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Showing posts with label Acura TL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Acura TL. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Acura's TL luxury sedan has been a mainstay around the United States for years, and its recent selection as a NADAguides Top Recommended Current Buy for the second quarter of 2011 further solidifies that position. The 2011 Acura TL got the nod from NADAguides in part for its low first-year depreciation rate of just 19 percent, its attractive financing options and its four-year, 50,000-mile warranty.
Other factors leading to the TL being picked as a Top Recommended Current Buy included its competitive starting price and availability which, despite recent supply shortages due to the March 11 earthquake in Japan, was at a healthy 62-day inventory level at the end of May. NADAguides selected only six cars, and Acura was the only luxury brand recognized on the list.
"The TL represents all the traits the Acura brand is known for, such as value, incredible technology and cutting-edge drivetrains," said Joel Avery, general manager of Massachusetts Acura dealer Acura of Peabody. "Discerning Massachusetts car buyers have been picking up the TL for years because it is a very smart buy – it doesn't lose its value like other luxury cars and has the reliability that is inherent in Acura vehicles."
Acura gave the TL a makeover for the new model year, and the 2012 Acura TL available at Massachusetts Acura dealers has new front and rear styling, a new six-speed automatic transmission and a refreshed interior featuring new instrument cluster arrangements and surface finishes. What isn't changing with the 2012 TL is Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system, which is of particular interest for drivers in New England who need stability on snow and ice-covered roads. The SH-AWD system is also valuable during ideal summer driving, as it redirects power around the car to improve handling dynamics and create a luxury sedan with the feel of a lightweight sports car.
Adding to that sporty feel are Acura's versatile powerplants, including a 3.5-liter V6 and optional 3.7-liter V6. The standard powerplant produces 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque while returning 29 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city. Featuring SH-AWD, the 2012 TL model with the optional 3.7-liter engine pumps out 305 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Even with that much power, the 3.7-liter engine still returns 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway when paired with an automatic transmission.
Inside, the Acura TL features an optional GPS-linked temperature control, which tracks the position of the sun relative to the car's position while a sensor measures the sun's intensity. Acura says this information allows the TL to more accurately control the temperature throughout the vehicle. There is also an available Acura/ELS Surround Sound System designed by Grammy Award-winning recording engineer Elliot Scheiner that features 10 speakers capable of reproducing sound just as it was recorded.
"There are some incredibly convenient and innovative options on the TL, especially given the price tag," Avery added. "These are things you wouldn't see from Acura's competition until you're spending well above what a TL costs, and that's one reason why the TL is a recommended buy."
Monday, June 27, 2011
The Affinia Group is recalling aftermarket front suspension lower ball joints for the 2004-2008 Acura TL, which were sold through NAPA Auto Parts outlets. Due to a mistake in the NAPA catalogue, the installers were told to purchase incorrectly-sized stud nuts. Installation of these too-small nuts could result in the ball joint separating, leading to a suspension collapse. Affinia started the recall after receiving one complaint of vehicle damage but there were no injuries or fatalities.
Affinia and NAPA have corrected the catalogs (both paper and online) and are contacting possible part owners. All unsold inventory has been pulled from NAPA shelves. Owners can also contact Affinia at 1-815-759-7757. Less than 150 2004-2008 Acura TLs with NAPA aftermarket suspension parts are affected.
Friday, April 15, 2011
"The good: The ELS audio system, part of the tech package in the 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD, produces excellent sound from a full set of audio sources, and voice command lets you request music by name. The all-wheel-drive system gives the car snappy handling in the turns."
For more, visit CNET's website @ http://reviews.cnet.com/sedan/2012-acura-tl-sh/4505-10865_7-34629436.html#ixzz1JfMq3SYG"
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Acura's recently refreshed and more "diluted" 2012 Acura TL went on sale in Canada this week. Base MSRP prices for the 2012 Acura TL start at $39 490, a Tech upgrade nets you to $42 990, choose SH-AWD and be bumped up to $43 490, a Tech upgrade on a SH-AWD model bumps it up to $46 990 and the top-of-the-line SH-AWD Elite with a Blind Spot Monitoring, 19" wheels, ventilated front seats will push the envelope to $48 490. The 6-speed manual is continues to be available only on SH-AWD models.
