OVERVIEW
The CL offers a spacious, elegantly styled interior appointed with
an
extensive array of luxury and convenience features. The
instrument
panel and operating systems have been optimized for
ergonomic
performance, while the interior has been carefully contoured for
a
luxurious appearance and to provide ample space for all
occupants.
The designers aimed at creating a "symphonic" cabin, carefully blending appealing shapes, premium textures, and purposeful controls to convey a sense of unity and richness. The sweeping, wraparound instrument panel imparts a feeling of intimacy, while well-bolstered seats and standard wood-grain trim contribute to a warm, inviting ambiance.
Luxury features usually found on the options lists of competitive cars are standard on the CL. Among these are an Automatic Climate Control System, a premium AM/FM stereo system with compact-disc player, which now features steering wheel mounted controls.
For added peace of mind, the CL is equipped with a keyless entry system and standard theft-deterrent system that can detect an unauthorized door, trunk, or hood opening. The system is designed to automatically lock the car and rearm itself in the event that the driver accidentally unlocks the vehicle while departing. An anti-theft immobilizer system also makes it impossible to "hot-wire" the vehicle.
As befitting a fine performance car, the CL features a thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard equipment. The wheel leather is carefully color- and texture-coordinated to match the interior trim.
To enhance the 1998 CL, convenient steering wheel mounted remote audio controls have been added additional wood-grain trim installed and the Homelink" system made available.
MATERIALS
The standard interior in the CL is trimmed in rich moquette cloth
fabric for a luxurious look and a comfortable feel. A rich, soft
gathered leather is optional for the seats and the door panels. A
leather-wrapped steering wheel and wood-grain interior trim are
standard on the CL. Wood-grain trim has also been applied to
the
center console area of all 1998 CL models. In addition, a leather
shift knob is standard on all models with automatic
transmission.
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING
The CL is equipped with a high-capacity Automatic Climate
Control
System as standard equipment. This system offers quicker
interior
cooldown and operates more efficiently than other units. A
specially
developed solar sensor improves the system's performance by
measuring
solar intensity as it directly affects occupant comfort. The sensor
is aided by new system software that more accurately corrects
for
changing temperature and sun load.
Contributing to the system's superior performance is standard super heat absorbing solar green glass, which offers far better resistance to solar penetration than conventional green, bronze, or blue solar glass.
The cooling system uses an environmentally friendlier, non-CFC refrigerant.
DUAL AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
(SRS)
The CL is fitted with a standard driver's and front passenger's air
bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). The air bags are
intended to
supplement the front 3-point seat belts in the event of a severe
frontal collision. The passenger airbag deploys in a vertical
fashion
for maximum safety. To ensure durability and reliability, the
electrical connectors for the system are gold-plated.
SEATS
Built for beauty, proper anatomical support, and lasting comfort,
the
seats in the CL are large and voluptuously bolstered. Carefully
tuned
seat pads and trim provide a satisfying feeling of luxury,
combined
with support that ensures excellent comfort over long drives.
Thick,
handsome moquette cloth fabric is the standard seat covering. A
Premium Package, available on both CL models, adds soft, rich
leather
surfaces to the seats and the door panels. On 3.0CL models
equipped
with the Premium Package, the front seats are heated.
The 2.3CL is equipped with a standard 6-way power driver's seat. A new power-seat mechanism, developed in the U.S., is both lighter in weight and more space-efficient than previous systems. The packaging efficiency of the mechanism also allows for improved rear-seat legroom.
Standard on the 3.0CL is an 8-way power driver's seat that adds power recline. The 3.0CL includes a newly developed power walk-in feature, which automatically glides the seat to a forward position when the seatback release lever is raised and the seat back is tilted forward. When the seatback is moved back, the seat automatically glides to its original position. Created in the U.S., this system offers the world's first "fast-forward" mechanism, which glides the seat forward more quickly than previous walk-in seat designs. Also, the system is designed to be failsafe. The walk-in feature will not operate, for instance, if the door is closed. In addition, the seat includes the world's first "autoposition stop" feature. If the seat senses an object while moving rearward, it will automatically stop and then move 30mm forward.
