Acura TSX Forum banner

2009 Acura TL priced from $34,955

1.2K views 14 replies 9 participants last post by  TSX69  
#1 ·
Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, Acura


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Acura TL

Acura has finally revealed the pricing structure of its new 2009 TL sedan, and the base price jumps to $34,995, a little over a thousand bucks more than the last entry-level model. Replacing last year's Type-S is a new model with a version of Acura's SH-AWD and, at 305-horsepower, the most powerful V6 that parent company Honda has ever offered for sale. That top-level model will run you $38,505, which is pretty close to what the abandoned Type-S went for last year, though standard navigation is dropped. Adding the Technology Package -- which includes niceties like GPS, keyless access, push-button start and the Acura/ELS Surround sound audio system we liked so much when we got our first drive -- to either model will add about $4K to the asking price.

The looks are extremely polarizing, and these price increases aren't likely to win over the TL's detractors. Still, there is no doubting that the TL remains a lot of car for the money. Time will tell if it remains the sales success that its younger self undoubtedly was. Get all of the pricing details after the break.

Gallery: 2009 Acura TL



[Source: Acura]Continue reading 2009 Acura TL priced from $34,955



Permalink | Email this | Comments

More...
 
#3 ·
Another Article

2008 Acura Pricing Starts @ $34,995
September 16th, 2008 · No Comments

Acura has just revealed the prices of its all new 2009 Acura TL and the base price has jumped to $34,995, more than a grand of last year’s entry-level TL. New this year is the 305-hp Acura SH-AWD which replaces last year’s Type-S. The top level model will run you $38,505 with a Technology Package (GPS, push-start, keyless, Acura/ELS surround stereo) adding about $4K to the final line. The full price list follows below.

Press Release:


Acura Announces Pricing For All-New 2009 TL


Acura’s Best Selling Sedan Poised to Set the Benchmark for Luxury Performance

Acura today announced pricing for the all-new 2009 TL performance luxury sedan that will go on sale at Acura dealerships nationwide on September 24th, with all-wheel-drive models planned for sale in November.

For the first time ever in an Acura vehicle, the newly redesigned TL will be available with a choice of two different VTEC® engines while also offering both front wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive (TL SH-AWD®) models. MSRP pricing for the 3.5-liter V-6 equipped TL is $34,955 and the TL with Technology Package is $38,685. For TL models equipped with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system, MSRP pricing for the 3.7-liter V-6 powered TL SH-AWD® is $38,505, while the TL SH-AWD® with Technology Package is $42,235. In addition, the TL SH-AWD® with Technology Package is also available with an exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels and high-performance summer tire package for an MSRP of $43,235. Destination and Handling of $760 remains unchanged and is not included in the MSRP.

“The completely re-designed TL’s performance, sophistication and styling have been dramatically elevated to satisfy both luxury sedan buyers and enthusiast drivers,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales. “Its introduction marks a new and exciting era for the TL and for Acura.”

The 2009 TL SH-AWD® is the most powerful Acura ever and all TL models feature an impressive combination of eye-catching exterior design and premium interior detail. An emotional and powerful exterior conveys a sense of motion via the use of strong character lines, pronounced wheel arches and jewel-like HID and LED lighting. Inside, the TL is packed with premium standard features such as a power moonroof, dual-zone adaptive climate control, 10-way adjustable (8-way power seat with 2-way power lumbar support) driver seat, 8-way adjustable power front passenger seat and steering-wheel-mounted F1®-style paddle shifters for the Sequential SportShift automatic transmission. In addition, an 8-speaker 276-watt audio system with 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM radio, XM® Satellite Radio, Bluetooth® Audio, USB port and AUX jack connectivity and HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface are standard.

Available on both the TL and TL SH-AWD® is a Technology Package that includes the most comprehensive array of advanced electronic features ever offered by Acura. The Technology Package includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink® real-time traffic, AcuraLink® weather radar mapping, an Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system, Keyless Access System with pushbutton ignition and interior upgrades. The included Navigation System also features a new 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display for improved visibility and a back-up camera.

