Car in the shop getting updates and V6 loaner
 

I finally hit the A1 service milestone so I dropped the car off this morning to get the oil changed and the software updates (ODMD, PCM, Cross Traffic) done.

1) First of all - props to Motorcars Acura. The SA was totally upfront about the DCT "quirks" and told me the PCM update will "make it better" - he said something to the effect that they keep coming out with incremental updates to make it better. No smoke blowing going on with this guy.

2) I got a V6 Tech TLX for a loaner. My first impressions are:
a) The extra power compared to my I4 - while certainly there - didn't blow me away. It does sound better than mine when you stomp on it.
b) The 9 sp trans doesn't seem to have any shift issues - not like the chrysler 200 with a ZF 9 sp rental I had last week.
c) The steering seems to be tighter than my I4 - is that due to the larger wheels???
d) Seems to ride just a little smoother too - maybe the extra weight does something there??
e) The VCM is pretty impressive - no vibrations at all and it cruises at super low RPMS on the hjighway.
f) Not a fan of the push button shifter but that's likely a matter of getting used to it.


I'll check back in a few days once I get mine back with reports on the DCT behaviouir.

Cheers!

2a, really? I was prepared to buy a 4cyl but the smooth authoritative pull of the V6 changed my mind. I found it to be very noticeable.

2e, what are the last 5 of the VIN? Must be new?

Professor CheeseyPoofs McNutt III,

I too had a V6tech loaner my impressions
2a-- somewhat agree the power is noticeable but not mind blowing. It was nice to have extra power merging on the highway or passing, not that the 4 is slow.
2b--I did notice the hard 1-2 ,2-3 shift that others have reported, not all the time though.
2c--agreed tighter steering
2d--I agree
2e--I agree
2f--I don't mind the push button shifter, my only hate for it is the car wash mode. It is goofy and needs to disappear.

I will say the update did help I think, it seems smoother, however it's 90 degrees outside so time will tell. Every now and then it can be jerky, it's a DCT so I don't think it will ever be silky smooth.

Right. That's exactly what I meant. The extra power is nice, it's smoother and more immediate - but it didn't impress me or give me a "wow" moment. It was better - sure - but not in a major way.

And - after spending the day with the V6 and putting 100 miles on it - I did notice the abrupt shifts. Not awful (the Chrysler 200 I had was WORSE) but not as smooth as you want in a car at this price point.

Do you know if this was an early build car? I assume the loaner might be an older car.

I didn't look at the VIN. It had 5,500 miles on it.

Funny, my loaner also had around 5,500 miles on it.

Took wife's 4 cyl in yesterday for the same items and also had a V6 TLX loaner and agree with all your points.
Plus I was kind of freaked out when the engine stopped at the first stoplight - didn't realize that was a feature until I removed my foot from the brake pedal and the engine started immediately. I quickly found the button to turn that feature off...

Must have been the SH-AWD version. Quite a loaner vehicle.