2005 Acura TL Press Kit

2005 Acura TL Press Kit

OVERVIEW

The Acura TL performance luxury sedan was introduced in 1995 with a second-generation model debuting in 1999. For 2004, an all-new completely redesigned TL went on sale with more power, an assortment of breakthrough technology and an exterior design that is taut, athletic and powerful. Enthusiast drivers appreciate the TL for its high dynamic capabilities-the 2005 TL is a true driver's car that competes against the best near-luxury sedans.

For inspiration Acura considered a design style referred to as "Bauhaus," named for the famous German design house of the 1920s that defined "form follows function" design. The TL uses crisp, taut lines instead of sweeping curves, satin trim in key areas rather than bright chrome, and a driver-oriented layout makes driving more engaging.

MARKET SUMMARY

The luxury vehicle market continues to expand, and the "near luxury" and "luxury SUV" segments within it are enjoying the most growth. The Acura TL occupies the near luxury segment, which accounts for over a third of the luxury market as a whole. Although the TL has been a top seller in this segment, it has recently faced increasing challenges from sporty sedans such as the BMW 530i, Cadillac CTS and Infiniti G35. Competition also comes from compact near-luxury sedans like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-class.

POWERTRAIN

The TL's 3.2-liter VTEC V-6 features an aluminum-alloy cylinder block and heads, 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 and 238 lbs-ft of torque 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 has a tune-up interval of 105,000 miles. A Maintenance Minder system continuously monitors the vehicle's operating conditions, indicating to the driver when maintenance such as an oil change is required.

Both a 5-speed Sequential SportShift™ automatic and a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission are available.

BODY & CHASSIS

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

Front suspension geometry evolved from the previous TL Type-S in pursuit of even greater roadholding capabilities. Every suspension link has been set to optimize the geometry to produce superior ride and handling. Using a lower arm and knuckle, and shortening the rigid stamped steel upper arms, results in greater camber gain, resulting in optimized tire contact patches during cornering. Both the front and rear suspension have built in "toe" gain when the suspension is in bump, further stabilizing the chassis on rough roads and during cornering. With careful suspension tuning, engineers made sure that enhanced handling performance did not come at the cost of ride quality or comfort.

Double-wishbone front suspension and 5-link double wishbone rear suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) are all standard. Wider wheels and tires are standard, and a choice of all-season or high-performance tires is available on the manual transmission models.

Despite a comprehensive array of technology and the use of insulating materials to promote a quiet and luxurious cabin, strict control over component weight has kept the automatic transmission-equipped TL to just 3,575 pounds.

The list of features and equipment contains a number of firsts for the industry and for Acura. It is the first vehicle in North America to feature an acoustic glass windshield with shade band and the first to offer a standard DVD-Audio 5.1 surround sound system.

INTERIOR

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

The TL features the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ with seven million points of interest for the 48 states. Its trip calculation time is two times quicker than the previous generation TL system and it recognizes 293 verbal commands. It also offers a large, easy-to-read 8-inch multi-function touch screen display.

Another advance is the use of Bluetooth, a wireless technology that's attaining widespread use in computers, PDAs and other portable electronics to enable hands-free phone capability in the TL. The Acura HandsFreeLink™ telephone system wirelessly links to the TL owner's Bluetooth-compatible cellular phone to enable calls to be made and received through the TL's audio and voice recognition systems.

The TL features a standard DVD-A 5.1 audio system in North America. The 225-watt Acura/ELS™ Premium 8-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, DTS™ and CD 6-disc Changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby™ Cassette delivers a whole new level of audio fidelity. This DVD-Audio system, developed with Grammy-winning music producer Elliot Scheiner, utilizes six distinct channels (compared with two on the typical premium sound system) to deliver sound resolution 500 times better than CD. The premium system plays standard CDs, DVD-A discs, and DTS-enabled CDs and incorporates XM® Satellite Radio for over 100 channels of premium quality sound.

SAFETY

The 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 Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).

In the event of a collision, the 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 rankings in the government SINCAP and NCAP barrier tests. Likewise, during the IIHS offset collision the TL is expected to achieve a "GOOD" rating (the highest) in all categories. Other safety features include standard side curtain airbags and adjustable rear outboard head restraints.

