Teresa’s View
For the past three years, the Acura TL Type-S has been missing. Gone was the performance-oriented version of the practical TL and many pined for the smoothly responsive sedan. This year, there is once again balance in the universe. The Type-S is back.
Unique exterior styling differentiates the Type-S from the regular TL. Hint: look for the four (!) chrome tailpipes and Brembo front brakes.
The Type-S also receives special racing seats up front to help keep your bum in place during enthusiastic driving maneuvers. Gauges light up in eerie red at night, instead of the cool blue found in non-Type-S TLs.
Under the hood, a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivers 286 horsepower and comes with a choice of two transmissions. A five-speed automatic includes sequential sport shifting paddles on the back of the steering wheel similar to the ones used by Formula One drivers. A six-speed manual is also offered. With the automatic tranny, the TL Type-S earns a respectable fuel rating of 19 mpg city and 28 highway.
I know what you are asking yourself. You are saying, “This is great news, Teresa. But how does it drive?” Like a dream, baby. Like a dream. The Type S is agile and quick, gripping even rain-soaked streets with the tenacity of an American Idol contestant holding onto his last 15 minutes of fame. A limited slip differential directs power to the wheels with the most traction for confident, torque-free steering — a pleasant surprise for a front-wheel drive sedan. Vehicle Stability Assist helps to compensate for less-than-stellar driving skills.
The TL in general comes fully loaded with comfort features including a sunroof, leather seats — the front ones are heated — cruise control and a surround sound audio system with XM Satellite Radio and WMA and MP3 compatibility. Bluetooth technology routes your calls through the audio system’s eight speakers. The dual climate controls include a 3-D solar sensor that continuously calculates the sun position and adjusts the cabin’s climate accordingly. Sweet.
Still not sporty enough for you? An optional sport suspension kit includes larger tires and shock absorbers that lower the car a bit.
What Is It?: The Acura TL Type-S is a midsize, four-door, five-passenger, high-performance sedan. Smaller than the RL, but not as small as the TSX, the TL was introduced in 1996. Six years later, Type-S was added. Prices for the Type-S start at around $38K.
Favorite New Technology: The Type-S comes with Active Noise Cancellation, which eliminates outside din using a combination of interior microphones and the audio system to keep the cabin blissfully quiet. This makes it all the better to hear music over the fabulous audio system.
Grocery Sack Test: A tall liftover makes loading and unloading a bit of a challenge. The cargo space is shared by sound system gear and the rear seats don’t fold forward, although there’s still reasonable room for groceries.
Cheat Sheet: Acura is the premium division of Honda Motors.
So, Where Are Ya From?: TLs are assembled in Marysville, Ohio.