2008 Acura TL Summary

After three generations, the current model is the sportiest and most desirable yet, with chiseled exterior styling, firm suspension tuning, a powerful V6 and an impressive level of standard equipment. The Acura TL underwent a midlife freshening for 2007, with minor exterior and interior styling tweaks and an upgraded optional navigation system. The TL Type-S also returned to the lineup that year with a 286-horsepower V6, various performance upgrades and few styling enhancements.

The current Acura TL receives a midlife freshening, but the big news is that the TL Type-S returns to the lineup after a three-year hiatus. Equipped with a 286-hp 3.5-liter V6, the Type-S also features a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo high-performance brakes and unique styling elements that include quad tailpipes. A six-speed manual or five-speed automatic with automanual shift paddles are no-cost options. The upgraded touchscreen and voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic reporting is standard equipment on the Type-S, as is the rest of the TL's lengthy features list.

The regular TL receives minor styling tweaks and interior changes, including a sporty new three-spoke steering wheel. The updated navigation system is the only option, while the five-speed automatic becomes the only available transmission. The 258-hp 3.2-liter V6 remains unchanged.

The Acura TL comes in two distinct models to deliver a mix of practicality and driving enjoyment to a broad range of drivers. The standard TL delivers style, safety, electronic convenience features in a package that offers the all-weather, town-and-country capability that most Americans prefer. It's a great car. The Acura TL Type-S, on the other hand, is a real sports sedan, with power, performance, and sophisticated dynamics that enable it to match up against the finest European sedans. At the same time, the TL manages to deliver a measure of practical efficiency that distinguishes it among its competitors, a unique personality that relates well to the things that Americans want from a luxury car.

Image : Edmund.com