Review: 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD

The 2009 Acura TL SH -AWD is a milestone in Acura's Legacy with a 305 horsepower all aluminum 3.7 liter Vtec V6 engine mated to an optional six speed manual transmission this car is the epitome of performance and handling. The Acura TL SH-AWD isn't quite as fast in the straight line performance arena as most performance Acura enthusiasts would hope for, only mustering a 14.8 second quarter mile at 97 mph. However these figures are not to be scoffed at considering the Acura TL SH-AWD is bloated down with safety features and an all wheel drive system. The power is up on the Acura TL SH-AWD from its little brother the Acura TL from a measly 280hp to 305hp. The all wheel drive system is a must have for Acura owners that live in snowy or rainy weather states. Acura owners that are use to the front wheels spinning when taking off on a wet road are no longer plagued with this problem as the Acura TL SH's (SH standing for superior handling) all wheel drive system takes effect in transferring power from the wheels that slip to the ones that grip.

So why is the six speed manual transmission option so important on the Acura TL SH-AWD? Because it works wonders by putting all of its power for whatever gear you're in to the ground effortlessly like a Nissan Skyline GTR. The short throw shift lever is accurate and easy to maneuver and is similar to the throw on a Honda S2000 or the short throw of the Honda Civic SI model. The manual transmission option gives the engine a sense of urgency, begging to be down shifted to feel its hunger for power in the higher rpm's. The automatic transmission option does no justice to the Acura TL SH-AWD making it feel sluggish and absorbing quite a bit of its powerful 305 horsepower engine in its slush box. However, the manual transmission is only an option on the top of the line Acura TL SH-AWD and is bizarrely more expensive than the manual shift able automatic, most likely because Acura knows that the manual transmission option will be sought after by hardcore Acura enthusiasts.

For the money spent (around 42,000) little has changed on the Acura TL SH-AWD when compared to its little brother the base TL other than a new clutch pedal, stiffer engine mounts to accommodate the added driveline weight, thicker and heavier duty driveline components, and stiffer spring rates to accommodate the TL SH-AWD's robust drive line. Not much was needed to be changed from the Acura TL's all ready sporty interior and exterior fashion accents. However, the top of the line TL SH-AWD does come with optional 19 inch aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in sticky summer treads.

Even though the Acura TL SH-AWD's straight-line performance isn't extraordinary by any means it is the most powerful Acura ever built to date, even towering over the Acura NSX's engine performance. For a four door sedan the TL SH-AWD really performs on the track easily mustering out the likes of the Audi S4 and the BMW 335i. The all wheel drive system and sticky tires were the main contributor to the faster track times from maximum corner exit speed. All things considered the SH-AWD is definitely worth the money spent with decent performance, superior handling, and a superior braking system..

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front- or 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $35,000

ENGINES: SOHC 24-valve 3.5-liter V-6, 280 hp, 254 lb-ft; SOHC 24-valve 3.7-liter V-6, 305 hp, 275 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 109.3 in Length: 195.3 in Width: 74.0 in Height: 57.2 in Curb weight: 3750-4000 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 6.1-6.3 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 14.6-14.8 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 150 mph

PROJECTED FUEL ECONOMY (MFR'S EST):
EPA city driving: 17-18 mpg
EPA highway driving: 24-26 mpg

Source: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/08q4/2009_acura_tl-first_drive_review