Honda Car Forum

OVERVIEW

The Acura TL stormed into the performance luxury sedan market with impressive
styling, best-in-class horsepower, and a luxurious and technology-packed interior.
It was an immediate hit with the motoring press and public alike, and quickly
became Acura's best-selling model-a title it holds to this day.

In the face of new competition from Lexus, BMW, Infiniti and others, the 2008
TL has been further updated. To solidify its place as the standard bearer in
its class, the TL is available in two versions; the luxurious TL and the high-performance
TL Type-S.

As part of its comprehensive performance package, the TL Type-S builds on the
already impressive performance of the TL with the addition of an enhanced powertrain
and more upgraded chassis components. The TL Type-S engine is a 3.5-liter VTEC®
V-6 that delivers 286-horsepower. It is connected to either a 6-speed manual
transmission or an all-new Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic with F1®-style
paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control.

The TL Type-S isn't just a more powerful TL; it's a complete performance
package that features a re-tuned suspension, heavy-duty Brembo disc brakes,
unique exterior styling, and interior trim that distinguishes it from the TL.
Just one drive proves that the TL Type-S delivers the emotional thrill of a
high performance luxury sedan without sacrificing the comfort and convenience
expected from it.

TL features numerous refinements for the 2008 model year. Externally, the
TL has two new paint color options: Polished Metal Metallic and Bold Beige Metallic.
Inside, TL's with White Diamond Pearl or Carbon Bronze Pearl paint are
now available with Parchment interior trim. The Acura Navigation System with
Voice Recognition has been upgraded to include Hawaii. The AcuraLink with satellite
communication has an updated real-time traffic system that now includes 76 metropolitan
markets-an increase of 32 markets for 2008. Vehicle security has been
increased with an updated immobilizer system.

MARKET SUMMARY

The luxury vehicle market continues to expand, and the "near luxury"
sedan segment is enjoying some of the greatest growth. Although the TL has been
a consistent top seller in this segment, it has increasing challenges from other
sporty sedan offerings such as the BMW 528i/528xi, Infinity G37 and Lexus IS
350. Competition also comes from compact near-luxury sedans like the Audi A4,
BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-class.

HIGH PERFORMANCE POWERTRAIN

Behind the stylish grille of the 2008 TL is one of two engines. The TL receives
a 3.2-liter, SOHC, 24-valve VTEC® V-6 powerplant-a smooth and powerful
engine that delivers 258 horsepower at 6200 rpm with a broad torque curve that
peaks with 233 lb-ft at 5000 rpm. The high-performance TL Type-S receives a
larger-displacement 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine that produces 286 hp at 6200 rpm
and 257 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm.

The standard transmission for both the TL and TL Type-S is a 5-speed automatic
transmission with Sequential SportShift and Grade Logic Control. Similar to
the transmission in the RL luxury sedan, this front wheel drive version features
larger gears to handle the high torque output of the engine, yet remains compact.
However, despite being more heavy-duty, the transmission is more compact than
the previous 5-speed automatic. TL Type-S models have a more aggressive shift
program than the TL, as well as have F1-style paddle shifters mounted on the
steering wheel. The Sequential SportShift feature is programmed to provide smooth
downshifts by "blipping" the throttle between gears, matching revs
and significantly improving overall driving smoothness.

Optional only on the TL Type-S is a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission
that is coupled to a limited-slip differential to help enhance traction and
dynamic performance.

Acura's commitment to low emissions continues for 2008. Both the 3.2-liter
V-6 in the TL and the 3.5-liter V-6 in the TL Type-S meet stringent CARB ULEV2
emissions requirements.

HIGH-TECH INTERIOR

Among the TL's firsts was the introduction of DVD-Audio and Bluetooth®
HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface as standard equipment. The TL
continues its high-tech leadership with the addition of WMA and MP3 playback,
Dolby® Pro Logic® II, and speed-sensitive volume compensation to the
audio system.

Additionally, 2008 TL Type-S models feature standard Acura Navigation System
with Voice Recognition™ and rearview camera as well as Active Noise Cancellation™.
The navigation system features a new, easy-to-read interface, and also incorporates
AcuraLink™ satellite communication system with real-time traffic, just
as on the RL, RDX, and MDX. On TL models without navigation, the climate control
and audio system read-outs utilize vacuum fluorescent displays commonly found
on high-end home audio equipment.

COCKPIT DESIGN

From the 3-spoke sport steering wheel with integrated audio, cruise and voice
navigation controls, to the leather front seats that have been designed for
improved comfort, the TL's interior is luxurious and stylish. The gauges
resemble spun aluminum construction with laser-etched numerals, and both the
TL and the TL Type-S receive special aluminum trim. Blue cockpit lighting and
Grand Anigre wood patterned trim that extends from the doors into the dash enhance
the luxury feel of the TL. The sporty TL Type-S receives red interior lighting,
carbon fiber-look trim, a TL Type-S logo on the bottom spoke of the steering
wheel and an embossed Type-S logo on the front seat headrests.

STANDARD LUXURIES AND CONVENIENCES

When first introduced to the press and public, the TL impressed with its unprecedented
levels of standard luxury equipment, a tradition continued by the 2008 model.
With its standard 6-disc DVD-Audio system, plush leather seating, power seats
for both the driver and front passenger, and keyless entry with a One Touch
Start system (on models with an automatic transmission), the TL is designed
to provide a truly comprehensive array of fine amenities as standard equipment.
The only factory option on the TL is the DVD-based Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation
System™.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The TL's clean exterior lines have been described as "Bauhaus
with attitude." Bauhaus refers to the design philosophy of form following
function. The attitude comes from TL's assertive stance, large grille,
narrow headlights and tasteful use of chrome highlights to impart an athletic
and sporty demeanor unmatched by its competitors. The front end emphasizes performance
by enlarging the grille opening and re-styling the lower fascia to incorporate
the foglights. The TL Type-S incorporates special Type-S badging, a more aggressive
front fascia, black chrome trim, and a quad exhaust system that emphasizes its
performance edge.