SH-AWD – what’s that all about?
Without the ‘SH-AWD’ plaque affixed to the TL, the front wheels do the propelling. In Acura’s world, the notable plaque denotes ‘Super Handling All-Wheel Drive,’ which is to say that all four wheels participate in rocketing the mid-size sedan forward.
The “Super” element pertains to the ability of the AWD system to deliver more torque to the outside wheels when powering through a curve. This function helps overcome the forces of physics, which resist a change in direction. The technology has some merit in on-street driving, although its potential is best realized on a track.
Still, TL SH-AWD owners are going to feel in complete control of their vehicle, thanks to outstanding handling qualities that are both predictable and forgiving. This is a 4-door sedan that revels in being driven assertively. It’s fun to toss about and push hard in corners while allowing a fair bit of aggressive play before electronically stepping-in to restore order.
Acura’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) program is combined with their Traction Control System (TCS) to ensure that the car’s V6 engine doesn’t squander its potency on wasteful wheelspin, which can also compromise safety and control.
SH-AWD paired with hotter engine
The base TL engine is a 3.5-litre SOHC VTEC V6 powerplant generating 280 horsepower and 254 foot-pounds of torque. When SH-AWD is added, so is Acura’s most powerful engine to date, the 3.7-litre 24-valve SOHC VTEC V6. This refined mill is capable of 305 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm and 273 pound-feet of torque @ 5,000 rpm.
The larger engine is beautifully suited to the new 6-speed manual gearbox. It loves to be revved…no it begs to be revved. And in doing so, it dispenses seat-sucking acceleration accompanied by a muted growl that’s unobtrusive yet undeniably compelling.
Without the ‘SH-AWD’ plaque affixed to the TL, the front wheels do the propelling. In Acura’s world, the notable plaque denotes ‘Super Handling All-Wheel Drive,’ which is to say that all four wheels participate in rocketing the mid-size sedan forward.
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| When SH-AWD is added, so is Acura’s most powerful engine to date, the 3.7-litre 24-valve SOHC VTEC V6. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
The “Super” element pertains to the ability of the AWD system to deliver more torque to the outside wheels when powering through a curve. This function helps overcome the forces of physics, which resist a change in direction. The technology has some merit in on-street driving, although its potential is best realized on a track.
Still, TL SH-AWD owners are going to feel in complete control of their vehicle, thanks to outstanding handling qualities that are both predictable and forgiving. This is a 4-door sedan that revels in being driven assertively. It’s fun to toss about and push hard in corners while allowing a fair bit of aggressive play before electronically stepping-in to restore order.
Acura’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) program is combined with their Traction Control System (TCS) to ensure that the car’s V6 engine doesn’t squander its potency on wasteful wheelspin, which can also compromise safety and control.
SH-AWD paired with hotter engine
The base TL engine is a 3.5-litre SOHC VTEC V6 powerplant generating 280 horsepower and 254 foot-pounds of torque. When SH-AWD is added, so is Acura’s most powerful engine to date, the 3.7-litre 24-valve SOHC VTEC V6. This refined mill is capable of 305 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm and 273 pound-feet of torque @ 5,000 rpm.
The larger engine is beautifully suited to the new 6-speed manual gearbox. It loves to be revved…no it begs to be revved. And in doing so, it dispenses seat-sucking acceleration accompanied by a muted growl that’s unobtrusive yet undeniably compelling.
 |
| Its ride quality is remarkably relaxed and composed. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |