This new Acura brings power and control into perfect balance. The 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve Direct Injection 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC delivers 206 horsepower while giving you a combined fuel economy of 28 mpg. The engine, along with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, provides the power to thrust the car forward. Sharp control is promoted by precise all-wheel steering, while Integrated Dynamics System (four modes: Econ, Normal, Sport, and Sport +) and Vehicle Stability Assist manage the limits of driving dynamics. All this technology working together provides the promise of an immediate thrill around every corner.
The quality of a car and its superiority are determined in the curve. And Acura’s superb handling system is designed to handle tacky weather and unforgiving roadways with the snugness of a Christmas Kitty.
The other engine offered is the 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 that delivers 290 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque. The Variable Cylinder Management system can deactivate three of the six cylinders whenever viable, and quickly bring them back up if more power is needed. This saving yields a rated fuel economy of 21/34/25 mpg city/hwy/combined.
Weight has been reduced in the TLX. High strength steel has been used, thus making the body rigid. There is also aluminum and magnesium in the mix, but not at the expense of handling or safety.
The front looked very impressive, plus the visibility was greatly enhanced. Acura calls the new lighting Jewel Eye. The LED headlights use 10 separate LED lamps to mimic natural sunlight. This helps reduce fatigue and improves alertness while helping you see what others don’t. Colors even appear more vivid.
Active Noise Cancellation helps keep the cabin quiet and your nerves calm. Low-frequency engine noise is identified by discreet microphones in the cabin, and opposing waveforms are omitted from the sound system to counteract the noise. The cabin is triple sealed at doors and hydraulic mounts, and acoustic dampening is applied throughout.
Navigation is easily identified and viewed on a wide 8-inch screen with multi-view cameras. You also get audio information and navigation features on the same screen. It is easy to move unencumbered from one task to another. Virtually all technology is “front and center.” Oh yes! All this is easily controlled by voice or from the interface dial. Long-press the voice control button on the steering wheel to initiate Siri Eyes Free.
With this Siri integration feature, you can use your compatible iPhones to make and receive calls, play whatever music you desire, send and receive text messages, access maps, or order your wife to bake a cake. Well, forget that cake part, but all those other items are good to go.
Safety features in the Technology Package include Blind Spot Information, Forward Collision Warning, Cross Traffic Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist. My favorite is Blind Spot Information which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots with a warning light in the mirror to alert you not to enter that lane you intended to move into.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for TLX Tech is $35,025.
Warranty
4-year/50,000 mile Limited Vehicle Warranty
6-year/70,000 mile Powertrain Warranty
5-year/unlimited mile Rust-Through Warranty
Exterior Dimensions
Overall Length: 190.3 inches
Width (excluding mirrors): 73.0 inches
Height: 57.0 inches
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].
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