I just watched the lastest Motorweek TV show and they did their long-term update on the '03 CL-S 6-speed. And although they still didn't care for the exterior styling, they mentioned that they were "still in love with the free-revving 3.2L i-VTEC V-6 engine."

Wonder where they got that engine from? :P

[edit: my bad, I meant '03 not '02. I've changed it. But I was talking about the i-VTEC part.]

 

From their asses... BMW loving losers. I also wonder where they got a 2002 6-speed..... hahahah

 

Their review: Check the praise for the Michelin tires...Superb Grip!!!

<!--This is the beginning of the Review-->

<b><font size="6" color="#000000">2003 Acura 3.2 CL <br>Type-S<br> Program #2147</font></b>


<p>


<p>For hard core auto enthusiasts, a sporting driving experience
is not complete without a manual transmission. But with increasing
traffic congestion, the joys of self-shift have diminished, making
manual trannys harder to find. Fortunately, Honda's luxury division
Acura believes that any car with ''sport'' in its DNA deserves a proper
gear change. Thus while their latest CL luxury sport coupe arrived
without a manual, they've now corrected it with a new, close ratio
6-speed Type-S. So let's stir it up.

<p> When Acura officials set their sights on improving the 3.2 CL for
2003, two goals were clear right from the start. To enhance the styling
with an aggressive look, and to increase the performance quotient of
this sport-luxury coupe to match that look.

<p>To meet the former, mostly tweaks were the order. Both the CL and
new CL Type-S get a bolder grille with body color surround, and revised
headlights with black accents.
In the rear are slightly re-designed taillights, and new exhaust
tips. There are also new 6- spoke 16 inch alloy wheels on the CL, and 17
inch on the Type-S. Nothing earthshaking. After all, we're talking about
Honda here.

<p><img src="../images/reviews/2100/cltypes2.jpg" alt="" align="left" hspace="10">
Of more interest to us was how Acura engineers met the second goal.
As we mentioned earlier, unlike the four-door TL Type-S, the CL Type-S
is now available with a close ratio 6- speed manual transmission. The
TL's 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic is available for the same
MSRP. And, we admit the 6-speed is not for everyone.

<p>The shift linkage stirs fairly lightly, and with a dual mass
flywheel, it's vibration free. But the six speed's clutch is an acquired
taste. With little more than an inch of play at the bottom, it was as
though the mere thought of releasing it would launch you away. Or worse,
stall you where you sat.
But our most determined staff discovered that, with a little
patience, 60 could be reached in a scant 5.9 seconds and the quarter
mile in a pretty hot 14.5 seconds at 96 MPH.

<p>In the six speed Type-S, Acura engineers have replaced the car's
electronic Vehicle Stability Assist program with a mechanical helical
limited slip differential that really hooks up. Plus two new hydraulic
engine mounts counter fore-and aft engine movement under hard throttle.
On the downside, there is a bit more wheel hop and torque steer
present under a hard launch than with the automatic.

<p>Providing the punch for the CL Type-S is an all-aluminum 3.2 liter,
single-cam 24-valve, variable valve timing V-6. The VTEC V-6 is the same
used in the TL Type-S. Output peaks at 260 horsepower at 6100 rpm, and
232 pound-feet of torque, available from 3500 to 5500 rpm. Making it one
of the most powerful engines in its class.

<p>The CL Type-S' beefy and finely tuned double wishbone suspension
also benefits from the new limited slip differential ensuring that
consistent power and traction is available for exiting turns. The result
is a CL Type -S that is among the flattest and most neutral handling
front drivers we've ever tested. The CL felt very athletic when run
through our low speed slalom, and even more when pushed hard, exhibiting
little more than a mild touch of understeer. The variable speed
sensitive power rack and pinion steering is smooth and quick, and
provides a healthy amount of feedback.

<p>The 215/50R 17 inch Michelin MXM4 tires also help with superb grip,
and on switchback roads there's just enough body roll to keep the cars
side to side transitions from feeling harsh.
When cruising, the CL Type-S delivers a ride that is a near perfect
balance between sport and luxury. It's a ride and handling package that
gives its more expensive German competitors a serious run for their
money.
Its four-wheel disc, ABS-equipped braking system, with 11 inch
rotors, vented in the front, solid in the rear, delivers excellent
braking performance, too. We averaged stops from 60 in 120 feet. After
eight runs, brake fade was nonexistent and stability remained first rate
throughout the test.

<p>When it comes to interior comforts, you'll be hard pressed to find
any car with a longer list of standard features than the Acura CL Type-
S. That includes heated perforated leather seats with 8-way power for
the driver and 4-way for the passenger. The adjustable steering wheel
with remote audio controls and the shift knob are also covered in hides.
Then there is the Bose audio system that includes in-dash cassette
and 6-disc CD changer with six speakers. And to keep you comfy no matter
what the weather, a fully automatic climate control system with a micron
air filtration system.
In fact, the only option available is a DVD-based GPS navigation
system that includes GM's OnStar emergency locator and advisor system.

<p>You'll also be hard pressed to find any car with this much to offer
for the price. Base sticker on the 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S with the six
speed manual is $31,050. Our tester, with the nav system, goes out the
door for $33,200.

<p>That's not a whole lot of money when you stir in its mostly German
competition. And when you add Acura's reputation for quality and
reliability, the 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S is a total sport-luxury coupe
value that's tough, if not impossible, to beat.




<!--This is the end of the Review-->

 

Yep. I saw the original review. But this was the quick long-term update I just saw.

 

hahaah i only watched 2 seconds of that, and they had the black cl on, and they said i-vtec so i turned it off