The CL's front passenger's seat includes a manual walk-in feature. By simply lifting a lever on the side of the seatback, the seat slides forward fully to allow entry into the rear compartment. The seat slides to a middle position when pushed back.
A fold-down center armrest in the rear seatback conceals a lockable pass-through door to the trunk. A belt-stowage pocket for the center lap belt enhances the cleanly sculptured look of the rear passenger area.
AUDIO SYSTEM
The audio system fitted to the 2.3CL is a premium 6-speaker,
80-watt
unit that includes an AM/FM stereo and in-dash compact disc
player.
Speaker selection and location were determined on the basis of
the
best sound propagation and imaging. The layout consists of two
instrument-panel-mounted tweeters, one single-cone speaker in
each
door, and two 6x9-inch full-range speakers on the rear deck.
The 3.0CL also features a 6-speaker, AM/FM stereo with in-dash compact disc player. However, this system offers enhanced performance with a 100-watt BoseAE amplifier and BoseAE speakers. The BoseAE amplifier allows the use of 2-ohm speakers in the doors and in the rear shelf, which at a given amplifier voltage produce two times the output power as the standard 4-ohm speakers.
On both CL models, a permanent rear glass antenna is used instead of a conventional pole antenna, improving exterior styling, lowering wind noise, and eliminating reliability concerns.
An anti-theft feature renders the audio-system unit inoperative if it is removed from the CL, until the proper code is entered. The system also features a built-in CD controller in case the owner chooses to install the optional trunk-mounted CD changer.
As an added convenience, a steering wheel mounted remote audio control switch has been added which enables the driver to change stations or adjust the volume without taking their hands off the steering wheel.
POWER GLASS MOONROOF
Standard on the CL is a power glass moonroof with privacy
glass. The
moonroof offers a tilt-up function for enhanced cabin ventilation.
THEFT-DETERRENT SYSTEM
The CL features a standard theft-deterrent system. It uses
sensors to
detect unauthorized entry and sets off a siren, flashes the lights,
and disables the starter system. The system monitors all doors,
the
hood, and the trunk, and is automatically armed simply by
locking the
doors with the key or the keyless entry remote.
TAMPER-RESISTANT DOOR HANDLE
A newly designed door handle is designed to resist the 12 most
common
modes of car theft. A large, die-cast zinc guard plate strengthens
the handle itself and makes it less vulnerable to break-ins, while
the key cylinder has a polycarbonate cap that helps prevent it
from
being pulled out. Should a thief still manage to break in, the
integrated security system will activate the siren.
KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM/ IMMOBILIZER
A keyless entry system, fully integrated with the theft-deterrent
system, is standard on the CL. The remote sending unit is
equipped
with four buttons. The CL provides visual as well as audible
alerts
when it receives a signal from the remote sending unit. The
audible
alert can be turned on and off.
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 illuminate the interior dome light. Pressing the UNLOCK button twice unlocks all the doors. If the doors are unlocked by mistake and no doors are opened within 30 seconds, the doors will automatically re-lock and the security system will arm.
The TRUNK button, recessed slightly to prevent misoperation, unlocks the trunk by pressing and holding the button for two seconds. Because of this keyless trunk release, the CL does not need a conventional trunk-key cylinder, improving exterior styling and increasing the security of the car's contents.
A slightly recessed, bright-red PANIC button is also included to enhance driver peace of mind. Pushing and holding the PANIC button for one second sounds the security siren.
To discourage tampering, the system automatically reprograms its 24-bit security code every time the system is used. The keyless radio frequency allows the system to work at a minimum distance of 10 meters, from any angle.
To add an extra measure of theft protection, all 1998 CL models also feature an immobilizer anti-theft system which eliminates the ability to "hot wire" the vehicle.
CD STORAGE TRAY
For added convenience, and to complement the standard
in-dash CD
player, the CL cockpit features a built-in CD storage tray in the
center console. Hidden under a hinged lid, the tray securely
holds up
to 9 compact discs. The tray itself is flocked to prevent CD jewel
boxes from rattling.
