While displacing 3.7-litres, the SH-AWD’s SOHC V6 engine dispenses a stout 305 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm and 273 pound-feet of torque @ 5,000 rpm. This VTEC-equipped mill loves to rev, and that’s where it finds its depth and fortitude.
The sweet spinning, premium gas-fired dynamo is banded to a 5-speed automatic transmission featuring wheel-mounted shift paddles. Fortunately for purists—myself included—a 6-speed manual gearbox is available to fulfill “shifting” desires.
Regrettably, my tester was equipped with the automatic transmission. My heart sank slightly as my hand fell upon the auto-stick when settling into the driver-centric cockpit. And with only five cogs in its box, the transmission is rapidly becoming “old school” as competitors lay claim to a half dozen or more gears.
Still, what the TL SH-AWD misses in gears it easily makes-up for in exhilaration founded on four lively wheels.
Hi-revving V6 elation
The anti-climatic presence of an autostick was soon a repressed memory as I delighted in the attributes of the larger powerplant serving beneath the sculpted hood of the TL SH-AWD. This engine begs to be pushed, and when it is the outcome is delightful.
Despite peaking high in its generous rev band, power is delivered smoothly and progressively, accompanied by a refined snarl. Maximizing the engine’s potential means keeping its tach dialed high. Shift paddles simplify this process while compelling a welcome dose of driver engagement.
Acceleration off the line is good but not startling; once the TL finds its legs though, it pulls with enthusiasm over and over again to its 6,700 rpm redline. Whereas acceleration is a TL SH-AWD attribute, it may not be its greatest strength. Handling ability is more deserving of that honour.
Handling is super
Acura’s “Super Handling” nomenclature isn’t just window dressing. It refers to the vehicle’s ability to torque vector—meaning it can direct additional torque to the outside wheels when cornering. The extra torque effectively pulls the car through a corner.
The sweet spinning, premium gas-fired dynamo is banded to a 5-speed automatic transmission featuring wheel-mounted shift paddles. Fortunately for purists—myself included—a 6-speed manual gearbox is available to fulfill “shifting” desires.
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| While displacing 3.7-litres, the SH-AWD’s SOHC V6 engine dispenses a stout 305 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm and 273 pound-feet of torque @ 5,000 rpm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Regrettably, my tester was equipped with the automatic transmission. My heart sank slightly as my hand fell upon the auto-stick when settling into the driver-centric cockpit. And with only five cogs in its box, the transmission is rapidly becoming “old school” as competitors lay claim to a half dozen or more gears.
Still, what the TL SH-AWD misses in gears it easily makes-up for in exhilaration founded on four lively wheels.
Hi-revving V6 elation
The anti-climatic presence of an autostick was soon a repressed memory as I delighted in the attributes of the larger powerplant serving beneath the sculpted hood of the TL SH-AWD. This engine begs to be pushed, and when it is the outcome is delightful.
Despite peaking high in its generous rev band, power is delivered smoothly and progressively, accompanied by a refined snarl. Maximizing the engine’s potential means keeping its tach dialed high. Shift paddles simplify this process while compelling a welcome dose of driver engagement.
Acceleration off the line is good but not startling; once the TL finds its legs though, it pulls with enthusiasm over and over again to its 6,700 rpm redline. Whereas acceleration is a TL SH-AWD attribute, it may not be its greatest strength. Handling ability is more deserving of that honour.
Handling is super
Acura’s “Super Handling” nomenclature isn’t just window dressing. It refers to the vehicle’s ability to torque vector—meaning it can direct additional torque to the outside wheels when cornering. The extra torque effectively pulls the car through a corner.
 |
| The Acura's "Super Handling" all wheel drive means the acronym SH-AWD is literally awesome. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |