The all-new provocative 2010 ZDX four-door sports coupe will arrive at Acura dealerships with dramatic styling, outstanding performance and the latest in advanced technology. The segment bending ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility. Staying true to the prototype model that debuted at the 2009 New York Auto Show in April, the production ZDX will feature the key design highlights of a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles and bold fender flares.

Along with head-turning styling, the ZDX will boast outstanding performance from its 3.7-liter V-6 engine mated to an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission. The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 all-aluminum engine will generate 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque for immediate acceleration response, outstanding low- and mid-range torque and superior high-rpm power. The 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters gives the ZDX excellent acceleration while also enhancing fuel economy. Standard on the ZDX is Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system. The SH-AWD® system expands the ZDX’s appeal by providing outstanding handling as well as superior all-season capability. Standard on the ZDX are 19-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels; the largest standard wheel in the Acura lineup.

Inside, the ZDX exhibits the highest levels of refinement and sophistication. Every ZDX interior will feature a hand-stitched leather dash, panels and sculpted center console. The rich leather appointments give the ZDX a warm and inviting feeling while creating an intimate cockpit for the driver and passenger.

The ZDX’s flexible utility enables customers to have great utility coupled with sleek styling. The ZDX can seat up to five adults while maintaining a generous amount of cargo space behind the second row of seats. The cargo area can also be expanded to accommodate longer objects, such as golf bags, by removing side panels in the cargo-compartment sidewalls. As an added bonus, there is an integrated under-floor storage area.

When the ZDX goes on sale this winter, customers will have the choice of three distinct trim levels: ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package and the ultra premium, ZDX with Advance Package. Like all Acura models, the ZDX will come generously equipped from the start. The panoramic glass roof with moveable sunshades, hand-stitched leather interior, HandsFreeLink™ Bluetooth® connectivity, power tailgate, and a high powered audio system with CD player, AM/FM/XM radio and USB audio interface with iPod® integration are all standard features.

The ZDX with Technology Package adds several features including a Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, an Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system and a new multi-view rear camera. The Advance Package boasts additional customer enhancing technologies like a blind spot information system, a Collision Mitigating Braking System™ (CMBS™), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

When the ZDX goes on-sale, it will bring a new level of prestige to the Acura lineup. The ZDX will be priced and positioned between the MDX luxury SUV and the RL luxury sedan. Pricing and additional details will be released at a later date.

Acura debuted an all-new V-6 model for its TSX sports sedan line-up at the Chicago Auto Show today. Scheduled to go on sale this summer, the 2010 TSX V-6 will be equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter engine, exclusive suspension tuning, larger diameter wheels and additional enhancements.

“The automotive market may be slowing down, but not Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “With improved acceleration and handling, the new 280 horsepower V-6 adds even more sport to the already sporty nature of the popular TSX sports sedan.”

Since its redesign last year, the TSX has shattered sales records to become one of Acura’s best-selling sedans. As the entry point to the Acura brand, the four-cylinder TSX has won over customers with its nimble handling, agile driving feel and balanced performance. The V-6 model adds a new level of power on top of these winning traits for a more sporty and spirited driving experience. The V-6 will surely satisfy driving enthusiast’s appetite for a fun-to-drive, yet refined sports sedan.

With the introduction of a V-6 powered TSX, Acura will fill a niche in its lineup between the four-cylinder TSX and the all-new TL performance luxury sedan. With the TL moving more upscale following its redesign in the 2009 model year, the TSX V-6 will be aimed squarely at youthful buyers who want a performance-oriented sports sedan in a more personal size.

Powertrain

A new TSX powertrain choice means performance luxury buyers can enjoy a 280 horsepower 3.5L V-6, with sophisticated VTEC® valvetrain control and a dual-stage induction system. For maximum performance and efficiency, the engine will be coupled to Acura’s Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, with intelligent features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control. If the driver desires, the Sequential SportShift transmission can also be operated manually, via steering-wheel mounted F1®-style paddle shifters.

Body/Chassis

The new TSX model will feature a state-of-the-art, double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension system to provide excellent ride, handling and control. To generate sportier handling, the V-6 model will also use exclusive suspension tuning along with 18-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels, fit with Michelin Pilot all-season tires. The larger wheels and tires will help distinguish this performance- minded TSX, as does the slightly revised front fascia and a V-6 badge on the trunk.
The TSX V-6 model will be generously equipped with the latest advancements in safety technology and is anticipated to achieve the highest ratings in both government (NHTSA)* and independent (IIHS) crash testing – including garnering IIHS’s TOP SAFETY PICK.

