2008 Acura TL Type S

Since its introduction in 1995, the Acura TL has been an upscale mainstay in the midsize market. Wrapping bulletproof mechanicals in a classy package, Acura's top seller is a perennial favorite of buyers in the near luxury segment. Cars in this class have always provided traditional, top shelf amenities. More recently, this sector has also sprouted a separate branch with a sportier bent. Acura competes on both fronts, with the luxury oriented TL and the performance influenced TL Type-S.

Performance Figures

While standard TL's are powered by a 258-hp, 3.2-liter V-6, Type-S variants pack a larger engine, with a bigger wallop. The 3.5-liter V-6 is massaged to the tune of 286 horsepower and 257 lb. ft. of torque—added snap, for a silken engine. The 3.5 is appreciably quicker than the pleasantly quick 3.2, with a generous excess of oomph on tap at all engine speeds. There's ample power to pass, off-the-line launches are brisk, and the Type-S cruises effortlessly at highway speeds. A six-speed manual gearbox is an obvious (and welcome) effort to reach out to the traditionalists in this sector, who have traditionally been limited to BMWs, however, both Type-S and regular TLs are available with a five-speed automatic transmission.


The automatic has a shift-it-yourself function, by means of steering wheel mounted paddles. The 'manumatic' mode doesn't have the right-now shift speed of competitors with Direct Shift Gearboxes like Audi; it is slower to engage, and hence less engaging for the driver. However, in full automatic mode, it's a smooth and satisfying driving partner. Linked to the 3.5 V-6, the gear-to-gear exchange is seamless, and the ratios are well matched to the motor's broad power band. The added muscle of the Type-S extracts only the slightest penalty at the gas pumps. EPA rates the fuel efficiency of the 2008 TL at 18 mpg city/26 highway. The Type-S is nearly identical (17/26). Our road test featured a long blast of highway driving, which netted 25 mpg, while on a more city-biased segment, we managed 19 mpg.

Type-S Power

The Acura TL rolls in a front-wheel-drive platform, fitted with a fully independent suspension (double wishbone front, multi-link rear). Type-S models pick up a number of chassis refinements, including firmer, front and rear anti-roll bars and stiffer shocks and coil springs. Grip can be further enhanced by adding a set of optional, Bridgestone Potenza "summer" performance tires. However, even with standard issue, 235/45 17-inch All Season Radials, the Type-S has a supple feel, and the ride/handling balance should suit its target market to a tee.


In luxury or near luxury class cars, the emphasis on interiors is so strong that many a car is bought from the inside out. That's slightly less so in sport-oriented cars like the Type-S, but cabin comfort and refinement still make or break many a deal in this segment. Slide inside the TL Type-S and you're greeted by a set of notably large, round dash dials, seemingly sized for the aging eyes of baby boomers. The gauges are finished with a spun metal look and LED backlighting. Fit and finish are first class throughout. Interior LED lighting is model specific—blue for TL, red for Type-S. The Type-S cabin is trimmed in faux carbon fiber, while the TL gets wood patterned trim. Several other styling cues distinguish the Type-S cabin, including paddle-mounted shifters on the steering wheel, stainless steel sport pedals and sportier leather bucket seats with enhanced bolstering to keep you planted during spirited driving.