POWERTRAIN FEATURES

• 3.2-liter, SOHC, VTEC V-6 engine
• 270 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
• 238 lbs-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 System™
• Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
• Direct ignition system
• Meets CARB LEV-II ULEV emissions standards
• Maintenance Minder system which optimizes service intervals
• 105,000-mile tune-up intervals

BODY & CHASSIS FEATURES

• Unit body with extensive use of high-strength steel
• Bi-function Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
• Acoustic glass windshield
• Satin grille and trunk trim
• Standard power moonroof with 1-touch switch with auto-reverse 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
• Torque-sensing power rack-and-pinion steering
• 17 x 8 aluminum-alloy wheels
• P235/45R17 Bridgestone Turanza all-season tires (Potenza high-performance tires available on TL with manual transmission)
• 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

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 telephone system and available Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition
• Performance-oriented front bucket seats with leather seating surfaces
• 10-way power driver's seat with power adjustable lumbar support
• Fully lined trunk
• Dual-zone, Dual-mode Automatic Climate Control System
• Keyless Memory Link 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
• XM Satellite Radio
• Multi-Information Display (MID) enables access to multiple electronic functions
• HandsFreeLink wireless phone interface

SAFETY FEATURES

• Driver and front passenger airbags with dual-stage inflators
• Front seat mounted side impact airbags with Occupant Position Detection System
• Side curtain airbag system
• Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
• Front neck injury reduction seats
• Front head restraints adjustable for height and tilt
• Rear outboard adjustable head restraints
• 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
• Seat belt reminder
• Childproof rear door locks
• Adjustable front seat belt anchors
• Front and rear crumple zones
• Dual front and single rear door beams

  2005 Acura TL - Body

  OVERVIEW

  Near-luxury sedan buyers have always loved the previous Acura TL for its performance and handling. They also love their build quality, durability and resale value when the time comes to trade in. For the 2005 TL, the designers chose to "step outside the box" to provide TL customers with a daringly more emotional and athletic design.

  DESIGN CONCEPT

  The TL was designed to embody aggressiveness and power, agility and endurance. Designers began with the stance of the vehicle-how it looks and sits on its suspension. They worked towards a look of poise, with a promise of agility and power. The contrast of muscular tension and fluid lines flows through the sheet metal, with the long wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs and wide track setting the tone.

  The design team leaders were, in part, influenced by "Bauhaus" styling themes. Founded in 1919, Bauhaus was the first and most famous German design house. Bauhaus set a template for European design with the now-famous maxim, "Form follows function." That classic design logic meshes well with established Acura design philosophies.

  An excellent example of this fresh design sense is in the dynamic "face" of the TL, with its strong character and reduced body openings. An under-bumper cooling air system makes this look possible because most of the cooling air is drawn in beneath the front fascia.

  The 2005 Acura TL design features in review:

  Front

  • Aggressive front end
  • Wide stance
  • Short, dramatic bumper offset
  • Raked windshield
  • Strong style lines at the outer edges of the hood

  Side

  • Minimal wheel arch to tire distance
  • Concave style line links front and rear marker lights
  • Integrated body color door handles

  Rear

  • Wide stance
  • High, short deck lid
  • Short dramatic bumper offset
  • Wide roof span for wider moonroof and improved head clearance
  • Efficient trunk room
  • LED taillights
  • Reduced gap between exhaust finishers and rear valance

  PACKAGING

  The Acura TL is 3.6 inches shorter, 1.9 inches wider and 3 inches taller than the previous generation TL.

  	2005 TL	2003 TL	Difference
  Length, in.	189.3	192.9	- 3.6
  Width, in.	72.8	70.3	+ 2.5
  Height, in.	56.7	53.7	+ 0.6
  Wheelbase, in.	107.9	108.1	- 0.2
  Track, Front/Rear, in.	62.1/62.0	61.1/60.4	+ 1.0/1.6

  RIGIDITY

  Adding stiffness to a vehicle's unit body improves road holding and makes the driver feel more connected to the car, but it also can add weight. In the 2005 TL, ample use of high strength steel accounts for a strong unit body structure that is also light. A front shock tower brace, a rigid front bulkhead, a roof stiffener that extends to the C-pillar, and a parcel shelf box section also contribute to stiffness. Optimized attachment of the front frame rails, roof and rear panel and parcel shelf and larger rear unit body gussets also contribute to overall stiffness.

  HIGH-TENSILE STEEL

  High-tensile 440 and 590 steel was used for 48 percent of the body. Even though the forming process is similar to that used for standard steel, the chemical composition of high-tensile steel allows it to be stronger after forming. Parts can therefore be made thinner and lighter while maintaining strength.

  AERODYNAMICS

  Design and engineering objectives for the TL required aerodynamic creativity. The challenge was to allow stylists to craft the TL front end as powerfully and emotionally as they wanted, without impeding the airflow essential for engine operation. Moreover crash safety, high-speed stability, reduced wind noise and high fuel mileage were essential.

