What You Need To Know About The Acura TL

What will you see that is different with the new Acura TL than in previous versions? Having taken a few test drives with the new version of the Acura TL, there are definite differences. You see, it has been redesigned over the last couple of years so that Audi and BMW drivers another luxury car option. This is yet another luxury sports car that is a combination of performance and value.

The Acura TL has changed a slight amount from 2004 when all of the big changes were made. It is still based on the Honda Accord, but there are some changes in the styling of the car and the powertrain. There are also some additional upscale features to the 2005 version of the Acura TL.

Performance wise, the 2005 Acura TL starts off with a 270-horsepower, 3.2 liter, 24-valve V6 engine. You can get your choice of a five-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual.

Standard with the 2005 Acura TL are 17-inch wheels that are equipped with antilock four-wheel disc brakes as well as a system for anti-skid. These standard features add to the great handling that is associated with this version of the Acura TL. It steers well and maneuvers easily in traffic. Most say it has a strong feel in traffic and that the wheels, at 17 inches, only add to that feel.

Standard on the interior of the Acura TL is leather upholstery. It is a comfortable and attractive leather that looks nice with the aluminum trim on the interior as well. The gauges are electroluminescent with blue backlighting that makes them both stylish and easy to read at night. In addition, heated seats in the front, XM satellite radio, voice-recognition navigation, and heated power door mirrors are just a few of the many standard luxury features available on this sports sedan. Then there is the cruise control, air conditioning, and individual front seat climate control, which are also all standard.

Comfort wise, the Acura TL fits the bill as well. There is a lot of leg room in the front seat. The car is made for style and front seat comfort, but you may find the back seat a little bit cramped at times. There is also limited space for storage. It is, however, a fantastic car for taking a date out on the town or showing up at a party in. It manages traffic and weather with equal ease and grace, so it if a fine work car as well.

You have seen the Acura TL sitting on the lot and wondered what all the hype was about. You wondered if the 2005 model was an improvement and if the car was a model you would enjoy for your lifestyle. It certainly isnÕt for everyone, but if you like a sports sedan with luxury and style to make a statement on your behalf, then you might want to consider taking a look at the 2005 Acura TL. It is practical for handling traffic and bad weather as well as looking stylish for your night out on the town. Either way, you owe yourself a look, go on, you know you want to.

By Christopher Luck.

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The History of Honda's Classic Acura

The classic Acura was one of Honda's biggest gambles. Japanese vehicles had a reputation for being economical above all else, putting functionality over form. Thus, when Honda unleashed the Acura on the Western market, the sense of shock at seeing a Japanese luxury vehicle took a while to die down. Some might argue that the classic Acura design generated a shock that never really died down. After all, the arrival of the Acura heralded the release of more Japanese luxury vehicles into Western markets, something that had been previously unheard of.

Debuting in 1986 after nearly ten years of development and design, Honda released the Acura, which became a success. In 1990, Honda announced plans to expand their manufacturing and research operations in the US, the company's primary market for the classic Acura. At the same time, plans are set into motion dealing with how to release the Acura into other markets, such as Canada and Europe. In 1991, Honda successfully released the Acura into the Hong Kong market, as well as integrated new technology into the design to improve performance. Unfortunately, design problems led to slower sales in the mid-1990s, which prompted Honda to both reduce production and attempt to do a major re-tooling of the overall design of the vehicle. However, at the same time, the niche market of import tuners were drawn to the Acura because it was easy to modify.

The classic Acura designs were eventually revamped in 2000, which did away with what many described as bland design elements. The new designs, combined with technologies to upgrade the performance and fuel efficiency, and decreased costs, allowed Honda to once again make the Acura one of the main import luxury vehicles in the market. Combined with the retained ease of modification that attracted car tuners to them in the previous decade, the effect was a startling resurgence to the initial strong showing that the Acura made when it was first introduced to the market. Later models followed the concept of a luxury vehicle at an affordable price, with good features and some customization options. So far, the strategy has been successful.

In 2004, the classic Acura designs were revamped into the Acura TSX for the European market. Apart from the upgraded design and internal systems, it was also given four-wheel drive and a 4-cylinder engine. Minor modifications were made to make the Acura TSX more suitable for the European market. The new design was received well by the market and quickly became one of the premier import luxury cars in the European market at the time.

However, certain features like rear wheel drive and V8 engines, have become prominent among the competitors of the classic Acura. Honda currently is sticking to its guns in maintaining the simple but elegant design, combined with functional technologies and systems. While opinions vary, there is some worry over the fact that the latest models have not been as tuner-friendly as previous ones. Some speculate that Honda will have to once again rethink the design of the classic Acura in order to keep up.

By Christopher Luck.