Hopefully we're all too mature to try that more than once, as it would be a shame to tarnish the CL's graceful lines with a dent. Graceful yes, but it's not as eye-catching as some of its competitors. Instead, Acura's coupe appears lithe and athletic. Its taut lines, unencumbered with immature aero add-ons, are simple, pure and true to the cars honest nature. Understated might be its best descriptive word, especially in the anthracite metallic exterior paint scheme of my test car, but at the same time it garners the well deserved attention of educated 'autophiles'.
And its sweet sounding VTEC engine and crisp shifting 6-speed aren't the only attributes deserving of praise. Its light and nimble handling is beyond reproach. The coupes 62.2 / 37.8 percent front / rear weight distribution offers up just enough predictability to maintain a satisfying yet safe driving experience. Dive into a sharp right hand corner and the CL effortlessly obeys every input from its speed-sensitive, variable power-assist rack-and-pinion steering. Swing left and then right again and its body roll is indistinguishable, yet the ride is anything but harsh. Its sensational ride / handling compromise results from an independent double-wishbone front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar plus an independent set up with multi-link double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar in the rear. The entire package rides on all-new 10-spoke aluminum wheels shod with all season 215/50 R17 tires. Its traction control system (TCS) is unchanged from the base CL, but the Type S adds Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) to the mix for improved control.
Need brakes? The Type S delivers extremely short stopping distances thanks to a 3-channel ABS system with 4-wheel speed sensors and an electronic/hydraulic control unit. Other safety features include automatic front seat belt pre-tensioners, dual-stage front airbags, front driver and passenger side-impact airbags with occupant sensors, plus a passenger-side mirror that tilts down when in reverse, benefiting the rims from curb scratches as well as pedestrians.
And its sweet sounding VTEC engine and crisp shifting 6-speed aren't the only attributes deserving of praise. Its light and nimble handling is beyond reproach. The coupes 62.2 / 37.8 percent front / rear weight distribution offers up just enough predictability to maintain a satisfying yet safe driving experience. Dive into a sharp right hand corner and the CL effortlessly obeys every input from its speed-sensitive, variable power-assist rack-and-pinion steering. Swing left and then right again and its body roll is indistinguishable, yet the ride is anything but harsh. Its sensational ride / handling compromise results from an independent double-wishbone front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar plus an independent set up with multi-link double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar in the rear. The entire package rides on all-new 10-spoke aluminum wheels shod with all season 215/50 R17 tires. Its traction control system (TCS) is unchanged from the base CL, but the Type S adds Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) to the mix for improved control.
Need brakes? The Type S delivers extremely short stopping distances thanks to a 3-channel ABS system with 4-wheel speed sensors and an electronic/hydraulic control unit. Other safety features include automatic front seat belt pre-tensioners, dual-stage front airbags, front driver and passenger side-impact airbags with occupant sensors, plus a passenger-side mirror that tilts down when in reverse, benefiting the rims from curb scratches as well as pedestrians.