Canada Globe and Mail Review the '04 TL
09-04-2003, 11:13 PM
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Canada Globe and Mail Reviews the '04 TL
http://www.globeandmail.com/globemeg...903/Acura.html
*Copied from the Globe and Mail, a Toronto-based and well-respected Canadian news source. September 4th, 2003*
Refining the Acura signature
TL sedan crosses all the right sporting letters
By Joe Knycha
Thursday, September 4, 2003
SEATTLE, Wash. - As "the signature of Acura," the third-generation TL represents something of a masterstroke in the luxury sport sedan segment.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but the new TL doesn't just promise the goods - it delivers them in an aggressively styled, finely balanced and luxurious package.
The new TL is slightly larger inside and out with higher feature content, yet depending on the model weighs only marginally more or substantially less than the second-generation 3.2 TL it replaces.
The standard V6 engine makes more power and burns cleaner than the powerplant it succeeds, yet delivers identical fuel economy when mated to the 5-speed sequential 'manumatic' transmission. For the first time, one TL trim level will feature a 6-speed manual shifter, adapted from the now defunct CL model - a welcome development.
The TL is the first Acura product in Canada to debut with an available satellite navigation system with voice recognition that acts on 180 verbal commands and responds to both English and "Canadian-specific" French. Other new technologies include hands-free wireless-linked telephone calling and the first North American automotive application of a DVD-based audio surround sound system.
Not-so-new, but important other technologies, include a 3-channel anti-lock braking system, 4-channel brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, which modulates individual braking power to ensure maximum braking force over uneven and variable-traction surfaces, plus traction and electronic stability control.
There's a lot here for the money beyond the standard lengthy list of bells and whistles. Prices have yet to be announced, but the TL is expected to start in the low-$40,000 range when it hits Acura showrooms across Canada in mid-October. There will be three trim levels: TL, Navi (for Navigation) and Dynamic, with a 6-speed manual shifter, higher-performing brakes, beefier anti-roll bars front and rear and dedicated summer high-performance tires.
The new TL is decidedly a driver's car. As good as the previous 3.2 TL Type S was, this TL is better in almost every respect, and its handling is on a higher plane altogether.
There was no opportunity during our road test for 10/10ths driving, as on a racetrack, but in spirited driving through numerous twisty bits in the Puget Sound area, the TL exhibited fine balance and none of the understeer often associated with front-wheel drive vehicles.
Acura says the TL is comparable to the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class in areas of performance, technology, engineering and ride and handling. Without the benefit of having those vehicles to compare back-to-back with the TL, first impressions were highly favourable.
The TL is both smooth and quick, and has a higher top end than most people will ever care to explore. The 3.2-litre V6 engine pulls strongly, even from low in its range. When revs reach 4,700 rpm, the advanced '3-rocker' VTEC variable valve timing and lift system switches to an aggressive set of cam lobes to provide a turbo-like kick or boost from there to the 6,800 rpm limit. The system allows each of a given cylinder's intake valves to be controlled by its own low-speed cam lobe. With different low-speed cam profiles for each intake valve, the 3-rocker VTEC allows for staggered valve opening and lift, promoting 'swirl' in the combustion chambers, thus improving efficiency.
At 4,700 rpm, an electric spool valve opens to route pressurized oil to small pistons in the intake valve rocker arms, which lock together the three intake rockers in a given cylinder that then follow a single high-lift, long duration cam lobe. In a nutshell, that translates into a broader torque curve and significant peak power.
It sounds great too, through the tuned dual exhaust pipes around which the lower rear valance wraps for a dramatic and purposeful effect - it complements perfectly the TL's edgy, wedge design.
There's generous room in the back seat for two fully-grown adults and at 354 litres, the trunk is only moderately large. Careful attention to its shape and layout, however, allow it to carry two extra-large and two medium-sized hard suitcases or clubs and duffel bags for four golfers.
Brakes are front ventilated and rear solid discs. Front discs on the racy Dynamic package are slightly larger (by 10 mm) and are equipped with Formula 1-inspired Brembo calipers sporting two pistons each.
Beyond the many active safety features, passive safety efforts include three airbag systems: dual-stage, dual threshold front airbags, side (door) airbags for front seat occupants and a full cabin-length side curtain airbag system that deploys from the roof. In addition to the side curtain bags, a side airbag in each front outboard seat bolster provides added protection to the thorax in a side impact.
Like a fine writing instrument, the new Acura TL is possessed of balance, beauty and craftsmanship. It cuts a fine line through the curves, swirls and loops of everyday driving with flair and poise and - with the possible exception of the NSX supercar - is beyond a doubt Acura's boldest signature statement yet.
Immediate competition:
Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Infiniti G35, Lexus IS 300, Mercedes E-Class
The Verdict
*** Cabin Comfort (touch/feel/ergonomics)
*** Safety (ABS/airbags/stability aids)
*** Performance (engine/trans/acceleration)
**** Ride & Handling (steering/brakes/suspension)
**** Value for Money
Rating: *-Needs Improvement **- Average ***- Above Average ****-Excellent *****-Almost Perfect.
