2010 Acura TL SH-AWD Tech HPT

2010 Acura TL SH-AWD Tech HPT

BASE PRICE: $35,105 for base TL; $38,655 for base TL with AWD; $38,835 for TL FWD with technology package; $39,835 for TL FWD with tech package and 18-inch wheels; $42,385 for TL AWD with tech package; $43,385 for TL AWD with tech package and high performance tires.

AS TESTED: $44,195.

TYPE: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, five-passenger, mid-size, luxury sedan.

ENGINE: 3.7-liter, single overhead cam V-6 with VTEC.

MILEAGE: 17 mpg (city), 25 mpg (highway).

TOP SPEED: 134 mph.

LENGTH: 195.5 inches.

WHEELBASE: 109.3 inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 3,975 pounds.

BUILT AT: Marysville, Ohio.

OPTIONS: None.

DESTINATION CHARGE: $810

A look at the 2010 Acura TL

2010 Acura TL SH-AWD Tech HPT

BASE PRICE: $35,105 for base TL; $38,655 for base TL with AWD; $38,835 for TL FWD with technology package; $39,835 for TL FWD with tech package and 18-inch wheels; $42,385 for TL AWD with tech package; $43,385 for TL AWD with tech package and high performance tires.

AS TESTED: $44,195.

TYPE: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, five-passenger, mid-size, luxury sedan.

ENGINE: 3.7-liter, single overhead cam V-6 with VTEC.

MILEAGE: 17 mpg (city), 25 mpg (highway).

TOP SPEED: 134 mph.

LENGTH: 195.5 inches.

WHEELBASE: 109.3 inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 3,975 pounds.

BUILT AT: Marysville, Ohio.

OPTIONS: None.

DESTINATION CHARGE: $810

2010 Acura TL SH-AWD Manual

Honda is one of the few automakers left that still sprinkle manual transmission options throughout its lineup, with the 2010 Acura TL being the latest offering from the Japanese automaker's upscale arm to get a shift-for-yourself six speed.

Its presence in the TL and absence from the TSX V-6 are explained by five letters and a dash: SH-AWD, the acronym Acura uses for its all-wheel drive system. SH-AWD-fitted TL's get a 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 instead of the 280-hp, 3.5-liter unit found in the front-drive TSX. It's a transmission that was designed specifically for the TL's engine and AWD combination. If you want a manual with your TSX, you can only get one mated to its base 2.4-liter four engine.

2010 Acura Tl Sh Awd Rear Three Quarters Driver
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When Detroit Editor Todd Lassa drove a pre-production model of the six-speed manual TL in September of 2008, its future was still somewhat in doubt due in large part to the low take rate on manual transmissions. Acura expected only 5% of buyers to opt for the manual, which would amount to less than 1700 cars based on the TL's 2009 sales. But Acura stuck with it, becoming just the third automaker to offer a manual transmission, all-wheel drive combination in its segment, joining the Audi A4 and BMW 335i xDrive, though the A4 is not currently offered with a six-cylinder engine.

2010 Acura TL

2010 Acura TL
The TL that Acura recently allowed us to use was a base model without any options, which doesn’t necessarily mean that it was uninteresting. Six airbags, ABS brakes, lateral stability and traction systems, acoustic windshield, sun roof, ten-way adjustable driver’s seat (eight-way for the passenger seat), Bluetooth, height-adjustable and telescopic steering column, etc.... And for about $3,500, you can opt for the Navigation Package, which includes the navigation system, a 440-watt audio system, keyless entry, and more.
The TL that we test drove, Mayan bronze metallic in colour (plum, if you prefer) was rather easy on the eyes, although the massive, “bottle-opener shaped” (to borrow the words of my colleague Lachapelle) front grille receives mixed reviews. If you can get past the stylistic elements, the TL offers some pleasant surprises.

Acura unveils details on ’09 and 2010 TL

2009 Acura TL

2010 Acura TL

The 2009 Acura TL is shaping up to contain more horsepower than any previous Acura model - with a 3.7-liter, 305 horsepower engine, it’s slightly over fifteen times as powerful as the venerable Model T. Kinda puts these things in perspective.

Manual transmission aficionados will be even more excited by Acura’s announcement regarding the 2010 TL models. We’re looking at the option of a brand-new, short throw six speed which, in combination with the aforementioned 3.7 liter engine and the all-wheel drive, promises to bring a stiffer ride to the average consumer.

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.