Acura TL Type-S Returns For 2007 Model Year Featuring More Power, Sporty Handling and Distinct Styling

Entire 2007 TL Lineup Receives Exterior and Interior Enhancements

The 2007 Acura TL storms into the midsized luxury market with revised exterior and interior styling, an improved navigation system with AcuraLink(TM)satellite communication system with real-time traffic and the re-introduction of the Type-S performance model. Featuring 286 horsepower from a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine, the performance oriented TL Type-S includes a re-tuned suspension along with unique exterior styling and interior trim that delivers the emotional thrill of a high performance luxury sedan without sacrificing comfort and convenience.

'The re-introduction of the Type-S solidifies a leadership role for the TL in the luxury performance sedan segment,' said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. 'With a unique blend of high performance, luxury and technology, the TL continues to set the pace for others to follow.'

The 2007 TL and TL Type-S offers a wide array of class-leading technology, such as the Acura/ELS Surround(TM) Premium sound system, Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System(TM) (optional on the TL and standard on the Type-S) that now features AcuraLink(TM) with real-time traffic, and HandsFreeLink(TM) Bluetooth(TM) technology that allows drivers to synchronize their cell phone address books with the car. A newly redesigned 5-speed automatic transmission, re-tuned suspension and VTEC-enhanced powertrains further add to the driving experience.

The Type-S returns to the TL lineup after a three year hiatus, bringing with it significant performance upgrades. At its core is a 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine with 286 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 256 lb-ft of torque at 5000* rpm. The Type-S engine is available with the new 5-speed

automatic that features F1(R)-style paddle shifters or a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Regardless of transmission choice, all Type-S models feature a suspension tuned for enhanced handling and four-piston Brembo front brakes.

The popular TL comes with a 3.2-liter VTEC V-6 engine that produces 258 hp at 6200 rpm and a broad torque curve that peaks with 233 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. It is mated exclusively to the new 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission. Both the 3.2-liter V-6 in the TL and the 3.5-liter V-6 in the Type-S meet stringent CARB LEV-II ULEV emissions requirements. TL fuel economy is 20/29 mpg** (city/highway), while the Type-S fuel economy is 19/28 mpg** (AT) and 20/29** (MT).

Both the TL and TL Type-S feature sophisticated double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspensions that maximize driver control without sacrificing ride quality or comfort. The Type-S features firmer front and rear anti roll bars, stiffer springs and shocks as well as numerous other refinements to provide a sportier handling and ride. Also available are special high performance 'summer tires' which greatly enhance handling.

The exterior of the TL features numerous subtle refinements for the 2007 model year. The new front fascia features a larger grille, redesigned bumper, new headlight assembly and fog lights relocated to the lower bumper. In addition, the tail lights, rear bumper and alloy wheels have been re-designed to set the 2007 TL apart. For a more aggressive appearance, the Type-S receives exclusive front and rear fascias with unique bumpers, black chrome trim, wider side sills, ten spoke alloy wheels and aggressive quad tailpipes.

Both TL models feature subtly revised interiors. The TL and Type-S feature a new 3-spoke steering wheel, new gauges with a 'spun metal' look with laser-etched numerals, and model-specific ambient lighting that is blue on the TL and red for the Type-S. Models without navigation systems have a restyled center console that uses vacuum fluorescent displays, like those in high-end audio systems, for the audio system and climate control. Additionally, the Type-S features special sport front seats with additional lateral support, the Type-S logo on the steering wheel and embossed on the seat backs, and Active Noise Cancellation(TM).

The 2007 TL and Type-S continue to offer high-tech innovations, like the standard 225-watt Acura/ELS Surround(TM) Premium 8-speaker Sound System with 6-disc CD, DVD-Audio, DTS(R) and Dolby(R) Pro Logic(R) II. This audio system broke ground as the first standard application of DVD-Audio in a production vehicle in the 2004 TL. For 2007, it is updated to play discs encoded with WMA and MP3 music files, and features Dolby(R) Pro Logic(R) II and speed-sensitive volume compensation. The audio system also integrates the Active Noise Cancellation(TM) to reduce Type-S cabin noise while cruising.

