NAIAS 2014: Two Transmission Choices For The New Acura TL

Jack Baruth
by Jack Baruth

It’s become a great tradition of the Detroit Show: Acura shows next year’s TL with chrome trim. So here we go!





The wheelbase is the same as last year, but the body’s about four inches shorter. The better to make the RLX look premium! An all-new and lighter-than-before 2.4L four-cylinder will come matched up with an 8-speed DCT. 3.5L V-6 models will have a nine-speed torque-converter transmission. If you want AWD, you’ll need to take the V-6.

Acura’s promising greater control of the driver experience through increased customization features for the active noise cancellation and other dynamic options.

Let’s hope that this TL represents the same quietly impressive leap over its predecessor as the Accord on which its based.

Jack Baruth
Jack Baruth

More by Jack Baruth

Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 103 comments
  • Johnny_5.0 Johnny_5.0 on Jan 15, 2014

    I don't understand why the seemingly sportier rev-matched DCT (based on the scant info we have now) is only available with the 4 cylinder, and the engine with more grunt gets the conventional automatic. Surely the DCT can handle the torque of the NA V6. Is it a volume thing and they can't make as many vs. the 9 speed? Is it the planned replacement for any remaining manual models in Honda's lineup and this is just the first place we are seeing it? Glad to see some potentially competitive transmissions, but Acura (along with Lexus and Infiniti) needs some new engines. 306HP from the IS350 was stout when it came out back in 2006, but a lot has changed since then. The FI offerings from BMW and the upcoming ones from Mercedes (354 lb-ft!) will stomp this thing in a straight line, even if they cost considerably more. I don't see Acura dropping in the new powertrain from the RLX anytime soon.

    • Kyree Kyree on Jan 15, 2014

      I see your point. Entirely. But the TL almost exists in a vacuum. As a front-drive-biased luxury car that is definitely sporty and is *actually* a mid/full-sized car---as compared to the S60 and Regal, which are borderline compact--the TL almost exists in a vacuum. It can't really be compared to compact or mid-sized offerings from other brands.

  • GiddyHitch GiddyHitch on Feb 03, 2014

    Hopefully the design works as well in the flesh as it does in these pictures/renders (I can never tell these days). Best Acura design since the last gen MDX. Cohesive overall with some tight lines and a tidy profile. I've always been impressed with the quality of HMC wheels but this is the first set that features an exciting design as well.

  • MaintenanceCosts It's not a Benz or a Jag / it's a 5-0 with a rag /And I don't wanna brag / but I could never be stag
  • 3-On-The-Tree Son has a 2016 Mustang GT 5.0 and I have a 2009 C6 Corvette LS3 6spd. And on paper they are pretty close.
  • 3-On-The-Tree Same as the Land Cruiser, emissions. I have a 1985 FJ60 Land Cruiser and it’s a beast off-roading.
  • CanadaCraig I would like for this anniversary special to be a bare-bones Plain-Jane model offered in Dynasty Green and Vintage Burgundy.
  • ToolGuy Ford is good at drifting all right... 😉
Next