SUNGLASS STORAGE COMPARTMENT
Located under the audio system in the center dash is a
convenient
sunglass storage compartment with a hinged lid.
LARGE CUP HOLDER
Perceiving a growing consumer desire, the CL is equipped with
a
versatile recessed dual cup holder in the center console. It can
hold
a combination of soft drink bottles and cans. A push-open lid
covers
the cup holder when not in use.
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. (An optional
ski
bag is available to protect the cabin from wet skis.) For
convenience, the hatch can be opened from the trunk without the
use
of a key.
manufacturing
OVERVIEW
As the first Acura model to be designed and manufactured in the
United States, the CL breaks new ground for the Acura line while
also
ushering in an exciting new era for the Acura nameplate.
The engineers and stylists created the CL specifically for the American market, combining distinctive, personalized styling with the high level of luxury amenities and convenience features widely expected by Americans shopping in this automotive arena.
Because the CL was created with U.S. production in mind, the American design and engineering teams were able to forge a uniquely close working relationship with manufacturing personnel, ensuring that the requirements of the car's assembly were an integral component of the design process from the very outset of the program.
This global cooperation is highlighted in the 3.0CL, which is powered by the first Acura V-6 to be manufactured in America. With concurrent development in Japan and America, the 3.0CL powerplant took just two years to reach production. By making manufacturablity a key focus of the project from the beginning, time was saved and efficiency was boosted. Additionally, the unique talents and technologies of many North American vendors could be incorporated into the design, to the benefit of performance and productablity.
U.S.-JAPAN COLLABORATION
As a part of Acura's ongoing effort to produce its cars where
they're
sold, Acura continues to advance the capabilities of its U.S.
facilities. In the case of the CL, more product design and
development than ever before was carried out in America.
The dynamic lines of the CL's exterior, along with its sweeping, "symphonic" cockpit layout, were penned at the company's studios in Torrance, California. After an intensive study of buyer needs and future automotive trends, stylists settled on a design theme that combined the simplicity and purposefulness of a sailplane with a conspicuous air of sophistication and elegance. The result is a coupe that radiates sportiness, prestige, and refinement-qualities among the most sought-after by American buyers moving into the mid-luxury segment.
On the manufacturing side, both engines that power the CL (the new 2.3-liter in-line four and the 3.0-liter V-6) are produced at the Anna, Ohio plant, with heavy reliance on North American parts suppliers. For production of the 3.0 V-6-the first time Anna has been the start-up facility for a brand new auto engine-the Wako, Japan engine plant provided technical backup. The East Liberty, Ohio plant, where the CL is assembled, draws on many North American suppliers for parts and subassemblies.
The CL's engines were penned at HGT (Honda R&D-Tochigi), in Japan, while total vehicle development took place in America, using parts and assemblies provided by the same suppliers that would ultimately make the production components.
GLOBAL CONCURRENT DEVELOPMENT AND
ENGINEERING
Though the logistical problems might at first seem daunting, in
fact,
a global approach worked to the CL program's advantage. With
work
taking place at HGT in Japan, questions and design issues
were
raised, then electronically passed along to HRA-Ohio. While
Japan
slept, the U.S. team worked out details with suppliers and sorted
out
manufacturing challenges. By the start of business the next day
in
Japan, the required technical or manufacturing data was waiting
for
the design team as they arrived for work. This around-the-clock
development program operation was a pivotal factor in trimming
about
one-third of the time from 3.0CL engine development, and was a
help
great in the overall CL project.
DEVELOPMENT
The CL's most recent advancement is the new 3.0-liter VTEC
V-6, but
this engine's pre-development actually led much of the CL
project.
Pre-development of the V-6 engine began in mid-'93, with bulk of
the
development work beginning in 1994, and stretching through to
early
1996. Development of the car itself began in earnest in the same
1994-96 time frame. Local parts procurement support for the V-6
engine began back in late 1993. Like the V-6, the new 2.3CL's
in-line
four relies heavily on North American sourced components.