2012 Acura TL Review

With a sporty style and emotional performance of the powerful engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive ™ (SH-AWD ®) model, the fourth-generation Acura TL is nothing less than the history of the most exciting performance luxury sedan Acura . When a complete from-the-wheels-up redesign for 2009, Acura to improve every aspect of the original model. It features a rigid frame construction device and the extensive use of high strength steel (as well as key aluminum components), unique and dramatic exterior styling, a choice of two VTEC ® V-6 engines efficiently (280 CV 3.5 the 305 - HP 3.7L), electric power steering (EPS) and the sleek design and advanced technology, the Acura TL increases the future direction of the Acura division.

 

For 2011, the Acura TL received the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG ®) for the best residual value of a luxury vehicle closely, the Acura brand in general is second for the residual value of all the best luxury brands. Independent recognition as indicated by the high value and quality offered by the Acura brand.

However, in 2012 the engineers went back to work to refine the Acura TL features even better. The most noticeable are the visual disturbances, which include new front and rear of the style, but also the presence of a new 6-speed sequential automatic Sportshift to improve performance and fuel economy, interior revised, and a series of technical innovations.

2012-TL is a refined new front bumper features a redesigned with improved aerodynamics, a modified grille, headlights and turn signals to date, a newly designed light mist and a short front overhang. Style changes the TL is closer to the overall design direction of Acura, for example, new lower front fascia openings TL are similar in the sense of design as those seen on the popular Acura SUV (ZDX, MDX and RDX). "With the 2009-TL has been the exterior design as much passion," says Damon Schell, Acura Designer project manager. "With the 2012-TL, led us to a higher level of sophistication."

Behind the new rear bumper contains a considerable number plate repositioned to open and much smaller than the rear reflectors, while the headlights updated and thinner than the rear edge of the trunk of a new more sophisticated look. The addition of visual displays are the new 17 - and 18-inch aluminum center cap with chrome-style review raised Acura "" sign.

To increase performance, a new 6-speed sequential automatic SportShift used with all LT models. In addition to engineering improvements to improve efficiency, a sports-minded double-kick-down function allows the driver to downshift twice - for example, from fifth to third gear. System Drive-by-Wire ™ throttle also creates a "blip" the throttle to help match gear speeds, while downshifting.

 

In addition, the team moving to a new multi-clutch torque converter that not only reduces the accumulation of heat during operation, but also allows you to lock-up during the activation of a much larger driving conditions - to help to create a better fuel economy. As a result, city / highway fuel economy is 20/29 mpg for hours - increased by 3 mpg on a highway on the 2011 TL. In order to improve operational efficiency, the TL is 3.5l V-6 engine gets a series of technical review of the friction reducing air intake system and provides cooler air 3.5le 3.7L engines.

Previously, only the Acura TL SH-AWD uses an external transmission cooler (for driving in hot weather), but by 2012, all models now come with a TL of the external transmission cooler.

TL 2012 is available in several configurations, such as choosing the front-wheel drive and all wheel drive. Performance 6MT model of mentality will continue to be available in the TL line-up in 2012, will help to broaden the appeal among buyers of luxury performance sedan TL. However, the 6MT TL goes much further with the addition of a single transmission. Acura engineers have developed a comprehensive package of performance 6-speed model, which includes many improvements to the control processing, and reliability. Not only is the manual transmission model the best performing Acura TL ever, but it is the top performer in the treatment of all vehicles in its class.

In 2012, Acura TL performance sedan is a powerful and precise luxury that is as confident and composed on a mountain road as it is in the center. Replacing the previous generation TL Type-S is the model of the Acura TL SH-AWD ® model, built for the enthusiast driver. The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive ™, special suspension and steering tuning, the most powerful engine from Acura ever and an optional service-minded close-ratio manual transmission 6-speed, the 2012 TL offers a lot of appeal both commuters and performance enthusiasts. Unlike some competitors sedan that adds all-wheel-drive their vehicles primarily to help in winter conditions, the TL SH-AWD ® is available specifically designed to dramatically improve performance driving in addition to further enhancing the car-driving ability in winter . This means that the Acura TL SH-AWD ® is inspiring to drive year.

