2007 Acura TL Type-S packs some mean technologies
People remembered the Acura TL as being elegant when it was first launched in 1996. Today, showing a more upgraded TL packed with leading edge and trendy technologies Acura is setting another trend in elegance. Add to that a Type-S that will bolster an already improved TL that has been revised inside and out.
The base TL harnesses a 3.2-liter VTEC V-6 engine that produces 258 hp at 6200 rpm and 233 lb/ft of torque at 5000 rpm.
Focusing on the Type-S model, has a 5-liter VTEC V-6 engine, virtually the same engine as in the bigger brother RL, harnesses 286 hp at 6200 rpm with a beefier torque curve of 256 lb/ft at 5,000 rpm. One could also choose to pair it with either a new five-speed automatic that features F1-style paddle shifters on the steering wheel or a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.
The TL is slated for a major re-design by 2008 or 2009, and the new model will probably adopt the SH-AWD (Super Handling, All-Wheel Drive) system now offered in the RL. Along with other improvements, there is the possibly of a 3.7-liter engine. There are even rumors of a TL Coupe.
Going back to the Type-S which has an excellent handling supported by great suspension. The model also has a tire pressure monitoring system, four-piston Brembo front brakes, four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control.
The TL Type-S includes power seats for both the driver and front passenger, and keyless entry with a new One Touch Start system on models with an automatic transmission.
The Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System comes standard in the Type-S and recognizes up to 600 verbal commands in both official Canadian languages, even taking into account regional accents and comes with a choice of real-time directions by voice or guiding map display. The HandsFreeLink Bluetooth technology allows drivers to synchronize their cell phone and its address book with the car’s phone system.
The standard 225-watt Acura/ELS Surround Premium eight-speaker Sound System is a six-disc CD, DVD-Audio system. The added sound dimensions of this audio system blew me away when it broke ground as the first standard application of DVD-Audio in a production vehicle at the launch of the 2004 TL. For 2007, it is updated to play discs encoded with WMA and MP3 music files and features Dolby Pro Logic II and speed-sensitive volume compensation. The audio system also integrates the Active Noise Cancellation, a wavelength that reduces cabin noise while cruising.
The Acura TL Type-S is complete with the latest gizmos and gadgets to make a child push every button to try them all out.