The fortified 3.5 litre, 24-valve SOHC VTEC V6 engine retains all the charm and refinement of the regular TL powerplant while adding greater hostility when the throttle sinks. Power from the smooth spinning mill travels to the front wheels through either a 5-speed autobox invigorated with paddle shifters or a 6-speed manual gearbox. This week's tester held the autobox.
Type-S on the road
I've already covered the car's firm, although not unforgiving ride and its thumpy underpinnings so let's move forward. This is a driver's car, plain and simple. Right foot responsiveness is impressive indeed. The sweet-revving V6 mill is one of the best in the industry. Its output is almost uncanny with turbine-smooth power coming on strong throughout its broad powerband, sucking occupants firmly into their seatbacks.
Too bad off-the-line acceleration is mitigated by the inferior traction of front-wheel-drive. I've said it before and I'll say it again: the TL Type-S needs all-wheel-drive!
The five-speed autobox in my tester delivered accurate, precise shifts on its own or whenever a paddle was activated. Paddle-induced downshifts were particularly satisfying thanks to an electronic program that bumped-up engine revs to match the incoming gear. When more speed dispensing was required, the four-wheel antilock system with 4-piston Brembo front calipers stepped squarely up to the plate and stopped things dead.
The last major dynamic to cover-off is handling; I touched on its tenacity earlier. The Type-S is extremely reassuring in everything from high-speed benders to tight hairpins. It holds a line beautifully and only begins to scrub its low profile, Michelin P235/45 R17 Pilots when pushed mercilessly. Steering response is immediate with highly communicative feedback doing the talking.
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| The Type-S is easily recognizable with its exclusive alloy wheels. |
Type-S on the road
I've already covered the car's firm, although not unforgiving ride and its thumpy underpinnings so let's move forward. This is a driver's car, plain and simple. Right foot responsiveness is impressive indeed. The sweet-revving V6 mill is one of the best in the industry. Its output is almost uncanny with turbine-smooth power coming on strong throughout its broad powerband, sucking occupants firmly into their seatbacks.
Too bad off-the-line acceleration is mitigated by the inferior traction of front-wheel-drive. I've said it before and I'll say it again: the TL Type-S needs all-wheel-drive!
The five-speed autobox in my tester delivered accurate, precise shifts on its own or whenever a paddle was activated. Paddle-induced downshifts were particularly satisfying thanks to an electronic program that bumped-up engine revs to match the incoming gear. When more speed dispensing was required, the four-wheel antilock system with 4-piston Brembo front calipers stepped squarely up to the plate and stopped things dead.
The last major dynamic to cover-off is handling; I touched on its tenacity earlier. The Type-S is extremely reassuring in everything from high-speed benders to tight hairpins. It holds a line beautifully and only begins to scrub its low profile, Michelin P235/45 R17 Pilots when pushed mercilessly. Steering response is immediate with highly communicative feedback doing the talking.
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| Fit and finish is irreproachable, as is the case with all Acura products. |