Interior

Like all Acura models, the new TSX will feature an exceptional level of standard equipment, including leather-appointed interior, power moonroof, automatic climate control, a premium seven-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM tuner, XM® Satellite Radio, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® , USB port and AUX jack music interface and more.

Similar to the four-cylinder TSX, the V-6 model will be available with the optional Technology Package that includes the Acuralink™ satellite navigation system with rear-view camera and the Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system for a top-in-class audio experience.

The introduction of the TSX V-6 at the Chicago Auto Show is the first step in a series of major advancements to the 2010 Acura lineup. Almost every Acura sedan and SUV will receive significant enhancements for the 2010 model year.

The 2009 TL enters the competitive luxury market at an ideal time as the segment in which it competes is expected to remain strong into the next decade. The new TL is forecast to share substantially in this success with a projected sales increase to about 70,000 units per year, an increase of 5.8-percent through 2012. Available with the largest and most powerful engine in TL history, along with the sport-driving focused SH-AWD® system (the world’s first torque-vectoring AWD system when introduced in 2000), the new TL arrives ready to compete with vehicles like the Audi A4 and A6, BMW 3-Series and 5-Series, Infiniti G35 and M35, Lexus ES, GS and IS sedans, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class.

For the first time ever in an Acura vehicle, the 2009 TL is available in a choice of front-wheel-drive TL or all-wheel-drive TL SH-AWD® configurations. The new TL is a powerful and precise performance luxury sedan that is as confident and composed on a mountain road as it is in the city center. Replacing the previous TL Type-S is the TL SH-AWD® model, built exclusively for the enthusiast driver and featuring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, special suspension and steering tuning, and the most powerful engine from Acura ever.

Unlike some competitors, who add all-wheel drive to their vehicles primarily to help in winter conditions, the TL’s available SH-AWD® was designed to dramatically enhance sporty handling in addition to further enhancing the vehicle’s winter-driving capability.

Under the hood there will be the most powerful Acura engine ever, probably same 3,7 liter engine used in the RL that develops 300 hp.

Body

The new 2009 TL’s dynamic and bold styling was designed at the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, California. The design team wanted the TL’s exterior styling to not only be emotional, but to reflect the exhilarating driving experience that would be realized behind the wheel. The new TL also uses the latest materials and technologies to help reduce weight, increase strength and enhance aerodynamic performance.

DESIGN CONCEPT

The exterior design of the TL uses a principal that the design team refers to as “Motion Surface.” Simply put, this term expresses the feeling of motion in the surface of the vehicle even when the TL is at rest. The body uses artfully crafted character lines that divide the TL’s sides into lower, middle and upper areas, with each catching the light differently while presenting a dynamic and strong athletic shape. As well, the character lines lead the eye along the body side from front to rear, enticing the viewer to take in the whole car and explore and discover its many design details.

One intriguing detail is the Acura “power plenum” grille, whose platinum-like finisher appears to be cut from solid billet that “floats” in front of the car. Beneath the finisher is a diamond-pattern black grille opening that adds an aggressive sports-car look. A satin grille surround further accentuates the opening. Below the bumper, two large openings on the front fascia house fog lamps, turn signals (and on the SH-AWD® model) front brake cooling ducts. The 2009 TL is the third sedan in the Acura lineup to receive the new Acura signature grille, after the 2009 TSX and 2009 RL.

Aggressive front wheel arches and dramatic character lines set a confident and muscular tone for the TL’s body side. In addition, the headlight and taillight arrays, which sweep aggressively around each corner of the body, further add character. Below the taillight array are large red reflectors that add style as well as safety. Below the trunk lid is a satin finisher with stylized cues echoing the front finisher.

