2009 Acura TL SH-AWD

Acura's midsize sports sedan gets all-new style and some serious upgrades in the performance specs department. The 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD replaces the outgoing TL S-Type model, while retaining the AWD power delivery system and performance styling and features.

The body styling is polarizing, to say the least. With sharp creases all around and a beak-like nose that some will hate, the TL SH-AWD is much more visually interesting than its TL S-Type predecessor, though that is not necessarily a good thing. Those who love the new styling will love the attention to detail Honda has put into every performance aspect of the TL.

Among notable new Acura TL features is what Acura calls SportShift, an electronically controlled and paddle-shifted pseudo-manual gearbox like that now found in all its luxury performance sedan competitors. Rated at 305 horsepower, the 3.7 liter V6 is the most powerful engine Honda has ever offered in any of its models.

Though Honda is relatively new to AWD offerings in mass numbers, the system used in the 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD is one of the most advanced on the market. Torque can be split not only front and rear and left to right, but to the rear outside wheel specifically during hard cornering. This produces a stabilizing motion that lessens body roll and aids the TL SH-AWD's handling prowess.


Like Acura's entire newly-redesigned lineup, the interior is a stunner. Traditionally known at the lower end of the luxury car spectrum in price and appointments despite stellar performance and reliability ratings, Acura looks to move a bit upmarket. The brown-on-black two tone interior in official press photos looks like something that should be found in a Porsche or a Maserati.

If you are one of those split toward the positive end on the new TL SH-AWD from a styling perspective, the build quality and exciting performance dynamics may just warrant an Acura as your next luxury midsize sport sedan purchase. With the Honda name to back it up in reliability, it is one you would not regret.

A choice of two different all-aluminum VTEC® engines enables the new 2009 TL to satisfy a wide range of customers. Standard is a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque that sends power to the front wheels through Acura's sophisticated Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel- mounted paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control. Though powerful, the new engine is also fuel efficient, with projected EPA fuel economy ratings* of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The engine is targeted to meet California's tough CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification standards, thanks to features including a Drive-by-Wire, throttle system, Computer-Controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) and Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) for the intake valves.





Audiophiles with appreciate the new Acura/ELS Surround® 10-speaker, 440-watt premium sound system with DVD-Audio, CD, DTS,, AM/FM radio, XM® Satellite Radio and 2,500-song** hard disk drive (HDD) media storage. An intuitive interface dial as well as sophisticated voice recognition capability simplifies control of this impressive technology. Premium Milano leather seating surfaces included in the Technology Package further enhances comfort and visual appeal.

Available on both the TL and TL SH-AWD® is a Technology Package that includes the most comprehensive array of advanced electronic features ever offered by Acura. The Technology Package includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition,, AcuraLink® real-time traffic, AcuraLink® weather with Doppler-style radar mapping, an Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system and Keyless Access System with pushbutton ignition. The included Navigation System features a new 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display for improved visibility.