2012 Acura TL On Sale in Canada!

Acura's recently refreshed and more "diluted" 2012 Acura TL went on sale in Canada this week. Base MSRP prices for the 2012 Acura TL start at $39 490, a Tech upgrade nets you to $42 990, choose SH-AWD and be bumped up to $43 490, a Tech upgrade on a SH-AWD model bumps it up to $46 990 and the top-of-the-line SH-AWD Elite with a Blind Spot Monitoring, 19" wheels, ventilated front seats will push the envelope to $48 490. The 6-speed manual is continues to be available only on SH-AWD models. 

For more information, visit Acura Canada's website @ http://www.acura.ca/tl

PR: 2012 Acura TL On Sale March 18th

On sale March 18, Acura’s newly refined TL delivers fresh looks, improved performance and upgraded technology. Most apparent are the visual changes that incorporate new front and rear styling, but also present is a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission for improved performance and fuel economy, revised interior appointments, a host of technology upgrades and numerous NVH improvements to make for an even quieter cabin.

“The 2012 Acura TL is refined, yet aggressive,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “Already known for its great performance, the enhanced TL has a sophisticated new look and an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission that will take performance to the next level.”

The 2012 TL’s refined new look includes a redesigned front bumper with improved aerodynamics, a revised grille, updated headlights and turn signals, a new fog light design and a shorter front overhang. At the rear, a new rear bumper incorporates a significantly repositioned license plate opening and smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights and a thinner rear trunk edge trim add to a sophisticated new look. For 2012, all TL models now receive body colored door handles and rear window trim. “With the 2009 TL, the exterior design was a lot about passion,” said Damon Schell, Senior Designer, Acura Design Studio. “With the 2012 TL, we pushed for an increased level of sophistication.”

Powertrain
To increase performance, a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission is applied on all TL models fitted with an automatic transmission. In addition to incorporating engineering enhancements aimed at improving efficiency, a sport-minded double-kick-down feature lets the driver command a double downshift— such as from Fifth to Third gear. The Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system also creates a “blip” of the throttle to help match gear speeds while downshifting. Previously, only the TL SH-AWD® made use of an external transmission cooler, but for 2012 all models of the TL (with automatic transmission) are now fitted with an external transmission cooler. 

The transmission teams with a new multi-clutch torque converter that not only reduces heat build-up during operation, but also allows for lock-up activation during a much wider range of driving conditions— which helps generate improved fuel economy. As a result, city/highway fuel economy for the TL is now 20/29 mpg*— an increase of 3 mpg in highway driving over the 2011 model. The TL SH-AWD® equipped with the new 6-speed automatic transmission increases by 1 mpg in both city and highway fuel economy to 18/26 mpg. Matched with the transmission is a new final drive gear ratio that allows for more relaxed cruising on the highway. 

To further improve operating efficiency, the TL’s 3.5L V-6 engine receives a host of friction-reduction technologies including a new plateau-honing technique for the cylinders, piston skirts with a new molybdenum coating, redesigned ion-plated piston rings and lower viscosity engine oil. In addition, both the 3.5L and 3.7L engines make use of a revised inlet system that provides cooler air to feed the engine. 

Chassis
For 2012, two distinct versions of Acura’s performance luxury sedan remain: a 280 horsepower, front-wheel-drive TL along with a powerful 305 hp TL paired with Acura’s exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®). The performance-minded 6MT model (with 6-speed manual transmission, handling and steering improvements) will continue to be offered in the 2012 TL SH-AWD® lineup, helping broaden the TL’s appeal among luxury performance sedan buyers.

Standard on the 2012 TL are new 17x8-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels with P245/50R17 all-season tires for confident year-round performance. The TL SH-AWD® comes standard with new 18x8-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with low-profile P245/45R18 tires for more agile handling. When equipped with the available Advance Package, the TL comes with 18x8-inch 5-spoke wheels while the TL SH-AWD® is fitted with 19x8-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels paired with new performance minded 245/40R19 all-season tires that offer significantly improved performance in snow and ice. Fitted to all TL wheels are revised center caps featuring a raised-style, chrome-plated Acura “A” mark.

