Acura TL Peoria IL

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Driving Impressions

Acura claims lots of specifics when it comes to chassis improvements (front lateral rigidity up 17 percent, rear vertical rigidity up 41 percent, 13 mm lower center of gravity, completely new suspension, etc.), but the bottom line is the new TL handles better than the last and is quite impressive for its size.

Changes to the structure, suspension and geometry have made the new TL very easy to drive, but a new electric power steering (EPS) system is the biggest difference between this generation and the last (which had hydraulic power steering). The new EPS gives the TL a much lighter steering feel, which is especially appreciated at low speeds for parking lot maneuvers. The steering feel firms up at higher speeds, and while we generally like the new steering, we'd like it to be a bit firmer at road speeds. Unlike some electric steering systems, the TL's system feels natural and provides informative feedback. It's also quite quick. In short, if you didn't like the heavy steering feel of the previous car, come back and give the new TL a try.

The 2009 TL is offered with front- or all-wheel drive. The front-drive model comes with 17-inch wheels and is every bit a sport sedan, reacting well to quick changes of direction and driving much smaller than its useful size.

For 2009, Acura's Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system is available to the TL for the first time. Under normal conditions, SH-AWD is front biased, sending 90 percent of the torque to the front wheels. Stomp the throttle or drive on a slippery surface and SH-AWD can send up to 70 percent of the torque to the rear wheels. Plus, the rear differential can apportion the power between the rear wheels. This allows the TL to send 100 percent of the power to the outside rear wheel in a turn, which helps rotate the car through the turn.

SH-AWD is standard on the TL SH-AWD model, which also comes with standard 18-inch wheels and optional 19s. Suspension and chassis changes from the base model include stiffer shocks and springs and revised bushings. The models we drove were equipped with the 19-inch wheels and tires, and though the SH-AWD model weighs 250 pounds more than the base model, it feels every bit as tossable. It also has the added bonus of more grip in fast, sweeping turns, thanks to wider tires. Plus, it is the best choice for Snow Belt customers, though without the 19-inch summer tires.

All those handling improvements haven't come at the expense of ride quality. Having driven both models as well as the previous generation, I can say that the new TL is more forgiving over bumps, even the SH-AWD model with the optional 19s. Bumps seldom intrude, there is no float or wallow, and up-and-down motions are kept to a minimum. The TL is a model of ride and handling balance.

The new TL also has larger brakes than the last model, with larger two-piston calipers (versus 1-piston for the 2008 model), and those changes make for more confident braking. While the name Brembo hasn't been bandied around for this model, Acura claims the new TL's brakes are better than the Brembos on the previous Type S model (and probably cheaper to replace, too). While we didn't get out on a racetrack to really put the brakes through their paces, they were easy to modulate and provided worry-free stops.

When it comes to power, the TL has that, too. The base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 280 hp at 6200 rpm and 254 pound-feet of torque at 5000 rpm. (That's up from 258 horsepower in the 2008 TL.) The TL SH-AWD is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 305 hp at 6300 rpm and 275 pound-feet of torque at 5000 rpm, making it the most powerful Acura ever. Both engines are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with a manual shiftgate and standard steering wheel shift paddles. Acura says the 3.5-liter will get 18/26 mpg City/Highway, while the 3.7-liter is rated at 17/24 mpg.

While the 3.5-liter V6 has Acura's VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Left Electronic Control) for the intake valves, the 3.7 now adds VTEC for the exhaust valves as well. It also comes with lower gear ratios for a sportier driving experience. Given the SH-AWD model's extra weight, however, the 3.7 only makes the SW-AWD slightly quicker than the base TL with the 3.5. Acura wouldn't give out 0-60 mph times, but both cars should comfortably reach 60 in less than six seconds.

Both models have no problems merging with traffic, passing, or accelerating away from an intersection. Power delivery is smooth and linear, and the steering wheel paddles are easy to use if you want to take the shifting duties into your own hands. Note that if you put the TL's transmission in Sport mode, it will hold the gears and not shift up for you. Acura says a six-speed manual transmission will return for 2010.

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