For more information, visit Acura Canada's website @ http://www.acura.ca/tl
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
To increase performance, a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission is applied on all TL models fitted with an automatic transmission. In addition to incorporating engineering enhancements aimed at improving efficiency, a sport-minded double-kick-down feature lets the driver command a double downshift— such as from Fifth to Third gear. The Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system also creates a “blip” of the throttle to help match gear speeds while downshifting. Previously, only the TL SH-AWD® made use of an external transmission cooler, but for 2012 all models of the TL (with automatic transmission) are now fitted with an external transmission cooler.
To further improve operating efficiency, the TL’s 3.5L V-6 engine receives a host of friction-reduction technologies including a new plateau-honing technique for the cylinders, piston skirts with a new molybdenum coating, redesigned ion-plated piston rings and lower viscosity engine oil. In addition, both the 3.5L and 3.7L engines make use of a revised inlet system that provides cooler air to feed the engine.
Chassis
For 2012, two distinct versions of Acura’s performance luxury sedan remain: a 280 horsepower, front-wheel-drive TL along with a powerful 305 hp TL paired with Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®). The performance-minded 6MT model (with 6-speed manual transmission, handling and steering improvements) will continue to be offered in the 2012 TL SH-AWD® lineup, helping broaden the TL’s appeal among luxury performance sedan buyers.
Standard on the 2012 TL are new 17x8-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels with P245/50R17 all-season tires for confident year-round performance. The TL SH-AWD® comes standard with new 18x8-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with low-profile P245/45R18 tires for more agile handling. When equipped with the available Advance Package, the TL comes with 18x8-inch 5-spoke wheels while the TL SH-AWD® is fitted with 19x8-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels paired with new performance minded 245/40R19 all-season tires that offer significantly improved performance in snow and ice. Fitted to all TL wheels are revised center caps featuring a raised-style, chrome-plated Acura “A” mark.
The TL employs a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. Ride quality and road-holding are optimized with dual-stage “blow off” style hydraulic suspension dampers, hydro-compliant bushings (used to mount the transmission and key suspension components) and a “smart” engine mount design. On the SH-AWD® model, special rate coil springs are paired with unique damper tuning to improve handling performance. Moreover, on the SH-AWD® model special brake tuning teams with racing-inspired front brake cooling ducts to provide more performance-minded braking.
In keeping with its mission as a driver’s car, the TL interior features a “dual personal” design that provides both the driver and front passenger with their own personal space. Inside, the 2012 TL benefits from an even further refined cabin that includes instrument cluster changes, new surface finishes for many interior appointments and available ventilated front seats. Technology improvements abound with refinement of Bluetooth® Audio (now with artists name, song title, etc.), new “active pairing” functionality for Bluetooth® enabled cellular telephones, Dial-By-Number and dial-by-voice tags, and much faster connection speed for the USB port.
Safety
The 2012 TL uses a host of advanced safety features including Acura’s acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. The ACE™ body design enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes by utilizing a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. ACE™ body design also helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.
Six airbags and active head restraints for the driver and front passenger seats are just a few of the long list of passive safety features built into the TL. The array of airbags includes: dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; dual-chamber front seat side airbags with front passenger seat Occupant Position Detection System; and side-curtain airbags for front and outboard rear seating positions.
Additional passive safety features include 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, driver and front passenger seatbelt load-limiters with an automatic tensioning system and a Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system that permits quick, convenient attachment of up to two child seats at the outboard locations of the rear seating area.
The 2012 TL includes safety minded features such as ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist in conjunction with the 4-wheel disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and daytime running lights (DRL).
On sale at Acura dealerships on March 18, the 2012 TL will have a MSRP of $35,605. Equipped with the available Technology Package, the MSRP is $39,335, or $41,535 when equipped with the available Advance Package.
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2012 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan and all-new Sport Wagon, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.
Along with every new Acura, the 2012 TL is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Hot on yesterday's Youtube video on the 2012 Honda Civic Commercial filming, today comes the 2012 Acura TL Commercial filming, skip to 1:15 to see the 2012 Acura TL/TL SH-AWD.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Making its Canadian debut at the 2011 Canadian International Auto show, Acura's newly refined 2012 TL delivers improved performance, upgraded technology and features as well as revised appearance. A new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission provides improved performance and fuel economy, and a new Elite trim is added to the TL SH-AWD model lineup.
