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The All-New 2004 Acura TL
Article Courtesy Acura

The all-new 2004 Acura TL luxury-performance sedan truly defines the next level of the Acura brand. It’s a vehicle that combines increased performance with a dynamic design, new technologies and precision craftsmanship.

Combining sophisticated performance and athletic style, the new third-generation TL can be summed up simply: “It is the signature of Acura.”

The 2004 TL represents the third generation of Acura’s luxury-performance sedan. Originally introduced in 1995, the second-generation TL was launched in Fall 1998 and quickly took over the luxury vehicle market, becoming a best seller and setting the benchmark for competing products. TL buyers appreciated the previous-generation model for its overall performance and high feature content. The subsequent Type S model, that debuted in 2001, brought the TL to a higher level of performance and appealed to buyers looking for more of a “driver’s car.” The new TL luxury-performance sedan builds upon and exceeds the previous Type S in terms of handling and performance, refinement, and technological features for consumers who want a dynamic blend of performance and luxury.

In furthering the styling direction set by the 2004 TSX sports sedan, the 2004 TL luxury-performance sedan uses crisp, taut lines instead of sweeping curves to create a powerful, athletic stance. For the interior, real aluminum trim is used in key areas rather than bright chrome, and a driver-oriented layout helps to make a more engaging driving experience.

The new TL is the first Acura product in Canada to debut with an available satellite Navigation System with Voice Recognition that features “Canadian-specific French.” The TL also offers several other new technologies such as an Acura HandsFreeLink™ Bluetooth wireless-linked telephone system and the first automotive North American application of a DVD-audio sound system.

POWERTRAIN FEATURES

3.2-litre, SOHC, VTEC V6 engine
270 horsepower @ 6200 RPM
238 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 RPM
Intake-side three-rocker VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
11.0:1 compression ratio
High flow cold air induction system
2-stage tuned intake manifold
High-flow exhaust system with closed-coupled and under-floor catalytic converters
Drive-by-wire throttle control system
Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Direct ignition system
Capable of meeting the California Air Resource Board’s LEV-II ULEV emissions standards
Maintenance Minder system which optimizes service intervals
168,000 km (105,000 mile) tune-up intervals
Helical gear-type limited-slip differential with the Dynamic Package

POWERTRAIN

The TL’s 3.2-litre VTEC V6 builds on the technology of the TL Type S engine that preceded it, and incorporates many refinements and improvements. The 2004 TL uses a new aluminum-alloy cylinder block and heads, and a new crankshaft and pistons. Combining a 3-rocker VTEC system with a high 11.0:1 compression ratio and high-flow intake and exhaust systems help the engine produce 270 hp (10 hp more than the 2003 TL Type S). It also delivers a stronger, broader torque curve than the previous TL Type S engine from 1800 RPM to redline, with 238 lb.-ft. maximum torque delivered at 5000 RPM.

The engine meets the tough California Air Resources Board (CARB) LEV 2 ULEV emissions standards for all vehicles sold in the U.S. and Canada, and has a tune-up interval of 168,000 km (105,000 miles). A new “Maintenance Minder” system continuously monitors the vehicle’s operating conditions, indicating to the driver when maintenance such as an oil change is required.

A 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic is standard with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission available with the optional “Dynamic Package.”

BODY & CHASSIS FEATURES

Unit-body with extensive use of high-strength steel
BI-function Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
Acoustic windshield
Satin grille and trunk trim
Standard power moonroof with 1-touch switch and anti-pinch safety feature
Memory-linked power mirrors with auto tilt-down for left and right mirrors
Double-wishbone front suspension
5-link double-wishbone rear suspension
Lightweight aluminum-alloy front subframe
Speed-sensitive, torque-sensing power rack-and-pinion steering
17 x 8JJ aluminum-alloy wheels
P235/45R17 Bridgestone Turanza all-season tires
4-wheel disc brakes with 3-channel ABS, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control (standard on automatic transmission and manual transmission models)
Bridgestone Potenza summer high-performance tires with the Dynamic Package
Acura-Brembo braking system with the Dynamic Package

BODY & CHASSIS

The design concept starts by building the body over a substantial foundation – large wheels and tires positioned wide, and minimizing body overhangs.

Front suspension geometry evolved from the previous TL Type S in pursuit of even greater road-holding capabilities. Every suspension link has been revised to optimize the geometry to produce improved ride and handling. Using a new lower arm and knuckle, and shortening the rigid stamped steel upper arms, created greater camber gain, resulting in optimized tire contact patches during cornering. Both the front and rear suspension systems have built-in “toe” gain when the suspension reacts to bumps, further stabilizing the chassis on rough roads and during cornering. With careful suspension tuning, engineers made sure that enhanced handling performance did not affect ride quality or comfort.

