When talking about the new 2009 Acura TL’s styling, it may be a bit polarizing. But the new luxury sedan boasts one reputation that anyone can love: its the most powerful Acura ever built. And if that isn’t enough to get Acura enthusiasts excited, the new manual transmission for 2010 will.
Acura expects about 5 percent of TL buyers to opt for the six-speed manual gearbox. While some may argue that 5 percent isn’t significant, management at Honda felt otherwise and will make a short throw six-speed available on the TL for the 2010 model year.
The six-speed manual will be mated to the available 3.7-liter 305 horsepower engine along with super-handling all-wheel drive. The new transmission is lighter than the existing five-speed automatic, and without any tweaks to the suspension to accommodate the the weight difference, this TL promises to give a slightly stiffer ride than automatic model.
With loads of power, and soon a six-speed manual, Acura has set its sights on the likes of BMW and Infiniti – assuming we will still see the manual when it’s set to make its debut late next year.
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