2010 Acura TL Review

2010 Acura TL SH-AWD

The spirit that gave the world such gems as the Acura NSX and Integra GS-R and Type R lives on in the new-for-2010 TL SH-AWD® with six-speed manual gearbox.

When the fourth generation of the TL, Acura's core-model sedan, debuted for the 2009 model year, it was slightly larger outside, for increased and improved interior space, and better-equipped than the car it replaced. After all, it competes in one of the toughest classes in the automotive world, mid-level performance/luxury. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti, Cadillac, and Lincoln all have one or more entries. So product differentiation and distinctiveness are a must.

With a 3.5-liter, 280-horsepower VTEC® V6, five-speed "Sequential Sportshift" automatic, and front-wheel drive, the "base" TL is nearly as potent as the previous generation's performance-oriented Type S. That model's place has been taken by the TL SH-AWD. Introduced last year with the automatic and a larger and more powerful 3.7-liter, 305-horsepower V6 coupled to a sophisticated "Super Handling-All-Wheel Drive" system that optimally gets that power to the ground in dry as well as winter conditions, and a more performance-oriented suspension tuning, Acura has now upped the ante with the manual model.

That a stick-shift performance-luxury sedan is now the option is a sign of the times, as automatics have improved considerably from the ancient days of "slushboxes" and even first-line racing cars no longer use the traditional manual transmission. Maybe five percent of cars sold today have sticks, and most of those are in the class in which the TL competes. A stick demands a higher degree of involvement with the vehicle, and physical and mental coordination on the part of the driver, than an automatic. And so, for the enthusiast driver, is more rewarding. And to make the manual TL SH-AWD even more rewarding for that sort of driver, its suspension and driveline are further upgraded from regular SH-AWD specification. The result is a car that is a proud continuation of a line pioneered by the NSX and Integra Type R.

Fittingly, my first experience with the 2010 TL SH-AWD stick was on a racetrack, at a journalists' association test day. The car was impressive - the harder I pushed it, the happier it felt. No lap records were in danger - the purpose of such an event is to be able to drive comfortably fast but still well within one's limits, without having to worry about flashing lights in the rear-view mirror. The TL was popular, and circulated all day long, none the worse for wear. Well, except for the tires…

The same car, with what was left of the same tires, showed up in my driveway last week. It worked as well on the street as it did on the track, giving a very pleasurable driving experience. The AWD system neatly eliminates torque steer, and despite the high-performance tuned suspension the ride quality is supple enough for maximum seat time. Which is also enhanced by the inclusion of Acura's Technology Package with upgraded leather sport seats and navigation, communications, and premium audio systems. The stick-shift TL SH-AWD establishes Acura's presence in the mid-size performance-luxury field.

APPEARANCE: If Acura's massive grille is controversial, at least it's distinctive and immediately identifiable. As is the dynamically-angular shape, with well-defined lines, low, wide headlamps, prominent wheel arches, and long, arched, near-fastback passenger cabin. Large LED taillights, stainless steel trim, and "quad" exhaust tips define the rear.

COMFORT: Welcome to what Acura calls "intelligent luxury". The TL does not have the overstuffed softness of Old American Luxury, nor does it have the near-austerity of the German interpretation. With visually busy forms and multiple materials and textures, think "tuner sport-compact does luxury". Which, come to think of it, is the car's mien, and factory tuner car at that. With the stick, the SH-AWD gets the Technology Package, which means all of the current high-tech accoutrements: pushbutton start/stop and keyless entry, voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic display and re-routing and real-time weather forecasts and visual doppler radar display, upgraded seats, and an upgraded AM/FM/XM/CD/USB/minijack audio system. The driving experience is improved by good ergonomics, an instrument panel with clearly visible backlit instruments and easy-to-use controls (including the nav system) and a tilt- and telescope-adjustable leather-rimmed steering wheel with cruise, phone, and auxiliary audio controls. The rear seat will comfortably hold two medium-sized adults and has a ski-passthrough and armrest in the center. It doesn't fold, all the better for structural integrity and chassis rigidity. The medium-sized trunk has a moderate opening and a space-saver spare under its floor.