  Achieving the desired exterior styling required that most of the cooling air come from under the front of the car. Several different polypropylene panels enhance underbody aerodynamic performance. These lightweight and durable panels include a curved valance below the front fascia. Air attaches to its smooth radius at highway speeds and is directed into the radiator. The center section of the valance bends out of the way if the TL encounters a curb or other obstruction.

  Other aerodynamic elements include refined A-pillar shape, front and rear deflectors, an engine undercover and a rear floor cover. These underbody improvements benefit fuel economy, reduce wind noise and improve high-speed stability. Internal testing reveals that the 2005 TL betters the BMW 530i, Mercedes-Benz C320, Lexus ES 300 and Volvo S60 in coefficient of drag.

  REDUCED WHEEL ARCH GAPS

  Minimizing the visual gap between the edges of the tires and the wheel arches was an important design goal. To retain a wide wheel track with these narrow gaps, the TL has a special fender flange design that allows the tires to sweep up and inside without making contact during suspension movement.

  MASS REDUCTION

  Keeping the TL curb weight low was a matter of the highest priority for Acura. Despite a comprehensive array of technology and the use of insulating materials to promote an even quieter and more luxurious cabin, strict control over component weight has kept the TL to just 3,575 pounds, with the 6-speed model coming in at only 3,482 pounds.
  
  POWER GLASS MOONROOF

  The TL has a 30.7 inch moonroof, the largest Acura has ever developed. It lends a tremendous open feeling to the car, and features the convenience of 1-touch opening and closing, and an anti-pinch safety feature, the first for an Acura moonroof.

  The overhang of the edge into the opening is a scant 1.6 inches. The moonroof itself is virtually flush, reducing the chance of wind noise. There is also a special flush type seal that promotes quietness.

  HID (HIGH-INTENSITY DISCHARGE) HEADLIGHTS

  The TL headlights feature HID high and low beams, as well as built-in fog lamps. These bi-function HID high/low beams are made possible by a shutter device that mechanically controls the light output of the HID unit. When the driver selects high beam, an electric solenoid in the headlight moves a shutter forward, opening up a greater reflector area inside the headlight. When the lights are operated on low beam, this shutter repositions to act as a cut-off to keep the lighted area closer to the vehicle. The TL headlights dramatically increase the illuminated area versus non HID beams, and are nearly 50 percent more effective at long range. The fog lamp illumination has also been increased.

  LED LIGHTING

  Extensive use of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) provides a high-tech image for side and rear lighting. LEDs are used for the front side marker lights, Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL), taillights, and rear side marker lights.

  These LED arrays provide uniform lighting and a unique, modern look. They also have a quicker turn-on time and a projected service life four times longer than normal automotive bulbs.

  5 MPH BUMPERS

  The Acura TL uses a highly efficient Xenoy thermoplastic energy absorber with a high-strength steel reinforcement beam that absorbs 80 percent of low-speed crash energy. This allowed designers to reduce the overhang of the bumper, while also reducing the weight and repair costs. Both the front and rear bumpers meet the federal government's damage-free regulation when tested at 5 mph. They are also lighter than previous versions: the weight savings are 3.0 pounds and 2.9 pounds front and rear, respectively.

  NOISE, VIBRATION & HARSHNESS (NVH) CONTROL
  An assortment of anti-NVH measures includes advanced aerodynamic design, the first U.S.-market use of automotive acoustic glass with shade band, insulating panels under the hood and inside the trunk and the fenders.

  Key NVH countermeasure areas include:

  Acoustically tuned glass windshield

  To reduce cabin noise, the TL windshield is made of 4.7 mm thick acoustic glass, which consists of two layers of safety glass, separated by a thin acoustic resin center. This represents the first time that acoustic glass with a shade band has been applied to a luxury vehicle in North America. The windshield reduces road noise on smooth asphalt significantly in the higher frequency ranges. To reduce noise intrusion through the side glass, the front and rear movable door glass is 5 mm thick.

  Thinsulate

  Patented by 3M, Thinsulate™ insulation was developed for thermal applications but it is also ideal for noise reduction. It is crushable and can be used in tight-clearance areas. In the TL it is used behind the door liners, rear seat side garnishes, center console, rear seatback and front and rear pillar garnishes. It is also used under the instrument panel and parcel tray.

  Trunk

  Engineers treated the trunk as an acoustic package, containing the speaker array and trunk hinges and springs in a rigid box structure. This improves audio bass performance, reduces interior noise levels, enhances the appearance of the trunk interior, and reduces the chance that belongings will be damaged by a speaker or hinge.
  VH reduction item

  • Aluminum-alloy front subframe
  • Improved melt sheet package
  • Improved A-pillar shape
  • Diffuser type mirrors with full seals
  • 5 mm side glass
  • Hood insulator
  • Improved door-handle sealing
  • Flush-mount moonroof

  Aluminum-alloy front subframe
  Besides its low mass, the TL aluminum-alloy front subframe reduces "starting boom" (resonance noise) without the use of additional dampers.

