2004 Acura TL

Acura TL, performance luxury sedan features a new powertrain, significant chassis enhancements and aggressive styling designed to solidify the TL's place in the increasingly competitive performance luxury market. Along with the added performance, the TL also has an assortment of class-leading innovations and industry firsts including DVD-Audio surround sound, XM(R) Satellite Radio and hands-free phone connectivity utilizing Bluetooth technology as standard equipment.

The 2004 TL's 3.2-liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum V-TEC engine utilizes an 11.0:1 compression ratio, a two-stage intake manifold and a cold air intake to help generate 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 238 lbs-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm (up from 225 hp and 216 lbs-ft for the '03 TL and 260 hp and 232 lbs-ft of torque on the TL Type-S). A retooled exhaust system that includes two close-coupled primary catalytic converters for quicker light off and a secondary underfloor catalytic converter helps to generate extra horsepowe. Despite the added horsepower, EPA fuel mileage ratings are 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway for models equipped with an automatic transmission and 20 mpg city/30 mpg highway for models equipped with a manual transmission.

2004 TL features a drive-by-wire throttle system, which eliminates the need for a mechanical connection between the accelerator pedal and the engine. Evolved from the drive-by-wire system in the NSX supercar, this system is custom tailored to match the unique performance characteristics of the TL. It provides responsive acceleration, modulates the throttle during automatic transmission shifts for improved smoothness and allows throttle control to be incorporated into the TL's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) logic.

TL will be available with a choice of a 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, or a close-ratio 6-speed manual, a first for TL. The new 6-speed manual features a short throw shift linkage, large diameter shift cables and multi-cone synchronizers for optimum shift feel. TL models with the 6-speed manual transmission are equipped with a limited slip differential, which proactively distributes torque between the driving wheels to help maintain traction, and creates more neutral handling and extremely responsive steering feel.

To match its high performance powertrain and chassis, designers gave the TL aggressive new styling. They began with a wider, more muscular stance accented by large wheels and tires, distinct fender blisters and minimal wheel arch-to-tire gaps. Working upward from there, they utilized bold character lines and a fusion of edge and organic design, to portray an image of muscular tension, helping to make the car look fast and lean from any angle.