I've noticed a minor problem with my Wife's 16 SH AWD. When the car has been parked after running with the engine compartment still warm or hot and you start it up and drive off you get a funny surge/hesitation for the first block or so. Could this just be heat soak?
Anyone else notice this with theirs?

 

Sounds very plausible

 

I haven't experience any problems, but I watched a YouTube vid where they were flogging a TLX to get try to get the fastest 1/4 mi times and they said the plastic engine cover really traps the heat inside. This is an extreme example, and I'm doubtful it applies in your situation though.