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| 2012 Acura TL, an AW Flash Drive: Posted: 09 Mar 2011 01:30 AM PST  Front-end styling of the 2012 Acura TL sedan is toned down from the previous-generation model.
What is it? The 2012 Acura TL takes a step back from its "keen edge dynamic" styling and ends up looking more like the third-generation TL than the aggressive fourth-generation model it's based on. That's the result of customer feedback criticizing exaggerated features such as the so-called power plenum grille and the tall and boxy tail. As a result the 2012 car has been toned down, and now features a longer hood, a tidier, more subtle grille and a simplified horizontal grille garnish. The overhang has been shortened by an inch, and the lower fascia has a more clearly defined contour line along with new turn signals with chrome accents that provide better front-end definition. The rear end has been similarly tidied, and the metallic rear-bumper garnish is now half the size it was. A new contour line in the bumper molding does a lot to add horizontal emphasis to what was a decidedly tall look, greatly assisted by a license-plate mount that has been moved upward. A new under-bumper diffuser and bright tailpipe finishers also do their bit. New wheel designs help distinguish the 2012 car's profile, and the overall effect is undeniably a big improvement on the original predatory look. Along with the cosmetic changes come a few technical incentives, including a new six-speed automatic transmission with multi-plate torque converter that can perform double downshifts in response to a kick-down request and blip the throttle to match revs as it does so. The V6 engines continue more-or-less unchanged, but even they receive friction reduction improvements in the form of plateau-honed cylinder liners and molybdenum-buttons on the piston skirts. Ion-plated piston rings complete the low-friction package. What is it like to drive? Acura's TL reflects parent-company Honda's insistence on precise handling and stringent body-motion control, so the car is emphatically sporty on the road. The ride's not bad at all, but the sense of immediacy and chassis discipline caused our New York City-born co-driver to question the car's luxury credentials. True, there is little wood to be found in the interior, but the sense of mechanical integrity in everything you touch reinforces our viewpoint that luxury is often in the eye of the beholder. Yes, the Acura is quiet and smooth enough in motion to support its upscale contention, but it's the instantaneous throttle response, the sporty induction growl, and the responsiveness of the steering that justifies the price tag. The TL uses an all-electric steering assist system but it's remarkably communicative in the front-drive model, where wheel fight is just a faint suggestion even when the engine is plumb on its torque peak. The all-wheel-drive (SH-AWD) model, for some reason, has a more remote steering feel, despite the fact that some of the engine torque is being directed rearward. Both can be considered refined. The 280-horsepower V6 in the FWD model feels pretty stout, capable of sub-six-second sprints to 60 mph, and the 305-horsepower version on the SH-AWD car demonstrates predictably strong thrust despite the added weight of its all-wheel driveline. On our drive route it was hard to say which car handled better, but you can exploit the amazing torque-vectoring rear axle on the SH-AWD car by gassing it before you reach a corner apex, and then watch as the car dives in with uncanny resolve. In less frenetic driving the TL cossets its occupants with all the luxury items typical of the segment, including ventilated seats, traffic-smart nav, and an even bigger hard drive (now 60 gigabytes, was 40). Do I want it? The TL's facelift makes it a lot harder to ignore in the entry luxury segment. While we'd prefer rear-wheel drive in a car with this kind of sticker, Acura's drivelines are hard to dismiss purely on those grounds. The TL's build quality is excellent, the durability legendary, and the marque earns top spot in lease residual value according to ALG. So, yeah, we want one. 2012 Acura TL On Sale: March 18 Base Price: $35,605 Drivetrain: 3.5/3.7-liter, 280/305-hp, 254/283-lb-ft V6; FWD/AWD, six-speed manual/automatic Curb Weight: 3,726 - 4,001 lb 0-60 MPH: 5.2 sec, est Fuel Economy: 29 mpg (mfr) |
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