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Christopher Jackson | 3/19/2008 | Acura
Here's a bit of irony which always strikes me when dealing with mid-size sport-luxury cars: everything in this class is good. You can't go wrong--whether you choose the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Saab 9-5, Volvo S60, Cadillac STS, Lexus GS or the Acura TL Type S it really boils down to a matter of taste. For me to do a review is almost superfluous. It's a great car. They all are.
If I were to be honest I'd tell you to stop reading and decide for yourself which one suits you best. Choose your flavor--it really comes down to personal style and your preferred vehicle dynamics, and I can't decide that for you.
What I can do, so as to keep you reading so that I can keep my job, is to tell you where the 2008 Acura TL Type S falls in this spectrum of excellence. This ride is one of the tech stars of the class, not so much in a gadget-laden way, but in a cutting-edge way. The TL Type S is a high-performance edition of the excellent TL luxury sedan. The Type S designation returned to the Acura lineup in 2006, and provides enthusiasts with a larger engine and improved braking and handling.
This is a performance edition that's designed to appeal to those in the know. Drivers hoping for wheels that are going to scream, "I'm special!" to the unwashed masses will be disappointed with the TL Type S, which is set apart only by quad tailpipes, smoked taillights and larger XX" gray wheels. That's not to say it doesn't look good, of course. Acura's signature shield-shaped grille opening and narrow headlights lead the way, and the TL's short overhangs front and rear mask its size. A distinctive wheel-to-wheel character line features side marker lights at the front and rear. If you know where to look, it's clear that the TL Type S is ready for action; otherwise it's merely handsome. The design is distinctive, but doesn't stand out. A BMW 3-Series or Infiniti G35 stands out; the 2008 Acura TL Type S is more understated, like a Saab with edges.
The black interior is businesslike and severe, communicating the fact that this car is a big chunk of rolling technology. The dash has been redesigned with a two-tiered, two-hooded look similar to that found on the MDX and RDX sport-utes that share showroom floor space with the TL Type S. It's a strong, distinct interior, with overwhelming black and silver tones. Buyers looking for airy, inviting luxury aren't going to find it here; the TL Type S is all business. Electroluminescent gauges in black and red accented by indirect LED ambient lighting speak the language of aggressive driving, as though the TL Type S intends to embody the upscale look for the sport-compact set, minus the wings and spoilers. True to its cutting-edge nature, the TL Type S is loaded with the latest of the latest--satellite navigation with real-time traffic updates, an ELS Sound surround sound system with DVD audio, and Bluetooth-compatible hands-free phones are all available. Oddly enough, the navigation system's screen seems to be a couple of years behind the technology curve.
Under the hood, the TL Type S discards the standard 3.2 liter V6 in favor of a larger 3.5 liter unit with VTEC variable valve timing. The high-revving 286 horsepower engine does much to reduce the TL Type S' seat-of-the-pants bulk when the throttle is punched. It makes good exhaust noises, too. A choice of six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions is offered. The autobox can be paddle-shifted, though the transmission doesn't quite have the instant-on capability of Audi's DSG. Shifts are crisp, even under hard acceleration, though the best performance seems to come from the manual.
On the road, the TL Type S is tense. This is not a slightly-tightened luxury car; the TL Type S is a full-on sports sedan. The taut suspension uses double wishbones up front and a multi-link rear. It feels poised, but never nervous. It's a bit too stiff for road trips, unless you're a car guy who likes to feel every crack in the road. The drive is as technically purposeful and no-nonsense as the design. The TL Type S isn't about sentimental attachment or forming a bond between man and machine; this is a device for covering ground quickly, nothing more. This car knows you're going to drop it as soon as the next upgrade comes along, and there won't be any hard feelings.
That's not to say that the 2008 Acura TL Type S feels disposable. It's upgradeable. Right now, it's as good as it can possibly be. In a year, it won't be bleeding-edge any more, and by then there will almost certainly be an even better version waiting in the wings. For the moment, the TL Type S has the feel of being near the top of the performance heap, and as I said, it's all about how a car makes you feel when it comes to this class. Pricing for the 2008 Acura TL Type S starts at $38,225.
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2007 Acura TL Type S.
Length: 189.8 in.
Width: 72.2 in.
Height: 56.7 in.
Wheelbase: 107.9 in.
Curb weight: 3636 lb.
Cargo space: 12.5 cu.ft.
Base price: $38,225
Engine: 3.5 liter SOHC 24-valve V6
Drivetrain: five-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 286 @ 6200
Torque: 256 @ 5000
Fuel capacity: 17.1 gal.
Est. mileage: 18/26
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