 

By 2012, the Acura TL has a new look to save performances, including a new front bumper, where teams with a more refined grid. Furthermore, the benefits of frontal style daytime running lights and turn signals and fog newly designed light. In addition to providing better aerodynamics, the front of the Acura TL has refined a shorter overhang before. As with the TL 2011, TL 2012 makes use of external indices as a stainless steel trim of true luxury, LED taillights and dynamic surface lines immediately capturing the viewer's attention.

Under the hood, 2012, the Acura TL has a new battery management (BMS) that is designed to increase the overall lifetime of the battery, reducing the risk of a flat battery and help ensure better economy fuel. 3.5L and 3.7L engines use a cold air intake system updated with the new thin electrodes dual spark improves combustion and further enhance the efficiency of the EGR system.

Inside, the 2012 TL will benefit even more elegant interior, which includes updates, such as ventilated front seats available, tool changes, and new surface treatments for many interior appointments. Further expansion of intuitive technology and customizable, the 2012 Acura TL owners to better communicate with the outside world and be able to use their time more efficiently. For the year 2012, a larger hard drive (60 GB) is brighter and more colorful display, the increase is 15 GB of space applications for storing up to 3500 songs, and now there is even more Fast USB connectivity. As technology evolves, many, TL 2012 in the form of the availability of the Voice Song ™, Bluetooth ® audio processing (now the artist name, song title, etc.

), A new "active couple" functionality of a Bluetooth ® mobile phone, selection number, and dial-by-voice tags, and further expanded the data of the navigation system map.

Within the TL occupants are treated with an interior that includes the participation of advanced LED lighting in the cabin, leather seats and thick reinforced with smooth metal or wood accents in patterns.

As expected by Acura, the TL range of standard safety features is exemplary and includes six airbags, active front headrests, and the benefits of the Advanced Compatibility Engineering ™ (ACE ™) body design.

In addition, a set of technologies is available on both models. With elements such as the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition ™, AcuraLink real-time traffic with traffic redirection ™, AcuraLink ™ with real-time maps of weather radar, the Surround Acura / ELS ® Premium audio system, Bluetooth ® system audio input, keyless (with smart entry and power button), the Technology group offers a wide range of electronic features. New for 2012 is the song TL By Voice ™ (SBV), which allows the driver to select the audio options through voice activation, rather than having to take one hand off the wheel.

 

When equipped with the Advanced package, a new blind spot information (BSI) system can detect other vehicles when the driver's blind spot in the Acura TL. Also part of the package in advance are ventilated front seats and big wheels / tires.

Acura TL MISSION

In total, the fourth-generation Acura TL amplifies and refocuses the mission of the origin and conductor TL performance luxury sedan. Competition in the premium segment sedan entry, the mission of the TL 2012 Acura advances in the delivery of precision designed and focused luxury performance vehicles. A summary of its powerful attributes includes:

Dramatic new exterior and interior styling with a superlative level of luxury and technological appointments.

Super Handling All Wheel Drive ™ model designed for excellent performance wet and dry climatic conditions.

Available Transmission 6-speed manual developed specifically for performance enthusiasts who chose the SH-AWD model.

 

Packages advanced technology available and combines premium leather seating surfaces with advanced electronic technologies that make driving more comfortable, convenient and efficient.

LUXURY MARKET SITUATION

The new 2012 Acura TL refined enters the luxury market competition in a best time of the segment in which it competes is expected to remain strong over the next decade. Available with the bigger engine and more powerful in the history of the TL, with sport-oriented driving SH-AWD ® (the first pair of vectors AWD system when introduced in 2000), the 2012 TL is competing with vehicles like the Audi A4 and Audi A6, BMW 3 Series and 5 Series, Infiniti G37 and M37, Lexus GS and IS sedans, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class.

 

CONCEPT OF CUSTOMER

Luxury and high performance to customers sedan vehicle characteristics as the value of dramatic and exclusive exterior design, emotional design and luxurious interior and fun to drive character. These elements are balanced by an appreciation equally concerned by the price of quality, reliability, sustainability and competitiveness.

