Honda Car Forum

The all-new Acura TL
performance luxury sedan, featuring updated styling, more
horsepower
and segment-leading electronic equipment, will be priced at
$32,650
when it goes on sale October 6th at Acura dealers nationwide.
While
TL prices reflect a 9.5 percent increase, or $2,877, compared to
last
year based on a sales-weighted average, the 2004 model
features a
long list of enhancements, new features and industry firsts
marking a
dramatic improvement compared to the previous 3.2 TL and the
high
performance TL Type-S.

The 2004 TL boasts a new 270 horsepower engine (an
increase of 45
horsepower compared to the 2003 TL), drive-by-wire throttle and
a
sport-tuned 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension.
It comes
equipped with either a 5-speed Sequential SportShift™
automatic
transmission or, for the first time, a close-ratio 6-speed manual
transmission with limited slip differential.

Inside, an assortment of class-leading electronics includes
the
first automotive application of a standard DVD-Audio 5.1
surround
sound system. The Acura ELS Premium Audio System,
developed with
Grammy-award winning music producer Elliot Scheiner, uses
eight
strategically placed speakers to deliver discrete sound with 500 times the resolution of CD.
The TL
also boasts the first standard application of a Bluetooth-based
hands-free phone system. The HandsFreeLink™ system
enables a
Bluetooth link with compatible mobile phones, allowing calls to
be
made through the TL's voice recognition and audio systems.
XM®
Satellite Radio (with a free three-month trial subscription) is also
standard equipment.

The 2004 TL incorporates a wide array of the latest safety
technologies including four channel Vehicle Stability Assist and
dual
stage, dual threshold front airbags. New for 2004, are standard
side
curtain airbags to help protect vehicle occupants from head and
neck
injuries in the event of a side impact, Electronic Brake Force
Distribution and a Brake Assist System.

Dramatically redesigned exterior styling complements a
wider, more
muscular stance accented by wide, 17-inch alloy wheels, distinct
fender blisters and minimal wheel arch-to-tire gaps. In front, the
TL
features a bold hood design and an aggressive front fascia.
Distinct
character grooves run below the sleek cabin on each side of the
car,
stretching from the front side marker along the side of the car to
the rear marker. A short rear deck with a pronounced lip and a
V-shaped break below the trunk and dual exhaust pipes with
bumper-integrated exhaust tips further accent the car's muscular
style.

The Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition' is
available
as a factory installed option for $2,000. This easy-to-use system
features an 8-inch display screen, over 7 million points of
interest,
mapping of virtually all roads in the continental United States and
steering-wheel mounted voice recognition controls.

TL's equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission
feature a
limited slip differential and 4-piston Brembo front brakes. TL's
with
the manual transmission can also be equipped with high
performance
tires for an additional $200.

Acura TL: Key Features for 2004

Powertrain

• 3.2-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, V-6 aluminum alloy engine



• 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 238 lbs-ft of torque at
  5,000
  rpm



• 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic or close-ratio
  6-speed
  manual transmission with limited slip differential



• Drive-by-wire throttle system

Chassis

• 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension



• Lightweight, yet extremely rigid unit body structure



• 17-inch wheels and tires



• 4-channel VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist)



• 4-piston Brembo front brake calipers (w/6-speed manual
  transmission)



• Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)



• Optional high performance tires (w/6-speed manual
  transmission)

Interior features

• Acura/ELS® Premium 8-speaker Surround Sound
  System with
  DVD-Audio, DTS™ and CD 6-disc Changer, AM/FM Tuner
  and Dolby®
  Cassette



• Acura HandsFreeLink' wireless phone capability



• Power moonroof with sliding sunshade



• Perforated leather seating and trim



• Dual-zone, dual-mode Automatic Climate Control



• Steering-wheel mounted audio, cruise control and voice
  recognition controls



• Optional Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition'
  with
  8-inch display screen



• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel



• Enhanced keyless entry system with seven customizable
  memory
  functions



• 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar
  support

Safety

• Front dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags



• Driver's and front passenger's side airbag with
  passenger's
  size and position sensors



• Side curtain airbags



• Brake Assist System

Body/Styling

• Dramatic new styling



• Wider, more aggressive stance



• Acoustic front windshield glass