NEW LARGER SIZE

In keeping with its mission of providing even more performance, agility and comfort, the 2009 Acura TL increases in size compared to the previous-generation TL. For improved interior roominess, handling stability and ride quality, the 2009 TL has a longer wheelbase and a wider track. Wheelbase is up 1.4 inches (to 109.3 inches from 107.9 inches), while the track increases 1.1 inches (to 63.2 inches in front and 1.8 inches to 63.8 inches at the rear). Overall length is up 6.2 inches (to 195.5 inches), overall width is up 1.8 inches (to 74.0 inches), and height rises 0.5-inch (to 57.2 inches). The wider track pays dividends in both cornering ability and interior roominess, while the longer wheelbase increases ride comfort as well as interior roominess. The new TL offers more interior volume (111.4 cu-ft vs. 110.2 cu-ft) than the outgoing model. Like the previous-generation TL, the 2009 TL is classified by the EPA as a Midsize car.

WEIGHT REDUCTION STRATEGIES

Despite its larger size and higher overall content level, at 3,708 lbs. the base 2009 Acura TL increases just 85 pounds in curb weight compared to the previous model. The new TL SH-AWD® has a curb weight of 3,970 lbs. Part of the reason for the minimal increase in weight is due to the widespread use of high-strength steel in key structural areas, lightweight yet ultra high-strength hot-stamped steel for the B-pillars and doorsills, as well as an aluminum hood, front suspension subframe, rear suspension knuckles and steering hanger beam. Over 18 pounds were saved in the TL’s unit-body construction alone.

FRAME RAIL SYSTEM

The 2009 TL is the second Acura (along with the TSX) to use an advanced new unit-body frame rail system. With this new system, the stamped steel frame rails are positioned above and inside the body structure floor (rather than underneath it) to create a nearly flat body underside. This design results in improved structural strength for safety, reduced interior noise from turbulent air flowing underneath the car, and better aerodynamic efficiency for improved fuel mileage and more interior space. The new frame rail design does not compromise interior room and improves crash safety. (Please see Safety section for more information.)

ADVANCED COMPATIBILITY ENGINEERING™ (ACE™) BODY STRUCTURE

Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) represents a groundbreaking change in the way Acura unit-bodies are constructed. Now a standard feature on every new Acura, ACE™ maximizes the body’s ability to disperse crash energy in a frontal collision by directing collision forces along predetermined load pathways. One of most important benefits of the design is that crash energy can be dispersed with less affect on the structural integrity of the passenger cabin. Another important ACE™ characteristic is how it allows the TL to interface better with larger or smaller vehicles in a frontal collision, further protecting both the TL passengers as well as those in the other vehicle. (Please see Safety section for more information.)

Based on internal testing, the 2009 Acura TL is projected to earn top crash ratings. These include 5-Star ratings* for frontal NCAP and side SINCAP tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and GOOD ratings for offset frontal, side and headrest tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). (Please see Safety section for more information.)

*Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Model Tested with side-impact air bags (SABs).

HIGH-STRENGTH SHEET STEEL

Along with new engineering techniques, the 2009 TL also has widespread use of high-strength sheet steel, which provides benefits in ride, handling and overall durability. The new TL uses five different types of high-strength steel, including ultra high-strength hot-stamp steel that is heated before it is stamped into shape for the front unit-body rails, doorsills, B-pillar and side roof rails. A total of 47.6-percent of the steel used in the new TL is high-strength steel. Hot-stamp steel and 980 grade high-strength steel, two premium types of steel, are used by Acura for the first time in the 2009 TL.

STRUCTURAL RIGIDITY

The 2009 Acura TL is 15-percent more rigid overall than its predecessor in key areas, which directly improves handling agility, ride quality, interior quietness and overall durability. Specific rigidity advancements include:

* 41-percent greater rear vertical rigidity
* 17-percent greater front lateral rigidity

BUMPERS

Aluminum front and rear bumper beams help the 2009 TL meet the most rigid crash test standards, while also helping to reduce vehicle mass for improved performance and fuel economy. In front, the bumper beam is tied into an ACE™ beam structure that helps equalize the height disparity between large and small cars, resulting in better attenuation of crash energy during a frontal collision. Stylized plastic bumper fascias are an integral part of the TL styling and are rated to withstand 2.5-mph front and rear impacts without substantial damage.

The TL SH-AWD® receives a unique front bumper fascia that incorporates special vent openings and ducts to cool the front disc brakes. In addition, the TL SH-AWD® employs the 3.7L V-6’s dual-exhaust system capped with quad stainless-steel tips (the TL with 3.5-liter V-6 has two exhaust tips).