The TL employs a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. Ride quality and road-holding are optimized with dual-stage “blow off” style hydraulic suspension dampers, hydro-compliant bushings (used to mount the transmission and key suspension components) and a “smart” engine mount design. On the SH-AWD® model, special rate coil springs are paired with unique damper tuning to improve handling performance. Moreover, on the SH-AWD® model special brake tuning teams with racing-inspired front brake cooling ducts to provide more performance-minded braking. 

Interior
In keeping with its mission as a driver’s car, the TL interior features a “dual personal” design that provides both the driver and front passenger with their own personal space. Inside, the 2012 TL benefits from an even further refined cabin that includes instrument cluster changes, new surface finishes for many interior appointments and available ventilated front seats. Technology improvements abound with refinement of Bluetooth® Audio (now with artists name, song title, etc.), new “active pairing” functionality for Bluetooth® enabled cellular telephones, Dial-By-Number and dial-by-voice tags, and much faster connection speed for the USB port. 

Both the TL and TL SH-AWD® models offer an available Technology Package which includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ and an Acura/ELS Surround® 440-watt Premium Audio System. For 2012, the hard disk drive (HDD) based navigation system increases in size to 60 gigabytes, map coverage is more expansive, and the full VGA monitor is brighter with even richer colors with the new backlit LED display. With the revised HDD system, there is an increase to 15 GB of dedicated space for the storage of up to 3,500 songs**. Also new is Song By Voice™ that allows the driver to choose music by artist, album, song title, genre, playlist and even composer. 

New for 2012 is an available Advance Package that incorporates all-new ventilated front seats, larger wheels and a new blind spot information (BSI) system that alerts the driver when another vehicle is detected behind the driver in an adjacent lane. 

For 2012, the use of new body sealing techniques including improved weatherstripping design, and additional expanding foam pillar separators , help reduce high frequency noise by 3 dB within the TL’s interior.

Safety
The 2012 TL uses a host of advanced safety features including Acura’s acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. The ACE™ body design enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes by utilizing a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. ACE™ body design also helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.

Six airbags and active head restraints for the driver and front passenger seats are just a few of the long list of passive safety features built into the TL. The array of airbags includes: dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; dual-chamber front seat side airbags with front passenger seat Occupant Position Detection System; and side-curtain airbags for front and outboard rear seating positions.

Additional passive safety features include 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, driver and front passenger seatbelt load-limiters with an automatic tensioning system and a Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system that permits quick, convenient attachment of up to two child seats at the outboard locations of the rear seating area.

The 2012 TL includes safety minded features such as ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist in conjunction with the 4-wheel disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and daytime running lights (DRL). 

Pricing
On sale at Acura dealerships on March 18, the 2012 TL will have a MSRP of $35,605. Equipped with the available Technology Package, the MSRP is $39,335, or $41,535 when equipped with the available Advance Package. 

The TL SH-AWD® will have an MSRP of $39,155. Equipped with the available Technology Package, TL SH-AWD® MSRP will be $42,885, or $45,085 when equipped with the available Advance Package. The TL SH-AWD® 6MT with Technology Package will have an MSRP of $42,885. 

Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2012 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan and all-new Sport Wagon, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.

Along with every new Acura, the 2012 TL is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing. 

SPIED! 2012 Acura TL Commercial Shoot

Hot on yesterday's Youtube video on the 2012 Honda Civic Commercial filming, today comes the 2012 Acura TL Commercial filming, skip to 1:15 to see the 2012 Acura TL/TL SH-AWD.

Toronto Auto Show: 2012 Acura TL's Canadian Debut

Making its Canadian debut at the 2011 Canadian International Auto show, Acura's newly refined 2012 TL delivers improved performance, upgraded technology and features as well as revised appearance.  A new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission provides improved performance and fuel economy, and a new Elite trim is added to the TL SH-AWD model lineup.

"The 2012 Acura TL is refined, yet aggressive," said Alexandre Roger, assistant vice president with Canada's Acura Division. "Already known for its performance and superb handling, the enhanced TL provides a sophisticated new look and new technologies designed to take TL to the next level."

