Making its Canadian debut at the 2011 Canadian International Auto show, Acura's newly refined 2012 TL delivers improved performance, upgraded technology and features as well as revised appearance. A new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission provides improved performance and fuel economy, and a new Elite trim is added to the TL SH-AWD model lineup.
"The 2012 Acura TL is refined, yet aggressive," said Alexandre Roger, assistant vice president with Canada's Acura Division. "Already known for its performance and superb handling, the enhanced TL provides a sophisticated new look and new technologies designed to take TL to the next level."
To increase performance, a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission is applied on all TL models with automatic transmission. In addition to incorporating engineering enhancements aimed at improving efficiency, a sport-minded double-kick-down feature lets the driver command a double downshift such as from Fifth to Third gear. The Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system also creates a "blip" of the throttle to help match gear speeds while downshifting.
In addition, the transmission teams with a new multi-clutch torque converter that not only reduces heat build-up during operation but also allows for lock-up activation during a much wider range of driving conditions which helps generate improved fuel economy. As a result, city/highway fuel economy is now 10.4 / 6.8 L/100km (TL & TL Tech 6AT), 11.4 / 7.6 L/100km (SH-AWD 6AT models ) and 11.9/8.0 L/100km (SH-AWD Tech 6MTmodel), providing an increase in highway fuel economy over the 2011 TL. To further improve operating efficiency, the TL's standard 3.5-litre V-6 engine receives a host of friction-reduction technologies while a revised air inlet system provides cooler air for both the 3.5-litre and 3.7-litre engines.
The 2012 TL's refined new look includes a redesigned front bumper with improved aerodynamics, a revised grille, updated headlights and turn signals, a new fog light design and a shorter front overhang. At the rear, a new rear bumper incorporates a significantly repositioned license plate opening and smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights and a thinner rear trunk edge trim add to a sophisticated new look.
For 2012, two distinct versions of Acura's performance luxury sedan remain: a 280-horsepower, front-wheel-drive TL, as well as a powerful 305-horsepower TL paired with Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™). The performance-minded model with a 6-speed manual transmission will be offered in the 2012 TL SH-AWD lineup, helping broaden the TL's appeal among luxury performance sedan buyers.
Both the TL and TL SH-AWD™ models offer an available Technology Package which includes the Acura Navigation System with Bilingual Voice Recognition™, and an Acura/ELS Surround® 410-watt Premium Audio System. For 2012, the hard disk drive (HDD) based navigation system increases in size to 60 gigabytes, map coverage is expanded, USB connection speed increased, and the full VGA monitor is brighter with even richer colours.
Also available is a new TL SH-AWD Elite trim that incorporates all-new ventilated front seats, a new blind spot information (BSI) system that alerts the driver of other vehicles that are in close proximity, and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires.
Standard on the 2012 TL are new 17x8-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels with P245/50R17 all-season tires for confident year-round performance. The TL SH-AWD® comes standard with 18x8-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with low-profile P245/45R18 tires for more agile handling. Finally, the new TL SH-AWD™ Elite trim is fitted with19x8-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels with new performance minded P245/40ZR19 all-season tires.
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles. The 2011 Acura lineup features seven distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the Canadian-exclusive CSX luxury compact sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the Canadian-built MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and ZDX four-door sports coupe.