  Melt Sheet
  The careful application of high-density melt sheet makes a huge reduction in high-frequency sound. Testing results show it reduces the high frequency (approx. 500Hz and above) vibration of the TL floor panels, decreasing noise inside the vehicle.

  POWER WINDOWS

  TheTL has a front power window feature with an auto-open and auto-close feature. It also incorporates an anti-pinch safety feature. The glass is 5 mm thick to reduce cabin noise.

  EXTERIOR (SIDEVIEW) MIRRORS

  A mirror housing needs to be small and aerodynamic to reduce turbulence-without compromising mirror area. To reduce the housing size engineers devised a way to hold the mirror element from behind instead of at the sides, and carefully controlled the gap between the mirror element and housing to further reduce turbulence. Blue-tinted mirrors also reduce eyestrain in bright conditions.

  Engineers also measured the airflow through the channel between the A-pillar and the mirror. By designing this channel in an expanding V-shape, the air actually decelerates (rather than accelerates) as it moves across the glass. This helps keep the air from tumbling across the side glass, reducing high- and mid-frequency noise.

  Engineers also positioned the mirrors forward, away from the window glass, to further reduce wind noise while increasing the driver's side view. A reverse tilt function automatically tilts either the left or right mirror down when the TL transmission is shifted into Reverse. This is a driver-selectable function that may be turned on or off as desired.

  DOORS & LATCHES

  To resist parking lot dings and dents, the TL door skins are made from special 340H high-tensile steel. This bake-hardened steel has much greater resistance to bending and a higher work-hardening threshold than conventional steel, making the door skins much more resistant to dents and dings. The door skins are 10 to 15 percent stronger with 50 percent better permanent deform resistance than conventional steel.

  Door fit is a matter of extraordinary precision on the TL. The gap is just 3.5 mm at the leading edge of the front doors, 4 mm between the doors, and 3.5 mm at the trailing edge of the rear doors.

  Acura precisely refined the door closing sound on the TL. A door sash structure, manufactured with a laser-welded blank, increases the rigidity of the door sashes and reduces objectionable high frequency noise as the doors are closed. A door lock structure absorbs sounds caused by the latch, eliminating objectionable noise.

  BODY TRIM

  The TL's aggressive and sporty styling is subtly enhanced by satin trim on the leading edge of the hood, on the grille, and above the license plate. The B-pillar and drip moldings are high gloss black, while aluminum step garnishes inside the door openings provide a finished appearance.
  
  EXHAUST FINISHERS

  The exhaust has bright trapezoidal finisher tips integrated into the rear styling. The tips are inset far enough to allow adequate bumper stroke in the event of a slow-speed collision, but are positioned far enough back to allow exhaust gases to pass beyond the bumper. Special multi-axis rubber mounts control the exhaust tip placement, allowing a closer fit of the rear bumper fascia. The gap is approximately 0.8 inch, compared to a gap of nearly 1.2 inches on the previous TL. A high heat-resistance polypropylene garnish is clipped to the bumper to protect it from heat.

  EXTERIOR PAINT

  The 2005 TL is available in eight pearl and three metallic exterior colors. The painting process begins when the steel body receives a phosphate bath to completely clean it of oils and film after welding is complete. This is followed by an electrodeposition primer bath, where the unit body is electrically charged to attract the primer. After baking, the color coat is applied, followed by a protective clear coat.

  ACCESSORIES

  The TL has a wide range of exterior accessories available through Acura dealers. They are factory warranted for 4 years/50,000 miles when purchased with the vehicle.

  Individual exterior accessories include:

  • 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
  • Back-up sensor
  • Bodyside protectors
  • Car cover
  • Decklid spoiler
  • Door edge guards
  • Door window visor
  • Engine block heater
  • Front and rear splash guards
  • Front under spoiler
  • Gold emblem kit
  • Moonroof visor
  • Nose mask
  • Rear under spoiler
  • Spoiler wing
  • Sports shocks and springs
  • Wheel locks

  These accessories are also available in these packages:

  Aero Kit - Includes front, side and rear under body spoilers

  Protection Package - Includes wheel locks, splashguards and trunk tray

  Wheel Package - Includes 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tires

  2005 Acura TL - Chassis

  OVERVIEW

  In a 5-passenger sedan, the benefits of front-wheel drive include lighter and more compact engine and driveline packaging, enhanced fuel efficiency, and increased passenger spaciousness.

