Automotive Review of the Acura TL Sports Luxury Car

The Sports drivers' option of Acura's luxury-sport models, the Acura TL is likely the most sporty four-door car on the market today. With V-6 power and all the amenities you would expect in a far more expensive car, the beauty and visceral pleasure of driving an Acura TL can easily take your breath away.

Engine

Powering the Acura TL is the Acura 3.2-L V-6, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual, and providing 258 horsepower and 233 foot/pounds of torque. The Honda-sourced VTEC engine has 24 valves, on the base model, or you can opt for the Acura TL-S, which puts 286 horses on tap and is good for 3.5 liters. This power is available in part thanks to the VTEC dual stage intake manifold. This technology works at both low and high engine speeds, on one providing incoming air through a long intake runner, while the other, at high speed, opens a valve which allows air to flow through a shorter path directly into the cylinders. The resulting performance increase in the Acura TL is nothing short of stunning.

Safety

The Acura TL includes in its safety arsenal not only a full array of air bags, but also the highly useful stability assist and traction control system. These systems of the Acura TL provide the ability to better manage steep hills, curves, and inclement weather, allowing the driver to better maintain control of the car.

The Acura TL uses Electronic Brake distribution in tandem with its ABS systems, giving the Acura TL the ability to adjust brake pressure applied to wheels which more effectively slow the car down. Optional on the Acura TL is a rearview camera system which allows you to see more clearly what is behind you, a particularly useful tool for drivers with a limited range of movement or those who have trouble using mirrors. Other features of the Acura TL include dual zone climate control, Grade Logic and shift hold control, and standard drive by wire throttle system, allowing the Acura TL to maintain race-car type handling and instant functionality.

Pricing

Starting at around $34,000, the Acura TL can quickly become a sixty thousand dollar car when equipped with all of Acura's options, but even as far as base models go, The Acura TL comes far better equipped than many of its rivals, and in a few cases, such as with the Audi A4 and BMW 335i, you'll be walking away from the dealership with plenty of extra coin to put down on those options. A well-built car, with plenty of luxury and safety, the Acura TL is one you'll want to consider if you're in the market for a great sports car that has the capabilities of a family car.