2007 Acura TL Type-S

Interior

Inside, the new three-spoke steering wheel is fitted with paddle shifters, which can be used instead of the shift lever to produce manual gear changes. Seats are embossed with the Type-S logo. Type-S drivers face stainless steel pedals and red illuminated meters, versus blue for the regular TL.


Snug-bolstered seats don't have long bottoms, but give excellent thigh and back support. Front occupants get plenty of head- and elbowroom. Cushioning is not quite full-luxury level, but comfortable in the sporty sense.


All buttons on the console are well marked. The climate display is red-lit and high. Great instruments (even including the fuel gauge) are big and well lit, so you can't miss reading at a glance. Visibility is excellent, too. Despite an abundance of buttons on the steering wheel, they're close to flush and positioned sensibly.


In the 6-speed manual-gearbox Type-S, the snappy shifter works effortlessly, producing swift changes but emitting subdued clicking sounds. Still, there's no trouble telling which gear you're in. Clutch operation takes a bit of effort, but certainly not excessive. At moderate cruising speed in 3rd or 4th gear, some slight jerkiness can occur periodically.

Power

Under the Type-S hood, the new 3.5-liter V-6 engine develops 286 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, and 256 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,000. The regular TL's 3.2-liter V-6 produces 258 horsepower and 233 lb.-ft. of torque. For the TL, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates fuel economy at 20 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway. A Type-S yields the same highway mileage, and just one mpg less for urban treks. Both engines use a one-touch starter.