It’s been three years since Acura grew its mid-size TL sedan into today’s big-boned bruiser with the guillotine grille. The controversy around the TL’s appearance has not diminished during the intervening years, and for those who wondered if Acura would tone down or completely abandon the controversial beak with its 2012 mid-cycle refresh, the mystery is over. Acura has taken the wraps off the refreshed 2012 TL for the Chicago auto show, and, as you can see, the beak is back.
But being somewhat flatter and a bit less knife-y, it is different. As is most of the rest of the front end, actually. Sure, you may have to put the 2011 and 2012 models side by side to see exactly where the changes have been made, but they’re there: the fascia has become more contoured, the headlamp bezels are darker, and the lower air intakes get new detailing. The rear end receives a touch-up, too, in the form of a new detailing and revised taillamps.
The 2012 TL’s interior gets minor trim changes and numerous noise, vibration, and harshness improvements. There also is a new, 60-gigabyte hard-drive-based infotainment/navigation system, which Acura says offers better functionality than the current system, an improvement we wholeheartedly welcome and look forward to verifying.
Sweeter news is the replacement of the current TL’s five-speed automatic with a that’s-more-like-it six-speed unit. Driving enthusiasts will note that the six-speed manual will continue to be offered on SH-AWD models, which feature Acura’s nifty, torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. According to a spokesman, the manual is “one of those things that has a low take rate, but is important. Those who want it, love it.” (We loved it, too.)
Acura didn’t announce any changes in output for the 3.5-liter V-6 in front-drive examples, although it’s arguably plenty powerful already, with 280 hp at 6200 rpm and 254 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. All-wheel-drive TLs get the company’s 3.7-liter V-6 with 305 hp at 6300 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. Acura claims that the TL’s fuel economy will improve for 2012, thanks to aero improvements, the aforementioned six-speed auto, and reduced friction losses within the 3.5-liter engine.
Changes falling under the “miscellaneous” category include a new Advance option package that adds a blind-spot-detection system, ventilated front seats, and upgraded wheels. Speaking of wheels, the 19-inch wheel option for the TL SH-AWD ditches its performance rubber for new all-season tires.
Pricing for the new TL has not been announced, but an Acura spokesman told us that when the 2012 hits showrooms in mid-March, pricing will remain close to that of the 2011 model, which starts at $36,165 for the base front-driver to $44,445 for one with all-wheel drive and all the trimmings. What’s certain, however, is that the new, improved TL will make it harder than ever for Acura to move its slow-selling RL flagship, which even after receiving similar upgrades for 2011, remains a tough sell at $46,080 to $56,010. Maybe if the RL had ditched that grille .
Thanks to: Car and Driver
