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Perking up a family car into something faster and flashier is a fine pursuit, sometimes turning a blasé runabout into a sporty excuse for road trips. It worked when Pontiac turned a LeMans into a GTO, and it works now for the Acura 3.2 TL Type S.

That is not to accuse the normal TL, Acura’s middle child, of being blasé. TL has been a longtime favorite, but the extra power and finesse of the Type S enhancements really aces it.

Here is a fast and fun take on this popular “near-luxury” family sedan, adding an effective performance touch without introducing any hard edges. Even with the firmer sport-tuned suspension and 17-inch wheels with performance tires, the Type S is still relatively cushy compared with such things as BMW’s taut 330i, not to even mention the high-performance M3.

The key to the Type S is the very sweet VTEC engine under the hood, a V-6 tuned to deliver 260 horsepower with a minimum of harshness. The normal engine makes a decent 225 horsepower, but those extra 35 horses go a long way. Because of Honda’s groundbreaking “variable valve timing and lift electronic control” (VTEC) system, power and torque are available across the board, providing low-end grunt without sacrificing free-revving horsepower, and vice versa.

VTEC has become a magic symbol to a new generation of hot-rodders, and for good reason. This engine really sings, and propels the mid-size sedan up to freeway speeds in a snap. According to Autoweek magazine, 60 mph comes in just 6.42 seconds, faster than any other car in its class, except the 330i.

Under acceleration, the delicious change of engine tone as the cam profiles switch is hard to resist. At about 4,000 RPM, the sound suddenly turns strident and the sedan leaps forward. Most satisfying.

TL also can be a docile city car, smoothly and seamlessly dealing with the potholes and rough asphalt of the real world. All the while, Type S feels poised and ready, with balanced, flat cornering and engine power always on tap.

The steering, upgraded for Type S for greater response, is responsive and consistent, while still being smooth and isolating enough for luxury-car drivers.

Split personality? Maybe. Type S manages to be a serious car and a fun car at the same time. It may not be edgy enough for sporty drivers, but there’s no denying its power and style. Underscoring the mainstream appeal, there’s no stickshift available, though the five-speed automatic is very refined and includes Sportshift for manual gear changes.

The look is still quite conservative, with TL’s nose sharpened up a bit over last year’s. It’s pretty obvious both outside and inside that TL is a lengthened Honda Accord, but I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. Though it’s not very interesting or exciting to behold.

The test car was painted a vibrant electric blue, which added considerably to its sporty appeal. There were several unsolicited “nice car” remarks, all from young a dults.

The interior is also conservative but extremely comfortable, roomy and accommodating, even for the overly tall guy behind the wheel. White-faced gauges were another nudge toward the sports-sedan aspect, in a dashboard that is attractive and well-organized.

The test car included Acura’s excellent GPS navigation system, which I still believe is the best offered in any cars or trucks. It operates on a DVD that gives a map of the entire continental United States rather than just the limited territory recorded on CDs. The price is high, though, at $2,000, which is included in the Type S base price.

The Type S comes fully loaded with all the luxury gear, power accessories, GPS, leather surfaces, stereo CD system, heated seats, moon roof and other extras included in the base price. The only addition was the $480 destination and handling.

With the Type S treatment, TL becomes a taut, maneuverable, fast and lively sedan that upholds Honda’s reputation for precisi and performance. It’s another craft from Honda that puts the lie to the assertion from some car enthusiasts that Japanese cars have no passion.