PROJECTOR-BEAM HID HEADLIGHTS

The new 2009 TL has Xenon high intensity discharge (HID) projector-style low-beam headlights as standard equipment. The primary operational benefit of projector headlights is a bright and precisely focused light beam for confident nighttime driving, but they also provide an aggressive and technical appearance. Halogen high beams are mounted inboard of the projector beams, and offer further nighttime driving confidence with a crisp, bright and focused beam. The halogen high-beams serve double duty as the daytime running lights (DRL) by operating at a lower voltage. The headlight arrays are protected by flush impact-resistant covers that blend sleekly into the TL’s front fascia, hood and fenders, and include wraparound amber side reflectors that are visible from both the front and sides of the vehicle. Fog lamps are integrated into an opening below the front bumper that also includes air inlet ducts for additional front brake cooling on the SH-AWD® model. LED lighting is used for the taillights, center high-mounted stop light (CHMSL) and the exterior mirror-mounted auxiliary turn signals.

ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS

Standard on the TL are 17×8-inch cast aluminum alloy wheels with 10 crisply designed spokes, a silver paint finish and black Acura emblem showcased in a composite center cap. The TL SH-AWD® features unique 18×8-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels finished in dramatic and exclusive silver finish and featuring a premium spun-aluminum center cap replete with black Acura emblem. Optional for the TL SH-AWD® with the Technology Package are 19×8-inch aluminum-alloy wheels featuring a 10-spoke design finished in silver with a spun-aluminum center cap and a chrome Acura emblem.

POWER TILT/SLIDE MOONROOF

The 2009 TL comes with a standard power moonroof that tilts or slides via a one-touch control. To tilt or slide the moonroof fully open or closed, simply press the ceiling-mounted switch once (rather than pushing for several seconds). Partially opening or closing the moonroof to achieve partial ventilation simply requires a lighter touch. A built-in auto-reverse system helps ensure that the moonroof will not close forcefully if a hand or arm is in the way. If an obstruction is detected, the moonroof mechanism is designed to automatically reopen the moonroof.

ACOUSTIC WINDSHIELD

Special acoustic windshield glass is used on the TL to help reduce wind noise. Tuned specifically to attenuate wind-noise frequencies, the windshield uses two layers of 2 mm safety glass with an inner layer of a transparent elastic acoustic membrane for a total thickness of 4.5 mm. The acoustic windshield in conjunction with 5 mm thick side windows helps position the TL at the top of its class in wind-noise performance. The windshield, like the side windows and 3.1 mm thick rear window, is UV light absorbing.

Windshield Wipers

The TL’s windshield wipers nest below the hood line, where they are out of the driver’s line of sight and away from the direct airflow that can cause turbulence, aerodynamic drag and noise. The driver’s side wiper measures 25.5 inches in length to clean a broad section of the windshield, while the passenger-side wiper measures 18.75 inches long. A 2.5-liter capacity windshield-washer system helps clear dirt from the windshield as necessary.

WINDOW TRIM

Above the beltline of the car, the side windows are surrounded by luxurious stainless steel trim. Showing the level of detail that has gone into the new TL, its surface shape is actually slightly concave, which effectively eliminates “hot spots” in the reflection caused by direct sunlight. Additional stainless trim along the roofline joins the windshield, roof and rear window together in one smoothly flowing curve. This roofline trim finishes dramatically in the form of a mini bulkhead along each side of the subtly recessed window. The treatment does not impede outward visibility but rather creates a look of strength and solidity at the rear of the TL. So too does a subtle “negative break” running from front to rear along the trunk lid. Matching the pronounced break at the front of the car, the bisected trunk lid and the matching rear bumper and fascia further define the TL as a strong, aggressive sport sedan.

PILLAR SEPARATORS

All of the vertical roof pillars and two areas of the front unit-body bulkhead are filled with closed-cell expansion foam that significantly reduces the transmission of road noise from the lower part of the unit-body up into the passenger compartment. The foam is installed prior to the unit body’s assembly and welding process, and it expands to tightly fit the pillar openings when the body is later baked after the electro deposition of protective coatings.

POWER WINDOWS

The 2009 TL has power windows as standard equipment, including a one-touch auto up/down feature that simplifies the lowering or raising process for the driver and front passenger-side windows. As with the power tilt and slide moonroof, the driver and front passenger-side power windows include a pinch-protection feature, and all four windows as well as the moonroof may be opened via the TL’s Keyless Access Remote. Turning the key twice in the driver’s door lock or pressing and holding the lock button on the remote Keyless Access Remote closes the windows and moonroof simultaneously.

