The fourth generation of the Acura TL midsize premium performance sedan has arrived, featuring numerous changes – beginning with an optional 305-horsepower V-6 engine, the most powerful in Acura’s history.
With the remake, the TL also has a bolder exterior design that goes way beyond the usual ho-hum styling of Honda products. The car is quite stunning, actually.
Originally introduced in 1996, the TL for a while was the entry-level sedan in the Acura lineup. But the less-expensive TSX has taken on that role, and the TL has now moved upscale, with an emphasis on technology and performance.
In a big push to try to create some momentum for the brand, Acura introduced redesigned models of all three of its sedans for 2009. The others are the entry-level compact TSX and the flagship full-size RL.
Honda was the first of the Japanese automakers to create a separate premium brand, with the introduction of the Acura Legend in 1986. It was the impetus for the launch of the Lexus brand by Toyota and the Infiniti line by Nissan in 1990.
But Lexus and Infiniti have had more success in finding favor with upscale buyers, with Lexus by far the most successful in overall sales, but Infiniti a favorite of people who seek cars that are truly fun to drive.
The ’09 TL is based on the design of the newest generation of the popular Honda Accord, which arrived for 2008. In base form, it comes with front-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter, 280-horsepower V-6 engine at a starting price of $34,955 (plus $760 freight)
For 2009, though, the biggest news for the TL was the addition of the new all-wheel-drive model, which begins at $38,505 and comes with the 3.7-liter V-6, which cranks out the 305 horsepower.
Designed more to enhance performance than to facilitate snow or ice driving, the TL’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system allows the vehicle to act more like a rear-drive vehicle, and helps eliminate the pesky torque-steer problem that often plagues front-drive cars with powerful engines. Torque steer is the tendency of a front-drive car to turn on its own in the direction of the wheel that is getting the power.
On the base model, the 3.5-liter engine replaced the 3.2-liter, 258-horsepower V-6 of the 2008 model. Even with the boost in power, this engine has the same EPA ratings as the 3.2-liter — 18 mpg city and 26 highway.
Both engines come with a five-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift feature that includes shift paddles on the steering column, which allows for a sportier driving experience if you have the inclination to fool with it. During my rush-hour commute on busy freeways, I prefer to let the car handle the shifting. But on twisty country roads, the all-wheel drive and the manual shift feature allowed me to have some fun with this car.
With the all-wheel drive, only the larger engine is offered, so there is all of that extra power to play with. Its EPA ratings are 17 city/25 highway, about the same as many midsize or larger crossover utility vehicles.
The front-drive TL is offered with a Technology Package for $38,685. This package includes a navigation system with voice recognition, AcuraLink real-time traffic and weather-radar mapping, an ELS 440-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers, a keyless access system with pushbutton ignition, a backup camera system that displays on the dash-mounted navigation screen, and premium Milano leather upholstery. The sound system includes DVD audio playback, a 12.7-gigabyte hard drive, and XM satellite radio. The backup camera is built into the rear deck-lid spoiler.
For the all-wheel-drive version with the Technology Package, the price is $42,235.
But our test vehicle also had 19-inch alloy wheels and high-performance summer tires, which raised the price to $43,235 (including the Technology Package).
Standard TL features include a power moon roof, dual-zone adaptive climate control, 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat, and an eight-way adjustable power front passenger seat.
The base audio system has eight speakers, 276 watts, a six-disc CD changer, AM/FM radio, XM, Bluetooth audio, a USB port and an auxiliary jack for an iPod or other device.
The Super Handling-All Wheel Drive models come with 18-inch alloy wheels (unless the summer-tire package is added), along with quad exhaust tips and a special SH-AWD badge
There is seating for five, with quite comfortable leather sport seats up front. The rear seat seems to be a tight fit for most adults, but kids will find it roomy enough until they become big teenagers.
Trunk space is 13.1 cubic feet, which is about what most compacts offer, but it should be enough for two or three people for a road trip, as long as nobody over-does the packing.
Safety features abound on the TL, including Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering front body structure, designed to match the bumpers of other vehicles on the road; electronic stability control with traction control; four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist; a tire-pressure monitoring system; active front head restraints; front seat-mounted side air bags; roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for both rows; child-seat anchors and tethers; front fog lights; break-away rearview mirror; emergency trunk interior release; and high-intensity-discharge automatic headlights.
The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Star-Telegram since 1995. Contact him at (210) 250-3236; chambers@star-telegram.com.
2009 Acura TL
The package: Premium, midsize, four-door, five-passenger, front-or all-wheel-drive, V-6 powered sedan.
Highlights: Redesigned for 2009, the TL has a choice of two new engines and, for the first time, an optional all-wheel-drive system designed to improve performance on all road surfaces.
Negatives: Back seat is tight for adults; automatic transmission has only five speeds, while key competitors’ have six speeds; engine requires premium fuel.
Engines: 3.5-liter V-6 (front drive); 3.7-liter V-6 (all-wheel drive).
Transmission: Five-speed automatic.
Power/torque: 280 HP./254 foot-pounds (3.5-liter); 305 HP/273 foot-pounds (3.7-liter).
Length: 195.3 inches.
Curb weight: 3,708-3,986 pounds.
Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.
Electronic stability control: Standard.
Side air bags: Front seat-mounted; side curtain for both rows.
Trunk capacity: 13.1 cubic feet.
EPA fuel economy: 18 mpg city/26 highway (3.5-liter); 17/25 (3.7-liter).
Fuel capacity/type: 18.5 gallons/unleaded premium.
Major competitors: Lexus ES/IS/GS sedans, Infiniti G37, Volkswagen Passat/CC, Volvo S60, Saab 9-5, BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-class, Nissan Maxima, Hyundai Genesis, Audi A4/A6, Lincoln MKS/MKZ.
Base price range: $34,955-$43,235 plus $760 freight.
Price as tested: $43,995, including freight and options (SH-AWD with technology and summer-tire packages).
On the Road rating: 8.5 (of a possible 10).
Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.