Self-guided, discriminating and technically savvy, these customers also feel that prestige is determined more by life experiences than by pure wealth. For this reason, they are interested in vehicles that allow them to enjoy driving to the full - and the 2012 Acura TL is designed to do just that. While the TL is designed to appeal to a wide range of high-end consumers, the target buyer is expected to be a professional man in his mid-40s with a household income of about $ 100,000 per year, while the expected TL SH-AWD ® target buyer is a professional man in the early 40s with a household income of over $ 150,000 per year.

ENGINE & Powertrain

A quintessential component of the mission as an Acura TL performance luxury sedan is to provide maximum driving pleasure for drivers enthusiasts. Thus, the TL offers a choice of two all-aluminum engines. The standard 3.5-liter V-6 develops 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque and drives the front wheels through a sophisticated sports sequential shift 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters and grade logic control system . 3.5L technology features like a drive-by-Wire ™ gas system computer controlled programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI), Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC ®) for intake valves and a sport-tuned exhaust with dual tips. The 3.5L V-6 provides strong power and 20/29/23 mpg (city / hwy / combined) energy efficiency while meeting strict CARB California LEV II ULEV emissions certification.

The Acura TL is the driving experience to the next level with the availability of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive ™ (SH-AWD ®) model, which has a 3.7-liter V-6 engine developing 305 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque - making it the most powerful Acura sedan ever. With additional features including a cold air intake, variable valve timing and lift Electronic Control (VTEC ®) for both intake and exhaust, and high performance, sport-tuned the system "dual exhaust with four tailpipes The SH-AWD ® powertrain truly delivers racetrack performance quality.

 

In addition, V-6 3.7L CARB LEV II it meets ULEV emissions certification and delivers city / highway / combined fuel economy at 18/26/21 mpg (6AT model). The innovative SH-AWD ® system is unique to Acura, and by employing torque vectoring during hard cornering to acceleration it can send more torque as well as to exaggerate the outside rear wheel, creating a "moment lace "that enhances vehicle dynamics by generating a turn in place.

Acura commitment to sophistication and refinement are equally important and to this end both engines shine with V-6 features the maintenance free serpentine accessory belt, low noise and low resistance electrical power steering (EPS) and electronically controlled hydraulic engine mounts that reduce vibration. In addition, both engines are maintained in memory ™ and 100,000 km interval tuning. With the validation tests conducted in environments ranging from Alaska to Death Valley, the street famous Nurburgring in Germany and Japan to New Zealand, the TL has been proven in a wide range of conduct the most demanding environments .

Body and chassis

2012-Acura TL takes style to a new dynamic level. Use of the term "emotion unleashed" as a driving force for the development of body design, Acura designers based in Southern California designed a form of luxury performance sedan with a surface that expresses motion - even at rest.

The use of aggressive wheel arches, dramatic character lines along the side of the body of the Acura, and many luxury items (such as the Acura grille) create a strong and distinctive shape. It comes with high quality details like the shell of steel trim, power moonroof, HID projector beam headlamps and LED tail lights, the TL has a solid position in the premium segment.

To better define the Acura TL is a unit of rigid body, the positions of the rails inside (instead of underneath) the floor to give a nearly flat in the body. This design improves the overall framework of the structural safety accident of greater strength, while reducing interior noise and improving aerodynamic efficiency (reduction of resistance in turn improves fuel economy). The TL also uses a high percentage (47.6 percent) of high strength steel to improve structural strength while helping to reduce weight. To this end, aluminum is also used for housing, the cradle of the front suspension and rear suspension joints, while the pillars of light body with foam to reduce noise in the cabin.

 

 

The TL rides on double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension. Several treatment technologies sharpen TL while significantly reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) inside the car. These technologies include two-stage "blow" style hydraulic dampers, hydro-compliant bushings (engine, transmission, and select suspension components) and a "smart" engine mount design. Available Super Handling All Wheel Drive ™ (SH-AWD ®) TL has unique suspension tuning, more aggressive braking force tuning, brake cooling ducts front and special setting for the pilot focused on the electric power steering ( EPS). Those looking for the ultimate in performance Acura TL will choose the model that adds 6MT close-ratio manual transmission 6-speed, tuning exclusive SH-AWD system, the special rate front springs and dampers, a front heavy differential and drive shafts, EPS unique tuning and much more.