Side glass

To help reduce wind and road noise, the 2009 TL features 5 mm thick glass for all four side windows. The added thickness (beyond typical auto glass) provides a superior acoustic barrier that makes the interior more quiet and luxurious.

DOOR HANDLES

The broad door handles are formed to comfortably fit a wide range of hand sizes as well as to accommodate gloved hands in winter driving conditions. The handles feature painted surfaces on the base TL and a painted and chromed finish on the Technology Package. The 2009 TL with Technology Package uses a Keyless Access System that unlocks the driver’s door or all doors (programmable as the owner wishes) when grabbing either the driver or front passenger door handle. A button, located on the driver’s door handle, locks all doors with a light touch-and a reassuring audible tone confirms that the vehicle is indeed locked. An emergency lock cylinder, located on the rear edge the driver’s door handle, permits locking and unlocking the vehicle in the event the battery becomes discharged.

DOOR SILLS

Satin door sill plates greet the driver and front passenger when the front doors are opened. Centered in a durable black composite surround, the metal door sill plates feature the Acura logo. As well, dual 360-degree seals in all four door openings provide outstanding sealing capability to help keep wind, road and traffic noise, water and dirt out of the interior.

POWER EXTERIOR MIRRORS

Aerodynamically shaped power-adjustable mirrors make use of tinted glass that reduces glare. Mounted flush with the mirror nacelle are bright turn-signal diodes that provide an extra margin of safety in traffic—without interrupting the TL’s dramatic bodylines. In addition, the side mirrors are heated and memory linked to driver preference.

FUEL FILLER DOOR

The Acura TL uses a new electric fuel-filler door release system. Instead of a traditional floor-mounted cable release, the 2009 TL’s fuel-filler door opens with a push of a button located on the driver’s door next to the trunk-release button. When the button is pushed the filler door pops open 1.2 inches and is held open by a secondary spring. The fuel door may then be opened fully to access the fuel filler.

TAILLIGHTS

A large array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) serves as the taillights on the new TL. Used here as well as in the turn signals located in the outside rearview mirrors and Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL), the LEDs illuminate almost instantly, provide exceptionally high-visibility lighting and draw less energy than comparable incandescent bulbs. The LEDs also provide a highly technical look that compliments the TL body design and are projected to have a far longer service life.

REAR SPOILER

Included in the available Technology Package is a rear spoiler that contains a trunk release touch button as well as a rearview camera that’s image is displayed on the Navigation screen when the transmission is shifted to Reverse. The composite spoiler is painted body color and smoothly integrated into the bodylines. To date, none of the TL’s European competitors offer the rearview camera as an option.

EXHAUST FINISHERS

Bright finish dual exhaust tips give the TL a powerful presence when viewed from the rear. The 3.7-liter SH-AWD® model takes this further with quad exhausts featuring twin “D” shaped outlets that add further strength and appeal to the rear of the vehicle.

FUEL TANK

Fuel capacity on the 2009 TL has increased to 18.5 gallons from 17.1 gallons on the previous TL, an increase in volume that helps extend cruising range between fill-ups. Manufactured of high-density polypropylene resin, the tank is also located farther forward than in the past, helping to improve mass centralization for better ride and handling as well as rear-seat roominess.

ADVANCED AERODYNAMICS

Further reducing wind noise inside the new TL was essential to making the vehicle a top performer in the premium sport sedan market. Designers used many different strategies, including the use of an acoustic windshield, thicker side glass, special insulators, and precise aerodynamic tailoring of the body and the vehicle’s underside. The result is that the TL more smoothly moves through the air, benefiting interior quietness and fuel economy.

The underside of the TL has significant aerodynamic advancements. At the front of the vehicle, a precisely shaped deflector directs part of the airflow from underneath the front fascia and up through the radiator to provide a steady supply of cooling air at speed. The aerodynamic tailoring continues with another deflector that guides remaining airflow smoothly underneath the engine. Racecar-inspired deflectors located ahead of the front tires also help steer air around them more efficiently. The inside frame rails (described in the Body section) allow air to flow more smoothly underneath the car. The TL also has a mid-floor cover that smoothly transitions air from the underside of the body to the underside of the fuel tank. The dual muffler undersides are likewise flat, and the vehicle’s underbody is also coated with a sound-absorbing PVC coating.

