To increase performance, a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission is applied on all TL models fitted with an 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. Previously, only the TL SH-AWD® made use of an external transmission cooler, but for 2012 all models of the TL (with automatic transmission) are now fitted with an external transmission cooler.
To further improve operating efficiency, the TL’s 3.5L V-6 engine receives a host of friction-reduction technologies including a new plateau-honing technique for the cylinders, piston skirts with a new molybdenum coating, redesigned ion-plated piston rings and lower viscosity engine oil. In addition, both the 3.5L and 3.7L engines make use of a revised inlet system that provides cooler air to feed the engine.
Chassis
For 2012, two distinct versions of Acura’s performance luxury sedan remain: a 280 horsepower, front-wheel-drive TL along with a powerful 305 hp TL paired with Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®). The performance-minded 6MT model (with 6-speed manual transmission, handling and steering improvements) will continue to be offered in the 2012 TL SH-AWD® lineup, helping broaden the TL’s appeal among luxury performance sedan buyers.
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 new 18x8-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with low-profile P245/45R18 tires for more agile handling. When equipped with the available Advance Package, the TL comes with 18x8-inch 5-spoke wheels while the TL SH-AWD® is fitted with 19x8-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels paired with new performance minded 245/40R19 all-season tires that offer significantly improved performance in snow and ice. Fitted to all TL wheels are revised center caps featuring a raised-style, chrome-plated Acura “A” mark.
The TL employs a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. Ride quality and road-holding are optimized with dual-stage “blow off” style hydraulic suspension dampers, hydro-compliant bushings (used to mount the transmission and key suspension components) and a “smart” engine mount design. On the SH-AWD® model, special rate coil springs are paired with unique damper tuning to improve handling performance. Moreover, on the SH-AWD® model special brake tuning teams with racing-inspired front brake cooling ducts to provide more performance-minded braking.
In keeping with its mission as a driver’s car, the TL interior features a “dual personal” design that provides both the driver and front passenger with their own personal space. Inside, the 2012 TL benefits from an even further refined cabin that includes instrument cluster changes, new surface finishes for many interior appointments and available ventilated front seats. Technology improvements abound with refinement of Bluetooth® Audio (now with artists name, song title, etc.), new “active pairing” functionality for Bluetooth® enabled cellular telephones, Dial-By-Number and dial-by-voice tags, and much faster connection speed for the USB port.
Safety
The 2012 TL uses a host of advanced safety features including Acura’s acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. The ACE™ body design enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes by utilizing a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. ACE™ body design also helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.
Six airbags and active head restraints for the driver and front passenger seats are just a few of the long list of passive safety features built into the TL. The array of airbags includes: dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; dual-chamber front seat side airbags with front passenger seat Occupant Position Detection System; and side-curtain airbags for front and outboard rear seating positions.
Additional passive safety features include 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, driver and front passenger seatbelt load-limiters with an automatic tensioning system and a Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system that permits quick, convenient attachment of up to two child seats at the outboard locations of the rear seating area.
The 2012 TL includes safety minded features such as ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist in conjunction with the 4-wheel disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and daytime running lights (DRL).
On sale at Acura dealerships on March 18, the 2012 TL will have a MSRP of $35,605. Equipped with the available Technology Package, the MSRP is $39,335, or $41,535 when equipped with the available Advance Package.
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2012 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan and all-new Sport Wagon, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.
Along with every new Acura, the 2012 TL is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.