The 2005 Acura TL performance luxury sedan features a potent powertrain, a track tuned suspension and distinctive styling designed to solidify the TL's place in the competitive performance luxury market. Its driver-oriented cockpit contains an assortment of class-leading technology including DVD-Audio surround sound, XM® Satellite Radio and hands-free phone connectivity utilizing Bluetooth® technology as standard equipment.
"The TL was dramatically redesigned in 2004 and it's been Acura's top-selling model since the day it went on sale last year," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. "Along with the TSX sports sedan and the all-new RL luxury performance sedan, it gives us a very strong lineup of sedans for 2005."
The 2005 TL's 3.2-liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum VTEC™ engine utilizes an 11.0:1 compression ratio, a two-stage intake manifold and a cold air intake to help generate 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 238 lbs-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. A high flow exhaust system that includes two close-coupled primary catalytic converters for quicker light off and a secondary underfloor catalytic converter helps to generate extra horsepower while meeting LEV-2 ULEV emissions standards. EPA fuel mileage ratings are 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway for all models.
The 2005 TL features a drive-by-wire throttle system, which eliminates the need for a mechanical connection between the accelerator pedal and the engine. Evolved from the drive-by-wire system in the NSX supercar, this system is custom tailored to match the unique performance characteristics of the TL. It provides responsive acceleration, modulates the throttle during automatic transmission shifts for improved smoothness and allows throttle control to be incorporated into the TL's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) logic.
The TL is available with a choice of a 5-speed Sequential SportShift™ automatic transmission, or a close-ratio 6-speed manual. The 6-speed manual features a short throw shift linkage, large diameter shift cables and multi-cone synchronizers for optimum shift feel.
TL models with the 6-speed manual transmission are equipped with a limited slip differential, which proactively distributes torque between the driving wheels to help maintain traction, and creates more neutral handling and extremely responsive steering feel.
The TL's state-of-the art chassis and 4-wheel independent suspension are designed to deliver sporty, precise handling and a smooth, compliant ride. A standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) system works in concert with the drive-by-wire throttle system to provide enhanced control during acceleration, braking and cornering. This standard 4-channel system orchestrates the throttle and each of the vehicle's four disc brakes to seamlessly integrate traction control, Anti-lock braking and stability enhancement for increased driver control.
The TL features 17-inch 5-spoke wheels and 235/45R17 Bridgestone all-season tires that, when combined with 4-wheel disc brakes and Anti-lock braking, provide outstanding stopping power. Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) continuously and automatically adjusts the pressure to the front and rear brakes depending on how the vehicle is loaded. A Brake Assist feature utilizes a microprocessor to help the driver apply full brake pressure during accident avoidance situations. TL models with the 6-speed manual transmission come with Brembo 4-piston front calipers with larger rotors to further enhance braking and are also available with 17-inch high-performance tires.
To match its high performance powertrain and chassis, designers gave the TL aggressive exterior styling. They began with a wide, muscular stance accented by large wheels and tires, distinct fender blisters and minimal wheel arch-to-tire gaps. Working upward from there, they utilized bold character lines and a fusion of edge and organic design, to portray an image of muscular tension, helping to make the car look fast and lean from any angle.
In the front, the TL features a bold hood design and an aggressive front fascia with an angular headlight treatment and a new lower air intake system that accents the styling while ensuring a steady flow of fresh air to the engine and cooling system. Hood lines begin at the front grill and run up along the top surfaces of the vehicle in one bold, unbroken stroke. Distinct character grooves run below the sleek cabin on each side of the car, stretching from the front side marker across the side of the car to the rear marker. A short rear deck, with a pronounced lip and a V-shaped break below the trunk, express the car's aggressive nature. Dual exhaust pipes with bumper-integrated exhaust tips further accent the car's muscular style.
The well-appointed interior of the TL features an assortment of standard high tech features including a multi-channel DVD-Audio system. The Acura/ELS™ Premium 8-speaker Surround Sound System with 6-disc CD, DVD-Audio and DTS® changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby® Cassette delivers a whole new level of audio fidelity. This DVD-Audio system, developed with Grammy-winning music producer Elliot Scheiner, utilizes six distinct channels (compared with two on the typical premium sound system) to deliver sound resolution 500 times greater than CD. The premium system plays standard CDs, DVD-A discs, and DTS-enabled CDs and incorporates XM® Satellite Radio for over 100 channels of premium quality sound.
The TL comes equipped with a Bluetooth-based hands-free phone system as standard equipment. The system, called HandsFreeLink™, enables a Bluetooth® wireless interface with mobile phones allowing calls to be made and received using the TL's voice recognition and audio interfaces. To make a call, drivers push the steering wheel-mounted HandsFreeLink button, which connects their phone to the system. The driver then says the number to call or indicates an entry stored in the system's phone book. The voice recognition system responds, confirms the number or phone book entry and dials. The number being dialed as well as other calling information is shown on the multi-information display. The HandsFreeLink system can be programmed to accept up to 6 different phones, and up to 50 numbers may be stored in the system's phone book.
The latest generation of the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ is available on the TL as a factory-installed option. This easy-to-use navigation system features a menu of 293 voice commands, an 8-inch touch screen display, a comprehensive destination guide with more than 7 million points of interest spanning the continental United States, 3-D graphics for freeway on and off ramps and turn-by-turn voice guidance.
To ensure proper maintenance intervals and reduce the number of service visits, the TL features an innovative new Maintenance Minder system that automatically monitors the vehicle's unique operating profile and alerts the driver when certain types of routine service, including oil and filter replacement and tire rotation, are needed. When the TL is started, Maintenance Minder information is displayed on the multi-information display located on the instrument panel beneath the fuel gauge.
The TL incorporates a wide array of the latest safety technologies including standard side curtain airbags to help protect vehicle occupants from head and neck injuries in the event of a sufficient side impact. To ensure that the airbag covers the front and rear side windows instantaneously, compressed helium inflators deploy the curtain in a mere 0.015 seconds. The TL is also equipped with dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags, and side airbags for the driver and front passenger. The passenger's side airbag uses seven sensors in the seatback and side bolster to determine the height and position of the occupant. If the sensors detect that a child or small-statured adult is leaning into the deployment path of the side airbag, deployment is prevented.
New for 2005, a weight sensor has been incorporated in the front passenger seat to determine the total weight on the passenger seat. If it is less than 65 pounds (as if occupied by a small child or car seat) the front airbag will not deploy. On the driver's side, a new position sensor has been added to the seat, which determines how the airbag will be deployed in the event of a collision. If the seat is within half an inch of the most forward position, the front airbag will only deploy in the dual-stage mode. If the seat is farther than a half inch from the forward position, the airbag deploys in either single or dual-stage mode based on the severity of the collision.
Like all Acura models, the 2005 TL is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service, and trip routing.
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