2009 Acura TL

Now entering its fourth generation, Acura's midsize sedan gets a major makeover that includes a laundry list of technical modifications, plus sharply different eye appeal. Many automakers promise sculpted shapes, but the TL really deserves that claim with its gently flowing lines and dips, especially up front. The new "signature" grille has a 3-D look, more like a tapered lid above the air opening. Styling project leader Art Osborne calls the design philosophy "keen-edge dynamic," centering on "linear fluidity" and a "pronounced upper shoulder" that imparts an authoritative presence.

Power and Performance

Previous TLs have come in two versions: base model and performance-oriented Type-S. This time, the hotter edition is called the TL SH-AWD, denoting its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. In the standard front-wheel-drive TL, a 3.5-liter V-6 engine develops 280 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque. SH-AWD sedans get a larger, 3.7-liter V-6 that generates 305 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. The 2008 TL held a 258-hp, 3.2-liter V-6, adding 22 hp for the Type-S version. Acura notes that the base TL's EPA fuel economy estimate of 18-mpg city and 26-mpg highway matches that of the outgoing 3.2-liter engine. The SH-AWD sedan earns a 17/25-mpg EPA estimate.


Acura "wanted to retain the core values that made the TL so successful," said Dan Bonawitz, vice-president of corporate planning and logistics. Near-luxury competitors include the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS and ES, and Infiniti G35. Engineers obviously put plenty of effort into the SH-AWD's VTEC engine, including modifications to valve lift, duration, and overlap. At chassis level, they improved tire-cornering forces by 10 percent, lowered the center of gravity by 13 mm, quickened the steering-gear ratio, narrowed the turning radius, and enlarged brake discs.


Only a five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission is offered, with different gear ratios for each model. Standard paddle shifters are always active. In Drive mode, they activate manually, temporarily. A manual gearbox is planned for 2010.

Handling and Technology

Windshield and door glass is thicker. An aluminum hood and subframe help yield a lighter, stiffer body. Stopping distance has been reduced. Springs are 32 percent stiffer, and roll stiffness is 28 percent greater. Chassis tuning is different for each 2009 model. So are tires. The base TL rides on 17-inch rubber, while the SH-AWD gets either 18- or 19-inch tires.