Acura TL (2012)

For 2012, the Acura TL has a fresh new look to back up its performance, including a new front bumper which teams with a more refined grille. In addition, front end styling benefits from updated headlights and turn signals and a new fog light design. Along with providing improved aerodynamics, the refined front of the Acura TL features a shorter front overhang. Just as with the 2011 TL, the 2012 TL exterior makes use of luxury cues like genuine stainless steel trim, LED taillights and dynamic surface lines immediately capturing the viewer’s attention.

The 2012 TL’s refined new look includes a redesigned front bumper with improved aerodynamics, a revised grille, updated headlights and turn signals, a new fog light design and a shorter front overhang. The TL’s styling changes more closely align 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 2012 TL, we pushed for an increased level of sophistication.”

At the rear, a new rear bumper incorporates a significantly repositioned license plate opening and much smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights and a thinner rear trunk edge trim add to a sophisticated new look. Also adding to the exterior looks are new 17 and 18 inch aluminum wheels fitted with a revised center cap featuring a raised style, chrome plated Acura “A” mark.

To increase performance, a new 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.

Previously, only the Acura TL SH AWD made use of an external transmission cooler ( for hot weather driving ), but for 2012 all models of the TL are now fitted with an external transmission cooler.

Interior

The TL’s driver focused objective is strongly presented throughout the interior, where a “dual personal” layout provides a feeling of separate personal space for the driver and front passenger. Sweeping shapes and high quality materials provide a feeling of intelligent luxury, while a formidable array of standard and available electronics reward the TL occupants with top-flight audio, navigation and communications experiences. On the driver’s side, all the controls and instruments are positioned intuitively, allowing the driver to focus on the driving experience while still enjoying Acura’s substantial array of electronic aids and conveniences.

An available Technology Package adds a desirable range of electronic upgrades to the extensive list of standard luxury features, beginning with the Keyless Access System ( with smart entry and pushbutton ignition ) and luxurious full grain perforated premium Milano leather seating surfaces. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the TL driving experience, the electronic features continue with an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, rearview camera and an updated 8 inch full VGA high resolution color display, plus the available AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink Real Time Weather™ with radar image maps. In addition, an AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System provides a continual interface between the TL and Acura. An interface dial complements powerful voice recognition capability that provides intuitive access to navigation, audio, climate control and other features. For the ultimate audio experience, the Technology Package includes an Acura/ELS Surround® 10 speaker, 440 watt premium audio system with DVD Audio, DTS™, CD, AM/FM radio, XM® Radio, Bluetooth® Audio and a 3,500-song hard disk drive ( HDD ) media storage system.

With the available Advance Package, added to the Acura TL are ventilated front seats and a blind spot information ( BSI ) system that alerts the driver to vehicles detected adjacent to the TL.

Engine

The Acura TL takes the driving experience to the next level with the availability of the Super Handling All Wheel Drive™ ( SH AWD® ) model, which features a 3.7 liter V 6 engine developing 305 horsepower and 273 lb ft of torque making it the most powerful Acura sedan ever. With additional features including a cold air intake system, Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control  (VTEC® ) for both intake and exhaust valves, and a high flow, sport tuned dual exhaust system with four exhaust tips, the SH AWD® powertrain truly delivers racetrack quality performance.

A quintessential component of the Acura TL’s mission as a performance luxury sedan is to provide the maximum possible driving enjoyment for enthusiast drivers. Thus, the TL offers a choice of two all aluminum powertrains. The standard 3.5 liter V-6 develops 280 horsepower and 254 lb ft of torque and drives the front wheels through a sophisticated Sequential SportShift 6 speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control System. The 3.5L features technologies like a Drive by Wire™ throttle system, Computer Controlled Programmed Fuel Injection ( PGM-FI ), Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control ( VTEC® ) for the intake valves and a sport tuned exhaust system with dual tips. The 3.5L V 6 delivers strong power and 20/29/23 mpg ( city/highway/combined ) fuel efficiency while meeting California’s stringent CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification.

In addition, the 3.7L V 6 meets CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification and delivers city/highway/combined fuel economy of 18/26/21 mpg ( 6AT model ). The innovative SH AWD® system is unique to Acura and by employing torque vectoring, during hard cornering under acceleration it can send more torque as well as to overdrive the outside rear wheel.

Body & Chassis

The 2012 TL takes Acura styling to a dynamic new level. Using the concept “emotion unleashed” as a impetus for developing the body design, Acura designers based in Southern California crafted a performance luxury sedan shape with a surface that expresses motion even while at rest.

The use of aggressive wheel arches, dramatic character lines along the body side and numerous Acura exclusive design elements ( such as the Acura signature grille ) create a powerful and distinctive shape. Featuring as standard equipment premium details such as stainless steel body trim, a power moonroof, HID projector beam front headlights and LED taillights, the TL enjoys a strong foothold in the premium segment.

Standard on the 2012 TL are 17×8 inch split 5 spoke cast aluminum wheels with Bridgestone Turanza P245/50R17 all season tires. The available Technology Package has proprietary Michelin Pilot P245/50R17 all season tires for the 17 inch wheels, with 18×8 inch aluminum wheels fitted with P245/45/18 all season tires for the TL model with Advance Package. The TL SH AWD® model includes as standard 18×8 inch 5 spoke aluminum wheels with Michelin Pilot P245/45R18 rubber. Available on Acura TL SH AWD® with Advance Package are 19×8 inch aluminum wheels with Goodyear Eagle RS A 245/40R19 M+S tires.