Constant 2012 TL are 17x8-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels P245/50R17 all-season Bridgestone Turanza tires. Available Technology Package has its own Michelin Pilot P245/50R17 all-season tires 17 inch wheels with 18x8-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires P245/45/18 Advance Package TL model. TL SH-AWD ® model includes a standard 18x8-inch 5-spoke aluminum, P245/45R18 Michelin Pilot rubber. Available for Acura TL SH-AWD ® with the package are Advance 19x8-inch aluminum wheels with Goodyear Eagle M + S tires RS-245/40R19

INSIDE

TL drivers concentrating on the target is strongly present throughout the interior, where the "dual personal" layout provides a feeling of separate personal space for driver and front passenger. Slender forms and high quality materials provide a sense of intelligent luxury, while a huge number of electronic standards and available to reward the residents with the TL peak audio, navigation and communication experiences. Driver's side, all controls and instruments are positioned intuitively, allowing the driver to concentrate on driving experience in the Acura still enjoy a significant number of electronic aids and conveniences.

Luxury and technology are evident from the moment the doors opened TL, and detail after detail points to win the Acura luxury clientele. The shape and feel of the door handles and the precision of the plate holder threshold, the richly decorated leather upholstery and ergonomic positioning of forces seat, armrests and controls, immediately connects with the Acura TL luxury customer. But it is remarkable array of standard features that make it convincing - features like 10 driver's seat power adjustable (8-way power seat with 2-way lumbar support) and 8-passenger seat electrically adjustable, shifters mounted behind the wheel steering for Sequential Shift 6-speed Sport automatic transmission and a 8-speaker, 276 watt audio system with 6-disc CD changer, AM / FM radio with XM ® Note feature, Bluetooth ® Audio, a USB port and AUX jack connectivity and hands-free Link ® wireless telephone interface.

A Technology Package adds a desirable range of electronic upgrades to the long list of standard luxury features, beginning with the Keyless Access System (with smart entry and pushbutton ignition) and luxurious full-grain perforated Milano surfaces premium leather seats. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the TL driving experience, the electronic features continue with an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition ™, rearview camera and an updated 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color and available AcuraLink real-time traffic with Traffic re ™ and AcuraLink Real Time Weather Radar ™ with image maps. In addition, a AcuraLink ® satellite communication system, a continuous interface between the TL and Acura. An interface dial complements the powerful voice recognition capability that provides intuitive access to navigation, audio, air conditioning and other functions.

For the quality of the final sound, the package includes the Technology Acura / ELS Surround ® 10-speaker 440-watt audio system with high-quality DVD-Audio, DTS ™, CD, AM / FM radio, XM ® Radio, Bluetooth ® Audio, and 3500-track Hard Disk Drive (HDD) media storage system.

With the advance package available, coupled with the Acura TL are ventilated front seats and a blind spot information (BSI) system that alerts drivers of vehicles adjacent to the TL.

SAFETY

Acura Division of interest and concern for the safety of the project is well known. This concern extends to the safety of the driver and passengers of the TL, the safety of the passengers of other vehicles and pedestrians, even to mitigate the damage. 2012 TL offers the safety of supplements, and more features such as security technology.

 

The story begins with Advanced Compatibility Engineering ™ TL (ACE ™) body structure. Introduced to the division in 2005 Acura RL (and now integrated into all Acura models), ACE ™ is a body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. ACE ™ design uses an interconnected structural elements that distribute impact energy more evenly across the front of the TL. This increase in energy management frontal crash reduces the forces transmitted to the cabin and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in an accident.

While ACE ™ is a basic structural safety performance TL, its range of industry-leading passive safety technologies is equally important. The list begins with six airbags, including two-stage front airbags multiple threshold, dual-chamber airbags front seat side and curtain airbags front and rear outboard seating positions. Features continue with 3 points for every seat, while the driver and passenger were also front seat belts with automatic tensioning system with load limiters. Acura TL Head restraints for all seats offer with active head restraints for front seats. The rear seat has lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH), which allows for easy mounting of up to two child seats.

TL reading performance that can help drivers to provide excellent crash-avoidance features that complement the features, such as 4 wheel disc brakes, ABS, EBD and Brake Assist and Vehicle Stability Assist. Additional safety features include daytime running lights outside (DRL) and the deformable hood panel, hood hinges and windshield-wiper is intended to help mitigate pedestrian injuries.