Further enhancing the TL’s Technology Package is the new Acura/ELS Surround® 10-speaker, 440-watt premium sound system with DVD-Audio, CD, DTS™, AM/FM radio, XM® Satellite Radio and 12.7 GB hard disk drive (HDD) media storage. An intuitive interface dial as well as advanced voice recognition capability simplifies control of this impressive technology. Premium Milano Leather seating surfaces included in the Technology Package further enhance the vehicle’s comfort and visual appeal.

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2009 Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.​

 
#4 ·
^I've always loved Honda/Acura, but this MAY BE the ugliest car I have ever seen....seriously.....

WTF were they thinking??? The interior is great, but man is that one ugly beast.... All of acuras new styling is god awful. As a long time acura owner I will be looking elsewhere when I get rid of my current TSX...
 
#8 ·
I pulled into the Acura lot yesterday, or rather last night
after they had closed. They had two new TL's out back.
I went back to check them out.

I may have vomited in my mouth a bit.

My wife, who knows nothing about cars, thinks it's ugly too.
that's saying something.

the new TSX never grew on me.
the new RL sure isn't growing on me.
there's no way this TL will grow on me.

and for those that think the interior is nice, well, I guess
your standards went in the toilet.

the new interior is no nicer really than the TSX interior for quality.

I consider the new TL, personally, a complete failure.

that's just my negative input.

I'll test drive it someday, but with no intentions of ever buying one...
 
#9 ·
I pulled into the Acura lot yesterday, or rather last night
after they had closed. They had two new TL's out back.
I went back to check them out.

I may have vomited in my mouth a bit.

My wife, who knows nothing about cars, thinks it's ugly too.
that's saying something.

the new TSX never grew on me.
the new RL sure isn't growing on me.
there's no way this TL will grow on me.

and for those that think the interior is nice, well, I guess
your standards went in the toilet.

the new interior is no nicer really than the TSX interior for quality.

I consider the new TL, personally, a complete failure.

that's just my negative input.

I'll test drive it someday, but with no intentions of ever buying one...
I agree.
 
#12 ·
Manual

TOV
2010 Acura TL to Offer All-New Manual Transmission
Date: September 26, 2008 04:00
Submitted by: Jeff
Source: Acura PR
Credibility Rating: Not Specified

New 6-Speed Manual Will Be Available Next Fall on TL SH-AWD Model

TORRANCE, Calif. - 09/26/2008

By adding an available manual transmission to the TL SH-AWD® model, Acura will further up its game for performance minded TL drivers who prefer the winding route over the direct route, Acura announced today. Available next fall for the 2010 model year, will be a TL SH-AWD® with 6-speed manual transmission and numerous modifications to enhance vehicle dynamics.

"The new manual transmission equipped TL SH-AWD® really allows the enthusiast driver to take full advantage of the performance of Acura's SH-AWD® system," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales, "Not only is the new manual transmission model the best performing Acura TL ever, it is the top handling performer among every vehicle in its class."

The availability of a 6-speed manual transmission for the 2010 TL SH-AWD® represents the first time Acura has ever paired its acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system with a manual gearbox. In addition, the new close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission is approximately 110 lbs lighter than the Sequential SportShift automatic transmission to further benefit acceleration, braking and cornering.

The 6-speed manual transmission is an all-new design that is substantially stronger than the previous generation TL manual transmission. In addition to using a more rigid aluminum case and heavier-duty internals, the new manual transmission employs precisely selected gear ratios based on the characteristics of the TL's new 3.7L V-6 engine and SH-AWD® drivetrain. New gear synchronizers deliver improved shift accuracy and feel, and a short-throw shifter assembly generates confident shifting combined with low shift effort.

Acura engineers also designed an entirely new clutch system for the new 6-speed manual transmission to withstand the TL's robust power output while also improving modulation for noticeably easier use. The new self-adjusting, dual-mass clutch delivers extremely constant pedal effort throughout the entire stroke of the pedal. By keeping the effort linear, the driver has improved feel that results in better clutch interaction.

