Redesigned 2002 Acura 3.2 TL Sizzles With New Type-S Edition And Class-Leading Horsepower
4 January 2001
Redesigned 2002 Acura 3.2 TL Sizzles With New Type-S Edition And Class-Leading Horsepower
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 4 Debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show,
the Acura 3.2 TL builds on its position as the leader in the
near-luxury class with a host of enhancements and the addition of a new,
high-performance Type-S model featuring 260 horsepower -- the highest output
in its class.
"The new Type-S, with its more than 500 changes, transforms the TL into a
true enthusiast's car," said Dick Colliver, Acura's executive vice president.
"With its class-leading 260-horsepower V-6, race-bred Sequential SportShift
5-speed transmission, sport-tuned suspension, and 17-inch wheels and tires,
the Type-S is designed to thrill even the most discriminating drivers. At the
same time, it delivers all the hallmarks the TL is famous for -- including
advanced safety engineering, comprehensive standard luxury amenities, and
superb Acura quality. It's a remarkable machine."
With 260 horsepower at 6100 rpm, the Type-S engine produces more power
than its competitors. Like the all-aluminum, 3.2-liter, 24-valve V-6 in the
3.2 TL, the Type-S engine uses Acura's patented Variable Valve Timing and Lift
Electronic Control (VTEC) system to combine abundant low-rpm torque with
exhilarating high-rpm power.
The Type-S further builds upon its impressive engine foundation with a
dual-stage induction system, a low-restriction dual-outlet exhaust, a
larger-diameter throttle body, an increased compression ratio, plus
high-performance intake valves and camshafts. In addition to boosting
horsepower, these enhancements help the Type-S engine achieve its maximum
232 lbs.-ft. of torque over an exceptionally broad range -- from 3500 rpm all
the way to 5500 rpm.
The 3.2 TL's VTEC-equipped V-6 produces 225 horsepower at 5600 rpm and
216 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4700 rpm. Both TL engines utilize a direct ignition
system with knock control, which helps to optimize power and fuel efficiency
by ensuring a properly timed spark at all engine speeds. Equipped with
platinum-tipped spark plugs and a long-life timing belt, all TL's are designed
to run for 105,000 miles before requiring a major scheduled tune-up.
Both TL models are equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission
featuring Sequential SportShift. Like the sophisticated transmissions found
in Formula 1 race cars, Sequential SportShift allows the driver, if he or she
desires, to shift gears semi-manually simply by moving the gear lever fore or
aft in a special SportShift gate. The transmission can also operate with the
convenience of a conventional full automatic. Thanks to its five wide ratios,
the transmission enhances acceleration while also reducing engine rpm during
highway cruising -- improving fuel efficiency and reducing engine noise
compared with a 4-speed automatic.
In keeping with Acura's proven commitment to the environment, the TL
delivers its impressive performance while also achieving exceptionally low
tailpipe emissions. Both the 3.2 TL and Type-S models are classified as Low
Emission Vehicles (LEV). In addition, the California-model 3.2 TL meets
stringent Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) requirements.
To exploit its high-adrenaline powertrain, the TL's chassis has been
engineered to deliver extraordinary levels of control and responsiveness. The
highly rigid, unit-body structure of the TL supports a race-bred,
four-wheel-independent, double-wishbone suspension with front and rear
stabilizer bars and a shock-tower bar. For even greater cornering capability,
the Type-S features such additional suspension enhancements as firmer springs,
increased damping rates, and a larger rear stabilizer bar. Both TL models are
equipped with a standard 4-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) for secure
stopping power. The 3.2 TL wears V-rated, all-season Michelin tires
(205/60R16 size) on 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; the Type-S sports 215/50R17
all-season, high-performance Michelins on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
Revisions to the TL's exterior enhance its sporty appearance for 2002.
The front end is completely redesigned with a more aggressive front grille,
reshaped headlights, and revised badging. Fog lights are now standard and the
TL's taillights have clear upper lenses for a new look. Three new exterior
colors are available for 2002: Anthracite Metallic, Aegean Blue Pearl, and
Eternal Blue Pearl.
Inside, the TL continues to offer a warm, inviting cabin ambiance with a
truly remarkable level of standard luxury amenities. New for 2002 is a
standard, 6-disc in-dash CD changer that complements the impressive
five-speaker Acura/Bose(R) Music System. Among the many other standard
features are an Automatic Climate Control System with micron air filter, a
power glass moon roof, a keyless entry system, auto-up driver's window, heated
power front seats, leather seating surfaces, and handsome wood-patterned trim.
To enhance its dynamic personality, the cockpit of the potent Type-S is
trimmed with sporty perforated-leather seats and steering wheel, a
metallic-face instrument panel, a perforated-leather "Type-S" shift knob, and
ebony wood-patterned trim to compliment models with a black interior.
The only factory-installed option available on the TL is the DVD-based,
Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System. Using mapping data of the
continental United States (stored on a single DVD-ROM disc) and directional
inputs from orbiting Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, the system
can direct the driver to any one of more than 3.7 million points of interest
-- in fact, nearly any business or residential address -- with a few quick
touches of the large, six-inch color LCD display in the dash.
The 2002 TL fully reflects Acura's proven dedication to occupant safety
and security. Both TL models are designed with a highly rigid,
computer-designed structure and incorporate a vast arsenal of standard safety
technologies. Among these are Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights
for outstanding nighttime visibility, an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and
traction control, dual-stage driver's and front passenger's air bags, and side
air bags for the driver and front passenger. The passenger's side air bag
uses a system of seven sensors in the seatback and side bolster to determine
the height and position of the occupant. If the system detects that a child
or small statured adult is leaning into the deployment path of the side air
bag, it is designed to prevent deployment.
The TL Type-S also incorporates the Acura Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
system first seen during the 2000 model year on the 3.5 RL flagship sedan.
VSA helps the driver maintain control during acceleration, high-g cornering,
and sudden evasive maneuvers by constantly monitoring lateral stability and
applying brake force to either front wheel and managing the throttle and
injection systems to help bring the car back onto the driver's intended path.
Many of the Acura TL's performance, safety, and convenience technologies
were designed and engineered at the Honda R&D facilities in the United States.
The TL and its coupe sibling, the CL, were designed and engineered in the U.S.
and are assembled in Marysville, Ohio.
Like all Acura models, the 2002 TL is covered by a comprehensive
4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Additional ownership
benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour
roadside assistance, concierge service, and trip routing.
Acura offers a full line of premium performance vehicles through a
nationwide network of nearly 260 dealers. The Acura line-up features six
distinctive models including the exotic NSX supercar, the 3.5 RL flagship
luxury sedan, the best-selling 3.2 TL luxury performance sedan, the 3.2 CL
luxury performance coupe, the fun-to-drive Integra, and the revolutionary MDX
luxury sport utility vehicle. For more information about Acura vehicles,
please visit http://www.acura.com.