2009 Acura TL Trims and Specs

The Acura TL Base luxury sedan receives a boost in power for 2009, thanks to its new 3.5-liter VTEC V6 engine, which delivers 280 hp, an increase of 22 hp over the previous year's V6. Similarly, torque jumps to 254 lb-ft, an increase of 21 lb-ft over the previous year's engine. The V6 links to a Sequential SportShift five-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted F1-style paddle shifters, which enable drivers to shift manually. Working together, the engine and transmission drive the Acura TL from 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds. Fuel economy numbers for the new V6, which requires premium fuel, check in at 18/26 mpg. A precision-crafted electric rack-and-pinion steering system features torque-sensing variable power assist, which makes the car easy to steer at very low speeds, such as when parking. Performance-related features include Vehicle Stability Assist and antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake distribution, which help the driver maintain control of the vehicle in emergency situations or in slippery road conditions. Xenon high-intensity discharge headlights also come standard. The Acura TL Base rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires.

The Acura TL Base offers more interior room for 2009, thanks to a longer wheelbase and a longer overall length. A new "dual personal" cockpit puts an extensive array of buttons, controls, and gadgets at the fingertips of both the driver and passenger. Such features as leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, metallic trim interior finishes, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, remote keyless entry, a multi-information display, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls all come standard. Bluetooth wireless connectivity and an eight-speaker, 276-watt AM/FM audio system with XM satellite radio, an MP3 input jack, and a 6-CD changer also come standard. Safety features include two-stage front airbags and side-curtain airbags. Options include a rearview camera, a keyless remote start system, and a navigation system with voice recognition.

New for 2009, the Acura TL SH-AWD luxury sedan replaces the previous year's Acura TL Type-S trim. The TL SH-AWD, which stands for Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, improves upon the '09 Acura TL Base trim with such features as larger 18-inch wheels, larger dual-piston Brembo brakes, stiffer damping force, and stronger shocks. The SH-AWD also gets a more powerful 3.7-liter V6 engine, which Acura borrows from the RL. The V6 generates 305 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, powering the TL SH-AWD from 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds. The V6 links to a five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted F1-style paddle shifters, enabling drivers to shift manually. Despite its impressive performance, the TL SH-AWD posts fairly reasonable fuel economy numbers of 17/24 mpg, although the V6 engine runs on premium fuel. Standard features include Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which continually monitors road conditions and other factors, and distributes power between the front and rear wheels accordingly to optimize traction, stability, and balance. Other standard features include Vehicle Stability Assist, antilock brakes with brake assist and Electronic Brake Distribution, and Hill Assist, which prevents rollback when starting or stopping on an incline.

Standard interior features for the TL SH-AWD include leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, remote keyless entry, a multi-information display, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls. New features include a "dual personal" cockpit, which puts a wide array of buttons, controls, and gadgets at the fingertips of both the driver and passenger. The TL SH-AWD also comes equipped with Bluetooth wireless connectivity and an eight-speaker, 276-watt AM/FM audio system with a 6-CD changer, XM satellite radio, and an MP3 input jack. Safety features include two-stage front airbags and side-curtain airbags. Drivers can add such options as a rearview camera, an Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system, a keyless remote start system, and a navigation system with voice recognition.