2005 Acura TL Introduction
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(TM) 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(TM) 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(TM) 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(TM) Premium 8-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, DTS(TM) and CD 6-disc Changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby(TM) 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(R) 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(TM)
• 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(TM) Premium 8-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, DTS(TM) and CD 6-disc Changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby(TM) 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 Specifications
POWERTRAIN
Engine Type 3.2-liter, SOHC VTEC V-6
Horsepower, SAE Net 270 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque, SAE Net 238 lbs-ft @ 5000 rpm
Redline 6800 rpm
Bore & Stroke 3.50 in x 3.39 in (89 mm x 86 mm)
Displacement 196 cu in (3210 cc)
Compression Ratio 11.0:1
Induction System Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Valvetrain Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC(TM)), 4 valves-per-cylinder, belt-driven, single overhead camshaft
Engine Block Aluminum alloy with cast in iron cylinder liners
Cylinder Head Aluminum alloy
Emission Control Electronic Emission Control - CARB LEV-2 ULEV/ EPA Tier 2-Bin 5
Ignition System Direct ignition system with knock control system
Alternator 130 amp. max
Battery 12V, maintenance free
Recommended Fuel Premium Unleaded, 91 Octane
Layout Transverse mounted, front engine, front-wheel-drive
Transmissions 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and Grade Logic Control
or
Close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with helical gear limited slip differential
Ratios (:1) Manual Transmission
1st 3.933
2nd 2.478
3rd 1.700
4th 1.250
5th 0.975
6th 0.770
Reverse 4.008
Final 3.285
Ratios (:1) Automatic Transmission
1st 2.563
2nd 1.552
3rd 1.021
4th 0.666
5th 0.480
Reverse 1.846
Final 4.428
CHASSIS
Body Type All-steel unit body
Front Suspension Independent double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension Independent multi-link, double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar
Shock Absorbers Gas-pressurized with Progressive Valve technology, front and rear
Stabilizer Bars Automatic Transmission
Front: 1.0 in. diameter / 0.18 in. wall thickness
(25.4 mm) x (4.5 mm)
Rear: 0.67 in. diameter, solid
(17.0 mm)
Stabilizer Bars Manual Transmission
Front: 1.07 in. diameter / 0.20 in wall thickness
(27.2 mm) x (5.0 mm)
Rear: 0.79 in. diameter, solid
(20 mm)
Steering Type Torque-sensing, variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Steering Ratio 15.4:1
Steering Wheel Turns (lock to lock) 2.77
Turning Circle (curb to curb) 39.7 ft (12.1 m)
Wheels 17 x 8 JJ cast-aluminum alloy
Tires P235/45R17 93W Bridgestone Turanza All-Season
235/45R17 93W Bridgestone Potentza High-Performance (optional for models with 6-speed MT)
Braking System Dual-diagonal, power-assisted, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Front Discs Automatic transmission -Ventilated, 11.4 in (300 mm) diameter; 1.1 in (28 mm) rotor thickness
Manual transmission - Brembo ventilated, 12.2 in (310 mm) diameter, 0.98 in (25 mm) rotor thickness
Rear Discs Solid, 11.1 in (282 mm) diameter; 0.35 in (9 mm) rotor thickness
Total Swept Area Front: 242.4 sq in_ (1564 cm2)
Rear: 169.9 sq in_ (1096 cm2)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) 3-channel system with 4 wheel speed sensors and electric/hydraulic control
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system Throttle control and brake control utilizing yaw, lateral g, speed and steering sensors for traction control and stability enhancement
Traction Control System (TCS) Incorporated into VSA
CAPACITIES
Crankcase 4.2 US qt (4.0 L)
Cooling System Automatic Transmission - 8.6 US qt (8.1 L)
Manual Transmission - 8.3 US qt (7.9 L)
Fuel Tank 17.0 US gal (64.7 L)
Volume .
Passenger 97.9 cu ft
Cargo 12.5 cu ft
Cargo w/ Navigation System 12.3 cu ft
Total 110.4 cu ft
w/ Navigation System 110.2 cu ft
FUEL ECONOMY
EPA Fuel Mileage - City / Highway Automatic Transmission - 20/28
Manual Transmission - 20/30
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 107.9 in (2740 mm)
Track, front 62.1 in (1577 mm)
Track, rear 62.0 in (1576 mm)
Overall Length 189.3 in (4809 mm)
Overall Width 72.2 in (1835 mm)
Overall Height 56.7 in (1441 mm)
Minimum Ground Clearance 5.8 in (148.0 mm) Non-Load 4.4 in (111 mm) Full-Load
Curb Weight Automatic Transmission / Manual Transmission
3575 lb (1621 kg) / 3482 lb (1580 kg)
w/ optional Acura Navigation System 3582 lb (1625 kg) / 3489 lb (1583 kg)
w/ optional high performance tires N/A / 3491 lb (1584 kg)
w/ optional Acura Navigation System and high performance tires N/A / 3498 lb (1587 kg)
Weight Distribution (% front / rear) Automatic Transmission -- Manual Transmission
61.4/38.6 -- 60.0/40.0
w/ optional Acura Navigation System 61.2/38.8 -- 59.9/40.1
w/ optional high performance tires N/A -- 60.0/40.0
w/ optional Acura Navigation System and high performance tires N/A -- 59.8/40.2
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Front .
