2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S
2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S
Interior Photos   Engine Photos   
Image credits: Acura

More Aggressive Styling on the 2003 3.2 CL

For 2003, the CL Type-S model comes with either the new 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed Sequential SportShift(TM) automatic transmission.

The CL Type-S model's all-new, close-ratio 6-speed transmission is lightweight and compact and delivers smooth, responsive shifting. This manual transmission features the latest in Acura technology including:

A shifter linkage designed for short strokes and constructed of large diameter cable for more direct shifting feel
Close gear ratios to provide responsive engine control
A self-adjusting clutch to ensure a consistent pedal engage point throughout the life of the clutch
Brass multi-cone synchronizers to reduce shifting load
New transmission refinements for reduced shift shock
Dual-mass flywheel for improved NVH performance
In addition, to give drivers more precise control of the car when cornering, the CL Type-S with 6-speed manual transmission comes with a new limited slip differential. Unlike many limited slip differentials, the CL Type-S uses a set of gears to direct the appropriate amount of torque to the right and left driving wheels by sensing wheel spin. If the inside tire loses traction and starts to spin as the car negotiates a tight turn, the differential redirects torque to the outer tire. This transfer helps keep the inside wheel from spinning, allows the driver to apply throttle sooner through turns, helps maintain a more neutral handling balance and results in an extremely responsive steering feel.

3.2 Engine

2003 CL Type-S model is powered by 3.2 liter, 24-valve, all aluminum, V-6 engine featuring the patented VTEC(TM) (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system. The engine delivers 260 horsepower at 6100 rpm, and 232 lb-ft of torque between 3500 and 5500 rpm due to the addition of several elements including a high volume, dual-stage induction system, a low-restriction dual-outlet exhaust and an increased compression ratio. EPA fuel mileage for the CL Type-S with 5-speed automatic transmission is 19 mph city and 29 mph highway. Estimated fuel mileage for the CL Type-S with 6-speed manual transmission is 19 mph city and 28 mph highway.

Styling and interior updates

To convey the sleek, aggressive look of a high-performance coupe, the 2003 3.2 CL has received styling updates inside and out. In front, the grille receives a body-colored surround and a more aggressive air intake in the bumper lower, while in the rear, the CL gets a new tail light lens with a clear upper portion and a sporty exhaust pipe finisher. The CL Type-S model's 17-inch wheels have been restyled to portray a lightweight, high performance image.

All CL models come with a leather-trimmed interior. The center console on the CL Type-S with manual transmission has been redesigned to accommodate the new shifter mechanism, hand operated parking brake and a redesigned cup holder with sliding shutter cover. Easy-to-read instruments are backlit for maximum visibility and CL Type-S models feature sporty metallic-faced gauges.

One of the most fully-featured coupes available, the 3.2 CL luxury performance coupe is equipped with a comprehensive list of features including an Acura/Bose(R) Music System with in-dash 6-disc CD player, Automatic Climate Control, a power moonroof and heated front seats. The DVD-based Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System, which includes over 3.7 million points of interest and a 6-inch, color LCD display, is a factory-installed option.

All CL models are equipped with standard Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights for excellent nighttime visibility, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and driver's and front passenger's airbags with a dual stage inflation system.

Sequential SportShift automatic transmission

The CL Type-S with Sequential SportShift automatic transmission adds a unique Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system that monitors wheel speed and lateral (cornering) stability to seamlessly integrate traction control, anti-lock braking and stability control functions. This innovative VSA System is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during acceleration, cornering and sudden collision-avoidance maneuvers by applying brake force to the right or left front wheel as necessary, and managing the throttle and fuel injection systems.

Acura offers a full line of premium performance vehicles through a nationwide network of nearly 260 dealers. The Acura line-up features six distinctive models including the exotic NSX supercar, the 3.5 RL flagship luxury sedan, the best-selling 3.2 TL luxury performance sedan, the 3.2 CL luxury performance coupe, the new race-bred RSX sports coupe, and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.

Source - Acura
Considered to be one of Acura's finest vehicles, the CL showcased a balance of luxury and sport. All CL models were built at Honda's plant in Marysville, Ohio, alongside the TL. The CL is the first Acura to be built in the U.S.

The Acura CL replaced the Legend coupe just as the Acura RL replaced the Legend sedan and was offered between 1997 and 2003. Standing for ‘Contemporary Luxury', the CL was originally offered with a 2.2L straight-4 engine which was later updated to 2.3L and finally to a 3.0L J30 V6 engine. The Acura Legend coupe was dropped from Acura's line-up at the end of the 1995 model year. The Acura CL was the newly renamed sedan version. For the 1997 model year, the Acura CL replaced coupe following Acura's transition to alphanumeric naming of all of its vehicles except for the Integra, which continued until the 2001 model year. Interior options included either cloth or leather.

Honda hoped that the differentiation of the CL and RL model lines would help sales. The CL's styling and engineering did have a stronger emphasis on performance. Offered in a range of trims, the look of the CL was emphasized by the brand's sports performance and luxury focus.

Never produced as a 2000 model, the CL was released as an all new redesigned 2001 model that featured a 3.2L SOHC VTEC J-series V6. The Type-S model was Acura's Sport edition and featured a navigation system. The regular CL model featured a 225 horsepower V6, while the Type-S featured 260 horsepower with 17' wheels, slightly larger brakes, a firmer suspension and firmer seats.

For the following year, the CL Type-S model was offered as a 2003 model with a close ratio 6 speed manual transmission with a Limited Slip Differential. When the car was redesigned for the 2001, the manual transmission was dropped during the redesign, a source of some disgruntlement from fans. Only a few manual transmission models were built, a total of 2,691 without navigation and 788 units without navigation. The CL was dropped from Acura's lineup in 2004 due to declining sales. The last new CL model sold more than 31,000 units in its final year of production.

Jessica Vaughan

2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S

Year2003
MakeAcura
Model3.2 CL Type-S
Engine LocationFront
Drive TypeRear Wheel
Production Years for Series2001 - 2003

Engine  
Engine ConfigurationV
Cylinders6
Aspiration/InductionNormal
Displacement3.20 L | 195.3 cu in. | 3201 cc.
ValvetrainOHC
Horsepower260.00 BHP (191.4 KW) @ 6100.00 RPM
Torque232.00 Ft-Lbs (314.6 NM) @ 3500.00 RPM
HP / Liter81.3 BHP / Liter

Standard Transmission
Gears6
TransmissionManual

Optional Transmission
TransmissionSequential
SportShift


 
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Vehicle Ratings
StylingVehicle Styling Rating: 90%
PerformanceVehicle Performance Rating: 98%
InteriorVehicle Interior Rating: 98%
QualityVehicle Quality Rating: 98%
OverallVehicle Overall Rating: 98%
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2003 Acura models
CL
MDX
NSX
RL
RSX
TL
2003 Acura Concepts
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