SMiLE
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Tue, Mar 10, 2009
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
© All photos by Harvey Schwartz
SMiLE
Since its first introduction, the Acura TL entry-level luxury performance sedan
has set lofty standards in its class for styling, performance, comfort and
technology. Available for 2009 in two distinctly different models, TL and TL
SH-AWD, the all-new forth generation Acura TL dramatically expands its
capabilities and appeal with evocative styling, a choice of two VTEC powertrains,
including a new 305-horsepower V6, and TL's first-ever application of Super
Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).
Once you get beyond the new front end with the smiley face and overbite, you'll
appreciate the larger dimensions, optimized suspension, a new Sequential
SportShift transmission, plus an available Technology Package featuring a
comprehensive list of navigation and communication aids, the all-new 2009 TL
offers more appeal than ever before. Along with an available Acura/ELS premium
10-speaker surround sound system and an all-new AcuraLink weather feature, the
new TL is by far the most technologically advanced sedan in Acura's history.
The combination of dramatic new styling, exhilarating performance and an
extensive array of electronics mentioned above, ensures that the 2009 TL will
appeal to sophisticated, technology-savvy consumers. After my seven-day test
drive in a fully-loaded TL with the 305-horsepower engine and the SH-AWD system,
I can report that I enjoyed every minute behind the wheel.
A choice of two different all-aluminum VTEC engines enables the new TL to
satisfy a wide range of consumers. Standard is a 3.5 liter V6 producing 280
horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque that sends power to the front wheels via
Acura's sophisticated Sequential SportShift five-speed automatic transmission
with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control. Though
powerful, the new engine is also fuel efficient, with EPA fuel economy ratings
of 18mpg/city and 26mpg/highway. The engine is targeted to meet California's
tough CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification standards, thanks to features
including a Drive-by-Wire throttle system, Computer-Controlled Programmed Fuel
Injection (PGM-FI) and Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC)
for the intake valves.
If serious performance is on your mind, you'll choose the TL SH-AWD to make
winding roads seem light straight-aways. Its all-new 3.7 liter V6 engine
produces 305 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque courtesy of greater
displacement and additional high-performance features like VVT and VTEC on both
the intake and exhaust valves, and special high-flow dual exhaust system. With
EPA rating of 17 mpg/city and 25 mpg/highway, the 3.7 liter is also targeted to
meet California's stringent CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification. The 'piece
de resistance' on the TL SH-AWD is the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system now
available on the TL for the first time, and wow, does it handle.
During high-speed cornering, SH-AWD seamlessly distributes more torque to the
outside rear wheel to create a 'yaw moment' to help the TL turn in more quickly
and precisely-while also continuously apportioning drivetrain torque front to
rear and left to right.
The result is a remarkably balanced and precise all-wheel-drive performance
sedan that excels year-round, not just during inclement weather conditions.
Acura TL's performance achievements extend to durability, reliability and
refinement as well. Both engines feature electronically controlled engine mounts
to reduce engine noise, vibration and harshness (NVH); quiet, and efficient
Electric Power Steering (EPS) that is tuned perfectly for quick responses to
your inputs during spirited driving with great feel for the road at high speeds,
and easy turning when driving slow or when parking. A maintainance-free
serpentine accessory belt also boosts operating refinement.
The standard transmission on the 2009 TL and TL SH-AWD is a Sequential
SportShift five-speed automatic featuring F1-style steering-wheel mounted paddle
shifters for extremely quick shifting up or down, plus Grade Logic Control.
combining the convenience of an automatic with the enjoyment of SportShift
manual gear selection, the transmission also features an overdrive top gear for
maximum fuel efficiency on the highway. In fact, the Acura transmission has the
widest gear-ratio spread of any five-speed transmission in its class, providing
a strong launch in lower gears and a relaxed, fuel-efficient ride during highway
cruising. The new TL SH-AWD equipped model is one of the smoothest I have driven
so far in model year 2009.
Major improvements in structural engineering for the unit-body further define
the 2009 TL. The list of substantial changes begins with the relocation of frame
rails inside (rather than underneath) the vehicle's floor pan, resulting in a
nearly flat body underside. Further benefits of this design include improved
crash safety, a significant reduction in interior noise levels, and reduced
aerodynamic drag that helps enhance fuel economy. Another significant is the
increased use of high-strength steel, which simultaneously improves the
unit-body's overall strength while helping to reduce weight. For additional
weight savings, aluminum is used for the hood, the front suspension subframe and
rear suspension knuckles.
Ride quality and passenger comfort benefit from the new TL's larger exterior
dimensions featuring 6in. great exterior length, 1.8in. more overall width and a
modest 0.5-inch increase in overall height. The larger body size directly
contributes to greater interior roominess; it also allows a 1.4-inch longer
wheelbase to improve ride quality and a significantly wider track, 1.1 inch in
front, and 1.8 inch wider in the rear, helps generate even more tenacious
cornering ability. The fully independent suspension features double-wishbones,
twin-tube gas charged shocks, coil springs and 1.06-inch solid stabilizer bar,
and the rear setup features multi-links, twin-tube gas charged shocks, coil
springs and a 0.79-inch stabilizer bar for a smooth ride over poorly paved
surfaces and tremendous grip when attacking curving roads. Further improving
ride quality and road-holding are new dual-stage 'blow-off' style hydraulic
suspension dampers, new hydro-complaint bushings (used to mount the transmission
and key suspension components) and a new 'smart' engine mount design. On the
SH-AWD model, more performance-minded suspension and brake tuning, larger
wheels/tires, race-inspired front brake cooling ducts, and specially tuned
Electronic Power Steering take the enthusiast's driving experience to an even
higher level.
