The Acura 3.2 TL: Still at the Head of the Class

Tuesday, January 28. 2003
The Acura 3.2 TL: Still at the Head of the Class
 
Back in 1994 Acura introduced the all-new Integra. This groundbreaking car set new standards for performance compacts, and single handedly redefined the category. It outlived cars from the competition and when they introduced new models, the Integra still beat them in the showroom and on the track. The BMW 318ti, Toyota Celica, Nissan 200SX, Infiniti G20, Ford Probe, and Mitsubishi Eclipse all came and went during the Integra’s long life.
 
What does this have to do with the 3.2 TL? 2003 marks the 5th model year for the 3.2 TL and the 2nd for the TL Type-S, and these cars are still the standard bearer in the near luxury class. How has Acura maintained this leadership role in value, performance and luxury? The recipe is somewhat simple: build a better car and price it “right” for the marketplace. What exactly makes the TL a better value than our competitors? It all begins with Engineering. (what else would you expect from Acura?)
 
Engineering Details:
The TL’s ultra rigid unit body frame allows the engineers to design the double wishbone suspension without having to worry that the chassis will flex and upset the suspension geometry. This means that you, the driver will experience a comfortable ride and sharp precise handling, two goals that elude most manufacturers. A side benefit of this strong chassis are the way the body panels can be placed closer and the gaps made smaller for a more refined appearance.

The engine and transmission are marvels of Acura engineering. The 3.2 liter TL Type-S motor produces 260 hp with the addition of a Variable Volume Intake system. Technology transferred from the racetrack to the street. The VTEC system allows the engine to take in more air at higher RPMs to make more power on the top end, without sacrificing torque on the bottom end. Match this great engine with our 5-speed automatic Sport Shift transmission and you have a sedan that can sprint from 0-60 in 6.5 seconds and cover the 1/4 mile in 14.9 seconds. Impressive numbers, but they are even more significant when you consider they are achieved while maintaining Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) status and an EPA mileage rating of 19 city and 29 highway.

Safety Details:
Acura’s engineering expertise can easily be seen in the way our cars handle the unexpected. The huge 11.8 inch front disc brakes (same size as our NSX sportscar) feature ABS standard. Also standard are dual-stage front and side airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters, and Xenon High Intensity Discharge headlights. The high performance TL Type-S incorporates Vehicle Stability Assist which monitors sensors to determine the intended path of the vehicle and apply the brake or modulate the throttle if the car starts to lose control or go into a spin.

Luxury Details:
On this front, the TL provides all the features that luxury buyers expect, including the following standard features: leather trimmed seats (perforated on the Type-S), tilting/sliding moonroof, 6-disc in-dash CD changer with cassette, climate controlled air conditioning with a micron air filter, keyless entry system, aluminum alloy wheels, 2 memory positions for the drivers seat (both are power adjustable) and Homelink which allow you to control your garage door opener from a convenient button in the car.
 
Luxury means more than features, it also means customer service that is second to none. All Acura cars include our Total Luxury Care (TLC) owner assistance program. This protects owners during the warranty period (4 years or 50,000 miles) with free roadside assistance, free towing, and trip planning benefits.