  CHASSIS CONCEPT

  From a handling standpoint, the TL chassis was designed to challenge the BMW 530i Sport, a magazine comparison favorite.

  To accomplish this, engineers focused on creating a rigid platform with a performance-tuned suspension and large tires. The large tire contact patches improve braking and handling with all-season tires. Available high-performance tires boost acceleration, handling and braking capability even higher on both dry and wet surfaces.

  The TL has excellent dynamic properties. It feels crisp and taut, corners flat and offers a high level of grip-even with four passengers aboard. In internal testing, both TL models (5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission and 6-speed manual transmission) surpass the 2003 BMW 530i and the Lexus ES 300 in a 600-ft. slalom exercise and in maximum cornering capability.

  Noteworthy chassis features include:

  • 17 x 8-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
  • P235/45R17 all-season Bridgestone Turanza tires
  • Double-wishbone front suspension
  • 5-link double wishbone rear suspension with pillow joint for precise control
  • Sport-tuned shock absorbers
  • Lightweight aluminum-alloy front subframe
  • Special transmission mounts for improved ride quality

  Braking performance features:

  • 4-wheel disc brakes
  • 10-inch vacuum booster
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
  • Brake Assist
  • 4-channel Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)

  The TL with 6-speed manual transmission includes the following features:

  • Available 235/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE 030 high-performance tires
  • Brembo 4-piston front brake calipers
  • Rear engine rocking damper
  • 17-inch aluminum-alloy spare wheel

  HYDROFORMED ALUMINUM-ALLOY SUBFRAME

  To reduce mass and improve handling agility, the 2005 TL uses an all aluminum-alloy front subframe that carries the engine, transmission and lower suspension links.

  The U-shaped subframe cradle is hydroformed. In this process, a single aluminum-alloy tube is inserted into an immensely strong die, which is locked closed before the tube is pressurized with water. The resulting component is lighter and stronger than a multi-piece component would be. The hydroformed cradle is then attached to aluminum-alloy corner brackets to form the complete subframe.

  Compared to the traditional steel subframe on the 2003 TL, the aluminum-alloy TL subframe weighs 36 percent (about 23 pounds) less. Besides its lighter weight, the subframe has increased bending rigidity, which reduces noise experienced in the passenger cabin, particularly as the engine is starting.

  ENGINE MOUNTS

  The TL has a pair of special fluid-filled Electronic Control Mounts. Connected to the hydroformed aluminum-alloy subframe, they reduce vibration when the engine is idling. The transmission has its own proprietary mounts including a special lower mount designed specifically to increase ride comfort.
  Besides the lower mounts, the TL engine also has a side mount that helps control lateral movement. And on the TL with 6-speed manual transmission, a special damper further reduces engine-rocking motion when the driver lets the clutch out or shifts.

  FRONT SUSPENSION

  The TL front suspension is a double-wishbone system with a rigid stamped steel upper arm and a steel lower arm. The system is functionally related to the systems used on Formula One and Indy Cars, and permits the best combination of roadholding, ride quality and packaging for the TL. The system uses coil-over shock absorbers that, unlike in strut suspension, are not stressed suspension members. This reduces suspension friction and improves responsiveness to bumps.

  Suspension camber gain is maximized through the use of a short upper arm, while steering feel is enhanced through a high placement of the lower arm.

  The upper suspension arm is extremely rigid to reduce the transmission of road noise into the cabin, while a special compliance bushing on the lower arm better absorbs bumps and improves ride quality. A steel bar connects the shock towers. Hollow, high-strength and lightweight, it enhances chassis solidity, steering precision and feel.

  A hollow tubular steel stabilizer bar is specially tuned to the best balance between firm handling and luxurious ride comfort.

  REAR SUSPENSION

  The TL rear suspension is a 5-link independent system with struts, coil springs and anti-squat and anti-lift geometry. It mounts to a steel subframe to improve road isolation and a help provide a quiet interior. The rear suspension geometry adds "toe-in" when the suspension is compressed, improving handling stability over bumps and during hard cornering and braking.

  A stabilizer bar further improves handling by limiting body roll, while a special "pillow joint" for the lateral links improves camber rigidity. Rubber shims on the leading and trailing arm bushings improve ride comfort.

  STEERING

  The TL uses torque-sensing, variable power-assisted rack and pinion steering. The engine-driven variable-output pump provides the kind of steering feel that driving enthusiasts like: modest steering effort at low speeds and precise feel at higher speeds. The steering feel is very linear and evenly weighted.

  Hydraulic steering dampers built into the system further improve stability during cornering and at high speeds. A one-way kickback valve decreases kickback in the steering wheel that can be caused by road irregularities. The hydraulic valve closes when it senses road irregularities, impeding disturbances to the steering wheel.