INCREASED TRUNK CAPACITY

Offering 13.1 cu. ft. of storage volume, the 2009 Acura TL has 0.8 cu. ft. (6.5-percent) more trunk capacity than the previous generation TL. The SH-AWD® model has 12.5 cu. ft. of storage due to the space requirements of the rear differential-yet as a result of intelligent packaging it still offers an increase of 0.2 cu. ft. or 1.6-percent compared to the previous TL. The TL’s trunk is spacious enough to hold four golf bags, four 22-in. Pullman-style suitcases or a family-sized cooler.

For the first time in the Acura TL, the fuel door is opened from inside the car via an electrical switch instead of a cable release as used on the previous-generation TL. The switch is conveniently located on the driver’s door panel instead of on the floor. When equipped with the Technology Package, the Keyless Access System allows the trunk to be opened by simply pressing a “smart button” on the rear spoiler. As long as the Keyless Access Remote transponder is in their possession the TL’s Keyless Access System will recognize the presence of the driver and allow the trunk to be opened.

Fully Lined Trunk

The trunk is fully lined to protect the cargo as well as for improved visual appeal. The hinges are likewise concealed. Several improvements give the trunk a more finished overall appearance. These include a spring-loaded cover that hides the latch striker, a unified look and feel for the lined trunk sides and floor, a convenient strap for lifting the spare-tire cover, a garnish where the hinge arms slide into the body, and a neatly finished edge to the trunk lining material. More substantial hinges also create a more rigid overall trunk-lid assembly.

Underneath the floor of the trunk is a T135/80D17 temporary spare tire mounted on a steel wheel, along with a jack, lug-nut wrench, and an eyelet that screws into a locating point on the front bumper in the event the TL ever needs to be transported on a flatbed truck. The trunk also features six anchor points for attaching a cargo net, along with a fold-down pass-through to accommodate long items such as snow skis.

EXTERIOR COLORS

The 2009 Acura TL offers a total of nine available exterior colors-the most ever available for the TL model. Five out of the nine available colors are new for 2009, and include a mix of five pearl colors and four metallic colors. The new colors include Basque Red, Borealis Blue, Crystal Black, Grigio, and Palladium. Specifically chosen to mirror the TL’s “emotion unleashed” character, the new colors look particularly dramatic in bright sunlight, where the TL’s strong character lines present different facets of the body to the light differently, creating a highly evocative and dynamic 3-D appearance. All exterior colors feature a durable, hard clear coat that resists damage from industrial pollution, acid rain and fog, as well as organic contaminants such as bird droppings. The exterior colors were also selected to compliment the TL’s four available interior colors including Ebony, Parchment, Taupe and Umber Tan.

Powertrain

The 2009 Acura TL and TL SH-AWD® are each fitted with a transversely mounted V-6 powertrain that has been painstakingly engineered to meet the specific requirements of each TL model. The TL features an all-aluminum 3.5-liter V-6 with single overhead camshaft cylinder heads and 24 valves, with all intake valves actuated by the Acura VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control®) system. This compact and efficient engine produces 280 horsepower and 254 lbs-ft of torque. Compared to the previous generation TL’s 3.2-liter engine, the 3.5-liter V-6 delivers 22 additional horsepower and 21 additional lbs-ft of torque.

The TL SH-AWD® is powered by a new 3.7-liter V-6 that shares many features with the 3.5-liter engine, but gains displacement through larger cylinder bores and increased stroke. With 305 horsepower and 273 lbs-ft of torque, the 3.7-liter engine is as powerful as some V-8s, and is the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura. Compared to the previous generation TL Type-S 3.5-liter engine, the 2009 TL’s 3.7-liter V-6 has gained 19 horsepower and 17 lbs-ft of torque. Similar to the 3.7-liter engine that now powers the 2009 RL sedan, the new TL SH-AWD® engine features a new VTEC® system which varies the exhaust valves as well as the intakes to contribute to elevated power output. The engine is even lighter than the 3.5-liter powerplant it replaces, due in part to the use of aluminum rather than iron cylinder liners.

