Vehicle Overview Completely overhauled for 2009, Acura’s best-selling sports sedan now comes with a new 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and is newly available with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive. The model also receives an exterior redesign and an interior face-lift, as well as voice activation for many features.
New for 2009 New engine options with more horsepower, all-wheel drive, new exterior design, new cabin and available voice-activated integration for navigation system.
Exterior The TL sedan’s exterior is drastically redesigned for 2009. It remains wide and aggressive, but a pronounced “beak” juts out from under Acura’s shield grill. The TL is 195.3 inches long and has a 109.3-inch wheelbase, making it larger than its predecessor, as well as larger than competitors like the Infiniti G (187 inches) and the Lexus ES (191 inches).
Unusual front and rear styling
17-inch alloy wheels standard; 18- or 19-inch wheels available
Projector low-beam and halogen high-beam headlights
Front fog lamps
In-glass radio antenna
Dual exhaust finishers
Interior The TL’s interior receives a face-lift for 2009, making it slightly more upscale, though just as reserved, as the previous generation’s. Every TL model comes with an eight-disc CD changer, iPod and USB connectivity, and an auxiliary input jack. A Technology Package provides interior upgrades like keyless access, voice activation for the navigation system, an 8-inch full-color navigation display and a premium audio system.
The TL’s trunk has 12.5 cubic feet of storage space, which is less than the Infiniti G and Lexus ES. The TL seats five.
Standard interior features include:
Leather-trimmed interior
10-way power driver’s seat, including power lumbar support
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated front seats
Steering-wheel buttons that operate audio, cruise-control and voice-recognition functions
Under the Hood There’s a choice of two engines, both of which work with a five-speed automatic transmission.
New 280-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with 254 pounds-feet of torque
305-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 with 275 pounds-feet of torque (TL SH-AWD)
EPA-estimated mileage of 18/26 mpg city/highway in base TL, 17/24 in SH-AWD
Safety Standard safety features include:
Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist
