2012 Acura TL has New Style, Lots of Technology

The 2012 Acura TL has received some styling tweaks that, depending on your point of view, either make it too bland or make it look more respectable.

But it also has added a six-speed sequential sport shift automatic transmission that improves driving dynamics. For example, drivers can now drop two gears at a time, as this tranny is able to more closely match engine rpm with gear movement by using an electronic throttle.

So while you may have liked driving the previous TL, you might love driving this version.

Now, back to the exterior changes. Acura has added a more aerodynamic front bumper, new grille, headlights, turn signals and taillights and a slimmer edge on the trunk.

The result is a much more conservative look for those who thought the previous TL was too radical. Or a much more boring look for those who thought the previous TL was innovative.

Take your pick.

On the interior, the TL still looks neat and well organized, with proper fit and finish.

The TL comes with a 3.5-liter engine that makes 280 horsepower, or an optional 3.7-liter power plant that makes 305 horsepower. Interestingly, both are rated at 20 mpg city, 28 highway.

The 3.5-liter has front-wheel drive, while the 3.7, which the tester had, comes with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. With the latter, you may also opt for a six-speed manual transmission.

With the all-wheel drive, you’ll probably notice performance and handling that come close to a rear-wheel drive model sports car.

The TL offers a technology package that features a 60-gigabyte hard drive, real-time traffic and weather data and in-dash navigation with voice recognition. It also comes with Acura’s terrific ELS Surround premium audio system – the one that sounds like you’re sitting in on a jam session live in a recording studio.

Seating five, the TL provides comfort and adequate room. Trunk space is average, at about 13 cubic feet.

Acura packs a nice suite of safety features into the TL, including electronic stability control with traction control, front-seat mounted side airbags, child-seat anchors and tethers and active front head restraints.

The TL starts at around $35,700 and ranges close to $44,000, with the tester carrying a sticker price of $43,745.

With plenty of technology and a new style, the TL presents a strong competitor in the luxury sedan market.