"The 2012 Acura TL is refined, yet aggressive," said Alexandre Roger, assistant vice president with Canada's Acura Division. "Already known for its performance and superb handling, the enhanced TL provides a sophisticated new look and new technologies designed to take TL to the next level."
To increase performance, a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission is applied on all TL models with automatic transmission. In addition to incorporating engineering enhancements aimed at improving efficiency, a sport-minded double-kick-down feature lets the driver command a double downshift such as from Fifth to Third gear. The Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system also creates a "blip" of the throttle to help match gear speeds while downshifting.
In addition, the transmission teams with a new multi-clutch torque converter that not only reduces heat build-up during operation but also allows for lock-up activation during a much wider range of driving conditions which helps generate improved fuel economy. As a result, city/highway fuel economy is now 10.4 / 6.8 L/100km (TL & TL Tech 6AT), 11.4 / 7.6 L/100km (SH-AWD 6AT models ) and 11.9/8.0 L/100km (SH-AWD Tech 6MTmodel), providing an increase in highway fuel economy over the 2011 TL. To further improve operating efficiency, the TL's standard 3.5-litre V-6 engine receives a host of friction-reduction technologies while a revised air inlet system provides cooler air for both the 3.5-litre and 3.7-litre engines.
The 2012 TL's refined new look includes a redesigned front bumper with improved aerodynamics, a revised grille, updated headlights and turn signals, a new fog light design and a shorter front overhang. At the rear, a new rear bumper incorporates a significantly repositioned license plate opening and smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights and a thinner rear trunk edge trim add to a sophisticated new look.
For 2012, two distinct versions of Acura's performance luxury sedan remain: a 280-horsepower, front-wheel-drive TL, as well as a powerful 305-horsepower TL paired with Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™). The performance-minded model with a 6-speed manual transmission will be offered in the 2012 TL SH-AWD lineup, helping broaden the TL's appeal among luxury performance sedan buyers.
Both the TL and TL SH-AWD™ models offer an available Technology Package which includes the Acura Navigation System with Bilingual Voice Recognition™, and an Acura/ELS Surround® 410-watt Premium Audio System. For 2012, the hard disk drive (HDD) based navigation system increases in size to 60 gigabytes, map coverage is expanded, USB connection speed increased, and the full VGA monitor is brighter with even richer colours.
Also available is a new TL SH-AWD Elite trim that incorporates all-new ventilated front seats, a new blind spot information (BSI) system that alerts the driver of other vehicles that are in close proximity, and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires.
Standard on the 2012 TL are new 17x8-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels with P245/50R17 all-season tires for confident year-round performance. The TL SH-AWD® comes standard with 18x8-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with low-profile P245/45R18 tires for more agile handling. Finally, the new TL SH-AWD™ Elite trim is fitted with19x8-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels with new performance minded P245/40ZR19 all-season tires.
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles. The 2011 Acura lineup features seven distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the Canadian-exclusive CSX luxury compact sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the Canadian-built MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and ZDX four-door sports coupe.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Check out the tab above to Acura's unveiling video of the 2012 Acura TL at the Chicago Auto Show.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
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| Acura TL's new less aggressive front end |
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| Acura TL's new set of 18-inchers, slightly revised from 2011's |
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| Acura did not forget a couple of engine tweaks with the addition of a 6-speed auto |
So what do you guys think of the new changes on the 2012 Acura TL? Makes the car different? Or is it a failed attempt?
Making its debut at the 2011 Chicago Auto show, Acura's newly refined TL delivers fresh looks, improved performance and upgraded technology. Most apparent are the visual changes that incorporate new front and rear styling, but also present is a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission for improved performance and fuel economy, a revised interior and a host of technology upgrades.
"The 2012 Acura TL is refined, yet aggressive," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "Already known for its great performance, the enhanced TL has a sophisticated new look and an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission that will take performance to the next level."
The 2012 TL's refined new look includes a redesigned front bumper with improved aerodynamics, a revised grille, updated headlights and turn signals, a new fog light design and a shorter front overhang. At the rear, a new rear bumper incorporates a significantly repositioned license plate opening and smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights and a thinner rear trunk edge trim add to a sophisticated new look.
To increase performance, a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission is applied on all TL models with automatic transmission. In addition to incorporating engineering enhancements aimed at improving efficiency, a sport-minded double-kick-down feature lets the driver command a double downshift— such as from Fifth to Third gear. The Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system also creates a "blip" of the throttle to help match gear speeds while downshifting.
