2013 Acura Tl in Houston, TX - $12,995

With athletic and emotional styling, powerful engine performance and a Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) model, the fourth-generation TL is nothing less than the most exciting performance luxury sedan in Acura history. After a complete from-the-wheels-up redesign for 2009, Acura aimed to enhance every aspect of the original model. Featuring a stiff unit-body construction with expansive use of high-strength steel (as well as key aluminum components), unique and dramatic exterior styling, a choice of two powerful VTEC® V-6s, Electric Power Steering (EPS), and a luxurious and technologically advanced interior, the TL sets the benchmark for the future direction of the Acura division.

For 2012 engineers went back to work to further refine the TL with even better attributes. Most apparent are the visual changes that incorporate new front and rear styling, a revised interior and a host of technology upgrades. The TL's refined new look includes a redesigned front bumper with improved aerodynamics, a revised grille, updated headlights and turn signals, a new fog light design and a shorter front overhang. The TL's styling changes more closely align the overall design direction of Acura as, for example, the TL's new lower front fascia openings are similar in design direction as those seen on Acura's popular SUV models (ZDX, MDX and RDX).

At the rear, a new rear bumper incorporates a significantly repositioned license plate opening and much smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights and a thinner rear trunk edge trim add to a sophisticated new look. Also adding to the exterior looks are new 17- and 18-inch aluminum wheels fitted with a revised center cap featuring a raised-style, chrome-plated Acura "A" mark.

Power for the 2012 TL sedan is generated by one of two engines: a 3.5L V6 and 3.7L V6. Available in front and all-wheel drive, an all-new Sequential SportShift six-speed automatic transmission provides improved performance and fuel economy. For the performance minded, a six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox is an available option.

However, the TL 6MT goes well beyond the addition of a unique transmission. Acura engineers developed a complete performance package for the six-speed model that includes numerous enhancements to handling, steering and reliability.

Inside, the 2012 Acura sedan benefits from an even further refined cabin that includes updates such as available ventilated front seats, instrument cluster changes and new surface finishes for many interior appointments. The further expansion of intuitive and customizable technologies enables the TL owner to better stay connected with the world around them as well as to be able to use their time more efficiently.

For 2012, a larger HDD system (now 60 gigabytes) works with a brighter and more colorful monitor, there is an increase to 15 GB of dedicated space for the storage of up to 3,500 songs, and now there is even faster USB port connectivity. Technology improvements abound in the form of the availability of Song By Voice™, refinement of Bluetooth® Audio (now with artists name, song title, etc.), new "active pairing" functionality for Bluetooth® enabled cellular telephones, dial-by-number and dial-by-voice tags, and even further expanded map information for the navigation system.

Within the TL, occupants are treated to an engaging interior which includes advanced LED lighting throughout the cabin, thickly bolstered leather seating and flowing metallic or wood patterned accents.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 109.3; overall length: 194.0; width: 74.0; height: 57.2

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 3.5L V6 – 280 hp at 6,200 rpm and 254 lbs-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm; 3.7L V6 – 305 hp at 6,300 rpm and 273 lbs-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 3.5L V6 – 20 city/29 hwy. ; 3.7L V6 – 18 city/26 hwy. (automatic), 17 city/25 hwy. (manual).

Cargo capacity: 13.1 cubic feet

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side impact, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, fog lights, HomeLink garage door opener, automatic Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, engine immobilizer, daytime running lights, side-impact door beams, remote keyless entry, tire pressure monitoring system, grade logic control, traction control, and vehicle stability assist. Tech Package adds: push button engine start, navigation system, and rearview camera. Advance Package adds Blind Spot Assist system.

Warranty

Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile

Powertrain: 6-year/70,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited

Roadside Assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 Acura TL sedan starts from $35,605 for the base sedan and $39,155 for the SH-AWD model. Destination charges add $ 860.