POWERTRAIN OVERVIEW

For 2012, the 3.5L V-6 engine benefits from several technologies that team to deliver a reduction of internal operating friction. As a result, the friction reduction measures are a significant element to improve city, highway and combined fuel economy.

The 3.5L V-6 engine makes use of a new plateau honing technique for the cylinder bores that generates a smoother surface. As a result, the piston rings achieve more consistent contact with the cylinder walls which generates improved ring-to-bore sealing along with reduced overall friction. In addition, the 3.5L V-6 uses a redesigned ion-plated piston ring design.

With the 3.5L V-6, the outer skirts of the pistons now feature a molybdenum coating applied in a unique dot-pattern application. The result is reduced overall friction as the pistons move within the cylinder bores.

Other friction reducing items include the use of lower viscosity engine oil (0W-20 weight versus the previous 5W-20 weight oil) along with lower viscosity oil for the Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the new 6-speed automatic transmission makes use of a fluid warmer assembly that helps improve shift quality and engine fuel economy for TL owners who live in colder climates. Previously, only the TL SH-AWD made use of an external transmission cooler (for hot weather driving), but for 2012 all models of the TL are now fitted with an external transmission cooler.

Both the 3.5L and 3.7L V-6 engines team with a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission along with a special multi-clutch lock-up torque converter. With comparatively "short" gearing in the first five forward gears, acceleration is enhanced- while fuel economy and quiet cruising are optimized with a relaxed Sixth gear ratio. The transmission offers two automatic shift modes, or can be operated manually via racing-inspired steering wheel paddle shifters. Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control and Cornering G Shift Control help make the 6-speed the most advanced automatic transmission ever offered by Acura.

The 2012 Acura TL and TL SH-AWD® are each fitted with a transversely mounted V-6 engine that has been engineered to meet the specific requirements of each TL model. The TL features an all-aluminum 3.5-liter V-6 with single overhead camshaft cylinder heads and 24 valves- with the intake valves actuated by Acura's VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control®) system. This compact and efficient engine produces 280 horsepower and 254 lbs-ft of torque.

The TL SH-AWD® is powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 that shares many features with the 3.5-liter engine, but gains displacement through larger cylinder bores and increased stroke. With 305 horsepower and 273 lbs-ft of torque, the 3.7-liter engine is as powerful as some V-8s, and is the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura.
The TL SH-AWD® engine features a VTEC® system that varies the exhaust valves as well as the intakes to contribute to elevated power output. The 3.7L engine is even lighter than the 3.5-liter engine, due in part to the use of aluminum (rather than iron) cylinder liners.

Both V-6 engines reflect Acura's unwavering commitment to the environment with good fuel efficiency given their power output. All TL engines meet EPA TIER 2 – BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV standards, and make use of close-coupled catalytic converters to ensure efficient cold-start emissions control.

The standard transmission in the TL is a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission operated by a straight-gate style console-mounted shifter. For more spirited driving, a racing-inspired steering wheel paddle shifter system is standard and works when the transmission is in "Drive" or "Sport".

For driving enthusiasts, available on the TL SH-AWD® is a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission with a heavy-duty clutch system. The 6-speed manual transmission is approximately 110 lbs lighter in weight to further benefit acceleration, deceleration and handling.

Since its original introduction, the TL has been exclusively a front-wheel-drive vehicle. Beginning with the fourth-generation 2009 model, an all-wheel-drive version joined the TL lineup. The TL SH-AWD® model features Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™; Acura's advanced drivetrain system that delivers quick, precise all-wheel-drive response. SH-AWD® is the first all-wheel-drive system to distribute the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels. The system's unique torque vectoring generates direct yaw control to make the TL SH-AWD® exceptionally neutral under power, for greater handling precision and control.

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