The standard HandsFreeLink(TM) lets the driver link and dial a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone by voice, and on TL's equipped with the Acura Navigation System, it is able to import the driver's cell phone address book into its own memory for added convenience. A new, higher-resolution Multi-Information Display (MID) shows mobile phone data, tracks the car's maintenance needs, displays warnings and offers an array of driver preference settings.

Also standard are power seats for both the driver and front passenger, and keyless entry with a new One Touch Start system on models with an automatic transmission. The only factory option for the TL model is the DVD-based Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System(TM), while Type-S buyers need only to select transmission options.

The 2007 TL and TL Type-S protect their occupants with a comprehensive array of safety technologies, high-grade materials and advanced construction techniques. In addition to front and side airbags, The TL and Type-S also feature standard side curtain airbags to help protect vehicle occupants from head and neck injuries in the event of a sufficient side impact. Along with the use of high-tensile steel in critical areas and computer-modeled crush zones, these technologies help the TL achieve a 5-star frontal rating in federal crash tests in addition to achieving a 'GOOD' rating in all categories evaluated during the IIHS offset collision.

The TL is assembled at Honda of America manufacturing plant in Marysville, Ohio. Like all Acura models, the 2007 TL and TL Type-S are covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please go to www.acuranews.com.

*All horsepower and torque specifications reflect revised SAE J1349 net calculations

** Preliminary mileage estimates determined by Acura. Final EPA mileage estimates were not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary.

by Acura

Acura's best-selling model, the TL has ranked as the second best-selling luxury sedan in the U.S., right behind the BMW 3-Series. Introduced in 1995, the Acura TL debuted as a mid-size luxury sedan with front wheel drive that was produced to replace the Acura Vigor. Acura incorporated some of the most popular features from the Legend, while that vehicle was discontinued during the same year. The Acura was rebadged for the Japanese market in '96 as the Honda Aspire an as the Honda Saber from 1996 through 2004.

From 1996 until 1998 the TL was available in two engine sizes, a 5 cylinder 2.5 liter, a lavish sports car model and a 6 cylinder 3.2 liter luxury sedan. The first generation was assembled in Sayama, Japan and came with a 111.8 in wheelbase. Its 2.5L 176 HP engine came with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On March 28, 1995 the very first 1996 Acura TL rolled off the assembly line.

In 1999 the second generation was introduced and was available with only the more popular 3.2 liter engine. Much larger than the previous generation, the 1999 TL showcased sleeker updated styling along with a more powerful V6 engine. Acura was attempting to market to a younger generation, and in the Acura TL, it succeeded.

The second generation TL was also called the Honda Inspire and was assembled in Marysville, Ohio. The engine was the 3.2L 224 hp V6 and the 3.2L 260 HP. The transmission was a 4-speed automatic and after 2000 the 5-speed automatic was introduced. The second generation model featured a 108.1 inch wheelbase with an overall length of 192.9 inches.

Honda introduced the TL-X concept car in 1998, and this was a preview of the second-generation TL that would be unveiled in 1999. The newest TL was derived off the USDM Honda Accord platform and featured a newly-designed 3.2 L 225 hp SOHC VTEC J32 V6 that was joined to a four-speed electronic automatic transmission with SportShift.

The 2.5 was dropped for the second generation, and the 3.2 TL was built alongside the Honda Accord before being imported into Japan and sold as Honda Inspire at the Honda Clio dealer network, and as Honda Saber in the Honda Primo and Verno dealer networks. On August 4th, 1998 the very first 1999 Acura TL 2G rolled off of the assembly line. The only available option on the sedan was a hard drive-based navigation system.

For the 2000 model year, the Acura TL was given slightly more features, including a 5-speed automatic transmission with SportShift. The new gear allowed for better fuel economy and acceleration when compared to the previous four-speed automatic transmission with SportShift. Other additional changes on the 2000 model included the addition of side impact airbags for front passengers and a change of format for the navigation system. The CD was also exchanged for a DVD-based navigation system.

The following year a brand new redesigned coupe version of the TL was unveiled; the 3.2CL. Though mechanically identical, the '01 model never reached the height of sales that it's sibling model reached. In May of 2003 this coupe model was discontinued. The 2001 model featured a new redesigned cupholder, a feature that the previous years model didn't have. The warranty of these models were also extended by the manufacturer due to recurring problems with the automatic transmission.

