The 2008 Acura TL prevails as a leader within the midsized market thanks to its recently-revised exterior and interior styling, expanded navigation system with AcuraLink™ satellite communication system featuring real-time traffic (with the addition of 32 more metropolitan markets), added safety and security features, two new exterior colors, along with the return of the performance-minded TL Type-S model."The TL remains a leader in the mid-luxury segment, winning the hearts of performance luxury sedan customers with its bold styling, razor-sharp performance and exceptional list of standard luxury features," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. "The return of the TL Type-S further distinguishes the performance pedigree of the TL lineup."
The 2008 TL and TL Type-S offer a wide array of class-leading performance, comfort and convenience technologies such as the Acura/ELS Surround™ Premium sound system with DVD-Audio, Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ (optional on the TL and standard on the Type-S) featuring AcuraLink™ with real-time traffic information in 76 metropolitan markets, and Bluetooth™ HandsFreeLink™ technology that allows drivers to synchronize their cell phone address books with the vehicle.
Powertrain/Chassis
The TL is powered by an advanced 3.2-liter, 24-valve SOHC VTEC® V-6 engine that produces 258 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 233 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission. Both the TL's 3.2-liter V-6 and the 3.5-liter V-6 in the TL Type-S meet the U.S. EPA's stringent Tier 2-Bin 5 (and CARB LEV-II ULEV) exhaust emissions standards. The EPA fuel economy rating for the TL are 18/26 mpg* (city/highway), while the Type-S is rated at 17/26 mpg* (AT) and 18/27 mpg* (MT).
The TL Type-S features significant performance upgrades, beginning with a larger displacement, 3.5-liter VTEC® V-6 engine turning out 286 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 256 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm that is mated to either a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted F1®-style paddle shifters. All TL Type-S models feature powerful Brembo four-piston front brake calipers and a suspension tuned for enhanced handling.
Both the TL and TL Type-S feature sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension systems with double wishbone front and multi-link rear setups, maximizing driver control without sacrificing ride quality or comfort. The Type-S features firmer front and rear anti roll bars, stiffer coil springs and shocks, as well as numerous other sport-oriented suspension refinements. Also available are special 235/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE 030 high performance "summer" tires that further enhance limit-handling performance.
Exterior/Interior
The TL and TL Type-S feature subtle interior and exterior styling differences. Matching its more powerful and aggressive engine and suspension setups, the TL Type-S boasts exclusive front and rear fascia styling cues, black chrome trim, wider side sills, ten spoke alloy wheels and aggressive quad tailpipes. Both models feature fog log integrated into the lower bumper and signature Acura five-sided grille. Available for the 2008 TL are two new exterior colors: Polished Metal Metallic and Bold Beige Metallic.
To further enhance its sporty performance, the TL features a driver-oriented cockpit with titanium look accents, LED ambient lighting, and spun metal dials. TL Type-S also features several exclusive interior cues such as aggressively bolstered two-toned leather sport seats, TL Type-S logo embossed on the seat head rest and steering wheel, textured stainless-steel pedals and an Active Noise Cancellation™ system.
The 2008 TL and TL Type-S continue to lead the class in the application of consumer-relevant technology advancements, such as a standard 225-watt Acura/ELS Surround™ Premium 8-speaker Sound System with 6-disc CD, DVD-Audio, DTS® and Dolby® Pro Logic® II. The system plays discs encoded with WMA and MP3 music files, it features Dolby® Pro Logic® II and incorporates speed-sensitive volume compensation. The sound system also includes XM® Satellite Radio with 170 channels of digital programming. The audio system also integrates the Active Noise Cancellation™ to reduce Type-S cabin noise while cruising.
The standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system lets the driver link to and then dial a Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phone by voice. On TL's equipped with the Acura Navigation System, the system is able to import the cell phone's address book into its own memory for added convenience. A high-resolution Multi-Information Display (MID) shows mobile phone data, tracks the car's maintenance needs, displays warnings and offers an array of personalized driver settings. For 2008, the TL's navigation system now works in Hawaii and the AcuraLink™ with real-time traffic has been expanded to incorporate 76 metropolitan markets—an increase of 32 markets.
Also standard in all models are power seats for both the driver and front passenger, and the single factory option for the TL model is the DVD-based Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System™. In addition, TL Type-S buyers can select automatic or manual transmission along with available high-performance tires.
Safety
In keeping with Acura's "Safety Through Innovation" initiative, the 2008 TL and TL Type-S protect 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 TL Type-S are equipped with standard side curtain airbags to help protect vehicle occupants from head and neck injuries in the event of a side impact collision. The 2008 model also adds a separate Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TMPS) warning lamp to the meter display, in compliance with new government safety standards.
Along with the use of high-tensile steel in critical areas and computer-modeled crush zones, these technologies help the TL achieve a top 5-star rating in U.S. government's frontal crash test, and a GOOD rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) frontal offset test and Side Impact Collision Evaluation (SICE) test.
Developed by designers and engineers at Honda R&D Americas in California and Ohio, and safety tested in the company's advanced safety laboratories in Raymond, Ohio, the TL is assembled in the company's Marysville, Ohio, plant alongside the Acura RDX luxury SUV.
Like all Acura models, the 2008 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.
Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 268 dealers within the United States. The 2008 Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.
