2012 TL at the Chicago Auto Show

Acura took the wraps off the revised TL at the Chicago Auto show and streamed it live via webcast.  Since 2011 marks the brand's 25th Anniversary, Acura began the presentation by reviewing Acura's history in North America.  Jeff Conrad took the stage and spoke about some Acura "firsts" including: First Luxury brand, VTEC, Drive-by-Wire Throttle, In-dash Navigation, and Bluetooth as a standard feature.  Of course, there are more, but these must have been the ones he wanted to highlight.

Conrad acknowledged that the current TL's styling may have been "too bold" for the market.  He softened this by also pointing out that the TL was introduced at the worst possible time, right as the economy went into the current malaise.  I'm of the opinion that it is difficult to separate the economy from the styling controversy, but agree that the combination was too much for the car to overcome. 

With this preface out of the way, the opaque screen raised and the 2012 drove onto the stage.  My first impression was that the changes are similar to what we've seen for the TSX and RL.  The most controversial feature, the grill,. has been inset into a chrome surround.  Overall, it is smaller, and there is some detailing on the shield itself to break up the large surface.  This theme carried over to bumpers.  Where there were once large flat planes, there is now surface detail to break it up.  The horizontal slats under the grill are a nice improvement over the previous 'egg crate' type used previously.  The headlights align better with the rest of the front, and are now smoked to give a more distinct appearance. 

Acura spent a good deal of time refining the J Series family of V-6 engines.  It seems that rather than go for more horsepower, they focused on efficiency.  As a result, the 2012 engines remain 3.5 liters at 280 hp or 3.7 liters at 305 hp but fuel economy numbers are up across the board.  The 2WD TL now boasts best in class economy, now rated for 20 miles per gallon city, and 29 miles per gallon highway.  The 2011 is rated for 18/26 so it's an improvement of 2/3 mpg respectively.  Acura credits internal friction reductions, and a new cold air induction system, but you also have to give credit to the new 6 speed automatic.  So yes, the TL (finally) has a 6 speed automatic transmission that features a new multi-clutch torque converter that allows for "double-kick-down" shifts to jump from 5th to 3rd (for example). 

 Conrad also spoke about refinements to the interior and the efforts made to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).  No details were provided on how it was done, but Acura has measured a 3 Db reduction in noise.  Coming from an audio background, this is a HUGE difference and no small feat.  For example, in the audio world, if you wanted to make something 3 db louder, you would need to double the power amplifier output. 

Acura will offer the TL in FWD and SH-AWD form, with base, Tech and Advance packages available. The Tech package receives a new 60 GB harddrive for more music storage, and improvements to the navigation and phone functions.  New for 2012, the Advance package adds (to the features in the Tech Package) Cooled Seats, Blind Spot Indicators, and 19" wheels.

TL (FWD) 17"
TL Tech (FWD) 17"
TL Advance (FWD) 18"

TL AWD 18"
TL Tech AWD 18"
TL Advance AWD 19"

At this point, the only questions that remain are whether the popular FWD Tech package will still ba available with the 18" wheel option and which AWD models will have the 6-speed manual available, all of them or just the Tech and Advance.  I'll update this post when I find out.

So it looks like Acura has made some meaningful improvements to the TL.  The car is slightly shorter overall, and the restyled bumpers have lessened the front and rear overhangs.  Powertrain improvements focused on fuel economy vs. additional horsepower, probably a good thing as we look towards ever higher fuel prices.  Finally, the softening of some of the more polarizing styling elements have been revised.  It looks like the future for this car is bright, looking forward to receiving our first batch. 

Comments

[Jackie]

The reshaped grille on the 2012 TL looks a lot better; it's more subtle and refined looking. It was a bit big before and rather polarizing. I think this is a good move for Acura.

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