OVERVIEW
The TL features a spacious, luxury-oriented interior designed to
enhance occupant comfort and convenience. Priorities included
ergonomic design for all operating systems while providing ample
space for all occupants.
New for 1998, the 2.5TL model now features a leather-trimmed interior, power moonroof, keyless entry and heated door mirrors. The 3.2TL now includes heated front seats and heated mirrors as standard equipment.
To maximize interior space, and provide the rear occupants with ample knee and foot room, the TL was designed with a long wheelbase. A longer wheelbase allows the creation of greater cargo room and also provides a smoother ride over rough pavement. To provide easier entry and exit for the backseat occupants, the rear seats were positioned further to the rear.
The designers enhanced the feeling of spaciousness by using a horizontal styling motif that includes a sweeping, curved instrument panel and a wide wood-patterned dashboard. The sense of spaciousness is further enhanced by the low cowl height and large glass area.
For added peace of mind, the TL Series features a theft-deterrent system with sensors that detect unauthorized door, trunk or hood opening. A new door lock design also deters the use of a slim jim to operate the lock from above.
In keeping with the Acura tradition of balanced performance, the cockpit is also designed to enhance the driving experience. The steering wheel is thickly padded and designed to encourage proper driving. Adding to the ambiance of a driver's car is the gated transmission shifter.
MATERIALS
Both the 3.2TL and 2.5TL models feature a standard leather-trimmed
interior and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A leather-wrapped
shift knob is also standard in 3.2TL models. All models feature a
standard wood-patterned instrument panel and wood-grained garnished
power window switches. 3.2TL models also add a wood-patterned center
console as standard equipment.
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING
All TL models feature an Automatic Climate Control System as standard
equipment. This is an all-new unit that surpasses the efficiency of
any previous Acura air conditioning unit. It features greater cooling
capacity for quicker interior cooldown and operates more quietly than
previous units. In addition, this unit can automatically maintain the
preset interior temperature to within half of a degree. The cooling
system uses an environmentally friendlier, non-CFC refrigerant.
DUAL AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
All TL models feature a driver and front passenger air bag
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) as standard equipment. The air
bags are intended to supplement the seat belts in the event of a
severe frontal collision. The passenger air bag deploys in a vertical
fashion for optimum effectiveness. To ensure durability and
reliability, the electrical connectors for the system are
gold-plated.
The front seat belts of the TL use a direct-clamping mechanism to grip the belt near its exit from the reel. With this system, the belts effectively stay tight on the occupants, helping to reduce forward movement in the event of an impact.
SEATS
The seats were designed to provide excellent fit and comfort, proper
anatomical support and appropriate form-fitting to keep the driver in
place during transient maneuvers. The construction methods and
materials used help ensure that the seats will remain firm over the
life of the vehicle. All TL models feature an 8-way power driver's
seat with manually adjustable lumbar support, and the 3.2TL adds a
4-way power passenger seat as standard equipment. All TL models also
feature heated front seats with a dual position temperature control.
AUDIO SYSTEM
The standard audio system in all TL models is an 8-speaker unit with
AM/FM stereo/cassette and compact disc player. Speaker selection and
location were determined on the basis of the best sound propagation
and imaging. There are two 6x9-inch full-range speakers on the rear
deck, one 6.5-inch full-range speaker mounted on each front door, two
1.5-inch tweeters on the dash top and two 2-inch midrange speakers
located in the headliner.
An anti-theft feature renders the unit inoperative if it is removed from the car, until the proper five-digit security code is entered. The system also features a built-in CD control in case the owner chooses to install the optional trunk-mounted CD changer.
THEFT-DETERRENT SYSTEM
All TL models feature a standard theft-deterrent system. It uses
sensors to detect unauthorized entry and sets off the horn, flashes
the lights and disables the starter system. The system monitors all
doors, the hood and the trunk, and is automatically set by simply
locking the doors.
KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM
Both TL models feature a remote keyless entry system. The remote
sending unit is equipped with a LOCK and an UNLOCK button. A single
push of the LOCK button locks all the doors. A single push of the
UNLOCK button will unlock only the driver's door and turn on the
interior lights for 20 seconds. Pressing the UNLOCK button twice
unlocks all the doors. The system works at a maximum distance of 10
meters.
ASHTRAY/COIN BOX
Realizing that many drivers do not smoke, the TL is designed to give
its owner a choice between using this versatile compartment as an
ashtray or using it as a coin box. For non-smokers, a velvet lined
insert fits into the ashtray to convert it into a coin holder.
LARGE CUP HOLDER
Perceiving a growing consumer desire, the TL features a versatile
recessed cup holder. It can hold a combination of soft drink bottles
and cans. A push-open lid covers the cup holder when not in use.
LARGE CONSOLE BOX
To increase convenience, all TL models are equipped with a large
console box with an integral armrest. This unit contains an upper and
lower tray with a combined volume of 3.9 liters. It can hold up to
nine compact discs or ten cassette tapes.
HEATED DOOR MIRRORS AND FRONT SEATS
Both TL models feature heated door mirrors to help keep the mirrors
clear in inclement weather.
TRUNK PASS-THROUGH
The rear seat is equipped with a trunk pass-through access hatch that
can be locked from the passenger cabin. This is convenient for
storing long items in the trunk such as snow skis. For convenience,
the hatch can be opened from the trunk without the use of a key.
CARD KEY/TICKET HOLDER
Located above the rearview mirror is a convenient holder for a
parking card key, parking ticket or toll-road ticket.