2011 Acura TL Available in Numerous Performance Variants
6-Speed Manual and SH-AWD® Team for Segment Leading Performance

09/22/2010 – TORRANCE, Calif.

Since inception, the Acura TL performance luxury sedan has set lofty standards for styling, performance, comfort and technology. Available for 2011 in two different models (TL and TL SH-AWD®), the fourth-generation Acura TL is the most diverse in the vehicle’s history offering more performance capabilities and luxury appeal than ever before— all wrapped in evocative style.

TL customers can choose between two potent V-6 powertrains along with two interior trim levels that abound with technology. For 2011, two distinct versions of Acura’s performance luxury sedan are offered: a luxurious 280 horsepower, front-wheel-drive TL and a powerful 305 hp TL SH-AWD® paired with Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system. The TL SH-AWD® takes performance to the next level with the availability of a special 6MT model that pairs Acura’s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system. Eighty six pounds lighter than the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission model, the 6MT further enhances the TL’s acceleration, braking and cornering.

“The 2011 TL is the quintessential sports sedan, combining equal parts technology, luxury and exciting performance,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, “Moreover, not only is the 6-speed manual transmission model the best performing Acura TL ever, it is the top handling performer among every vehicle in its class.”

The TL employs a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension system. On the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) model, more performance-minded dampers and coil springs, revised brake tuning, larger wheels/tires and specially-tuned Electric Power Steering (EPS) take the driving experience to an even higher level.

Each TL model is available with the Technology Package which adds navigation, a rear view camera, an Acura/ELS Surround® 410-watt Premium Audio System, and a host of cutting edge electronic technologies such as AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™.

In addition to the powertrain and technology choices, buyers can further customize the TL with tire and wheel upgrades. The 2011 TL comes standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels or optional 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires. The TL SH-AWD® features standard 18-inch wheels or optional 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires that further add to the sedan’s performance capabilities.

With optimized suspension, two performance transmission choices, and an available Technology Package, the 2011 TL offers more appeal than ever before. The combination of dramatic styling, exhilarating performance and an extensive array of electronics ensures Acura’s best selling sedan will appeal to a sophisticated, technology-savvy audience.

Powertrain
A choice of two different VTEC® V-6 engines enables the TL to satisfy a wide range of customers. Standard with the 2011 TL is a 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 producing 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque that sends power to the front wheels through Acura’s sophisticated Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission. Though powerful, the 3.5L engine is also fuel efficient, with EPA fuel economy ratings of 18/26/21 mpg* (city/highway/combined).The engine meets California’s tough CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification standards, thanks to features such as a Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system, Computer-Controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) and Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) for the intake valves.

Serious performance sedan enthusiasts will choose the TL SH-AWD® to make winding roads their own. Its 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine produces 305 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque courtesy of high-performance features like VTEC® on both the intake and exhaust valves and a special high-flow dual exhaust system. With EPA fuel economy ratings of 17/25/20 mpg (city/highway/combined), the 3.7L V-6 also meets California’s CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification.

The performance oriented TL SH-AWD® not only distributes engine torque front to rear, but also right to left. Furthermore, SH-AWD® generates torque vectoring that seamlessly distributes more power to a single outside rear wheel to create a “yaw moment” to help the TL turn in more quickly and precisely. The result is a remarkably balanced and precise all-wheel-drive performance sedan that excels year-round, not just during inclement weather.

The standard transmission for the 2011 TL and TL SH-AWD® is a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic featuring racing-inspired steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control System. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate the greater performance potential delivered by the TL SH-AWD® 6MT model.

The TL SH-AWD® 6MT features a 6-speed manual transmission that is substantially stronger than the previous generation TL manual transmission. In addition to using a more rigid aluminum case and heavier-duty internals, the transmission employs precisely selected gear ratios based on the characteristics of the TL’s 3.7L V-6 engine. New gear synchronizers deliver improved shift accuracy and a short-throw shifter generates confident gear changes combined with low shift effort. Engineers also designed an entirely new clutch system for the 6-speed manual transmission to withstand the TL’s robust power output while also improving modulation for noticeably easier use.

Body/Chassis
The TL employs a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. Further improving ride quality and road-holding are 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 Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (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.

The TL SH-AWD® 6MT retains the TL’s fully-independent suspension, but has exclusive suspension tuning via special coil spring and shock absorber rates for even flatter cornering with reduced pitching motions under hard acceleration and braking. The front dampers incorporate 5-percent more compression damping to generate improved turn-in feel. In addition, the front dampers generate 14-percent less high speed compression damping which helps improve ride quality. The TL SH-AWD® 6MT also employs firmer engine and transmission bushings that better resist engine and transmission movement during spirited driving.

