There's no substitute for solid engineering, but a bit of added flash never hurts when it comes to enhancing market appeal. That fact was not lost on Acura, which endowed the TL sedan with a tasteful freshening for 2002. In its first mini-makeover since being introduced in 1999, the TL gains a bolder front end with stronger grille and lamp treatments plus tidied-up taillights. That welcome visual boost aside, it's the hot, new Type-S variant that really makes this midsize, entry-lux 4-door come alive.
Don't go looking for any wild pasted-on fender flares or whale-tail spoilers here. The sole exterior visual cues are bigger 17-inch alloy wheels mounting 215/50VR17 Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 tires in place of the 205/60VR16s found on the baseline TL. It's what's lurking underneath which counts the most, and there the Type-S most assuredly lives up to its promise.
Central to the mix is a 260-horsepower version of the TL's standard 3.2-liter SOHC VTEC V-6. In addition to 35 additional ponies, the Type-S engine also gains another 32 lb.-ft. of torque, bringing its total to 232 in that equally critical department. Credit for the added muscle goes to a host of tweaks, not the least of which are a dual-stage intake system, freer-flowing exhaust plumbing, larger throttle body, lighter valves and a more aggressive camshaft profile. The changes bump redline from 6,300 to 6,900 rpm while bolstering the engine's mid-range punch. Where the base TL V-6 makes its maximum torque at 4,700 revs, the Type-S variant hits and holds its top twist figure from 3,500 to 5,500 with the power peaking at a slightly loftier 6,100 rpm.
Author: Bob Nagy
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