For 2002 the Acura TL received a minor makeover that resulted in a refreshed front fascia, redesigned taillights, a 6 CD in-dash changer along with several other features. For this same year a new Type-S model was also added to the lineup. The Type-S added 35 hp as well as 17-inch wheels, firmer seats and suspension.

Acura introduced an A-SPEC version of its popular TL Type-S model that was available only in Canada in 2003. This edition was limited to only 800 units produced. Cosmetic differences were the only variations between the A-SPEC and non A-SPEC versions.

On September 30, 2003 the first third generation Acura TL rolled off of the assembly line. The vehicle underwent a complete redesign in 2004, mainly due to the customers that wanted a more powerful vehicle along with a sportier exterior. The new '04 TL was introduced with a redefined chassis, a 270 horsepower 3.2 L V6 engine along with the enhancements such as Bluetooth wireless connectivity and a DVD-Audio surround sound system.

The third generation of the Acura TL was assembled in Marysville, Ohio from 2004 until 2008. The third generation Acura TL was released for sale in North America on October 6, 2003. Derived from the seventh generation USDM Honda Acorrd, the new TL was developed mainly in the Y.S. by a team led by Erik Berkman with bodywork by American Honda designer Jon Ikeda. Powered by a 270 hp, the third generation is based on the new SAE measurement standard for horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque, 3.2 L 24 valve SOHC VTEC V6 engine joined to a 5-speed automatic with SportShift or 6-speed manual.

Honda offered a factory-sanctioned ‘tuner package' version of the TL in March of 2004 to the driving public. Featuring a suspension tuned by Makoto Tamamura, an indication of the TL A-SPEC's aggressive engineering. Other features included an underbody kit, spoiler, limited edition A-SPEC steering wheels, 'A-SPEC' badge on the back, and 18-inch wheels that are all standard features on the A-SPEC package.

The first car in the American market to include a 6 disc DVD-Audio system, the third generation TL featured output through an 8-speaker 225-watt system, engineered by

Panasonic and tuned by Elliot Scheiner. In 2004 the TL became Acura's best selling luxury sedan with more than 79,000 sold in that year.

For 2005 the Acura TL received minor updates that included a tire pressure monitoring gauge along with higher horse power rating that was determined through new testing procedures. A passenger airbag cutoff switch along with extra stitching on the front seats were some of the updates featured on the '05 model. Brembo 4 Piston brake calipers for the front wheels were also featured on manual transmission models.

For 2006 the TL received the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, an updated and improved weight ratio, along with a new engine management system that aided in reducing torque steer. Though the engine remained the same throughout 2007, a new horsepower rating of 258 hp is due to a change in testing procedures.

For 2007 the Acura TL was updated with a slightly revised exterior along with a revised interior that featured a new steering wheel, new gauges, and new colors for 07 models. To improve ride comfort, the 2007 model received suspension changes. LED signal blinkers were added on the side mirrors and fog lights on the bumper. A new rear view camera with image displayed on the navigation screen along with XM NavTraffic on the new navigation models. The sound system is now MP3/WMA compatible along with the new standard auxiliary audio jack. The base model dropped manual transmission due to extremely low sales.

The Type-S edition of the TL returned. The new Type-S received the Acura RL's 3.5-liter V6 engine that was tuned for 286 horsepower and 25 lb-ft of torque with either a 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters of a 6-speed manual transmission. Differences were mainly focused on the exterior with the addition of quad exhaust pipes, newly restyled taillights and front fascia. Additional updates were focused on the lip spoiler, LED lights, Brembo brakes, dark silver 10-spoke wheels, exclusive Type-S badging along with new exclusive color options. The interior of the Type S featured two-tone trim on the headrests and steering wheel, racing pedals, carbon fiber trim and red interior lighting. Standard now was the touch screen navigation along with a re-tuned suspension.

For 2008 the TL showcased an improved new immobilizer system, a separate Tire Pressure Monitoring System warning lamp, along with two new body colors. The navigation system was also updated to now work in Hawaii. There is a rumor that Acura will unveil an all-new special generation of the Acura TL in 2009.

by Jessican Donaldson