MyBlackBeauty

One of the major changes they made to the 2012 TL was to replace the existing 5 Speed Automatic transmission with the RL 6 Speed Automatic transmission.

On paper, it should make the ride/drive smoother and make it more fuel efficient. I haven't had the chance to test drive the 2012 TL.

Did anyone here have the opportunity to test drive/own both the transmissions?

Is there a substantial difference?

weather

I didn't test drive both but I can assure you the 6 speed is very nice. I have read (and can't find the exact quotes) that for those who own the the pre-MMC have noticed an improvement in the 6 speed transmission. Would it a substantial improvement to justify changing a 2009-2011 for a 2012, I'd likely say NO but there is no doubt hat the improvements are there, as with fuel efficiency as well.

Ken1997TL

Acceleration wasn't noticeably better to me but it is proven through instrumented testing. Fuel economy of course is improved as well.

All 4th generation TL's I've tested have had smooth shifting transmissions.

MyBlackBeauty

Pre-MMC?

Booya4139

FYI - pre Mid Model Change


My 09 FWD cruises at 65-70 @ 30+ mpg... You could compare the tallest gear ratios to see if its any taller. I imagine it'd be smoother... The G37 has a 7-sp that is very smooth.

I'd guess its a decent improvement.

MyBlackBeauty

Thanks Booya. And what exactly would be BWP?

Booya4139

Maybe a paint code? CBP = Crystal Black Pearl.

MyBlackBeauty

Genius! Never thought of it. It's not black though but you got me thinking so I checked the colors available at the Acura site and it's Bellanova White Pear

Thanks

CPR

I've had both; shifts are smoother on the 6 speed
tranny doesn't seem to be searching for a gear, as much
technology, is a beautiful thing in cars

types1fan

I had both and they are smooth shifting transmitions. One thing I dislike about the 12 is on s mode when using the paddles to shift the computer won't let the 1st gear rev too high. I believe this is to safeguard the transmition against any type of failure. On the 09 I could redline on 1st and that felt great. I wish the 12 could do this, not that I'm speed racer or anything but I do miss that.

pochoun4126

Well we are an Acura/Honda Family overall. & I currently own a Black Crystal Pearl 2010 FWD (3.5 V6) TL with the Tech Package. & my brother has a 2012 FWD TL (also 3.5) base model. & there are a few differences in the way the transmissions perform. The 5-Speed "hondamatic" installed in mine is super smooth & shifts very quick. & does a decent job of making use of the Honda/Acura J35Z6 3.5 Liter engine.




But the 6-Speed auto takes that to the next level. It keeps the engine at its most efficient RPMs while shifting much earlier than the previous 5-Speed auto. It can sometimes feel as though the newer 6-Speed is lugging the engine. But it definitely makes the car feel faster while doing so.




I also noticed how even during spirited driving how fuel economy is improved. About 2mpg better in most cases. Since the gear ratios are moser closely spaced, that the Torque Converter can lock up almost anytime, & that it can also skip two gears at a time makes the 6-speed an all-star. I was thinking about asking the good folks on here if it would be possible to replace my 2010 TL's 5-Speed auto with the 2012-2014 6-Speed auto... now that would be something!




The 6-Speed was supposed to be the transmission Honda/Acura should have released with the 4th-Gen TL back in late 2008 for the 2009 model year. But they didn't want the TL to compete with the RL... which was silly considering the TL sales many more units than the RL really ever have. It was a missed opportunity for the folks at Honda/Acura in my honest opinion.




Before the 4th-Gen TL, Honda was struggling to get the 5-Speed Hondamatic up to snuff. Basically their transmission were quite susceptible to damage... or self-destruction... particularly when paired with the much higher horse power, & torquey J-Series engines. So they doubled down & revised the 5-Speed 6-ways-till-Sunday until they finally got it right around 2007 or so. About the only thing the 4th-Gens (yes both the 5-Speed & 6-Speed have the same problem) experience in terms of transmission failure are the Torque Convertors. If replaced on time you can save the whole transmission... unlike earlier 4-Speed & 5-Speeds which would burn up clutch packs like there's tomorrow. Hope this helps.

Anicra

We test drove just about all the cars between 60k to 40K. The one thing we both noticed the Acura 6speed was one of the smoothest shifting tranny. We nearly pulled the trigger on Infinity M sport however their 7 speed transmission spent way to much time hunting.

RDX10

That's the issue with a lot of these large number of gear transmissions. Especially the ZF9. The ZF8 tends to be pretty good.