  Increasing the stiffness of the steering gearbox mounting and the rear sub frame also maximizes steering linearity.

  BRAKES

  The TL has 4-wheel disc brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, an Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and 4-channel Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) including traction control as standard equipment.

  The front brakes are ventilated cast-iron discs with single-piston calipers. For better fade resistance, cooling air flows to the brakes through the front fender air duct ahead of the front wheels. This cooling airflow reduces the brake temperature by 84 F. in high-demand fade tests. The rear brakes are solid discs, gripped by single piston calipers.

  Brembo rotors and aluminum-alloy front brake calipers are standard on the 6-speed manual transmission TL. The calipers have four pistons each, and more aggressive pad material, to offer improved brake feel and reduced fade in hard repeated brake applications. They are also 30 percent lighter than the standard calipers, saving 4.3 pounds per wheel, which in turn improves suspension response for better ride and handling. The calipers feature an attractive black painted finish with the Acura name.

  A single 10-inch vacuum booster is used to reduce weight, increase stiffness and deliver more direct braking feel. In a departure from the previous TL, a hand parking brake is used instead of a foot brake. This applies to both automatic and manual transmission models.

  Electronic Brake Force Distribution

  An added feature for TL is Electronic Brake force Distribution, which continuously and automatically adjusts the pressure distribution between the front and rear brakes depending on how the vehicle is loaded.

  Brake Assist

  Brake Assist comes standard on the 2005 TL. Its purpose is to help the driver apply full braking pressure in an accident avoidance situation. To do so, a microprocessor continually analyzes and "learns" the driver's normal braking habits.

  In an emergency braking situation when the brakes are suddenly applied bu inadvertently released by the driver to avoid wheel lockup and then reapplied, brake assist helps the driver apply full braking force via the ABS actuator. A pressure sensor detects an increase in brake fluid pressure and activates the ABS system. Braking pressure is maintained momentarily after the driver's initial braking action.

  Anti-lock Braking System

  Standard on the TL is a three-channel Anti-lock Braking System, which works in conjunction with VSA System. Utilizing speed sensors located at each wheel the system modulates braking power to the front wheels independently and to the rear wheels in tandem-enhancing driver control during maximum-effort stops.

  VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)

  The TL is equipped with 4-channel VSA that helps the driver retain control of the car in the event the vehicle reaches its dynamic traction limits, for example through aggressive cornering, encountering ice or dirt on the road, or entering a decreasing-radius corner too fast.

  In the event of understeer (where the front tires lose grip), the system applies the inside front and rear brakes to increase yaw (vehicle "rotation"), slowing the vehicle and enabling it to complete the turn. Engine torque may also be reduced by coordination of the Drive-by-Wire Throttle System and Engine Controller.

  The 4-channel system controls all four brakes independently. In the event of oversteer (where the rear tires lose grip), the system applies the outside front and rear brakes to decrease yaw, slowing the vehicle and enabling it to stay on its intended path.

  An indicator light on the instrument panel alerts the driver whenever the VSA system is actively enhancing the vehicle's stability.

  The traction control component of VSA uses sensors that monitor each of the wheels and a computer-controlled modulation of engine power and front brakes to help prevent wheel spin when starting out or accelerating. If the sensors detect wheel spin, traction control reduces engine power and applies brake force to the affected wheels. This helps the TL maintain traction during acceleration and helps the driver retain steering control, even when accelerating on slippery surfaces.

  A cockpit switch is provided to disable the vehicle stability and traction control aspects of the system while leaving the ABS system fully functional.

  WHEELS

  The Acura TL has lightweight 17 x 8-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Lighter wheels contribute to quicker suspension movement and better ride quality by contributing to lowering unsprung weight.

  TIRES

  Bridgestone 17-inch all-season high-performance tires were developed for the TL. The standard tire is P235/45R17 M+S (all-season), with 235/45R17 high-performance tires available for the TL with 6-speed manual transmission. Navigation system-equipped models without the optional high performance tires are shod with Michelin all-season tires.

  The 17-inch tires significantly contribute to the TL design objectives including its aggressive, athletic appearance. They also measurably improve dry handling and braking.

  Available high-performance tires further enhance dry handling, wet handling and braking, at the cost of performance in snow and accelerated wear. In warm weather these tires consistently outperform all-season tires in slalom speed, maximum cornering g force, and braking distance.

  About 95 percent of US-market TL units have all-season tires (80 percent in Canada). The remaining five percent of TL purchasers (mostly in Sunbelt states) select high-performance tires.

