2009 Acura TL: Full Specs Revealed

[tsx]

SANTA MONICA, California — Information about the 2009 Acura TL leaked out today, revealing full details of the fourth-generation sedan from Honda's premium division. Two different models of the TL will be available: a front-wheel-drive TL with a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and the all-wheel-drive TL SH-AWD with a 305-hp 3.7-liter V6.

The 2009 Acura TL moves further upmarket with a more aggressive interpretation of Acura's latest styling vocabulary, known as "Keen Edge Dynamic." The size of the car has increased slightly as a consequence, and the wheelbase has been stretched 1.4 inches to 109.3 inches. The car is also 6.2 inches longer overall, 1.8 inches wider and 0.5 inch taller. Rear legroom improves by 1.3 inches and rear shoulder room increases by 0.5 inch. The all-new package also improves structural rigidity significantly, thanks in part to the use of high-strength steel in 47.6 percent of the chassis.

The standard TL will be front-wheel drive and is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 280 hp and 254 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 22 hp and 21 lb-ft over the previous 3.2-liter V6. The new TL SH-AWD ("Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive") replaces the previous TL Type-S and is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 305 hp and 275 lbs-ft, an increase of 19 hp and 19 lb-ft over the 3.5-liter V6 of the Type-S. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment for both engines and features shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The chassis features double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear suspension. Electric power steering is standard for both models. The TL rides on 245/50R17 tires, the TL SH-AWD has 245/45R18 tires and 245/40ZR19 summer performance tires are optional for the TL SH-AWD.

As before, the 2009 Acura TL continues to provide an extensive list of electronic convenience items, now including a central multifunction display, an eight-speaker audio system with a six-disc CD changer, XM Satellite Radio and USB port connectivity. An Acura/ELS audio system with 10 speakers, surround-sound and DVD-A compatibility is available.

What this means to you: The 2009 Acura TL looks more aggressive and backs it up with more power and all-wheel drive, but we'll see if more personality can counter Acura's slow sales decline in recent years. — Michael Jordan, Executive Editor

courtesy: InsideLine

[mmret]

From one of the best looking sedans around to this.

[Winklovic]

From one of the best looking sedans around to this.

 

[inco]

Engineering wise - two steps forward. Everything else is backwards. Sad. C'mon Honda get with the program - this design ain't it.

[Allen]

very disappointing design

[vdk]

When I was young I used to look like this... 

[mmret]

The worst part is that 80% of the nastiness is caused by that singularly ugly legionnaire's shield grille.

Maybe aftermarket kits could solve it.

[Oz]

The worst part is that 80% of the nastiness is caused by that singularly ugly legionnaire's shield grille.

Maybe aftermarket kits could solve it.

I dont think any legionnaire would have wanted to carry that.

More like a strange Hitlerstache.

[EV Dan]

the back looks like a smiling ... face 

[JSCC]

According to the specs and increased dimensions, this TL SH-AWD will be bigger and more powerful than the RL! At a lower price?
But more ugly than ever! 

[JVan]

I like the wheels... I think it needs more fog lights.

[kevlar]

i guess the TL is a victim of its own success.  i like the fact that acura is trying to become more daring with their designs. the honda/acura people are establishing a "look".  its about time.  i like the old design but i also think the new one will grow on people.  my big question is the grille.   the move to awd is good too.  300hp and fwd doesn't work.   good on acura and bad on bmw for regressing with the 7 series. 

[Cortina]

It is a hard design to like thats for sure. Maybe we will all just get used to it. Maybe it is just like seeing the wedge shape Bimmer for the first time. It will become standard perhaps or influence other car designers. Just like the bimmer did.

[tsx]

the '09 TL might not be a leader in exterior styling but it excels in interior style, technology features and SH-AWD to boost the image and that's what will it keep it at the top in luxury sales.

The Only thing Honda/Acura desperately need right now...
is a transmission with more gearing ratios, 6 Speed Automatic is the minimum standard in the segment!

- 7 Speed Automatic would ideal for Acura's image.
- 3.7L V6 in the TL should be atleast rated around 330HP (infiniti is also using 3.7L)
- A toned down grill - there was nothing wrong with the old design!

[2hondas1BMW]

That rear end has too much Accord in it...and its a bad thing.

[vaff3]

The previous model was one of the most handsome cars around. This model looks more "Infinity-esque"; but that grill .  Like C&D said, "What happened to your face?"

[TopGun]

...the '09 TL might not be a leader in exterior styling but it excels in interior style, technology features and SH-AWD...

I had to take her dancing, I couldn’t let her down
So we caught the bus to the other side of town
Out upon the dance floor, I wasn’t getting far
So I had a drink with my friends up at the bar
I asked them what they thought of her they fell about the place
And they said nice legs shame about her face

The Monks

[Wetson]

That rear end has too much Accord in it...and its a bad thing.

I'm so glad I got my 08 when I did.  The 09  is F-U-G-L-Y!!!!!!!!

[rrocket]

I guess I'm the minority.  While different...the design doesn't really bother me...

[Cortina]

I feel I had to post this, edmunds has a test drive in a Acura TL SH-AWD. Its an Interesting design.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=130526?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..3.*