Head Room 38.7 in (984 mm)
Leg Room 42.8 in (1088 mm)
Hip Room 55.6 in (1412 mm)
Shoulder Room 58.3 in (1482 mm)
Rear .
Head Room 37.2 in (945 mm)
Leg Room 34.9 in (887 mm)
Hip Room 53.8 in (1367 mm)
Shoulder Room 55.7 in (1414 mm)
WARRANTIES
Vehicle 4-year / 50,000-mile limited warranty
Outer Body Rust-Through 5-year / unlimited-mile limited warranty
Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC) with roadside assistance 4-year / 50,000-mile
2005 Acura TL Features
ENGINEERING FEATURES
3.2-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, V-6 aluminum alloy engine
270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 238 lbs-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm
Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC(TM))
Drive-by-wire throttle system
Maintenance Minder system
Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Direct ignition system with knock control
5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control
or
6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
Limited slip differential (Models equipped with 6-speed manual transmission)
105,000-mile tune-up interval
Torque-sensing, variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension
4-channel Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system with Traction Control
4-wheel disc brakes with ventilated front discs
4-piston Brembo front brakes (Models equipped with 6-speed manual transmission)
17-inch alloy wheels with V-rated all-season performance tires
17-inch alloy wheels with high performance tires (Optional on models equipped with 6-speed manual transmission)
LEV-2 ULEV emission control system
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Brake Assist System
.
SAFETY and SECURITY FEATURES
Dual-stage dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Driver's and front passenger's side air bag with front passenger position and height sensors
Front and rear side-curtain airbags
3-point seat belts, front and rear
Front seat belt height adjustment
Child-proof rear door locks
Front and rear crumple zones
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for rear child seat attachment
5-mph bumpers (front and rear)
Pedestrian Impact Protection
Rear outboard head restraints
Theft-deterrent system
Electronic immobilizer system
Phosphorescent emergency trunk opener
.
EXTERIOR FEATURES
Power operated, heated side mirrors with memory
Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights (high and low beams)
Rear window defroster with timer
Heat-rejecting green-tinted glass
Acoustic front windshield glass
Chip-resistant rocker panels
Printed radio antenna (rear glass)
Galvanized body panels
.
INTERIOR FEATURES
SEATING and TRIM
Leather-trimmed seats and door panels
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob
Aluminum trim
or
Wood-patterned trim
10-way power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support and memory
4-way power passenger's seat
Heated front seats
Driver's and passenger's seat back pockets
Adjustable front and rear headrests
Rear-seat center folding armrest with dual beverage holders
LED back-lit instruments
Center console with adjustable center armrest
Locking trunk pass-through
Illuminated front center console storage
Illuminated power window switches
Carpeted floor mats
.
COMFORT and CONVENIENCE
Dual-zone, Dual-mode Automatic Climate Control with micron air-filtration system
Rear compartment heat/air conditioning vents
3D Solar Sensing Climate Control (models equipped w/ Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition)
Acura/ELS(R) Premium 8-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, DTS(TM) and CD, 6-disc Changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby(R) Cassette
Acura HandsFreeLink(TM)wireless phone capability
XM(R) Satellite Radio
Optional Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM) with 8-inch navigation system display
Keyless entry system with window and moonroof controls and panic button
Window and moonroof controls integrated with driver's door key lock
Multi-Information Display screen
Steering wheel-mounted audio, voice recognition, navigation system, cruise control and HandsFreeLink controls
Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
Speed-sensing intermittent windshield wipers with mist feature
Power glass moonroof with tilt and auto-reverse features and sliding sunshade
Driver automatic up/down window (w/ auto reverse feature)
Front and rear overhead map lights
Reverse tilt feature on both side mirrors
User-programmable interior lighting
In-door sunglass storage compartment
Auto-dim day/night rearview mirror
Illuminated driver's and front passenger's vanity mirror
HomeLink(R) remote control system
Two 12v power outlets
Front and rear dual beverage holders
Door storage compartments
Dual trip meters
Maintenance Minder system
Auto-off headlights
Outside temperature gauge
Side-window defoggers
Digital clock
Remote trunk/fuel door release
In-trunk storage tray
In-trunk shopping bag hook
In-trunk cargo net
Hand operated parking brake