Both engines reflect Acura’s unwavering commitment to the environment with good fuel economy given their power output. All TL engines meet strict EPA TIER 2 – BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV standards, and have close-coupled catalytic converters to ensure efficient cold-start emissions control.

The transmission in all versions is a new Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with a new straight-gate style console-mounted shifter. For more spirited driving, a new “smart” F1-style steering wheel paddle shifter system is standard and now works when the transmission is in “Drive” rather than only in “Manual” mode as in the past. Grade Logic Control and revised shift programming refine driving feel and improve performance.

Since its original introduction, the TL has been exclusively a front-wheel-drive vehicle. Beginning with the fourth-generation 2009 model, an all-wheel-drive version joins the TL lineup. The 2009 TL SH-AWD® features Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, Acura’s advanced drivetrain system that delivers quick, precise all-wheel-drive response. SH-AWD® made its debut on the 2005 RL, and at its introduction it was the first all-wheel-drive system to distribute the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels. The system’s unique torque vectoring direct yaw control feature makes the 2009 TL SH-AWD® exceptionally neutral under power, for greater handling precision and control.

ENGINE ARCHITECTURE

The TL’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine uses an inherently smooth-running 60-degree V-angle. The cylinder block is constructed of aluminum and has cast-in iron cylinder liners. The cylinder heads are cast of lightweight aluminum and feature four valves per cylinder along with a unique 2-rocker VTEC® variable valve timing system, with variable lift for the intake valves. Power is enhanced with an 11.2:1 compression ratio, high-output port shapes, intake airflow enhancements, and a sport-tuned exhaust system. While torque numbers are equivalent to the 3.5L in the outgoing Type-S, when compared to the previous 3.2L engine, the 3.5L produces 9- to 13-percent more torque between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm-the engine speed most commonly used in day-to-day driving. In addition to a high specific power output, the 3.5-liter V-6 delivers exceptional refinement and low emissions.

The 3.7-liter engine in the TL SH-AWD® is an enhanced version of the powerplant in the 2009 Acura RL, and it is the most powerful engine ever fitted to an Acura sedan. While dimensionally similar to the compact 3.5-liter TL engine, the 3.7-liter employs aluminum (rather than iron) cylinder liners for weight savings and improved cooling. Its VTEC® variable valve timing system features variable lift and timing for both intake and exhaust valves. Increases in intake airflow and compression ratio, combined with a high-flow exhaust system using close-coupled catalytic converters and dual exhaust pipes with four exits, help make the TL SH-AWD® engine the most powerful engine that Acura has ever offered.

ENGINE BLOCK

Both the 3.5-liter TL engine block and that of the 3.7-liter TL SH-AWD® are constructed of lightweight die-cast aluminum. The 3.5-liter engine has thin-wall iron liners that are made in a centrifugal spin-casting process that ensures high strength and low porosity. The rough outer surface of these liners makes an effective bond with the aluminum block, enhancing block stiffness and heat transfer from the liners to the block.

The 3.7-liter TL SH-AWD® cylinder liners are made of high-silicon aluminum and are cast directly into the aluminum block. The hard piston ring sealing surface of the liners is created during manufacturing with a mechanical etching process that exposes silicon particles embedded in the sleeves. The aluminum sleeves provide better cooling thus allowing closer piston-to-cylinder clearance than iron liners afford. The alloy liners also improve heat dissipation in the area between adjacent cylinder bores, allowing the SH-AWD® engine to have larger cylinder bores, even though its bore-center dimensions (the distance between the centers of adjacent bores) remain unchanged.

Both the 3.5-liter and the 3.7-liter cylinder blocks are heat-treated for strength and have deep-skirt designs with four bolts per bearing cap (providing excellent structural support for the crankshaft), thus minimizing engine noise and vibration.

CRANKSHAFT/CONNECTING RODS/PISTONS

The 3.5-liter engine of the TL and the 3.7-liter engine of the TL SH-AWD® both employ robust forged-steel crankshafts for high strength and minimum weight. On both engines, forged aluminum pistons are cooled with oil spray directed up to the underside of the piston crowns, making possible the high 11.2:1 compression ratio. The connecting rods are steel forgings for high strength, and are “crack separated,” a unique process in which the bearing caps are broken away from the rod rather than machined separately. This process forms a lighter, stronger connecting rod with perfect mating surfaces.