2001 Acura 3.2 CL Type S - The 'S' is for Sensational
The new CL, like its predecessor, is designed and built in North America. The original coupes minimalist lines weren't particularly popular and as a performer it was only slightly better than average. Although the new CL has improved performance the redesign has lost some of the originals distinctive style. Nevertheless it is attractive, taking much of its crisp, clean styling cues from the current TL.
The base CL comes well equipped with a refined 225 hp engine, powerful enough for most. The Type S driving experience, however, is much more than adequate. More so, the 'S' in its moniker must stand for sensational! With 260 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 232 lb ft of torque available from between 3500-5500 rpm the CL Type S takes only 6.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Although this significant level of power drives the front wheels, torque steer is barely noticeable at full throttle, which is no small accomplishment. The quarter mile arrives at just under 15 seconds when close to 160 kilometers per hour shows on the speedometer.
Even though the numbers might lead a person to think that the Type S is a purebred sports coupe, in reality the whole process hardly ruffles the feathers. The 5-speed 'Sequential SportShift' automatic transmission is one of the best of the new breed of manual-mode automatics, allowing an enthusiastic driver to rev the CL right up to its 6,900 rpm redline before shifts. A simple tap forward or back moves the transmission up or down a gear respectively, while the CL's glorious exhaust note stirs the soul throughout the process.
The new CL, like its predecessor, is designed and built in North America. The original coupes minimalist lines weren't particularly popular and as a performer it was only slightly better than average. Although the new CL has improved performance the redesign has lost some of the originals distinctive style. Nevertheless it is attractive, taking much of its crisp, clean styling cues from the current TL. The base CL comes well equipped with a refined 225 hp engine, powerful enough for most. The Type S driving experience, however, is much more than adequate. More so, the 'S' in its moniker must stand for sensational! With 260 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 232 lb ft of torque available from between 3500-5500 rpm the CL Type S takes only 6.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Although this significant level of power drives the front wheels, torque steer is barely noticeable at full throttle, which is no small accomplishment. The quarter mile arrives at just under 15 seconds when close to 160 kilometers per hour shows on the speedometer.
Even though the numbers might lead a person to think that the Type S is a purebred sports coupe, in reality the whole process hardly ruffles the feathers. The 5-speed 'Sequential SportShift' automatic transmission is one of the best of the new breed of manual-mode automatics, allowing an enthusiastic driver to rev the CL right up to its 6,900 rpm redline before shifts. A simple tap forward or back moves the transmission up or down a gear respectively, while the CL's glorious exhaust note stirs the soul throughout the process.