For 6-speed manual transmission applications, special heavy-duty front driveshafts are used. In addition to being 2-percent larger in diameter, the driveshafts have a larger inboard spline size and team with more heavy-duty CV joints.

The TL’s chassis makes use of Electronic Power Steering (EPS) that delivers low steering effort for slow speed parking maneuvers that progressively firms up as road speed increases. In addition, EPS helps improve fuel economy via the elimination of parasitic losses associated with traditional hydraulic power steering pumps.

The TL SH-AWD® model has unique EPS tuning, featuring more pronounced steering effort build up at high speed. With the TL SH-AWD® 6MT, the EPS system is further tuned to deliver an even heavier feel as speed increases thus generating more confident mid- to high-speed driving dynamics.

The structural engineering for the TL’s unit-body includes locating the frame rails inside (rather than underneath) the vehicle’s floor pan, resulting in a nearly flat body underside. Benefits of this frame design include improved crash safety, a significant reduction in interior noise levels and reduced aerodynamic drag that helps enhance fuel efficiency. Another notable engineering feature is the significant use of high-strength steel, which simultaneously improves strength of the unit-body while helping to reduce overall weight. For additional weight savings, aluminum is used for the hood, the front suspension subframe and rear suspension knuckles.

Exterior/Interior
An evocative and powerful exterior body design dramatically advances the TL’s image as a performance luxury sedan. Designed by Acura in Southern California, the TL utilizes an array of styling techniques to express motion – and emotion – even when the car is at rest. Featuring Acura’s signature front grille, body sides defined by strong character lines, sweeping C-pillars and LED taillights, the 2011 TL is simultaneously Acura and yet wholly unique. Plentiful use of luxury and performance features add visual appeal– including bright HID projector-beam front headlights, pronounced wheel arches and genuine stainless-steel body trim.

Wheels are as expressive as the exterior styling. Standard on the TL are 17-inch 10-spoke aluminum wheels with P245/50R17 all-season tires for confident year-round performance. Available for the TL are 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires.

The TL SH-AWD® comes standard with 18-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with low-profile P245/45R18 tires for agile handling. Finally, the TL SH-AWD® offers available 19-inch split-5-spoke aluminum wheels with P245/40ZR19 high-performance summer tires for the ultimate TL performance experience.

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. Thanks to its large exterior dimensions, the fourth generation TL has 1.3 inches more rear legroom and 0.5-inch of added rear shoulder room compared to the previous generation TL.

Acura’s commitment to luxury and technology are apparent from the first moment the driver’s door is opened. With sweeping shapes, generous use of premium materials and passionate attention to detail, the TL rewards the discriminating eye. The design and execution of the interior is an artful combination of leather surfaces, accented by metallic and wood-pattern trim. An impressive array of standard features includes a power moonroof, dual-zone adaptive climate control, 10-way power adjustable driver seat, 8-way power adjustable passenger front seat, and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the Sequential SportShift automatic transmission. An 8-speaker, 276-watt audio system is standard and includes a 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM tuner, XM® Radio, Bluetooth® Audio, USB port and AUX jack connectivity, and HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface.

Available on both the TL and TL SH-AWD® is a Technology Package that includes items such as the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps, an Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system and Keyless Access System with pushbutton ignition. The Navigation System features an 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display for excellent clarity.
Audiophiles will appreciate the Acura/ELS Surround® 10-speaker, 440-watt premium sound system with DVD-Audio, CD, DTS™, AM/FM tuner, XM® Radio with Note function music reminder and 3,000-song** hard disk drive (HDD) media storage system.

An intuitive interface dial as well as sophisticated voice recognition capability simplifies control of this impressive technology. Full-grain perforated Premium Milano Leather seating surfaces included with the Technology Package further enhance comfort and visual appeal.

Safety
The 2011 TL makes use of 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. This enhanced frontal crash energy management 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. Acura first introduced ACE™ with the 2005 RL, and currently every vehicle in the Acura model range now has this advanced safety engineering.

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 2011 TL includes safety minded features such as 4-wheel disc brakes (with ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and daytime running lights (DRL).

Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2011 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.

The 2011 Acura TL is assembled in Marysville, Ohio and is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 mile 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.

For additional information, photos or videos of the 2011 TL (or information on any Acura vehicle), please visit www.acuranews.com.

*Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

**Approximate capacity based on an average size of 4.0 MB per song at a 128kbps bitrate

[Source: Acura]