2009 Acura TL Latest Images Review

The 2009 Acura TL is redesigned and slightly enlarged in most key dimensions. This premium midsize sedan is available in base and SH-AWD (for Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) models. The latter replaces the Type-S as the high-performance member of the TL family. Base versions receive a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 280 hp while SH-AWDs get a 3.7-liter V6 that, at 305 hp, is the most powerful engine yet offered in an Acura. A 5-speed automatic with "Sequential SportShift" steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is the sole transmission for both models. The SH-AWD includes a sport suspension and 18-inch wheels in place of the 17s used on the base car. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Also standard are leather upholstery with heated front seats, sunroof, wireless cell phone link, and 8-speaker audio. A Technology Package, priced as a separate model, includes 10-speaker audio and a navigation system with real-time traffic and weather alerts.

2009 Acura TL

2009 Acura TL

2009 Acura TL

2009 Acura TL

Some Acura TL's is getting an Alternative 'shield' Nose

Above is the snout of the factory TL, the shield with the "A" in it comes chromed over in all colours, some dealers have taken to painting the shield body coloured. Looks nice, but I didn't really have a problem with the chrome. Below are some pics of the cars that have been done, and I must say the Black looks awesome.
Several Acura dealers have taken the initiative to repaint the Power Schnoz on some brand new 2009 TLs and these photos have been popping up here in our forums as well as elsewhere on the net. In case you haven't seen these yet, here is a gallery of the photos that keep denting my inbox. While I'm not the biggest fan of the Power Plenum that you'll find, I'm not sure that painting it helps much.

Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=796038

Road & Track give Initial Road Test of the New 2009 Acura TL

Acura shows how not to screw up a good thing.

By Mike Monticello • Photos by John Lamm
August 2008

Acura says the new fourth-generation TL is "by far the most technologically advanced sedan in Acura's history." But often technology and luxury spell H-E-A-V-Y, and for sure the adoption of all-wheel drive hardware on the SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) model can't come without a penalty. The question is, would one of our favorite sports sedans lose its way and forget about enthusiasts?

The TL's new body — penned at the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, California — is dominated by its equally pointy front and rear, large wheel arches and the adoption of Acura's "power plenum grille." Despite an increase in size (6.0 in. longer, now up to 195.3 in.), the TL's body-in-white is actually 17 lb. lighter than the previous car's, while gaining rigidity due to a 48-percent increase in the use of high-strength steels. Still, the car gained about 85 lb. overall, the base TL tipping the scales at 3710 lb. and the SH-AWD at 3970.

The front-drive TL will use the 3.5-liter sohc V-6 from last year's TL Type-S, now rated at 280 bhp and 254 lb.-ft. of torque. The SH-AWD uses the 3.7-liter V-6 from the RL and MDX, with VTEC variable-valve timing on both the intake and exhaust valves (versus just the intake for the 3.5), producing 305 bhp and 275 lb.-ft. of torque. Its freer-flowing exhaust gives the SH-AWD a nice rip above 3000 rpm. Both engines are terrifically smooth pieces, providing decent power for passing…or for just "getting on it" for the fun of it. Both also come only with 5-speed automatics (with paddle shifters), but expect a 6-speed manual on the SH-AWD for 2010.

Acura added Electric Power Steering, which improves fuel mileage (estimated at 18/26 mpg for the TL, 17/24 for the SH-AWD) versus a traditional hydraulic pump, but they erred on the light side of steering effort. Although the EPS tightens up as speed increases, it just doesn't give enough feedback in medium-speed corners.

The suspension, however, works great. It strikes a nice compromise for both cruising through town and scurrying down a twisty back road. As the sportier model, the SH-AWD has firmer suspension settings as well as tighter steering. And SH-AWD not only constantly transfers power front to rear (ranging from 90 percent front to 70 percent rear), but it also varies torque between the rear wheels, giving more power to the outside wheel to help with turn-in.

For more of the article, follow the link;

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=10&article_id=6989

Edmunds Gathers Spec's on 2009 Acura TL

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

Source; http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=130497

2009 Acura TL Finally Revealed

Here's a short write up on the car;
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/09/2009-acura-tl-fully-revealed/

More info coming.

Another Acura TL Interior Spyshot

More 2009 Acura TL Spyshots

There was one other photo of the interior but I didn't bother to post it b/c a towel is covering the dash. Here's the link though in case you want to check it out anyway.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/spy-shots-2009-acura-tl-in-the-buff/

2009 Acura TL Spied

A few nice pic's of the upcoming Acura TL, looks like it is going be similar to the TSX and RL as far as the triangularity (is that a word?) of the car. Looks nice!

Priddy and Assoc. Spy Shots of 2009 Acura TL

And just for comparison sake, here is the 2008 Honda Accord.

For more shots, check out these sources;

http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-tl-future.html
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=761388

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=761711