In addition, the transmission teams with a new multi-clutch torque converter that not only reduces heat build-up during operation, but also allows for lock-up activation during a much wider range of driving conditions— which helps generate improved fuel economy. As a result, city/highway fuel economy is now 20/29 mpg*— an increase of 3 mpg in highway driving over the 2011 TL. To further improve operating efficiency, the TL's standard 3.5L V-6 engine receives a host of friction-reduction technologies while a revised air inlet system provides cooler air for both the 3.5L and 3.7L engines.
For 2012, two distinct versions of Acura's performance luxury sedan remain: a 280 horsepower, front-wheel-drive TL along with a powerful 305 hp TL paired with Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™). The performance-minded 6MT model will continue to be offered in the 2012 TL SH-AWD lineup, helping broaden the TL's appeal among luxury performance sedan buyers.
Both the TL and TL SH-AWD™ models offer an available Technology Package which includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™, and an Acura/ELS Surround® 410-watt Premium Audio System. For 2012, the hard disk drive (HDD) based navigation system increases in size to 60 gigabytes, map coverage is more expansive, USB connection speed is faster, and the full VGA monitor is brighter with even richer colors. Also available is a new Advance Package that incorporates all-new ventilated front seats along with a new blind spot information (BSI) system that alerts the driver of other vehicles that are in close proximity.
Standard on the 2012 TL are new 17x8-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels with P245/50R17 all-season tires for confident year-round performance. The TL SH-AWD® comes standard with new 18x8-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with low-profile P245/45R18 tires for more agile handling. Finally, when equipped with the available Advance Package, the TL comes with 18x8-inch 5-spoke wheels while TL SH-AWD™ is fitted with 19x8-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels with new performance minded P245/40R19 all-season tires.
Along with every new Acura, the new 2012 TL is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.
The latest tidbits on the 2012 Acura TL: a refreshed front fascia and a revised rear end to dilute the aggressive front end of the current car. The overhangs are shorter and there is less in-your-face chrome detailing. Acura engineers also managed to increase fuel economy by cutting engine friction and adding a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment on all TL models allowing the mpg figures to jump to 20mpg city and 29mpg highway (up 3). Acura says the TL 6MT SH-AWD will continue production.
Content-wise, the TL Advance model now has a Blind-Sport Awareness system along with ventilated heated/cooled seats. Audio-techies will love the new 60GB navigation and infotainment system.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
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| The 2012 Acura TL rear-end tease |
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| The 2011 Acura TL rear-end |
Saturday, January 29, 2011
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| Acura's 2010 TL with the beak nose |
Monday, January 24, 2011
Acura announced earlier today that it will debut a refreshed version of the 2012 Acura TL at the Chicago Auto Show to be held on February 9, 2011. The Acura press conference that will unveil the new TL will be webcast live at http://acuranews.com
Spyshots earlier last year suggested that no major changes are in store for this TL except for toned-down styling with a less aggressive grille/front end, slightly revised interior controls and what Acura says will, "further enhance its position in the segment with aggressive, yet refined styling and performance."
Friday, January 7, 2011
Acura TSB
In an Acura TSB issued earlier on November 19 2010, some MDX and TL models may squeak when started. The noise coming from 2007-2008 MDX models and 2008 TLs are caused by the engine's accessory drive belt, as well as a misaligning AC compressor. Using properly sized bolts to hold the compressor in place and replacing the belt will stop the noisy startup.
Popular Mechanics' and Winding Road's 2011 Acura TSX Sports Wagon Review
@ http://www.windingroad.com/articles/reviews/driven-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon/
"The side mirrors on the 2011 Acura TL are a little narrow, reducing rear visibility somewhat.
There. That’s the only complaint I have about the all-wheel-drive version of Acura’s mid-size sedan I spent the last week driving. Everything else was just about perfect, including the smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission."
Visit the review on their website @ http://portlandtribune.com/features/story.php?story_id=129366391472418800
Visit The Car Connection website @ http://www.thecarconnection.com/review/1053281_2011-acura-tl
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The TL took first place in the quality of the vehicle, performance, value and other categories.
"It is an honor to win our fourth ALG award for the TL, the TL combines the best of advanced technology, luxury, performance and quality at an unbeatable value," said Jeff Conrad, VP of Acura Sales of America.
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