  The TL with manual transmission has a T145/70R17 temporary spare tire. A T135/80R16 temporary spare is used on the TL with automatic transmission. The advantages of a temporary spare include maximum trunk space, and reduced vehicle weight for better handling and fuel economy.

  If a TL owner wishes to use chains to drive in difficult snow conditions the use of cable chains is recommended.
  
  AVAILABLE SPORT SUSPENSION

  An available sport suspension kit can be purchased, which includes all four shock absorbers and springs, larger wheels and tires plus aero components. Known as the "A-SPEC" kit, it provides firmer damping and spring rates for sportier handling. A lower ride height further distinguishes the sport suspension-equipped TL cosmetically.

  The A-SPEC kit includes:

  • Pre-assembled performance springs and shocks that lower the vehicle approximately 1.2 in. (30 mm)
  • 18-inch wheels with 235/40ZR18 Yokohama AVS ES100 tires
  • Aero kit
  • Rear spoiler
  • Special steering wheel with distinctive shape and stitching
  • Performance brake pads (for automatic transmission vehicles only)
  • A-SPEC badging

    2005 Acura TL - Safety

    Safety

    OVERVIEW

    The 2005 TL was developed to perform at the "top of its class" in protecting its occupants with a comprehensive array of safety technologies, high-grade materials and advanced construction techniques.

    For 2005, the front airbag system has been enhanced to meet newly implemented Federal safety regulations. To accomplish this, weight sensors have been incorporated in the front passenger seat to determine the total weight on that seat. If it is less than 65 pounds (as if occupied by a small child or car seat) the airbag will not deploy. For the driver, a position sensor in the seat has been added to determine how the airbag will be deployed in the event of a collision. If the seat is within half an inch of the most forward position, the front airbag will only deploy in the dual-stage mode. If the seat is farther than a half inch from the forward position, the airbag deploys in either single or dual-stage mode based on the severity of the collision.

    The TL also features adjustable rear outboard head restraints, and standard side curtain airbags. These technologies, and the use of high-tensile steel in critical areas and computer-modeled crush zones, help ensure the highest possible level of passenger protection for its class. The TL passed the toughest government safety tests with a 5-star frontal rating in addition to achieving a "GOOD" rating in all categories evaluated during the IIHS offset collision. The TL safety equation even extends to pedestrians with structural elements designed to reduce the likelihood of serious injury in a collision.

    FEATURES

    The TL offers its occupants the latest Acura safety technologies. These include:

    Passenger Seating

    • Front 3-point Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) with pretensioners
    • Front seat-belt load limiters
    • Front neck injury reduction seats
    • Front four-way adjustable head restraints
    • Front height and position sensors
    • Rear center three-point seat belt
    • Rear outboard two-way adjustable head restraints

    Child Seating

    • Automatic Locking Retractors/Emergency Locking Retractors (ALR/ELR)
    • Tether anchors (all rear positions)
    • Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for rear outboard positions

    Airbags

    • Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags with driver's seat position sensor and passenger's seat weight sensor
    • Seamless airbag lid for the passenger airbag
    • Front seat mounted side impact airbags with occupant position sensors
    • Side curtain airbag system

    SIDE AIRBAG SYSTEM

    The airbags are located in the outboard seat side bolsters and deploy when sensors detect that a side impact is occurring. To prevent injury to a small child or small-stature adult, an innovative passenger position sensing system prevents side airbag deployment if the passenger is leaning into the side airbag deployment path. A total of seven sensors in the passenger seatback determine the height and position of the occupant; this helps the system determine if it is safe to deploy the side airbag. When the passenger returns to an upright seating position, the side airbag will reactivate so it can deploy and protect the passenger in a side impact.

    SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS

    The side curtain airbags deploy from a module in the roof in the event of a sufficient side impact. They provide an important and significant level of head protection in the window area from the A-pillar back to the C-pillar. Research shows that the g forces affecting an occupant's head are vastly lower with a side curtain airbag.

    The airbag module is located in the side of the roof and the gas generator is positioned in the C-pillar. It supplies gas to the airbag through a channel in the roof side. Front and rear "satellite" sensors (one located at the base of the B-pillar and another located near the rear seat back) detect side impacts and signal the gas generator.

    In addition to the side curtain airbags, a side airbag located in each front outboard seat bolster provides protection to the thorax in the event of a sufficient side impact.

    SIDE IMPACT

    The use of high-tensile steel significantly contributes to the side impact performance on the TL and a reduction in injury for occupants. The government SINCAP (Side Impact New Car Assessment Program) test is one of the toughest to pass. In this test, a 1,360 kg (2,992 pounds) sled impacts the side of the stationary vehicle at 38.5 mph.

