Acura Adds Six-Speed Manual Gearbox to 2010 TL SH-AWD Lineup, Priced from $42,385

Nearly a year after making the announcement on the development of a new six-speed manual gearbox option for its 2010 Acura TL lineup, Honda has finally launched the vehicle onto the U.S. market. The new manual transmission is available exclusively on the range-topping SH-AWD model that pairs Acura's all-wheel drive system with a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 305HP and 273 lb-ft of peak torque, instead of the entry-level, front-wheel drive model's 280HP 3.5-liter V6.

"The new manual transmission equipped TL SH-AWD allows the enthusiast driver to take full advantage of the performance of Acura's SH-AWD system," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, "Not only is the new 6-speed manual transmission model the best performing Acura TL ever, it is the top handling performer among every vehicle in its class."

The newly developed close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox is said to be approximately 110 lbs lighter than the five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission.

And since the manual model is aimed at enthusiasts, Acura tweaked the TL SH-AWD's chassis by upgrading the suspension and steering wheel system.

Along with the specially tuned coil spring and shock absorber rates for flatter cornering with reduced pitching motions under acceleration and braking -or so Acura claims, the front dampers on the manual model incorporate 5-percent more compression damping to improve turn-in feel and generate 14-percent less high speed compression damping better ride quality.

Other improvements for the manual model include the modified Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and EPS system as well as the firmer engine and transmission bushings.

While Acura has yet to disclose performance figures, the automaker did announce that the TL SH-AWD with the 6-speed manual gearbox returns an EPA estimated 18mpg city and 26mpg highway, which is 1mpg better in both cases than the automatic version.

The manual model keeps the same pricing as the five-speed automatic SH-AWD at $42,385 when combined with the Technology Package and at $43,385 with the Technology pack and high performance tires. Just so you know, the above prices do not include taxes, license or an $810 destination and handling charge.

*Aside from the manual gearbox details, all other images are of the TL SH-AWD with the automatic transmission

New Acura TL Gets 6-Speed Manual Gearbox in 2009

It looks like Acura’s trying to reach out to those that actually enjoy driving a car. Starting from next fall, the Japanese automaker will offer a new 6-speed manual gearbox on the 2010 TL SH-AWD model. Aside from the fact that it’s the first time that Acura has ever paired its all-wheel-drive system with a stick-shift, the new close-ratio 6-speed manual is approximately 110 lbs lighter than the Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission currently offered in the top-spec TL. -Continued

Furthermore, the 2010 TL SH-AWD 6MT models also benefit from suspension upgrades that include special coil spring and shock absorber rates tuned for flatter cornering with reduced pitching motions under acceleration and braking. The manual models also employ firmer engine and transmission bushings along with a sportier tuning for the steering wheel system.

According to Acura, the addition of a manual transmission, an all-new clutch system and suspension changes yield an 88 lb. reduction in overall vehicle weight and at the same time, improves weight distribution by 1-percent compared to the automatic model generating a 58/42 ratio versus the 5AT's 59/41 ratio.

Acura Prices 2009 TL Sedan from $34,995

The final piece of the 2009 Acura TL (click here for details and high-res images) puzzle fell into place today with the announcement of the luxury sedan’s pricing. The all-new TL will go on sale at Acura dealerships in the U.S. on September 24th with all-wheel-drive models following in November. The starting price for the front-wheel drive model equipped with the 280HP 3.5-liter V6 engine is $34,955. If you add the Technology Package that includes a navigation system, a premium audio system, keyless entry with push-button ignition and interior upgrades, the price rises to $38,685. -Continued

The more powerful all-wheel drive TL SH-AWD model that is equipped with a 305HP 3.7-liter V6 engine carries an MSRP of $38,505, while the TL SH-AWD with the Technology Package will cost you $42,235.

In addition, the TL SH-AWD model with Technology Package is also available with bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels and high-performance summer tire package for an MSRP of $43,235. Have in mind that Acura will also charge you a destination and handling fee of $760 as it is not included in any price.

Standard features on all TL models include 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.

2009 Acura TL Sedan: Official Images Leaked on the Net!

A full set of photos along with preliminary specifications of the 2009 Acura TL were leaked into the internet today, a whole week ahead of the planned debut. The new images reveal among other things, the 2009 TL’s puffed arse in all its glory while we also have the first pictures of the interior.

According to the guys that leaked the pictures, the new TL will be offered in two flavors, a front wheel drive version powered by a 280HP 3.5-liter V6 engine and the first ever AWD TL that’s equipped with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive with power coming from a 305 HP 3.7-liter V6 unit. Both versions of the TL will be matted to a sequential sportshift five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The 2009 TL will go on sale across the U.S. this fall. Follow the jump to check out the full image gallery and as always, feel free to drop us a comment with your thoughts on the new TL. -Continued

Via: Edmunds – Thanks for the tip Jose S.!

2009 Acura TL Spied With Minimal Camouflage

Even though Acura has released a teaser image of the 2009 TL sedan ahead of its market launch that’s scheduled for this fall, we still don’t have a full view of the Japanese carmaker’s mid-size sport sedan. And here’s where private individuals come to the rescue. A Flickr user stumbled upon a pre-production 2009 Acura TL in a parking lot with minimal camo as the only parts of the car taped were the front badge and the boot – maybe its hiding an inverted version of the front grille... Unfortunately, the driver of the TL had thrown a towel on the dashboard thus preventing us from seeing any significant details of the car’s interior design. -More photos after the jump





Via: Autoblog.com , Source: FlikR user Buckeye1

2009 Acura TL: First Official Image Released

Acura decided to release a teaser image of its 2009 TL sedan that’s set to go on sale in the U.S. this fall. Although Acura didn’t provide any other pictures, the Japanese carmaker was kind enough to inform us that the new TL sedan will be offered in two distinctive versions one of which will be equipped with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. Acura also vaguely states that the TL will feature the brand’s most powerful engine ever. So until Acura releases more details, we’d like to hear what you have to say about the TL’s design. Leave your thoughts in the comment section.

Kudos for the tip Jose.S!

2009 Acura TL Test Mule Spotted

A prototype of the all-new Acura TL that is expected to be introduced at either this November's Los Angeles Auto Show or the Detroit Show in January 2009 was caught by a member of the VTEC website performing road tests in Purdue, Indiana. The cameraphone pictures reveal a few details of the TL’s body including the weird looking rear-end that seems to be inspired from the shape of Acura’s new trapezoidal grille.

Design aside, according to rumors that were leaked out of recent dealer meeting back in the spring, the new Acura TL’s line-up is expected to include a 3.5-liter V6 engine available in both front and all-wheel-drive versions along with a top-end 3.7-liter V6 producing more than 300Hp combined exclusively with an all-wheel-drive powertrain. Sales of the new Acura TL are expected to start in North America during the first half of 2009.

Thanks for the tip Jose.S! - Via: VTEC