Secret fun
Redemption comes from the experience of manually directing the TL’s 305 free-revving horsepower to all fours via the SH-AWD system.
The V6 loves to rev, pulls strongly to redline and emits a refined, smooth and pleasing wail in the process. Quiet and gently effortless when driven modestly, the 3.7-litre unit isn’t afraid to tell you it’s working when pushed hard—and it sounds great doing it.
The SH-AWD system splits engine power fore and aft, as well as side to side across the rear axle. It can even power one rear wheel more aggressively in corner exit situations, enhancing agility and effectively using the AWD to help steer the car. Oh, and the manual gearbox takes a couple dozen pounds off of the front axle, making the TL even more keen to go where drivers point it.
Translation?
Give the TL the boots on a twisty stretch of road, and it acts sharper, lighter and more responsive than its size leads on. The feeling generated when the SH-AWD system over-spins a single rear wheel to ‘lighten’ the TL’s rear end will put a smile on your face if you’ve got one. Pushed, the SH-AWD system is likely the TL’s biggest asset where entertainment value is concerned.
Pedals are placed ideally for heel-and-toe shifting, which is flattering thanks to a quick and natural-feeling electronic throttle system. A similar delightfully-responsive brake pedal feel is dialed in too, and things are all directed by a thick, chunky steering wheel with thumb grips. Here’s a sport sedan that would happily dance around a twisty and technical road course circuit all day long—for owners so inclined.
Sensible first
But I’m getting carried away. Forgive me folks. The TL is likely to spend most of its days delivering comfortable travels to owners and their passengers, but it’s thrilling as all heck when opened up.
Sensible stuff? As before, there’s plenty of interior storage, plenty of safety gear and decent gas mileage. Highway cruising will use 9.5 L/100 km or less, while lead-footed city driving will see that figure rise to about 12.5.
Mileage during gentle city driving? Thanks to the TL’s constant invites to the top half of its tachometer, I’m unable to comment. Overall mileage on my test, which included plenty of highway time, landed at 10.7 L/100 km of high-grade. You’ll do better if you don’t have a heavy foot.
Mostly high-tech inside
TL’s cabin remains depthy, nicely trimmed and executed with a unique, semi-futuristic look that’s more ‘high-tech’ than ‘old-school luxury’ like competing BMWs and Benzes. High-tech, that is, except for the dated infotainment system graphics, which are about on par with the average gas-station ATM. Other gripes were minor, and limited mainly to tight headroom for taller rear-seat passengers and a large turning circle.
End of the day, the TL SH-AWD already had a thrilling sporty side. Now, with the new manual gearbox, that’s become more front and centre. Acura’s turned a good thing up a few notches, here.
Pricing for a nicely loaded TL SH-AWD with ‘Tech’ package runs about $47,000.
Redemption comes from the experience of manually directing the TL’s 305 free-revving horsepower to all fours via the SH-AWD system.
The V6 loves to rev, pulls strongly to redline and emits a refined, smooth and pleasing wail in the process. Quiet and gently effortless when driven modestly, the 3.7-litre unit isn’t afraid to tell you it’s working when pushed hard—and it sounds great doing it.
The SH-AWD system splits engine power fore and aft, as well as side to side across the rear axle. It can even power one rear wheel more aggressively in corner exit situations, enhancing agility and effectively using the AWD to help steer the car. Oh, and the manual gearbox takes a couple dozen pounds off of the front axle, making the TL even more keen to go where drivers point it.
 |
| The SH-AWD system splits engine power fore and aft, as well as side to side across the rear axle. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
Translation?
Give the TL the boots on a twisty stretch of road, and it acts sharper, lighter and more responsive than its size leads on. The feeling generated when the SH-AWD system over-spins a single rear wheel to ‘lighten’ the TL’s rear end will put a smile on your face if you’ve got one. Pushed, the SH-AWD system is likely the TL’s biggest asset where entertainment value is concerned.
Pedals are placed ideally for heel-and-toe shifting, which is flattering thanks to a quick and natural-feeling electronic throttle system. A similar delightfully-responsive brake pedal feel is dialed in too, and things are all directed by a thick, chunky steering wheel with thumb grips. Here’s a sport sedan that would happily dance around a twisty and technical road course circuit all day long—for owners so inclined.
Sensible first
But I’m getting carried away. Forgive me folks. The TL is likely to spend most of its days delivering comfortable travels to owners and their passengers, but it’s thrilling as all heck when opened up.
Sensible stuff? As before, there’s plenty of interior storage, plenty of safety gear and decent gas mileage. Highway cruising will use 9.5 L/100 km or less, while lead-footed city driving will see that figure rise to about 12.5.
Mileage during gentle city driving? Thanks to the TL’s constant invites to the top half of its tachometer, I’m unable to comment. Overall mileage on my test, which included plenty of highway time, landed at 10.7 L/100 km of high-grade. You’ll do better if you don’t have a heavy foot.
Mostly high-tech inside
TL’s cabin remains depthy, nicely trimmed and executed with a unique, semi-futuristic look that’s more ‘high-tech’ than ‘old-school luxury’ like competing BMWs and Benzes. High-tech, that is, except for the dated infotainment system graphics, which are about on par with the average gas-station ATM. Other gripes were minor, and limited mainly to tight headroom for taller rear-seat passengers and a large turning circle.
End of the day, the TL SH-AWD already had a thrilling sporty side. Now, with the new manual gearbox, that’s become more front and centre. Acura’s turned a good thing up a few notches, here.
Pricing for a nicely loaded TL SH-AWD with ‘Tech’ package runs about $47,000.
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