Acura, the luxury performance auto maker that pioneered the Japanese car market in the U.S. nearly ten years ago, introduces the new Acura TL Series sedans as a new leader in the mid-luxury market.
"The all-new TL Series of luxury sedans provides the type of innovation and engineering excellence that has helped Acura maintain its position as the number-one-selling luxury import nameplate for eight consecutive years," said Rich Thomas, Acura's executive vice president and general manager.
The new TL was designed as a touring luxury automobile which offers a sportier and more youthful alternative in the mid-luxury segment, the highest volume portion of the luxury sedan market.
Available in two models, the luxurious 3.2TL and sporty 2.5TL, both offer the highest feature content available in this segment. The 3.2TL is powered by a 200-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 engine, while the 2.5TL features a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower inline 5-cylinder engine.
Both powerplants are constructed of cast-aluminum alloy and are paired to electronically-controlle, four-speed automatic transmissions with Acura's Grade Logic Control System. The transmissions feature a gated shifter to provide more positive gear selection feedback to the driver.
The longitudinal arrangement of both powertrains achieves a number of desired goals including a ideal 60/40 weight distribution for excellent handling as well as reducing noisee, vibration and harshness (NVH) by allowing the use of softer engine mounts.
"The TL's elegant styling reflects the Acura 'focus on quality' with crisp lines and a timeless look, while the spacious ergonomically-designed interior provides a full complement of safety and luxury appointments," said Thomas.
TL engineers used the latest Finite Element Analysis and Modeling to achieve the highest rigidity levels at the lightest possible weight by utilizing NASA's Stress Analysis Program (NASTRAN). This program helps provide the Acura TL with the latest advances in structural rigidity for durability, impact strength and noise isolation.
To maximize interior space, the TL was designed with a long, 111.8-inch wheelbase which gives the 2.5TL an overall length of 191.5-inches, while the 3.2TL is two tenths of an inch longer, incrasing its overall length to 191.7 inches. A longer wheelbase helps create greater interior space and cargo capacity while also providing a smoother ride over rough pavement. The TL Series sedans boast the longest overall length, overall width and wheelbase of all their competitors.
Standard safety features on the TL Series include driver's and front passenger's air bags Supplemental Restratin System (SRS), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, 3-point outboard seat belts, childproof rear door locks and 5-mph front and rear bumpers.
The new TL mmodels feature a full array of luxurious appointments including an automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, electronic cruise control, and ahigh power AM/FM cassette eight speaker music system with CD player as standard equipment. They are available in seven exterior colors: Taffeta White, Cayman White Pearl, Granada Black Pearl, Juniper Green Pearl, Granite Silver Pearl, Desert Mist Metallic and Garnet Red Pearl.
Like all Acura models, the TL is covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile limited bumper-to-bumper warranty, which includes Acura's Total Luxury Care owner program featuring complimentary 24-hour Roadside Assistance, Trip Interruption Service, Concierge Service and more. The 1996 2.5TL and 3.2TL are now available at nearly 300 Acura dealers nationwide.