S2000 Driver

By Joey Leh



We'll be some of the first ones to admit it - the new 2009 Acura TL isn't your typical SCC material. The last generation TL did show some flashes of glory, including a class win at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race. But the newly redesigned model is more luxurious, larger, and, unfortunately, heavier. The 2009 TL is no GT-R killer, or WRX for that matter, but it boasts an impressive list of new Acura engineered developments. These parts are sure to attract the attention of those looking for a nice daily driver, or those that dig through the Honda parts bin for swappable parts for their Civic.

The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) version of the TL now comes with an enlarged 3.7-liter V6 engine that makes 305 bhp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This is the most powerful production engine that Acura has ever produced, with more horses than even the last NSX. Featuring a forged crankshaft, connecting rods, and forged 11.2:1 compression ratio pistons, the new VTEC-equipped (of course) V6 gives plenty of thrust, even with a paddle-shifted automatic behind it.



Acura engineers also made note of the chassis and suspension tuning that went into this car. The new TL continues the use of a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension design, with forged steel front and forged aluminum rear knuckles. Combined with a 28% increase in roll stiffness and a chassis that is both stiffer and lighter, the TL SH-AWD is actually much more nimble, taught, and turns in better than you'd think. The car even comes with fully functional front brake ducting.

We got the chance to drive both versions (front-wheel and all-wheel drive) of the new TL through some of the mountain roads above downtown Los Angeles. In the tight turns, where the front-drive version would wash out, the SH-AWD TL would exhibit more grip and a faster response than we were expecting. We commend the Acura engineers for their spring rates, damper valving, swaybar choice, and bushing durometers. Instead of going brain dead commuter soft, they've definitely leaned towards "sport" with the SH-AWD model and we could see this new TL as the daily driver counterpart to the slick-shod Civic autocross car of your average SCC reader. At least it'll keep the wife happy.



Engine Displacement/Type/Valvetrain: 3664cc, V6, aluminum block and heads, SOHC, VTEC variable valve timing and lift

Claimed Crank HP: 305bhp @ 6200 rpmClaimed Crank Torque: 273lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Drivetrain/Layout/Transmission: Transverse front engine, all-wheel drive, five-speed automatic

Curb Weight: 3971 lbs



Suspension (Front): Independent double wishbone

Suspension (Rear): Independent multi-link

Brakes (Front/Rear): 12.6-inch ventilated front discs, dual-piston sliding calipers/13.1-inch solid front discs, solid-piston sliding calipers

Wheels (Front/Rear): 18x8-inch aluminum

Tires (Front/Rear): 245/45/18 Michelin Pilot HX

Colin

Interesting that they missed the exhaust side VTEC.