2012 Acura TL Preview
The 2012 Acura TL marks a departure from the automaker's recent styling direction as the mid-size sedan debuts with a fresh new appearance, a fuel-saving 6-speed automatic transmission, and new infotainment and safety technology.
Highlights:
The Acura TL is a mid-size luxury sport sedan that was launched in 1995 as a replacement to the Acura Vigor. Like its predecessor, the new TL debuted with a unique 5-cylinder (2.5-liter) engine and front-wheel drive - a combination designed to offer both power and fuel efficiency, says the automaker. One year later (after the Acura Legend was replaced by the Acura RL) the TL was offered with a more powerful 6-cylinder (3.2-liter) borrowed from the Legend's parts bin.
When the second-generation TL debuted in 1999, the 5-cylinder engine had been dropped and all TL models were fitted with 6-cylinder engines. Sharing platforms with the Honda Accord (and built on the shame assembly line in Marysville, Ohio), the TL remained a front-wheel drive model with a standard 4-speed automatic transmission. The 2001 model year marked the arrival of the TL Coupe (the short-lived model was designated "CL"). The two-door model was discontinued by 2003. Near the end of its lifecycle, Acura introduced the high-performance "Type-S" model, with a larger 6-cylinder (3.5-liter) engine, sport seats, upgraded wheels, and a manual transmission.
The third-generation Acura TL arrived in 2004. Again sharing platforms with the Honda Accord, the sedan was offered with a standard 6-cylinder (3.2-liter) engine just like its predecessor. The Type-S model, with a 286 horsepower (3.5-liter) engine and other performance enhancements, followed in 2007.
The current, fourth-generation Acura TL was launched in 2009. While its predecessors had been penned with a conservative style, the new TL featured the automaker's "Keen Edge Dynamic" look - somewhat controversial as it featured Acura's "Power Plenum" front grille. Nevertheless, the base 6-cylinder (3.5-liter) was rated at 280 horsepower placing it among the stronger vehicles in its competitive pack. Acura also launched the TL SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) model with a 305 horsepower (3.7-liter) engine, larger brakes, and an available 6-speed manual transmission.
For the 2012 model year, Acura treated its fourth-generation mid-size sedan to a facelift. The "Power Plenum" grille has been re-styled to be smaller and less prominent, all part of the new front and rear fascias. There is a new 6-speed automatic transmission under the hood, and the engine has been re-tuned to deliver slightly better fuel economy. New technology includes a blind-spot information system, ventilated seats, a 60 GB hard drive, and new alloy wheels. In addition, the cabin has been fitted with additional sound deadening to reduce noise at higher speeds.
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Highlights:- Significant refresh for 2012
- New exterior styling
- New 6-speed automatic transmission improves efficiency
- New infotainment and safety technology
- Increased sound deadening reduces noise levels
- New alloy wheel designs
- Three models: TL, SH-AWD, and SH-AWD 6MT
- Arriving in spring 2011
The Acura TL is a mid-size luxury sport sedan that was launched in 1995 as a replacement to the Acura Vigor. Like its predecessor, the new TL debuted with a unique 5-cylinder (2.5-liter) engine and front-wheel drive - a combination designed to offer both power and fuel efficiency, says the automaker. One year later (after the Acura Legend was replaced by the Acura RL) the TL was offered with a more powerful 6-cylinder (3.2-liter) borrowed from the Legend's parts bin.
When the second-generation TL debuted in 1999, the 5-cylinder engine had been dropped and all TL models were fitted with 6-cylinder engines. Sharing platforms with the Honda Accord (and built on the shame assembly line in Marysville, Ohio), the TL remained a front-wheel drive model with a standard 4-speed automatic transmission. The 2001 model year marked the arrival of the TL Coupe (the short-lived model was designated "CL"). The two-door model was discontinued by 2003. Near the end of its lifecycle, Acura introduced the high-performance "Type-S" model, with a larger 6-cylinder (3.5-liter) engine, sport seats, upgraded wheels, and a manual transmission.
The third-generation Acura TL arrived in 2004. Again sharing platforms with the Honda Accord, the sedan was offered with a standard 6-cylinder (3.2-liter) engine just like its predecessor. The Type-S model, with a 286 horsepower (3.5-liter) engine and other performance enhancements, followed in 2007.
The current, fourth-generation Acura TL was launched in 2009. While its predecessors had been penned with a conservative style, the new TL featured the automaker's "Keen Edge Dynamic" look - somewhat controversial as it featured Acura's "Power Plenum" front grille. Nevertheless, the base 6-cylinder (3.5-liter) was rated at 280 horsepower placing it among the stronger vehicles in its competitive pack. Acura also launched the TL SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) model with a 305 horsepower (3.7-liter) engine, larger brakes, and an available 6-speed manual transmission.
For the 2012 model year, Acura treated its fourth-generation mid-size sedan to a facelift. The "Power Plenum" grille has been re-styled to be smaller and less prominent, all part of the new front and rear fascias. There is a new 6-speed automatic transmission under the hood, and the engine has been re-tuned to deliver slightly better fuel economy. New technology includes a blind-spot information system, ventilated seats, a 60 GB hard drive, and new alloy wheels. In addition, the cabin has been fitted with additional sound deadening to reduce noise at higher speeds.
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