Double-wishbone front suspension and 5-link double wishbone rear suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Brake Assist and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) are all standard. Wider wheels and tires are also standard, and when equipped with the optional “Dynamic Package” the TL benefits from special summer high-performance tires. The result is that the new TL outperforms the previous TL Type S in ride, handling and braking performance.

Despite a comprehensive array of new technologies and added use of insulating materials to promote an even quieter and more luxurious cabin, strict control over component weight has kept the new TL to just 1623 kg (3,579 lbs.), only 9 kg (20 lbs.) more than its predecessor despite an increase in feature content. At 1585 kg (3,495 lbs.), the TL equipped with the Dynamic Package model actually weighs 29 kg (64 lbs.) less.

** All preceding figures are preliminary

The features and equipment contain a number of firsts for Acura, including an acoustic glass windshield with shade band, DVD-Audio system, special wheel arches for reduced gaps, flush moonroof, aluminum sash garnish, Thinsulate™ wheel wells.

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE FEATURES

LED backlit analog instruments
Leather-wrapped 4-spoke tilt and telescopic steering wheel
Steering wheel-mounted controls for audio, cruise control, HandsFreeLink™ Bluetooth telephone system (with Navi or Dynamic Package) and available Acura Navigation System with English/French Voice Recognition (with Navi Package)
Performance-oriented front bucket seats with leather seating surfaces
8-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power adjustable lumbar support
Fully lined trunk
Dual-zone, dual-mode Acura Automatic Climate Control System
Keyless Memory Settings with two driver profiles
Acura/ELS® Premium 8-speaker surround sound system with DVD-Audio, DTS and CD 6-disc changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby® cassette
Multi-Info Display (MID) enables access to multiple electronic functions

INTERIOR

Acura’s tradition of augmenting a driver-oriented layout with luxury features evolves in the new TL. LED backlit analog instruments are placed to allow the driver instant access to information, while upgraded interior materials and details enhance the feeling of luxury. The interior is also more spacious and stylish, and includes standard perforated leather-trimmed seating.

The electronics reach a new level of excellence as well. Available for the first time in an Acura vehicle in Canada is a new Acura Navigation System with English/French Voice Recognition™. Available only with the “Navi Package”, it includes approximately 8.7 million points of interest in Canada and the U.S. and recognizes 180 verbal commands. The Navigation System utilizes a large, easy-to-read 8-inch multi-functional touch screen display.

Also available with both the Navi and Dynamic Packages is the Acura HandsFreeLink™ system. The Acura HandsFreeLink™ system is based on Bluetooth, a wireless technology that’s attaining widespread use in computers, PDAs and other portable electronics. The Acura HandsFreeLink™ telephone system wirelessly links the TL owner’s Bluetooth-compatible cellular phone to the vehicle. Auto-dialing, voice-activation prompts, microphone and speakers are all automatically transferred to the in-car system for easy hands-free conversation as soon as an activated phone enters the car. Calls can be transferred, made and answered with the vehicle’s HandsFreeLink™ system that incorporates the audio system’s speakers and volume control, microphone, vehicle displays and Bluetooth unit with voice recognition.

The TL features the first automotive application of DVD-A 5.1 audio system. The Acura/ELS® Premium 8-speaker surround sound system with DVD-Audio, DTS™ and CD 6-disc changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby® cassette uses the latest audio technology to provide true surround-sound quality that brings sound staging, imaging and tonal quality to remarkable levels.
SAFETY

The 2004 TL has an advanced array of safety features. This includes advanced passive safety technologies and engineered-in accident avoidance capabilities like 4-wheel independent suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, large P235/45R17 tires, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). The optional “Dynamic Package” further adds an Acura-Brembo braking system to further enhance braking performance.

In the event of a collision, the new TL unit body is engineered to disperse collision forces while maintaining the integrity of the passenger compartment. Front and rear door beams (two in the front, one in the rear), extensive use of lightweight high-strength steel in the passenger safety cage, and deformable front and rear structures, help the TL target the highest crash resistance rankings in the U.S. government SINCAP and NCAP barrier tests. Likewise, during the U.S.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) offset collision test the TL is expected to achieve the highest ranking (“GOOD”) in all categories. Other new safety features for 2004 include standard side curtain airbags and adjustable rear outboard head restraints.

SAFETY FEATURES

Driver and front passenger dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags (SRS)
Driver and front passenger side airbag system (SRS) with front passenger Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
Side curtain airbag system (new for 2004)
Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Neck-Injury Reduction Seat
Front head restraints adjustable for height and tilt
Rear outboard adjustable head restraints (new for 2004)
3-point seat belts for all five seating positions
Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR)
Tether anchors (all rear positions)
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system for rear outboard positions
Front and rear crumple zones
Dual front and single rear door beams
Seat belt reminder
Child-proof rear door locks
Adjustable front seat belt anchors

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