    The best defense against this impact is a strong energy-absorbing body structure built with high-tensile steel. The TL uses high-strength steel in key areas to provide the required strength without excessive weight.

    During a side impact collision, forces are distributed across the computer-engineered body structure, lessening forces that affect the occupants. Dual steel door beams in each front door and a single door beam in each rear door team with energy-absorbing padding to further absorb crash energy.

    The TL passed the government SINCAP test with a 4-Star/5-Star rating.

    The 2005 TL was developed with the IIHS Side Impact Crashworthiness Evaluation (SICE) in mind, and is expected to receive an "Acceptable" rating.

    DUAL-STAGE, DUAL-THRESHOLD FRONT AIRBAGS

    The TL is equipped with dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags for the driver and front passenger, and this system has been enhanced to meet newly implemented Federal safety regulations (FMVSS 208) for 2005. The front airbags are designed to minimize the potential for airbag injury while providing head and chest protection for the occupants in the event of a sufficient collision. This front airbag system features additional sensors; front passenger seat weight sensors, and a driver seat position sensor designed to enhance occupant protection.

    The TL's front airbags can deploy at one of two rates. Deployment of the driver's side airbag takes into account the severity of the crash, whether or not the driver's seat belt is fastened and the position of the driver's seat. During a lower speed collision, the airbag inflators are triggered in sequence, resulting in slower overall airbag deployment with less initial force. The same sequence is also utilized regardless of collision speed if newly integrated sensors in the driver's seat register that the driver's seat is within a half inch of the full forward position. During a higher speed collision, if the driver's seat is more than a half inch from the full frontal position, both inflators operate simultaneously for full, immediate inflation. Airbag deployment on the front passenger's side is regulated by crash severity, seatbelt usage and, new for 2005, the weight of the occupant. Newly integrated sensors under the seat gauge occupant weight and if the total weight on the passenger seat is less than 65 lbs, the airbag system will not deploy, minimizing the potential for injury to children. Just as the driver's side, the airbags are deployed at the speed appropriate to the speed and severity of the collision - slower for lower speed collisions, more quickly for higher speeds.

    The driver's airbag is located in the steering wheel hub and the passenger's airbag is located on top of the dash. As in all Acura vehicles, the front passenger's airbag is designed to deploy upward toward the windshield and then back toward the occupant. This provides a large cushion to help protect the front passenger.

    FRONT IMPACT

    The Acura TL underwent a barrage of internal front-impact testing to verify the vehicle structure and occupant-protection performance. Two of these tests include the government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) test and the Front Offset test conducted by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). These two standardized tests rate front impact performance.

    In the NCAP test the vehicle impacts a rigid barrier at 35 mph. During the IIHS offset test the vehicle impacts a deformable barrier at 40 mph with a 40-percent offset. During internal testing, the 2005 TL achieves a 5-Star rating for driver and passenger in the NCAP test and a GOOD rating for all points in the IIHS test mode. Both are the highest rankings achievable. Acura achieved these outstanding results with the implementation of pretensioners and load- limiting seat belts in conjunction with an energy-absorbing body structure that uses high-strength steel in critical locations.

    Using computer simulations allowed determining the critical load paths to help determine where to use high-strength steel. The use of high-strength steel helps to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle and reduces the amount of intrusion to a passenger safety cage-the rigid perimeter that envelops the occupant during a collision.

    BUMPER SYSTEM

    In addition to evaluating injury projections in collisions, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also evaluates vehicles for damage resistance in low-speed collisions. IIHS conducts four tests at 5 mph-front flat impact, front 30-degree impact, rear flat impact, and rear pole impact. The combined damage sustained during these four tests is the overall repair cost.
    The target repair cost for these tests are less than the repair cost for the average TL competitor. The front and rear bumper systems on the TL get the credit. They incorporate high-strength rolled-form bumper beams and highly efficient thermoplastic energy absorbers to disperse low-speed collision energy.

    PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

    Acura's interest in safety extends to pedestrians as well as vehicle occupants. To help reduce pedestrian injuries in the event of a collision, the TL hood and fender areas were designed to deform if contacted by the head of an adult or child pedestrian. Energy-absorbing collapsible hood supports, wiper arms and fender mounts allow substantial deformation in an impact, allowing the engineering team to meet its target for pedestrian safety.

    NECK INJURY REDUCTION SEATS

    The driver and passenger seats are designed to reduce neck injuries.

    ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    Besides its passive safety features, the TL has a full complement of technologies designed to aid in driver control and in challenging driving conditions and circumstances.

    These include:

    • Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
    • Brake Assist
    • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
    • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
    • Expansive outside visibility
    • Bi-function Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) projector headlamps

    Please refer to the Body & Chassis section for information on these technologies.