Test drive: New Type-S a better Acura TL

This week we’re enjoying the luxury, style and high-performance power of Acura’s impressively updated 2007 TL Type-S. Introduced in 2004, current foes Infiniti, BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Lexus are challenging Honda’s TL for supremacy, yet find the sophisticated upscale model a tough competitor indeed.

Sans any nameplate affiliation to flagship Honda, and similar to Lexus (Toyota) and Infiniti (Nissan) in this marketing theory, Acura continues to step up its efforts in the performance luxury sedan market.

As part of its comprehensive performance package, the new Type-S builds on the already impressive performance character of TL and then adds an enhanced powertrain. Type-S is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 286 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 257 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The power transfers through one of two available transmissions, either a six-speed manual or an all-new five-speed automatic with F1-style Sequential SportShift paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control.

Our tester came with the five-speed automatic, and we enjoyed the substantial torque packed into the three middle gears. Acura’s SportShift is programmed to provide smooth downshifts by “blipping” the throttle between gears, matching revs and significantly improving overall driving smoothness.

A sport suspension, unique exterior styling and interior trim distinguish “S” from the base TL. A redesigned front end features a larger honeycomb grille, fog lights relocated to the bumper, and black/chrome accents. Type-S for ‘07 also receives a unique front fascia with a “splitter” leading edge, wider side sills and rear fascia diffuser. If we dare, we see just a hint of Ford’s new Mustang design during a quick glance, although Type-S’s four-door design and overall flatter appearance make it unique and brings us back to Acura land.

We like the “S” rear spoiler, which looks like a small ramp about an inch tall and 3 inches wide. We also applaud engineers integrating the Acura badge on its brake calipers, which peek through the 10-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels. These additions are a stroke of coolness indeed, and spell “high performance” to those in the know. We timed our tester from 0-60 in about 7 seconds, it handles like a racecar and the four-wheel disc brakes are top notch.

TL’s interior’s hardware is subtle in its revision, with Type-S receiving a new three-spoke steering wheel, tweaked gauges and model-specific, red ambient lighting. (TL models feature a subtle blue hue.)

However, cabin technology improves considerably for 2007, as Type-S models include standard Acura Navigation System with Voice and a rearview camera. TL also adds WMA and MP3 playback, Dolby Pro Logic II and speed-sensitive volume compensation to the audio system. Also, a standard 225-watt Acura/ELS Surround Premium eight-speaker Sound System with six-disc CD, DVD-Audio awaits the consumer.

Other standard features of note on Type-S include leather-trimmed seats; XM Radio; dual-zone air; driver’s eight-way power seat with lumbar; front passenger four-way power seat; stainless steel foot pedals; power moonroof; and heated power door mirrors with turn indicators.

Safety includes driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags and side airbags; side curtain airbags; Vehicle Stability Assist; tire pressure monitoring system; side-impact door beams; and remote entry with security system and driver recognition memory.

Important numbers include 107.9-inch wheelbase; 3,674-pound curb weight; 17.1-gallon fuel tank, 12.5-cubic feet of cargo space, and 19 city/28 highway EPA numbers.

The luxury vehicle market continues to expand, and the “near luxury” sedan segment is enjoying some of the greatest growth. This segment, where Acura competes, accounts for over one-third of the luxury market.

Although TL is a consistent top seller, it receives stiff challenges from the aforementioned sporty sedans. However, we expect Acura to address the challenge and do well thanks to improvements to the TL Type-S. Thus, the new Type-S receives a strong 9 on a scale of 1 to 10.

Likes: Merges racecar with luxury sedan; price is under $40,000; performance; unique electronic noise-canceling feature for use on coarse pavement.

Dislikes: CD changer resides in trunk, very ‘90s-ish; limited cargo area.