Quickly and safely slowing the new TL SH-AWD down from speed are larger
four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Up front are 12.6-inch discs clamped with
dual-piston calipers, and 13.1-inch discs in the rear clamped with
single-pistons calipers. Braking control and distance is enhanced with standard
ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist.
What really has been the most talked about item about the all-new TL is its
exterior styling, specifically its front fascia with the smiley face with an
overbite. It doesn't bother me because the performance and interior comfort and
amenities cancel out any negatives from the front fascia. Why not a slab of
aluminum up front with an angled slit for air to enter the engine? The bottom of
the bold fascia contains side air intakes plus intakes to cool the front brakes
and told hold the parking and foglamps. The unique and bold looks work for me.
Designed by Acura at its Southern California design studio, the TL utilizes an
array of styling techniques to express motion-and emotion-even when the TL is
parked. From the side the body is long, low and sleek with a flow front end,
swept back windshield A pillars, body sides defined by strong character lines,
sweeping 'C' pillars, sloping roof line that gently slides onto the rear trunk
lid cover with integral spoiler at the end. The rear features new LED lamp
clusters, matching aluminum strip at the bottom of the trunk lid, and four
exhaust tips at the bottom that gives the rear the same bold and performance
feel as the front. Plentiful use of luxury and performance features add visual
appeal while adding to the TL's vigorous statement-including bright HID
projector-beam front headlights, pronounced wheel arches, a standard power
moonroof and genuine stainless steel body trim.
Wheels and tires are as expressive as the exterior styling. Standard on the new
TL are 17X7 aluminum wheels with 245/50R17 all-season Bridgestone Turanza or
optional Michelin Pilot tires for confident year-round performance. The TL
SH-AWD model comes standard with 18X8-inch aluminum wheels with lower-profile
245/45R18 Michelin Pilot tires for more agile handling, or optional 19X8
aluminum wheels shod with aggressive 245/40ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 summer
tires for the ultimate TL performance experience.
In keeping with its mission as a driver's car, the 2009 TL interior features a
new 'dual personal' layout that provides both the driver and front passenger
with their own personal space. Thanks to its larger exterior dimensions, the new
TL has 1.3 inch more rear legroom and 0.5 inch of added rear shoulder room
compared to last year's model.
Acura's commitment to luxury and technology become apparent as soon as you open
the driver's side door. With sweeping shapes, generous use of premium materials
and passionate attention to detail, the TL rewards the discriminating eye. The
design and execution of the interior is an artful combination of leather
surfaces, accented by metallic or wood-pattern trim. The new center stack looks
imposing but is very easy to use after a few minutes.
An impressive array of premium standard features includes a power moonroof,
dual-zone adaptive climate control, 10-way adjustable leather-trimmed, driver
seat, eight-way adjustable power front passenger seat, my test TL came with
premium Milano leather, a beefy, leather wrapped/tilting/telescoping steering
wheel with F1-style paddle shifters, heated front seats, keyless access with
smart entry and push button start/stop, power windows/door locks, grab handles
above each door, full carpeting with TL floor mats, an eight-speaker, 276-watt
audio system with a 6-disc CD changer, AM-FM radio with XM satellite radio,
Bluetooth, USB port and AUX jack connectivity, HandsFree Link wireless telephone
interface, center console with dual cupholders, self-dimming rearview mirrors,
self-dimming/heated sideview mirrors, intermittent wipers/washers, electronic
cruise control, dual map lamps and dual, lighted vanity mirrors, two-person
memory and aluminum door entry guards.
Optional on both models is a Technology Package that includes the most
comprehensive array of advanced electronic features ever offered by Acura. It
includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition and an eight-inch
full VGA high resolution color display with TV rear park assist, AcuraLink
real-time traffic, AcuraLink weather with Doppler-style radar mapping, an Acura/ELS
Surround premium audio system with 10-speakers, 440-watt radio, and 2,500 song
hard disc drive media storage.
Standard safety systems include front/rear crush zones, steel beams in each
door, driver/front passenger front/side airbags, side curtain airbags, vehicle
stability control, active front head restraints, three-point seat belts with
front pretensioners/load limiters, tire pressure monitoring system, immobilizer
theft deterrent system, LATCH system for child seats.
After my seven-day test drive of the all-new TL with SH-AWD I can report that it
is much improved and is now more competitive with the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, and
Lexus IS350. Try it because you'll like it.
© Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
The Chesire Cat. Have a Nice Day. The Beach Boys' lost album. Add Acura's new TL
to the grinning list of iconic images.
For more information about Acura products, go to
www.acura.com
More photos from Harvey Schwartz can be found at www.autofotos.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Name:
2009 Acura TL SH-AWD
Price:
$43,995.00 as tested
EPA:
17mpg/city, 25mpg/highway
Engine:
3.7 liter SOHC, 24-valve, VTEC V6
Horsepower:
305 at 6,200rpm
Torque:
273lb.ft. at 5,000rpm
Drive configuration:
Front engine/all-wheel-drive
Transmission:
5-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Front suspension:
Independent, double wishbone, twin-tube gas-charged shocks, coil springs1.06in.
stabilizer bar
Rear suspension:
Independent, multi-link, twin-tube gas-charged shocks, coil springs, 0.79in.
stabilizer bar
Wheels/tires:
18X8in. aluminum wheels/245/45R18in. Michelin Pilot tires
Brakes:
Front: 12.6in. vented discs, dual-piston calipers
Rear: 13.1in. vented discs, single-piston calipers
ABS, EBD, BA
Total length:
195.3in.
Total width:
74in.
Total height:
57.2in.
Curb weight:
3,971lbs.