Acura TL adds six-speed manual transmission

The 2010 Acura TL will offer a six-speed manual transmission in addition to a five-speed automatic, the first time the company has matched its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system to a manual transmission.

The six-speed will be a no-charge option on the SH-AWD Technology Package, at $48,490, and will go on sale at the beginning of October.

“The new six-speed manual transmission, available on the TL SH-AWD Technology Package, allows the enthusiast driver to take full advantage of the performance of Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice-president of Honda Canada. “Not only is the new six-speed manual transmission model the best-performing Acura TL ever, it is among the top handling performers in its class.”

The new transmission is about 50 kg lighter than the five-speed automatic, further benefiting the TL’s acceleration, braking and cornering.

For 2010, the TL is available in front-wheel drive, with 280 horsepower, and in all-wheel drive, with 305 horsepower. Pricing ranges from $39,990 to $48,490.