We've already brought you key details and live photos of the 2012 Acura TL fresh from Chicago, but now we have the full details. A mild mid-cycle refresh, the 2012 TL adds value to the existing car without significantly changing the package.
Acura pitches it as "refined, yet aggressive," and we have to agree--refinement of options and features, and one very aggro grille that's revised, but not done with the brightwork beak.
New features for the 2012 Acura TL include a Sequential SportShift six-speed automatic transmission that delivers 20/29 mpg fuel economy ratings, new front and rear styling, a revised interior, and numerous technology upgrades.
The SportShift transmission, though geared for efficiency, adds an element of sport by blipping the throttle on downshifts to better match revs, and allows a double-downshift for hard braking into slower turns.
Upgrades to the 3.5-liter V-6 engine reduce friction to boost output slightly, and the 3.7-liter, 305-horsepower engine shares an upgraded air inlet system with the 3.5. The 3.7-liter engine is standard on the SH-AWD model, while the front-drive TL gets the 3.5-liter.
Updates to the Technology Package include a 60-gigabyte hard-disk based navigation/entertainment system, allowing more map coverage. USB speed is also boosted for quicker transfer of music and media, and the VGA-resolution screen gets brighter with richer color. A new Advance Package adds ventilated front seats and a new blind-spot information (BSI) system.