The TL SH-AWD® 6MT has a specially calibrated Hill Start Assist system that helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when the driver switches from the brake to the accelerator while stopped on a hill. When the road incline exceeds an 8-degree threshold and the vehicle is fully stopped, Hill Start Assist automatically activates. When Hill Start Assist is active, the brakes automatically hold for one second as the driver's foot transitions from the brake to the accelerator pedal. The brakes are automatically released when the vehicle begins to move forward.

The 2010 TL SH-AWD® 6MT has exclusive suspension tuning via special coil spring and shock absorber rates tuned for flatter cornering with reduced pitching motions under acceleration and braking. The front dampers incorporate 5-percent more tension damping during low piston speeds to generate improved turn-in feel. In addition, the front dampers generate 14-percent less high speed compression damping which helps improve ride quality.

The TL SH-AWD® 6MT employs firmer engine and transmission bushings that better resist engine and/or transmission movement during spirited driving. Engine side mount bushing stiffness increases by 80-percent, front mount rate increases by 17-percent, rear hydro mount firmness increases by 50-percent and the transmission upper mount is stiffened by 100-percent.

For 6-speed manual transmission applications, special heavy-duty front driveshafts are used. In addition to being 2-percent larger in diameter, the driveshafts have a larger inboard spline size and team with more heavy-duty CV joints.

The TL SH-AWD® fit with the new 6-speed transmission will also benefit from exclusive Electronic Power Steering (EPS) tuning. Just as with the TL SH-AWD® with Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic, the EPS delivers low steering effort for parking maneuvers that progressively firms up as speed increases.

With the 6-speed manual transmission TL SH-AWD®, the EPS system is further tuned to deliver a slightly heavier feel as speed increases thus generating more confident mid- to high-speed driving dynamics.

The addition of a manual transmission, an all-new clutch system and suspension changes yield an 88 lb. reduction in overall vehicle weight. The weight reduction not only delivers improved performance, but also generates a more favorable front/rear weight bias. Compared to an automatic transmission equipped TL SH-AWD®, the 6-speed manual version improves weight distribution by 1-percent thus generating a 58/42 ratio versus the 5AT's 59/41 ratio.

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2009 Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.



 
#13 ·
Manual Test Drive

Car & Driver

2010 Acura TL SH-AWD Manual - First Drive Review​

Adding a manual transmission makes the robotic TL more human.

September 2008

When designing the manual transmission for the 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD, engineers actually measured the shift stroke of its competitive cars. Obviously—why else would Acura tell us this?—the TL has the shortest throw in its class at 3.5 inches. Engineers also measured clutch pedal engagement and disengagement effort. We’re fans of short-throw shifters and smooth clutch pedals, but going so far as to quantify those normally subjective qualities is something we don’t see very often. We’re not about to complain, though, given Honda/Acura’s reputation for slick-shifting manuals. Take a test drive of an Acura TSX or a Honda Civic Si or S2000 if you doubt us.

In case you’re not familiar with the new TL, we’ll bring you up to speed. For 2009, the TL is all-new, and it looks like the giant shovel that hit the front end was left where the grille should be. If that sounds harsh, we’ll apologize by saying that at least the newest Acura face looks better on the TL than the TSX or RL. The TL now comes in front- and all-wheel-drive versions, the latter known as SH-AWD. The standard TL gets a 280-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, similar to the previous TL Type-S. SH-AWD versions get a power and displacement bump to 305 horsepower and 3.7 liters, and have the added availability of 19-inch wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. Both 2009 versions come standard with a five-speed automatic transmission.

And Then Acura Created Manual
The lack of a manual transmission will be remedied for the 2010 model year when the six-speed comes out around November of 2009. Acura says the price will be the same as that of the automatic TL SH-AWD with the technology package, and EPA fuel economy will be the same at 17 mpg city and 25 highway. The goal of the stick shift is two-part: to keep former self-shifting TL Type-S owners happy, and to get some conquest purchases from enthusiasts who might have discounted the TL’s front-wheel-drive setup and slushbox as not sporty enough.

