Car Chat General discussion about Lexus, other auto manufacturers and automotive news.

Acura debuts updated 2012 TL

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-09-11, 09:10 AM
  #1  
GFerg
Speaks French in Russian

Thread Starter
 
GFerg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: What is G?
Posts: 13,250
Received 58 Likes on 45 Posts
Default Acura debuts updated 2012 TL











02/09/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

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.

Last edited by GFerg; 02-09-11 at 10:07 AM.
GFerg is offline  
Old 02-09-11, 09:17 AM
  #2  
GFerg
Speaks French in Russian

Thread Starter
 
GFerg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: What is G?
Posts: 13,250
Received 58 Likes on 45 Posts
Default

An improvement, but still ugliest in class. Ridiculous that Hyundai took a crap all over Acura today.
GFerg is offline  
Old 02-09-11, 09:17 AM
  #3  
Joeb427
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joeb427's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SC
Posts: 11,670
Received 15 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

A bit nicer but still ugly.
Joeb427 is offline  
Old 02-09-11, 09:21 AM
  #4  
rdgdawg
Pole Position
 
rdgdawg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Lake Country, WI
Posts: 2,794
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

When I look at current/new Acuras, I puke for distance now
rdgdawg is offline  
Old 02-09-11, 09:22 AM
  #5  
-J-P-L-
Lexus Fanatic
 
-J-P-L-'s Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 7,864
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Should help move a few more units off the lot. The complete redesign can't come soon enough though. If Acura screws that up, they're in trouble.
-J-P-L- is offline  
Old 02-09-11, 09:45 AM
  #6  
Och
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (3)
 
Och's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: NY
Posts: 16,436
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 13 Posts
Default

Not bad.

Now drop the price.
Och is offline  
Old 02-09-11, 10:21 AM
  #7  
GiantsFan
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
GiantsFan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: CA - Norcal
Posts: 7,550
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

Still not great, but I think it's a very good improvement. The beak has gotten WAAAAY smaller and the rear is also toned down a lot.

I can finally see a bit of the old TL in the front

Last edited by GiantsFan; 02-09-11 at 10:25 AM.
GiantsFan is offline  
Old 02-09-11, 10:22 AM
  #8  
MPLexus301
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (3)
 
MPLexus301's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Friend Zone
Posts: 9,044
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I am having a hard time seeing the difference.
MPLexus301 is offline  
Old 02-09-11, 10:29 AM
  #9  
bad co
Lexus Champion
 
bad co's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Park Ridge IL
Posts: 2,485
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Still ugly, but not as much.
bad co is offline  
Old 02-09-11, 10:45 AM
  #10  
lex
Lexus Test Driver
 
lex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Europe
Posts: 916
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

w-o the beak it reminds me of a Saab
Attached Thumbnails Acura debuts updated 2012 TL-2012-acura-tl-side-w-o-beak.jpg  
lex is offline  
Old 02-09-11, 10:47 AM
  #11  
DaSyce
Instructor
iTrader: (3)
 
DaSyce's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NY
Posts: 814
Received 22 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by lex
w-o the beak it reminds me of a Saab
Now that would have been my pick! (not the saab..)
DaSyce is offline  
Old 02-09-11, 10:47 AM
  #12  
edgeucated
Pole Position
iTrader: (4)
 
edgeucated's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: socal
Posts: 3,131
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

alot better, but i would take the 2012 hyundai genesis over this any day
edgeucated is offline  
Old 02-09-11, 10:48 AM
  #13  
KA8
Instructor
iTrader: (1)
 
KA8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: NV
Posts: 1,227
Received 9 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

A little better bit still isn't impressed overall.
KA8 is offline  
Old 02-09-11, 10:54 AM
  #14  
bitkahuna
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
 
bitkahuna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Present
Posts: 73,770
Received 2,127 Likes on 1,379 Posts
Default

lipstick on a pig.
bitkahuna is offline  
Old 02-09-11, 11:00 AM
  #15  
ExTrEmE99
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (6)
 
ExTrEmE99's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SoCal/NorCal
Posts: 3,452
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

It's less ugly, but how hard was it to tone down the unicorn shield?
ExTrEmE99 is offline  


Quick Reply: Acura debuts updated 2012 TL



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:13 AM.