To increase performance, a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission is applied on all TL models with automatic transmission. In addition to incorporating engineering enhancements aimed at improving efficiency, a sport-minded double-kick-down feature lets the driver command a double downshift such as from Fifth to Third gear. The Drive-by-Wire^™ throttle system also creates a "blip" of the throttle to help match gear speeds while downshifting.

In addition, the transmission teams with a new multi-clutch torque converter that not only reduces heat build-up during operation but also allows for lock-up activation during a much wider range of driving conditions which helps generate improved fuel economy. As a result, city/highway fuel economy is now 10.4 / 6.8 L/100km (TL & TL Tech 6AT), 11.4 / 7.6 L/100km (SH-AWD 6AT models ) and 11.9/8.0 L/100km (SH-AWD Tech 6MTmodel), providing an increase in highway fuel economy over the 2011 TL. To further improve operating efficiency, the TL's standard 3.5-litre V-6 engine receives a host of friction-reduction technologies while a revised air inlet system provides cooler air for both the 3.5-litre and 3.7-litre engines.

The 2012 TL's refined new look includes a redesigned front bumper with improved aerodynamics, a revised grille, updated headlights and turn signals, a new fog light design and a shorter front overhang. At the rear, a new rear bumper incorporates a significantly repositioned license plate opening and smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights and a thinner rear trunk edge trim add to a sophisticated new look.

For 2012, two distinct versions of Acura's performance luxury sedan remain: a 280-horsepower, front-wheel-drive TL, as well as a powerful 305-horsepower TL paired with Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive^™ (SH-AWD^™). The performance-minded model with a 6-speed manual transmission will be offered in the 2012 TL SH-AWD lineup, helping broaden the TL's appeal among luxury performance sedan buyers.

Both the TL and TL SH-AWD^™ models offer an available Technology Package which includes the Acura Navigation System with Bilingual Voice Recognition^™, and an Acura/ELS Surround^® 410-watt Premium Audio System. For 2012, the hard disk drive (HDD) based navigation system increases in size to 60 gigabytes, map coverage is expanded, USB connection speed increased, and the full VGA monitor is brighter with even richer colours.

Also available is a new TL SH-AWD Elite trim that incorporates all-new ventilated front seats, a new blind spot information (BSI) system that alerts the driver of other vehicles that are in close proximity, and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires.

Standard on the 2012 TL are new 17x8-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels with P245/50R17 all-season tires for confident year-round performance. The TL SH-AWD^® comes standard with 18x8-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with low-profile P245/45R18 tires for more agile handling. Finally, the new TL SH-AWD^™ Elite trim is fitted with19x8-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels with new performance minded P245/40ZR19 all-season tires.

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles. The 2011 Acura lineup features seven distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the Canadian-exclusive CSX luxury compact sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the Canadian-built MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and ZDX four-door sports coupe.

2012 Acura TL Pics Galore!

2012 Acura TL Extended

Check out the tab above to Acura's unveiling video of the 2012 Acura TL at the Chicago Auto Show.

2012 Acura TL Extended

Acura TL's new less aggressive front end

Acura TL's new set of 18-inchers, slightly revised from 2011's

Acura did not forget a couple of engine tweaks with the addition of a 6-speed auto

So what do you guys think of the new changes on the 2012 Acura TL? Makes the car different? Or is it a failed attempt?

2012 Acura TL PR

Making its debut at the 2011 Chicago Auto show, Acura's newly refined TL delivers fresh looks, improved performance and upgraded technology. Most apparent are the visual changes that incorporate new front and rear styling, but also present is a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission for improved performance and fuel economy, a revised interior and a host of technology upgrades.

"The 2012 Acura TL is refined, yet aggressive," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "Already known for its great performance, the enhanced TL has a sophisticated new look and an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission that will take performance to the next level."

The 2012 TL's refined new look includes a redesigned front bumper with improved aerodynamics, a revised grille, updated headlights and turn signals, a new fog light design and a shorter front overhang. At the rear, a new rear bumper incorporates a significantly repositioned license plate opening and smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights and a thinner rear trunk edge trim add to a sophisticated new look.