*Copied from the Globe and Mail, a Toronto-based and well-respected Canadian news source. September 4th, 2003*
Refining the Acura signature
TL sedan crosses all the right sporting letters
By Joe Knycha
Thursday, September 4, 2003
SEATTLE, Wash. - As "the signature of Acura," the third-generation TL represents something of a masterstroke in the luxury sport sedan segment.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but the new TL doesn't just promise the goods - it delivers them in an aggressively styled, finely balanced and luxurious package.
The new TL is slightly larger inside and out with higher feature content, yet depending on the model weighs only marginally more or substantially less than the second-generation 3.2 TL it replaces.
The standard V6 engine makes more power and burns cleaner than the powerplant it succeeds, yet delivers identical fuel economy when mated to the 5-speed sequential 'manumatic' transmission. For the first time, one TL trim level will feature a 6-speed manual shifter, adapted from the now defunct CL model - a welcome development.
The TL is the first Acura product in Canada to debut with an available satellite navigation system with voice recognition that acts on 180 verbal commands and responds to both English and "Canadian-specific" French. Other new technologies include hands-free wireless-linked telephone calling and the first North American automotive application of a DVD-based audio surround sound system.
Not-so-new, but important other technologies, include a 3-channel anti-lock braking system, 4-channel brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, which modulates individual braking power to ensure maximum braking force over uneven and variable-traction surfaces, plus traction and electronic stability control.
There's a lot here for the money beyond the standard lengthy list of bells and whistles. Prices have yet to be announced, but the TL is expected to start in the low-$40,000 range when it hits Acura showrooms across Canada in mid-October. There will be three trim levels: TL, Navi (for Navigation) and Dynamic, with a 6-speed manual shifter, higher-performing brakes, beefier anti-roll bars front and rear and dedicated summer high-performance tires.
The new TL is decidedly a driver's car. As good as the previous 3.2 TL Type S was, this TL is better in almost every respect, and its handling is on a higher plane altogether.
There was no opportunity during our road test for 10/10ths driving, as on a racetrack, but in spirited driving through numerous twisty bits in the Puget Sound area, the TL exhibited fine balance and none of the understeer often associated with front-wheel drive vehicles.
Acura says the TL is comparable to the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class in areas of performance, technology, engineering and ride and handling. Without the benefit of having those vehicles to compare back-to-back with the TL, first impressions were highly favourable.
The TL is both smooth and quick, and has a higher top end than most people will ever care to explore. The 3.2-litre V6 engine pulls strongly, even from low in its range. When revs reach 4,700 rpm, the advanced '3-rocker' VTEC variable valve timing and lift system switches to an aggressive set of cam lobes to provide a turbo-like kick or boost from there to the 6,800 rpm limit. The system allows each of a given cylinder's intake valves to be controlled by its own low-speed cam lobe. With different low-speed cam profiles for each intake valve, the 3-rocker VTEC allows for staggered valve opening and lift, promoting 'swirl' in the combustion chambers, thus improving efficiency.
At 4,700 rpm, an electric spool valve opens to route pressurized oil to small pistons in the intake valve rocker arms, which lock together the three intake rockers in a given cylinder that then follow a single high-lift, long duration cam lobe. In a nutshell, that translates into a broader torque curve and significant peak power.
It sounds great too, through the tuned dual exhaust pipes around which the lower rear valance wraps for a dramatic and purposeful effect - it complements perfectly the TL's edgy, wedge design.
There's generous room in the back seat for two fully-grown adults and at 354 litres, the trunk is only moderately large. Careful attention to its shape and layout, however, allow it to carry two extra-large and two medium-sized hard suitcases or clubs and duffel bags for four golfers.
Brakes are front ventilated and rear solid discs. Front discs on the racy Dynamic package are slightly larger (by 10 mm) and are equipped with Formula 1-inspired Brembo calipers sporting two pistons each.
Beyond the many active safety features, passive safety efforts include three airbag systems: dual-stage, dual threshold front airbags, side (door) airbags for front seat occupants and a full cabin-length side curtain airbag system that deploys from the roof. In addition to the side curtain bags, a side airbag in each front outboard seat bolster provides added protection to the thorax in a side impact.
Like a fine writing instrument, the new Acura TL is possessed of balance, beauty and craftsmanship. It cuts a fine line through the curves, swirls and loops of everyday driving with flair and poise and - with the possible exception of the NSX supercar - is beyond a doubt Acura's boldest signature statement yet.
Immediate competition:
Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Infiniti G35, Lexus IS 300, Mercedes E-Class
The Verdict
*** Cabin Comfort (touch/feel/ergonomics)
*** Safety (ABS/airbags/stability aids)
*** Performance (engine/trans/acceleration)
**** Ride & Handling (steering/brakes/suspension)
**** Value for Money
Rating: *-Needs Improvement **- Average ***- Above Average ****-Excellent *****-Almost Perfect.
09-05-2003, 06:45 PM
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If this car will be about 35K in the US, I doubt if it will be pitched in the low 40K in Canada. (35KUS = 50KCnd).
The 'immediate competition' is stated as BMW5 (starting at Cnd$ 65K) and Mercedes E (Cnd$ 70K and up).
But 42-44K would be nice.
RJ
The 'immediate competition' is stated as BMW5 (starting at Cnd$ 65K) and Mercedes E (Cnd$ 70K and up).
But 42-44K would be nice.
RJ
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