Athletic handling and plenty of smooth power
My tester was equipped with Acura’s sophisticated SH-AWD system, an acronym for Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive. Sounding perhaps a little too superlative, SH-AWD engages all four wheels to provide improved traction.
The “Super Handling” part is in reference to the system’s ability to direct torque to the wheels riding the outside radius of a corner. This exploitation of physics aids in powering the TL around a corner rather than pushing it forward in opposition to cornering forces. Does it make a significant difference to you and me in our daily lives behind the wheel? Yes, depending on one’s penchant for twisty tarmac.
Giving the TL SH-AWD a little throttle through a corner definitely keeps it holding a line with impressive control and precision, due in part to the extra propulsion of the outside wheels. It also has a lot to do with the taut underpinnings of the TL, and this is where I take exception.
The TL’s ride quality is excessively firm for my taste, in spite of its contribution to excellent handling.
I would prefer a suspension calibration that’s less rigid and more absorbent. A driver-adjustable suspension setup would allow for personal preference, but of course, it would likely add to the vehicle’s price tag.
Less in question is the TL’s smooth, powerful V6 engine.
More horsepower with SH-AWD
The base TL 3.5L V6 engine emits 280 hp. The SH-AWD version of Acura’s performance sedan is fitted with a 3.7L VTEC V6 mill that smoothly dispatches 305 hp @ 6,300 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm.
As verified by the numbers, this engine loves to rev and that’s where it really finds its legs: post-4,000 rpm the refined mill makes a menacing growl, breaking its own sound barrier. Acceleration is strong and consistent as the six-speed autobox smoothly swaps cogs.
Thanks to its SH-AWD traction, there’s no wheelspin allowing power to escape the chore of propelling the vehicle with full vigor. Engage the ‘Sport Mode’ and the transmission adopts a much more aggressive persona.
The TL’s shift paddles take sportiness to a level higher.
My tester was equipped with Acura’s sophisticated SH-AWD system, an acronym for Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive. Sounding perhaps a little too superlative, SH-AWD engages all four wheels to provide improved traction.
The “Super Handling” part is in reference to the system’s ability to direct torque to the wheels riding the outside radius of a corner. This exploitation of physics aids in powering the TL around a corner rather than pushing it forward in opposition to cornering forces. Does it make a significant difference to you and me in our daily lives behind the wheel? Yes, depending on one’s penchant for twisty tarmac.
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| My tester was equipped with Acura’s sophisticated SH-AWD system, an acronym for Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Giving the TL SH-AWD a little throttle through a corner definitely keeps it holding a line with impressive control and precision, due in part to the extra propulsion of the outside wheels. It also has a lot to do with the taut underpinnings of the TL, and this is where I take exception.
The TL’s ride quality is excessively firm for my taste, in spite of its contribution to excellent handling.
I would prefer a suspension calibration that’s less rigid and more absorbent. A driver-adjustable suspension setup would allow for personal preference, but of course, it would likely add to the vehicle’s price tag.
Less in question is the TL’s smooth, powerful V6 engine.
More horsepower with SH-AWD
The base TL 3.5L V6 engine emits 280 hp. The SH-AWD version of Acura’s performance sedan is fitted with a 3.7L VTEC V6 mill that smoothly dispatches 305 hp @ 6,300 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm.
As verified by the numbers, this engine loves to rev and that’s where it really finds its legs: post-4,000 rpm the refined mill makes a menacing growl, breaking its own sound barrier. Acceleration is strong and consistent as the six-speed autobox smoothly swaps cogs.
Thanks to its SH-AWD traction, there’s no wheelspin allowing power to escape the chore of propelling the vehicle with full vigor. Engage the ‘Sport Mode’ and the transmission adopts a much more aggressive persona.
The TL’s shift paddles take sportiness to a level higher.
 |
| The SH-AWD version of Acura’s performance sedan is fitted with a 3.7L VTEC V6 mill that smoothly dispatches 305 hp @ 6,300 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |