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The TL is powered by an advanced 3.2-liter, 24-valve SOHC VTEC® V-6 engine that produces 258 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 233 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission. Both the TL’s 3.2-liter V-6 and the 3.5-liter V-6 in the TL Type-S meet the U.S. EPA’s stringent Tier 2-Bin 5 (and CARB LEV-II ULEV) exhaust emissions standards. The EPA fuel economy rating for the TL are 18/26 mpg* (city/highway), while the Type-S is rated at 17/26 mpg* (AT) and 18/27 mpg* (MT). The TL Type-S features significant performance upgrades, beginning with a larger displacement, 3.5-liter VTEC® V-6 engine turning out 286 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 256 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm that is mated to either a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted F1®-style paddle shifters. All TL Type-S models feature powerful Brembo four-piston front brake calipers and a suspension tuned for enhanced handling. Both the TL and TL Type-S feature sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension systems with double wishbone front and multi-link rear setups, maximizing driver control without sacrificing ride quality or comfort. The Type-S features firmer front and rear anti roll bars, stiffer coil springs and shocks, as well as numerous other sport-oriented suspension refinements. Also available are special 235/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE 030 high performance ‘summer’ tires that further enhance limit-handling performance.

The TL and TL Type-S feature subtle interior and exterior styling differences. Matching its more powerful and aggressive engine and suspension setups, the TL Type-S boasts exclusive front and rear fascia styling cues, black chrome trim, wider side sills, ten spoke alloy wheels and aggressive quad tailpipes. Both models feature fog log integrated into the lower bumper and signature Acura five-sided grille. Available for the 2008 TL are two new exterior colors: Polished Metal Metallic and Bold Beige Metallic. To further enhance its sporty performance, the TL features a driver-oriented cockpit with titanium look accents, LED ambient lighting, and spun metal dials. TL Type-S also features several exclusive interior cues such as aggressively bolstered two-toned leather sport seats, TL Type-S logo embossed on the seat head rest and steering wheel, textured stainless-steel pedals and an Active Noise Cancellation system. The 2008 TL and TL Type-S continue to lead the class in the application of consumer-relevant technology advancements, such as a standard 225-watt Acura/ELS Surround Premium 8-speaker Sound System with 6-disc CD, DVD-Audio, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II. The system plays discs encoded with WMA and MP3 music files, it features Dolby Pro Logic II and incorporates speed-sensitive volume compensation. The sound system also includes XM Satellite Radio with 170 channels of digital programming. The audio system also integrates the Active Noise Cancellation to reduce Type-S cabin noise while cruising. The standard Bluetooth HandsFree system lets the driver link to and then dial a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone by voice. On TL’s equipped with the Acura Navigation System, the system is able to import the cell phone’s address book into its own memory for added convenience. A high-resolution Multi-Information Display (MID) shows mobile phone data, tracks the car’s maintenance needs, displays warnings and offers an array of personalized driver settings. For 2008, the TL’s navigation system now works in Hawaii and the AcuraLink™ with real-time traffic has been expanded to incorporate 76 metropolitan markets—an increase of 32 markets. Also standard in all models are power seats for both the driver and front passenger, and the single factory option for the TL model is the DVD-based Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System™. In addition, TL Type-S buyers can select automatic or manual transmission along with available high-performance tires.

In keeping with Acura’s ‘Safety Through Innovation’ initiative, the 2008 TL and TL Type-S protect occupants with a comprehensive array of safety technologies, high-grade materials and advanced construction techniques. In addition to front and side airbags, the TL and TL Type-S are equipped with standard side curtain airbags to help protect vehicle occupants from head and neck injuries in the event of a side impact collision. The 2008 model also adds a separate Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TMPS) warning lamp to the meter display, in compliance with new government safety standards. Along with the use of high-tensile steel in critical areas and computer-modeled crush zones, these technologies help the TL achieve a top 5-star rating in U.S. government’s frontal crash test, and a GOOD rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) frontal offset test and Side Impact Collision Evaluation (SICE) test. Developed by designers and engineers at Honda R&D Americas in California and Ohio, and safety tested in the company’s advanced safety laboratories in Raymond, Ohio, the TL is assembled in the company’s Marysville, Ohio, plant alongside the Acura RDX luxury SUV. Like all Acura models, the 2008 TL and TL Type-S are 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 ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

The 2010 Acura TSX receives an available V6 engine. This front-wheel drive sedan is Acura’s entry-level car, and TSX shares some of its basic design with the European-market Honda Accord. The standard engine remains a 201-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. A 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, borrowed from the larger Acura TL, is newly available. The 4-cylinder is available with manual or automatic transmission.

The V6 is automatic only. Standard features include a sunroof, wireless cell-phone link, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and automatic climate control. The V6 model rides on 18-inch wheels, while the 4-cylinder gets 17s. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags.

An optional Technology Package for both the 4-cylinder and V6 is available, and versions so equipped are priced as separate models. The package includes a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic and weather information, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and 10-speaker, 415-watt surround-sound audio system.

The 2011 Acura TSX lineup expands further, with the addition of a new wagon body style. This front-wheel-drive car is Acura’s entry-level model, and TSX shares some of its basic design with the European-market Honda Accord. The standard engine on the sedan and Sport Wagon remains a 201-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. A 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, borrowed from the larger Acura TL, is offered on the sedan.

The 4-cylinder sedan is available with manual or automatic transmission. The wagon and V6 sedan are automatic only. Standard features include a sunroof, wireless cell-phone link, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and automatic climate control. The V6 model rides on 18-inch wheels, while the 4-cylinder gets 17s. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags.

An optional Technology Package for both the 4-cylinder and V6 is available, and versions so equipped are priced as separate models. The package includes a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic and weather information; dual-zone automatic climate control; a rearview camera; and a 10-speaker, 415-watt surround-sound audio system. This report is based on evaluations of the 2010 Acura TSX.

The 2010 Acura TL gets an available manual transmission following its redesign for the 2009 model year. This premium-midsize sedan reprises base and SH-AWD (for Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) trim levels. Base versions have a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and standard 5-speed automatic transmission. SH-AWD versions have a 305-horsepower 3.7-liter V6.

A 6-speed manual transmission is available on the SH-AWD in addition to a 5-speed automatic. SH-AWD also includes a sport suspension and 18-inch wheels in place of the 17s used on the Base. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Also standard are leather upholstery with heated front seats, sunroof, wireless cell-phone link, and 8-speaker audio.

A Technology Package, priced as a separate model, includes 10-speaker audio and a navigation system with real-time traffic and weather alerts. Base cars with the Technology Package are available with 18-inch wheels. SH-AWD models with the manual transmission are only offered with the Technology Package, and all SH-AWD versions have optional 19-inch summer-only performance tires.

The 2009 Acura RL is redesigned, gaining freshened styling and more power. Acura’s flagship sedan has standard all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain teams a 300-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This replaces a 290-hp 3.5-liter V6.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Option packages, priced as separate models, include a Technology Package that has voice-activated navigation with rearview camera and access to real-time traffic and weather information.

A second Technology Package adds adaptive cruise control and Acura’s Collision Mitigation Braking System, which signals of approaching objects and applies the brakes and tightens the front seatbelts if it determines a collision is unavoidable. Also available are a wireless cell-phone link and heated and cooled front seats.

The 2009 Acura RDX is largely unchanged. This premium compact SUV seats five and has all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain teams a 240-hp 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Maximum towing capacity is 1500 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Standard are dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery with heated front seats, and a 6.5-inch dashboard screen that displays audio and climate information.

A Technology Package, priced as a separate model, includes a wireless cell-phone link, rearview camera, and navigation system with real-time traffic information.

The 2009 Acura MDX is largely unchanged. This premium midsize SUV seats up to seven and has all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain is a 300-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 lb.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows. Standard features include a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a wireless cell phone link. Options come in three packages, all priced as separate models.

The Technology Package has a rearview camera, voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic information, and power liftgate. A Sport Package includes those features plus driver-adjustable suspension. The Entertainment Package, available only in conjunction with the Technology or Sport packages, contains DVD entertainment and heated 2nd-row seats.