Still, the goals of the six-speed TL are modest. Of the projected annual TL volume of 70,000 units, Acura only predicts five percent—or 3500—will be the TL SH-AWD with the manual transmission. Weight in the manual car is reduced by 88 pounds, so the front springs, shocks, and power steering have been retuned for the weight reduction. In addition, the front driveshafts and engine and transmission mounts have been beefed up. The basic gearbox is the same as the six-speed from the old TL Type-S, but almost every component is improved for a higher torque capacity. Thanks to the reduced weight and the ability to do clutch-abusing high-rpm launches, Acura says the 0-to-60-mph time should improve by 0.7 second over the auto-equipped cars, which would put the manual in the mid- to high-five-second range..

We got a sneak peak of the six-speed TL at the Transportation Research Center in central Ohio, Acura/Honda’s de facto North American proving grounds. Eager to prove that the TL is all that and a bag of chips, they brought out a BMW 335i and 335xi, Infiniti G35, and Audi S4 to compare as we lapped around the Dynamic Handling Course, a twisting track circuit penned by Allen Wilson, designer of Miller Motorsports Park and Barber Motorsports Park. All five cars, including the TL, were fitted with sport packages and the most aggressive summer tires available from the factory.

Row, Row, Row Your TL, Gently ’Round the Track

Although our driving impression is limited to the track, a few things are readily apparent in the TL six-speed. First: all that measuring was worth it. The clutch pedal is as smooth and progressive as any car we’ve driven, in stark contrast to the spasmodic pedal in the Infiniti G35 (although Infiniti has made improvements with the G37). The same goes for the shift lever, which continues in the Honda/Acura tradition. Shifting in the TL is so easy that it requires almost no attention, leaving your focus on the road ahead. Another revelation was that the BMWs, both equipped with optional active steering, have less than satisfactory steering feel. Perhaps Acura is using those cars for their benchmark, because the TL’s electric power steering has better weight but is notable for its distinct lack of communication with the driver.

Compared to the TL, the BMW is still the benchmark for balanced handling. At almost every point on the track, either 3-series is perfectly neutral and very responsive to driver inputs. But—surprise, surprise—the TL is quicker around the track than any of the other cars. That’s by Acura’s timing of both its own test driver and of every journalist present at this press event. Given the unfamiliarity with the track and our aversion to crashing, we weren’t driving as hard as Acura’s hot shoe, but the results back up our impression.

So how does the Acura beat the more balanced BMWs, the more powerful S4, and the better power-to-weight ratio of the G35? For starters, this is honestly a good chassis, and the Michelin tires lend plenty of grip. Also the rear-wheel torque vectoring of the SH-AWD system does an excellent job of mitigating the TL’s inherent understeer, so you can enter a corner faster without worrying about pushing wide, and you can hit the gas sooner on exit. It doesn’t feel as natural as the balance of the BMW, but there’s a lot of thrill in knowing you’re going faster.

So is the TL SH-AWD six-speed going to win over any BMW loyalists? We doubt it, but it won’t take many to fill up Acura’s order quota. Anyone looking at a G37x should take a look at this TL as well. Even Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru Impreza WRX STI shoppers willing to give up some speed for extra (read: any) luxury might be interested. The standard attributes and deficiencies of the TL are still here—plenty of technology and a good interior, but questionable styling, numb steering, and button overload—but those willing to give the six-speed a test drive next year should be impressed, if not completely swayed.

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

ESTIMATED PRICE AS TESTED: $44,000

ENGINE TYPE:
SOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 223 cu in, 3664cc
Power (SAE net): 305 bhp @ 6200 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 273 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:

Wheelbase: 109.3 in Length: 195.5 in Width: 74.0 in Height: 57.2 in
Curb weight: 3900 lb (est)

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 5.6 sec
Standing ÂĽ-mile: 14.5 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 130 mph

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 17/25 mpg

 
#15 ·
Good

I am too lazy to find the thread or article but they recently announced that Acura was getting its own advertising division separate from Honda.

A lot of people, online enthusiasts anyhow, have written Acura off lately but they are definitely taking steps in the right direction.