The 2011 Acura TL

While reading about the Acura TL website, one of the first things I noticed was the tagline “Accelerated Innovation”. I didn’t know how fitting this was until I was able to find out more. The Acura TL comes in two flavors: the first is a 280 horsepower, 3.5 liter, VTEC, V 6 engine and the second is the SH – All Wheel Drive 305 horsepower, 3.7 liter, VTEC, V 6 engine. With 208/305 horsepower “Accelerated Innovation” is right. Let’s take a closer look at the Acura-style luxury and power.

The TL has a base price around $35,000. That will get you the 280 horsepower mentioned above and 5-speed automatic; Sequential SportShift paddle shifters; Bluetooth HandsFreeLink; leather trimmed sports seats for a comfortable ride and 17″ alloy wheels. Acura also crams a lot of sound into the TL. 8 – 276-watt speakers are standard. There is a 6-disc changer with USB Audio Interface for your iPod, XM Radio ready, Dolby Pro Logic II and an auxiliary input. All of these features are included standard. Now for the fun stuff – the Technology package is simply a must-have. You get 10 – 440 watt speakers; and a few other sound system upgrades, but my favorite extra is the hard drive music storage system. With the hard drive, I can simply sync my music from my iPod touch. I love the thought of never having to change a CD in my car again.

The Acura TL SH-AWD starts under $39,000 and is equipped with a 305 horsepower V 6 engine with VTEC. The “SH” designation is derived from the drivetrain. Super Handling All Wheel Drive means confidence on the road. You will also have your choice of choice of 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control, or 6-speed manual transmission with hill start assist. The SH-AWD also has 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, integrated quad-outlet sport exhaust and bumper-integrated front brake cooling ducts all standard.

The TL and the TL SH-AWD can be equipped with the Technology Package. That includes the Acura Navigation System. The Acura Navigation System includes the a rearview camera, Traffic Rerouting, and Zagat Survey ratings and reviews, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic, Weather and Automated Appointments. Both the TL and the TL SH-AWD are backed with the Acura warranty. That means you get a 4-year / 50,000-mile limited warranty on the vehicle; 6-year / 70,000-mile limited warranty on the powertrain; a 5-year / unlimited-mile limited warranty on outer body rust-through; a 4-year / 50,000-mile limited warranty on the accessories and Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC) with Roadside Assistance – 4-year / 50,000-mile limited warranty.