To increase performance, a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission is applied on all TL models with automatic transmission. In addition to incorporating engineering enhancements aimed at improving efficiency, a sport-minded double-kick-down feature lets the driver command a double downshift— such as from Fifth to Third gear. The Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system also creates a "blip" of the throttle to help match gear speeds while downshifting.

In addition, the transmission teams with a new multi-clutch torque converter that not only reduces heat build-up during operation, but also allows for lock-up activation during a much wider range of driving conditions— which helps generate improved fuel economy. As a result, city/highway fuel economy is now 20/29 mpg*— an increase of 3 mpg in highway driving over the 2011 TL. To further improve operating efficiency, the TL's standard 3.5L V-6 engine receives a host of friction-reduction technologies while a revised air inlet system provides cooler air for both the 3.5L and 3.7L engines.

For 2012, two distinct versions of Acura's performance luxury sedan remain: a 280 horsepower, front-wheel-drive TL along with a powerful 305 hp TL paired with Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™). The performance-minded 6MT model will continue to be offered in the 2012 TL SH-AWD lineup, helping broaden the TL's appeal among luxury performance sedan buyers.

Both the TL and TL SH-AWD™ models offer an available Technology Package which includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™, and an Acura/ELS Surround® 410-watt Premium Audio System. For 2012, the hard disk drive (HDD) based navigation system increases in size to 60 gigabytes, map coverage is more expansive, USB connection speed is faster, and the full VGA monitor is brighter with even richer colors. Also available is a new Advance Package that incorporates all-new ventilated front seats along with a new blind spot information (BSI) system that alerts the driver of other vehicles that are in close proximity.

Standard on the 2012 TL are new 17x8-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels with P245/50R17 all-season tires for confident year-round performance. The TL SH-AWD® comes standard with new 18x8-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with low-profile P245/45R18 tires for more agile handling. Finally, when equipped with the available Advance Package, the TL comes with 18x8-inch 5-spoke wheels while TL SH-AWD™ is fitted with 19x8-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels with new performance minded P245/40R19 all-season tires.

Along with every new Acura, the new 2012 TL is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

2012 Acura TL Debuts

The latest tidbits on the 2012 Acura TL: a refreshed front fascia and a revised rear end to dilute the aggressive front end of the current car. The overhangs are shorter and there is less in-your-face chrome detailing. Acura engineers also managed to increase fuel economy by cutting engine friction and adding a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment on all TL models allowing the mpg figures to jump to 20mpg city and 29mpg highway (up 3). Acura says the TL 6MT SH-AWD will continue production.

Content-wise, the TL Advance model now has a Blind-Sport Awareness system along with ventilated heated/cooled seats. Audio-techies will love the new 60GB navigation and infotainment system.

Teased! 2012 Acura TL

The 2012 Acura TL rear-end tease 

The PR people at Honda has released a quick tease of the refreshed 2012 Acura TL, compared to the photo below, you can see the rear-end is slightly toned down and more straight/smooth. I also wonder what's up with the lack of quad tail-pipes for the SH-AWD version, are we removing this feature or putting it in an option package? The 2012 Acura TL will debut tomorrow at the Chicago Auto Show

The 2011 Acura TL rear-end 

What a Tease... Acura Lifts the Veils off 2012 TL Sedan's Buttocks

In less than 24 hours from now, Acura will debut the facelifted 2012 TL at the Chicago Auto Show, but just to keep us on our toes, the Japanese automaker partially lifted the covers off the mid-size sedan's rear end. We're pretty sure that most readers are interested in what's happening on the other end of the car, but for now, it'll have to do.

From this end, we see that the model pictured here is the TL SH-AWD. Compared to the 2011 version of the car pictured below, the facelifted model gains a new bumper with a less fussy design while it also loses the quad exhaust pipes in favor of twin trapezoid-shape outlets. And well, that's about all we can see. Aside from the cosmetic changes, expect to see some minor refinements to the TL's hardware.

Read more »

Acura's 2012 TL to be shown in Toronto

Acura's 2010 TL with the beak nose

Acura has announced that its refreshed 2012 TL will also be debuting within weeks of its Chicago launch, at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Canada on February 17, 2011. Despite its unique look, Acura is looking to tone down the aggressive styling for 2012 after wide criticism from buyers, consumers and auto reviewers over its exterior styling.

2012 Acura TL to be shown at Chicago Auto Show

Acura announced earlier today that it will debut a refreshed version of the 2012 Acura TL at the Chicago Auto Show to be held on February 9, 2011. The Acura press conference that will unveil the new TL will be webcast live at http://acuranews.com 

Spyshots earlier last year suggested that no major changes are in store for this TL except for toned-down styling with a less aggressive grille/front end, slightly revised interior controls and what Acura says will, "further enhance its position in the segment with aggressive, yet refined styling and performance."

Acura to Unveil 2012 TL Sedan at Chicago Auto Show in February

*Current 2011MY Acura Shown in Pictures

The next Chicago Auto Show, to be held for the public from February 11 to 20, will host the debut of the updated for the updated Acura TL. Honda's luxury division simply stated that the TL will be "newly refined" for the 2012 model year, without releasing any more details. The current, fourth generation TL was released onto the market in late 2008 and is offered with a 280HP 3.5-liter V6 and front wheel drive, or with a 305HP 3.7-liter V6 and the firm's all-wheel drive system. We'll post any updates on Acura's mid-size sedan as soon as they become available.

Read more »

Acura News

Acura TSB

In an Acura TSB issued earlier on November 19 2010, some MDX and TL models may squeak when started. The noise coming from 2007-2008 MDX models and 2008 TLs are caused by the engine's accessory drive belt, as well as a misaligning AC compressor. Using properly sized bolts to hold the compressor in place and replacing the belt will stop the noisy startup.

Popular Mechanics' and Winding Road's 2011 Acura TSX Sports Wagon Review

@ http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/reviews/drives/2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon-test-drive?src=rss
@ http://www.windingroad.com/articles/reviews/driven-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon/

Portland Tribute's 2011 Acura TL Review

"The side mirrors on the 2011 Acura TL are a little narrow, reducing rear visibility somewhat.

There. That’s the only complaint I have about the all-wheel-drive version of Acura’s mid-size sedan I spent the last week driving. Everything else was just about perfect, including the smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission."

Visit the review on their website @ http://portlandtribune.com/features/story.php?story_id=129366391472418800

2011 Acura TL Review

 "While the 2011 Acura TL lays aim at some of the market's top sport sedans, it has very modest roots—essentially, building on the V-6 Honda Accord. That said, the TL is up to the task; it's a surprisingly well-rounded luxury sedan, with host of advanced tech features, and in top SH-AWD trim morphs into a complete and compelling sport sedan."


Visit The Car Connection website @ http://www.thecarconnection.com/review/1053281_2011-acura-tl

Acura TL Wins ALG Award

The ALG, the Automotive Lease Guide, an industry leader in residual values for over 40 years, has released its residual value award, given to the vehicle with the best value following a three year lease period. This year's award goes to the 2011 Acura TL.

The TL took first place in the quality of the vehicle, performance, value and other categories.

"It is an honor to win our fourth ALG award for the TL, the TL combines the best of advanced technology, luxury, performance and quality at an unbeatable value," said Jeff Conrad, VP of Acura Sales of America.

What's up with Acura come 2012+?

• Expect a more diluted TL version coming 2012 with a less aggressive front and rear ends. A new Advance Package with blind spot information system and other new technological features will be introduced. 
• The TSX is getting a slightly revised front end and other tweaks along with the new TSX wagon.
• A entry level compact luxury vehicle smaller than the TSX will be shown next year, being edgy and affordable (think Lexus IS). 
• Rumors are calling that the next RL will be somewhat in the form of a Mercedes CLS (4-door sports coupe) but with sufficient room and hybrid/advanced engine fuel efficiency technology being introduced.
• RDX may be losing its turbo engine. 
• ZDX will remain as the top flagship model pushing Acura forward for now. 
• For Canadians, the CSX will no longer be sold come the new entry level compact vehicle. 

Acura Canada Car Deals