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Wm. B. Sullivan Realty & Co.
Claudia Hommel
Cabaret Singer
Extraordinaire
Cordell Koland
Car Writer
Weekly Reviews
 2007 Acura TL Type-S by Cordell Koland Acura has reintroduced a high-performance version its perennial best seller with the TL Type-S. The designation recognizes more power, enhanced handling and modest design tweaks. But despite a modest bump in price, Acura¹s sedan remains the best value in the mid-size luxury car market. Acura seems to be one of the most enigmatic brands in the luxury market. Backed by corporate parent, Honda, the Acura Division sells lots of cars, exceeding the 200,000 mark annually. But an open question is what the Acura could accomplish if Honda really let loose. While the current Acura model lineup of SUVs and sedans score well with both the enthusiast press and watchdogs such as Consumer Reports, you could generate a pretty substantial list of what Acura doesn¹t offer to the consumer. For starters, the Acura line doesn¹t offer a coupe, convertible, or a roadster. Nor does it provide V-8 power on the high end or a hybrid model for the environmentally conscious. Acura left the ultra-performance market a few years ago with the death of the fabulous NXS. The TL Type-S is one of three new models that Acura has added to the lineup for 2007 in addition to two new SUVs, but many market niches remain unfilled that could bring prestige and high margins. In terms of the value story, the basic pricing structure for the TL is very simple. Our test TL Type-S with automatic transmission has a price of $38,795 with destination charge. This is a price for a car loaded with all of the equipment most owners would ever think of wanting. If you want the same equipment with a six-speed manual transmission, the price remains the same. Special high-performance tires add $200 to the price. By comparison, the bottom line for comparably equipped Euro sedans is right around the $50,000 price mark and can go even higher. Acura has offered one of the best navigation systems since these units started appearing and the current device indicates that Acura has raised the bar again with AcuraLink, which features real-time traffic information. The unit is easy to use and has a large eight-inch screen to make getting to the preferred destination a snap. A comprehensive destination guide includes millions of points of interest spanning the continental United States. This includes everything from exclusive five-star restaurants to beer-and-burger joints in most any place you¹re likely to visit. Acura TL's DVD-audio six-channel surround-sound system was developed in conjunction with Grammy Award-winning record producer/engineer Elliot Scheiner. The TL¹s audio sounds very good, particularly with full-throttle source material such as XM Satellite Radio or an audio surround-sound DVD. For performance enthusiasts, the big news is likely to be the larger 3.5-liter engine, which bumps power up to 286 hp. The new engine emits just a bit of a grumble at low speeds and adds to the overall impression that the TL-Type-S can play in the big leagues. On the other hand, the power delivery is smooth and effortless right up to the red line. The TL Type-S does fine when pushed hard on winding, narrow mountain roads, delivering instant responsiveness and excellent feedback through the steering system. The ride is crisp, sporty and quiet on the expressway. Overall, the TL seems agile and ready for action. On the other hand, I think it¹s time for Acura to reassess its relationship with front-wheel-drive technology. When pushed hard around a challenging curve, the front wheels seem to grab and paw the ground as they attempt to accomplish a dual purpose‹to steer the vehicle and deliver power. The long-term solution is to install all-wheel-drive or develop a rear-wheel-drive chassis. The TL has a strong design that has worn fairly well over the life span of the current model. The wedge shape is energetic and references a serious automobile. The resting pose of the TL might be compared to a runner hunkered down in the starting blocks. The Acura¹s interior benefits from the elegance and simplicity that has defined the line from its inception. The TL¹s interior portrays a sporting appearance with generous use of aluminum accents. The seats are firm but comfortable, yet won¹t let you slide from side-to-side during hard cornering. Vehicle:
Acura TL Type-S
MSRP: $38,795 Engine: Type: 3.5-liter V-6 Horsepower: 286 @ 6,200 rpm Torque: 256 lbs.-ft. @ 5,000 rpm Fuel economy, automatic transmission City 19 - mpg Highway 28 - mpg Curb Weight: 3,674 lbs.  Cordell Koland is an automotive journalist based in California's central coast. He can be reached at cordellkoland@oakparkjournal.com |
