Originally Posted by Hondanews.com

OVERVIEW
Designed to thrill even the most demanding driving enthusiasts, the 2003 Acura 3.2 TL luxury performance sedan combines class-leading technology and power with uncompromising luxury - setting the standard in the luxury performance segment. The 3.2 TL comes in two models; the fully featured 3.2 TL and the high performance TL Type-S. The 3.2 TL features a 225 horsepower, VTEC, V-6 engine, while the TL Type-S incorporates an innovative, dual-stage induction system and a free-flowing exhaust to produce 260 horsepower.
The TL boasts a spacious, well-appointed interior that provides an extremely high level of standard luxury, convenience. A long list of luxury amenities includes leather-trimmed seats and door panels, power moonroof, Acura/Bose Music System, Automatic Climate Control System, theft-deterrent system and heated front seats. For 2003, the TL adds the OnStar® service as a standard feature in all models equipped with the optional Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System.
In addition to its impressive horsepower, the TL Type-S also adds a sport-tuned suspension, V-rated all-season, high-performance tires on 17-inch alloy wheels, a standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system and a sporty cockpit treatment.
CONCEPTS AND GOALS
The 3.2 TL luxury performance sedan is designed to provide:

• A thrilling and refined driving experience
• Large amounts of horsepower and torque
• Athletic handling with solid, secure road feel and control
• Clean, contemporary styling
• An exceptionally spacious and luxurious interior crafted with the finest materials and featuring a broad array of standard conveniences
• Outstanding safety features and engineering that blends accident-avoidance technologies with state-of-the-art impact-energy management and advanced front and side air bag systems
• Unparalleled value in the near-luxury segment

HIGH PERFORMANCE POWERTRAIN
Under the rakish hood of the 2003 3.2 TL and TL Type-S are two variants of Acura's 3.2-liter, 24-valve, VTEC V-6 powerplant. The 3.2 TL's engine delivers 225 horsepower at 5600 rpm and a broad torque curve with peak output of 216 lb-ft. at 4700 rpm. The high-performance TL Type-S engine uses a dual-stage induction system and numerous other performance enhancements to boost horsepower to 260 at 6100 rpm. The Type-S engine's maximum 232 lb-ft. of torque is available between 3500 rpm and 5500 rpm.
Both engines in the 2003 TL feed their power to an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission equipped with the Sequential SportShift' system. Similar to the transmission first unveiled in the exotic Acura NSX sports car, the Sequential SportShift system allows the driver to shift gears semi-manually simply by moving the shift lever fore or aft in a special SportShift gate. If the driver prefers, the transmission also offers the shifting convenience of a conventional automatic. Additionally, the transmission is equipped with Grade Logic Control programming for enhanced shifting smoothness and reduced gear "hunting" when climbing or descending steep grades.
The 3.2 TL powertrain's impressive power output does not come at the expense of vehicle emissions. Both the 3.2 TL and TL Type-S meet stringent Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards, while California models (3.2 TL only) comply with Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards.
GLOBAL MIDSIZE PLATFORM
The unit-body of the '03 TL is based on the Global Midsize Platform (also shared with the Acura CL coupe), which positions the front-drive powertrain in a transverse orientation for maximum cabin volume and optimum weight distribution. To reduce Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH), the front and rear suspensions are carried on isolated subframes - resulting in exceedingly low interior noise levels. Insulation material in the doors provides additional noise isolation. Gap-filling foam in the side pillars helps seal the pillar cavities from further noise intrusions. Computer-designed cabin reinforcements and specially designed crumple zones in the front and rear help protect the passenger cabin in the event of an impact. The TL's fully independent, double-wishbone suspension system includes large wheels and tires (16-inch on the TL; 17-inch on the TL Type-S) for reassuringly secure handling. The compact, multi-link, double-wishbone rear suspension contributes to the exceptional spaciousness of the TL cabin and trunk.
ABUNDANT STANDARD LUXURIES AND CONVENIENCES
The automotive press and the public have praised the TL for its long list of standard luxury equipment, and the 2003 edition continues in this class-leading tradition. From a leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats to a power moonroof, keyless entry system, and an Acura/Bose® Music System with an in-dash, 6-disc CD changer, the TL is designed to provide a truly comprehensive array of fine amenities as standard equipment.
The TL also offers the optional Acura Navigation System, which provides satellite-linked nationwide coverage through a DVD on-board database that lists information on 3.7 million points of interest. New for 2003, all TL models equipped with the Acura Navigation System also feature the OnStar® communications and assistance service as standard equipment. The OnStar® service offers Acura drivers access to a wide range of services including route guidance, vehicle assistance from a live OnStar® advisor, Internet access and personal phone calling.
SLEEK AND ELEGANT EXTERIOR DESIGN
The sporty, athletic lines of the TL were designed to accentuate the car's aggressive demeanor. Graceful, athletic proportions reflect the TL's focus on delivering personal driving satisfaction. Distinctive and refined in its lines, the TL's exterior makes a strong statement, echoed by the cockpit feel of its leather-trimmed interior.
The TL is available in an array of colors including White Diamond Pearl, Satin Silver Metallic, Naples Gold Metallic, Firepepper Red Pearl, Aegean Blue Pearl, Eternal Blue Pearl, Noble Green Pearl, Anthracite Metallic, and Nighthawk Black Pearl.
In fall of 2002, the TL will receive two new exterior colors with Desert Mist replacing Naples Gold and Royal Ruby replacing Firepepper Red.
SPORTY AND SPACIOUS INTERIOR
The 2003 Acura 3.2 TL provides ample room for both passengers and cargo, thanks in part to a generous 108.1-inch wheelbase. With an interior totaling 110.5 cubic feet in volume, the TL is officially classified by the EPA in the midsize class. Most of the TL's competitors, in contrast, are classified as compact cars.
Large analog gauges and important switches are grouped around the steering wheel for intuitive operation. A generous greenhouse provides superb visibility. Rich, hand-selected leather graces the seats and interior trim, while the cabin is further refined with elegant wood-patterned accents. Befitting its sportier role, the 3.2 TL Type-S cockpit is equipped with racy perforated-leather sport seats, a perforated-leather steering wheel and shifter, a Type-S emblem on the shift knob, and metallic-face gauges.