The 2004 Acura TL represents the third generation of Acura's near-luxury sedan entry, which was introduced in 1995 and featured a second-generation TL in 1999. Enthusiast drivers appreciate the previous-generation TL for its high dynamic capabilities-it is a true driver's car that competes against the best near-luxury sedans. These enthusiasts are increasingly looking for more dynamic refinement and capability, and emotional styling. With the 2004 TL, Acura set out to create an all-new vehicle with an exterior design that is more taut, athletic and powerful than before.

For inspiration they considered a design style referred to as "Bauhaus," named for the famous German design house of the 1920s that defined "form follows function" design. The TL uses crisp, taut lines instead of sweeping curves, satin trim in key areas rather than bright chrome, and a driver-oriented layout makes driving more engaging.

Powertrain:

The TL's 3.2-liter VTEC V-6 builds on the technology of the TL Type-S engine that preceded it, and incorporates many refinements and improvements. The 2004 TL uses a new aluminum-alloy cylinder block and heads, and a new crankshaft and pistons. Combining a 3-rocker VTEC system with a high 11.0:1 compression ratio and high-flow intake and exhaust systems help the engine produce 270 hp (10 hp more than the 2003 TL Type-S). It also delivers more torque than the previous TL Type-S engine from 1800 rpm to redline, with 238 lbs-ft maximum torque delivered at 5000 rpm.

The engine meets the tough California Air Resources Board (CARB) LEV-2 ULEV emissions standards for all vehicles sold in the U.S., and has a tune-up interval of 105,000 miles. A new Maintenance Minder system continuously monitors the vehicle's operating conditions, indicating to the driver when maintenance such as an oil change is required.

Both a 5-speed Sequential SportShift(TM) automatic and a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission are available.

Body/Chassis:

The design concept starts by building the body over a substantial foundation-large wheels and tires positioned wide, with body overhangs minimized.

Front suspension geometry evolved from the previous TL Type-S in pursuit of even greater roadholding capabilities. Every suspension link has been revised to optimize the geometry to produce improved ride and handling. Using a new lower arm, and knuckle, and shortening the rigid stamped steel upper arms, results in greater camber gain, resulting in optimized tire contact patches during cornering. Both the front and rear suspension have built in "toe" gain when the suspension is in bump, further stabilizing the chassis on rough roads and during cornering. With careful suspension tuning, engineers made sure that enhanced handling performance did not come at the cost of ride quality or comfort.

Double-wishbone front suspension and 5-link double wishbone rear suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) are all standard. Wider wheels and tires are standard, and a choice of all-season or high-performance tires is available on the manual transmission models. The result is that the new TL outperforms the previous TL Type-S in ride, handling and braking performance.

Despite a comprehensive array of new technologies and the added use of insulating materials to promote an even quieter and more luxurious cabin, strict control over component weight has kept the new TL to just 3,575 pounds, only 17 pounds more than the 2003 TL Type-S. And at 3,482 pounds, the 6-speed model actually weighs 76 pounds less. The features and equipment contain a number of firsts for the industry and for Acura. It is the first vehicle in North America to feature an acoustic glass windshield with shade band and the first to offer a standard DVD-Audio 5.1 surround sound system.

Interior:

Acura's tradition of augmenting a driver-oriented layout with luxury features evolves in the new TL. LED backlit analog instruments are placed to allow the driver instant access to information, while upgraded interior materials and details enhance luxury. The interior is also more spacious and stylish, and features standard perforated leather-trimmed seating.

The electronics reach a new level of excellence as well. Included is a new available Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM) with seven million points of interest for the 48 states. Its trip calculation time is two times quicker than the previous TL system and it recognizes 293 verbal commands. It also offers a large, easy-to-read 8-inch multi-function touch screen display.

Another advance is the use of Bluetooth, a wireless technology that's attaining widespread use in computers, PDAs and other portable electronics to enable hands-free phone capability in the TL. The Acura HandsFreeLink(TM) telephone system wirelessly links to the TL owner's Bluetooth-compatible cellular phone to enable calls to be made and received through the TL's audio and voice recognition systems.

The TL features the first automotive application of a standard DVD-A 5.1 audio system in North America. The 225-watt Acura/ELS(R) Premium 8-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, DTS(TM) and CD 6-disc Changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby(R) Cassette delivers a whole new level of audio fidelity. This DVD-Audio system, developed with Grammy-winning music producer Elliot Scheiner, utilizes six distinct channels (compared with two on the typical premium sound system) to deliver sound resolution 500 times better than CD. The premium system plays standard CDs, DVD-A discs, and DTS-enabled CDs and incorporates XM(R) Satellite Radio for over 100 channels of premium quality sound.

Story by Acura