2007 Acura TL

For 2007, the Acura TL line-up receives several enhancements: there is revised exterior and interior styling, an improved satellite navigation system, and new XM satellite radio. There is also a new performance model, the Type-S.

The TL uses a 258-hp 3.2-litre V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, while the Type-S uses a new, 286-hp, 3.5-litre V6 with close-coupled six-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed automatic with F1-style paddle shifters.

Features on the TL include 17-inch alloy wheels, tire pressure monitoring system, heated leather seats with eight-way driver and four-way power adjusters, auto-dimming mirror, Bluetooth hands-free telephone interface, garage door opener, speed-sensing variable intermittent wipers, six-CD/DVD/MP3/cassette stereo with eight speakers, XM satellite radio, automatic headlamps, fog lamps, heated mirrors with memory and reverse tilt-down, high intensity discharge headlamps, and power sunroof. A navigation system can be added as an option.

The Type-S adds unique 17-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, satellite-linked navigation system with bilingual voice recognition, rearview camera, Brembo four-piston front brake calipers, limited-slip differential (with manual transmission) and rear deck lid spoiler.

Based on the Honda Accord, the TL strikes a fine balance between sport sedan and luxury machine, featuring a potent engine and excellent steering response. The Type-S replaces the Dynamic package of 2006, but with a more powerful engine. Only the TL’s front-wheel drive configuration keeps it from being mentioned in the same breath as its German competitors, but it’s worthy of comparison, especially for its price.