. Expect it to be priced in line with the automatic models, which means the starting price will likely be around the $35,000 mark.2009 Acura TL Read More

Updated with pricing information

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... Updated with pricing information 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 photos2009 Acura TL Read More