INTRODUCTION*
With athletic and emotional styling, powerful engine performance and a Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) model, the fourth-generation TL is nothing less than the most exciting performance luxury sedan in Acura history. After a complete from-the-wheels-up redesign for 2009, Acura aimed to enhance every aspect of the original model. Featuring a stiff unit-body construction with expansive use of high-strength steel (as well as key aluminum components), unique and dramatic exterior styling, a choice of two powerful VTEC® V-6 powertrains (280-hp 3.5L and 305-hp 3.7L), Electric Power Steering (EPS), and a luxurious and technologically advanced interior, the TL sets the benchmark for the future direction of the Acura division.
For 2011, the Acura TL received the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG®) award for the best residual value of any Near Luxury vehicle, with the overall Acura brand taking the second place spot for best residual value for all Luxury Brands. Such independent recognition indicates the strong value and quality that the Acura brand offers.
The 2013 TL’s refined look includes a front bumper with improved aerodynamics, a stylish grille, sleek headlights and turn signals, and a short front overhang. The TL’s styling aligns it with the overall design direction of Acura as, for example, the TL’s new lower front fascia openings are similar in design direction as those seen on Acura’s popular SUV models (ZDX, MDX and RDX). “With the 2009 TL, the exterior design was a lot about passion,” said Damon Schell, Acura Project Lead Designer. “With the 2013 TL, we pushed for an increased level of sophistication.”
At the rear, the bumper incorporates small rear reflectors, while a thin rear trunk edge trim and angular taillight design combine for a sophisticated modern look. Also adding to the exterior looks are 17- and 18-inch aluminum wheels fitted with a center cap featuring a raised-style, chrome-plated Acura “A” mark. Just as with the 2011 TL, the 2013 TL exterior makes use of luxury cues like genuine stainless-steel trim, LED taillights and dynamic surface lines immediately capturing the viewer’s attention.
To increase performance, a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission is used with all TL models. 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 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.
Previously, only the TL SH-AWD made use of an external transmission cooler (for hot weather driving), but for 2013 all models of the TL are now fitted with an external transmission cooler.
The 2013 TL is available in numerous configurations including a choice between front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive. The performance-minded 6MT model will continue to be offered in the 2013 TL lineup, helping broaden the TL’s appeal among luxury performance sedan buyers. However, the TL 6MT goes well beyond the addition of a unique transmission. Acura engineers developed a complete performance package for the 6-speed model that includes numerous enhancements to handling, steering and reliability. Not only is the manual transmission model the best performing Acura TL ever, but it is the top performer in handling amongst every vehicle in its class.
The 2013 TL is a powerful and precise performance luxury sedan that is as confident and composed on a mountain road as it is in the city center. Replacing the previous generation TL’s Type-S model is the TL SH-AWD® model that is built for the enthusiast driver. Featuring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, special suspension and steering tuning, the most powerful engine from Acura ever and an optional performance minded close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox, the 2013 TL offers plenty of appeal for both commuters and performance enthusiasts. Unlike some sedan competitors that add all-wheel-drive to their vehicle to primarily help in winter conditions, the TL’s available SH-AWD® was specially designed to dramatically enhance sporty handling in addition to further enhancing the vehicle’s winter-driving capability. This means that the TL SH-AWD® is inspiring to drive year-round.
Underhood, for 2013 the TL has a new Battery Management System (BMS) that is designed to increase the overall service life of the battery, reduce the chance of a dead battery and help deliver improved fuel economy. The 3.5L and 3.7L engines make use of an updated cold air inlet system along with all-new dual fine electrode spark plugs that help improve combustion and further expand the operating efficiency of the EGR system.
Inside, the 2013 TL benefits from a refined cabin that includes available ventilated front seats. The further expansion of intuitive and customizable technologies enables the 2013 TL owner to better stay connected with the world around them as well as to be able to use their time more efficiently. An available 60 gigabytes HDD system works with a crisp 8-inch VGA monitor, for storage of up to 3,500 songs, and there is USB port connectivity. Technology improvements abound with the 2013 TL in the form of the availability of Song By Voice™, refinement of Bluetooth® Audio (with artists name, song title, etc.), “active pairing” functionality for Bluetooth® enabled cellular telephones, dial-by-number and dial-by-voice tags, and even further expanded map information for the navigation system.
Within the TL, occupants are treated to an engaging interior which includes advanced LED lighting throughout the cabin, thickly bolstered leather seating and flowing metallic or wood patterned accents.
As expected from Acura, the TL’s range of standard safety features is exemplary and includes six airbags, active head restraints for the front seats, and the advantages of Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body design.
In addition, a Technology Package is available on both models. Featuring items such as Acura Navigation System with 60 gigabytes and Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image mapping. A 440-watt Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system comes with 10-speakers, Bluetooth® Audio and Song By Voice™ (SBV), a feature that allows the driver to select audio choices, via voice activation. In addition to the Keyless Access System (with Smart Entry and pushbutton ignition), the Technology Package offers a comprehensive electronic array of features.
When equipped with the Advance Package, a new blind spot information (BSI) system can detect other vehicles when they are located in the blind spot of the TL driver. Also part of the Advance Package is ventilated front seats and larger wheels/tires, 18×8 inches for the TL and 19×8 inches for the TL SH-AWD.
*For full details, download the “2013 Acura TL Press Kit” by clicking on the link above.