OVERVIEW
The 2002 CL luxury performance coupe exemplifies Acura's commitment
to performance-engineered vehicles with a heady combination of power,
handling and luxury car comfort. The CL is engineered to deliver the
highest levels of performance, technological innovation, engineering,
passenger safety and overall style in its class.
The CL has been designed to evoke the beautiful lines of classic European Gran Turismo coupes. Styling cues from Acura's own lineage, specifically the original Legend Coupe, are also evident in the CL. Though the styling was inspired by the past, the technology is cutting edge, encompassing efficient and powerful engines, revolutionary safety features, and technologically advanced computer controlled vehicle management systems.
The CL coupe is offered exclusively with V-6 power and comes in two distinct models, the CL and the CL Type-S. In the spirit of the Acura NSX supercar, the Type-S was designed for high performance driving with the latest technology and an abundance of power. Producing 260 hp through an ingenious, dual-stage induction system, the Type-S is one of the most powerful six-cylinder coupes in its class. The CL is powered by a 225 hp version of the same 3.2-liter V6 engine.
Technologically, the CL incorporates the latest in safety features, including a standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system (Type-S) a dual-stage passenger front airbag, advanced side airbags with front passenger height and position sensors, and standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS). The CL also offers the optional Acura Navigation System, which provides satellite-linked nationwide coverage through a DVD on-board database that lists information on 3.7 million points of interest.
All these engineering and technical elements combine to make the Acura CL the most comprehensively equipped luxury performance coupe in its class.
CONCEPTS AND GOALS
The 2002 CL is designed to provide:
- An exhilarating, high-performance driving experience
- Large amounts of engine power and torque with outstanding refinement
- Superb handling, road feel and cornering abilities
- An elegant and sophisticated Gran Turismo coupe design
- A spacious and refined interior design with ample room for four adults
- A driver-oriented, ergonomic cockpit crafted with fine materials and an impeccable level of fit and finish
- A thorough approach to safety engineering that combines accident-avoidance technologies with advanced impact-energy management engineering and a class leading Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
- A class-leading list of standard equipment
HIGH PERFORMANCE POWERTRAIN
The CL and CL Type-S are powered by two variations of Acura's
3.2-liter 24-valve VTEC V-6 engine. The CL model's powerplant creates
225 hp, while the high performance CL Type-S engine produces 260 hp.
The Type-S model's power gains are achieved through an innovative
dual-stage air induction system as well as numerous other performance
enhancements, resulting in increased power and torque throughout the
entire power band.
Both versions of the 3.2-liter engines transfer their power through an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with the Sequential SportShift™ system. This sophisticated transmission, similar to the one first introduced in the Acura NSX supercar, allows for smooth shifting and a refined driving experience with uncompromised driver control.
Higher performance does not necessarily mean high levels of vehicle emissions, as both the CL and CL Type-S meet tough LEV (Low Emission Vehicle) standards while California 3.2 CL models meet ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) standards.
ELEGANT GRAN TURISMO COUPE EXTERIOR DESIGN
The long front hood and short rear deck of the CL have been sculpted
in the tradition of great European designs of the 50's and 60's.
Designers also called upon Acura's own lineage of past designs; most
notably, the first generation Legend Coupe.
GLOBAL MID-SIZE PLATFORM
The CL's unit-body is based on the Global Mid-Size Platform,
positioning the front drive powertrain in a transverse orientation,
allowing for a greater amount of usable interior volume and optimal
weight distribution. The Acura TL performance sedan is also built on
a version of this platform.
To reduce Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH), the front and rear suspensions are carried on isolating subframes, resulting in low interior noise and vibration levels. Computer designed reinforcements to the CL's overall structure result in enhanced protection of the passenger compartment in the event of a collision. The CL's fully independent double-wishbone suspension, fitted with large wheels and tires, results in stable and predictable handling.
STYLISH AND ERGONOMIC INTERIOR DESIGN
To complement the CL's outstanding performance capabilities, a
serious driver's environment was incorporated into the overall
interior design concept. All the instruments, comfort and convenience
switches, along with the steering wheel and shifter controls are
banked toward the driver for ease of operation and minimal
distraction.
In addition to the driver, all three passengers enjoy individual bucket seating comfort with finely-crafted leather seating surfaces. Though a coupe traditionally limits rear passenger seating space, the CL accommodates rear passengers in comfort. Leather inserts on the doors blend elegantly with wood trim accents to provide a luxurious environment while a generous greenhouse allows for superb visibility.