Typically, a sports sedan will receive demerits when its thrust is provided by a front-wheel drive configuration.
Performance usually is benchmarked by rear-wheel drive vehicles or all-wheel drive cars.
Honda/Contributed photo |
The 2008 Acura TL Type S defies the usual thinking that performance cars come with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Type S has a front-wheel drive and a retuned suspension.
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Honda/Contributed photo |
The cavernous interior of the Acura TL Type S is full of upscale fittings and finishes that create a luxurious ambience inside the vehicle.
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The Acura TL Type S is the exception to that rule.
The Type S, Acura's performance version of its TL model, is the only front-wheel drive sports sedan of those that really count – the BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G35, Lexus IS350 and Chrysler 300C.
The retuned suspension, precise steering and rigid body give the Type S handling abilities that don't typically arise in front-wheel drive models.
Except for the Chrysler, the TL is the biggest of the bunch. I point that out because the handling and driving attributes of the Type S are excellent considering the vehicle's size and weight.
I wouldn't call it as agile or nimble as a sports coupe, but it is impressive as you take curves at faster than normal speeds.
But the big difference between the base TL and the Type S version is its engine. Up from a smaller output V6, the engine in the Type S is a 3.5-liter VTEC V6 that delivers 286 horsepower and 256 pounds of torque.
Now when you compare that to the base TL's 3.2-liter 258-hp V6, it's a solid improvement.
However, both V6's in the Type S' Japanese counterparts – the IS350 and G35 – delivers 306 hp.
So, Acura made up for the lack of power by providing a smoother engine. It revs easily, and as it runs through the five automatic gears, the power shifts seamlessly.
But we all know that power is king, so most people aren't going to consider the subtleties when it comes to comparing sports sedans.
They'd be wrong to completely overlook the Type S.
It is true that the Type S falls short in the race to 60 mph thanks to its less than powerful engine. And it's more expensive than its Japanese competitors.
But it has many redeeming qualities that I think make up somewhat for its lack of power.
Inside a cavernous interior, you'll find the fit and finish above par. Only the Chrysler 300C provides more back seat legroom than the TL Type S.
I've already talked about the smooth-running engine and exquisite handling for a larger car.
But I guess what stands out the most is that the Type S is expensive – more expensive than its closest competitors.
My test Type S was just a few hundred dollars shy of $40,000.
Yes, it had several high-dollar features, including a navigation system with real-time traffic, XM Radio and a kick-butt Surround Sound stereo system.
But a 300-hp BMW 335i starts just a couple hundred dollars more than the Type S.
And the G35 and IS350 start a few thousand dollars less than the Type S.
Plus, the present generation TL has been around for a few years, so it's got some age on it.
The good news though is that the Honda Accord was redesigned for 2008. And because the TL is derived from Honda's best-selling sedan, chances are good that next year will the year of a whole new TL.
And hopefully, a whole new Type S, as well.
If Acura engineers do add more power to the engine in the Type S, I hope they keep its refinement. That's really its greatest attribute.
