What’s New:
The fourth-generation Acura TL made its debut in 2009. This premium luxury sedan has been around since about 1995. For the 2010 model year, a six-speed manual transmission engine is finally available in the TL sedan. One no longer has to accept the clutchless automatic which has been dominant in many vehicles today lacking a true manual transmission.
Must-Have Goodies:
For those wanting to take advantage of the Acura TL new synchronized six-speed transmission, one will be required to step into the super handling all-wheel drive version (SH-AWD). Unfortunately, the manual transmission isn’t available in the front-wheel drive model.
In addition to the no charge manual transmission, our TL was equipped with the brand’s Tech Package. The Tech Package consisted of Acura’s voice-activated navigation system with rearview camera, Acura’s on-demand weather forecast and traffic updates, perforated leather sport seats and a push-button keyless ignition system. Furthermore, Acura’s 440-watt crisp sounding 10-speaker sound system included a DVD-audio, CD, DTS, AM/FM tuner, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth audio and a 12.7 GB hard disk drive (HDD) media storage system.
And for those wanting larger shoes on this sports handling sedan, 19-inch optional summer tires are available for an additional $1,000 for the higher-end all-wheel drive model.
What Rocked:
While many believe a premium luxury brand requires an eight-cylinder engine, Acura has been able to offer the same oomph with its SH-AWD model. With the six-speed manual transmission, Acura is definitely going after the 3-series Bimmer. Unlike most sports sedans equipped with a manual, shifting the high-powered TL was virtually effortless. Moreover, with the TL being equipped with the manual transmission, it added a certain fun factor lacking in most automatics.
Also we were enthralled by the cock-pit type layout of the TL with all of its easy-to-use gadgetry. Added to that, the SH-AWD model, with the dual exhaust pipes, corners well with its performance-minded dampers, revised brake tuning, larger wheels and electric power-steering (EPS).
What We Disliked:
Besides the controversial razor sharp-like design of the grille on the TL, we were a little disappointed in Acura’s pricing strategy for the flawless shifting six-speed manual transmission. We were somewhat alarmed to find that a TL equipped with an automatic transmission was priced the same as a manual transmission. Isn’t there suppose to be a premium charge for opting for an automatic, thus making the manual more affordable?
Also with this vehicle being so cutting edge inside and out with all of its high-tech features, why hasn’t a blind spot monitoring system been incorporated into the vehicle, aiding driver’s with merging into the lanes of other vehicles.
Any Juice:
The TL is available with two different six-cylinder engines: a 3.5-liter 280-horespower engine in the front-wheel drive model or a peppier 3.7-liter 305-horsepower engine for the all-wheel drive model.
The Verdict:
Whether one opts for the base TL or the SH-AWD model, this is still one of the best midsize luxury sport
sedans on the market. From its performance to its handling to its feature-rich equipment list, one won’t be disappointed with the vehicle. Since the aging design of the upper-end RL is on its last leg, the TL has served as the halo car for the brand since it was restyled in 2009.
If one is the market for a crisp handling, luxury-oriented performance sedan, the TL could fit the bill. Pricing for an automatic transmission front-wheel drive TL stars at approximately $36,000, while a fully-load manual transmission equipped vehicle with the optional 19-inch wheels will push the price to approximately $44,000.
Competition: 2010 Audi S4, 2010 BMW 3-Series and 2011 Infiniti G37 Sedan
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