Japanese carmaker Honda will introduce the new Acura in 2009, which will be available  in two distinctly different models, TL and TL SH-AWD.

With dramatic new styling, precise handling and a host of advanced technology and safety features, the fourth-generation TL will impress SUV enthusiasts across the world.

A choice of two different all-aluminum VTEC engines power the new 2009 TL.. Standard is a 3.5-litre V-6 producing 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque that sends power to the front wheels through Acura's sophisticated sequential sportshift 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel- mounted paddle shifters and grade logic control.

Though powerful, the new engine is also fuel efficient, with projected EPA fuel economy ratings of around 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The engine is targeted to meet California's tough Carb Lev II Ulev emissions certification standards, thanks to features including a drive-by-wire throttle system, computer-controlled programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) and variable valve timing and lift electronic control (VTEC) for the intake valves.

The TL SH-AWD sports the all-new 3.7-litre V-6 engine producing 305 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque courtesy of greater displacement and additional high-performance features such as variable valve timing and lift electronic control (VTEC) on both the intake and exhaust valves, and a special high-flow dual exhaust system.

Fuel economy
With projected EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, the 3.7 litre is also targeted to meet California's stringent Carb Lev II Ulev emissions certification. The pièce de résistance on the TL SH-AWD is the super handling all-wheel drive system, now available on the TL for the first time.

Both engines feature electronically controlled engine mounts to reduce engine noise, vibration and harshness (NVH); quiet and efficient electric power steering (EPS) and maintenance-free serpentine accessory belt also boost operating refinement. A standard maintenance minder system and up to a 100,000-mile tune-up interval offer further time and cost savings for the TL owner.

The standard transmission on the 2009 TL and TL SH-AWD is a sequential sportshift 5-speed automatic featuring F1-style steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and grade logic control.

A powerful exterior body design dramatically advances the TL's image as a performance luxury sedan. Designed by Acura in southern California, the  car features Acura's new signature front grille, body sides defined by strong character lines, sweeping C-pillars and new LED taillights. Plentiful use of luxury and performance features add visual appeal while adding to the TL's vigorous statement, including bright HID projector-beam front headlights, pronounced wheel arches, a standard power moonroof and stainless-steel body trim.

Standard on the 2009 TL are 17-inch aluminum wheels with P245/50R17 all-season Bridgestone Turanza or available Michelin Pilot tires for confident year-round performance. The TL SH-AWD comes with 18-inch aluminum wheels with lower-profile P245/45R18 Michelin Pilot tires for more agile handling. The TL SH-AWD offers available 19-inch aluminum wheels with aggressive P245/40ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 summer tires for the ultimate TL performance experience.

In keeping with its mission as a driver's car, the 2009 TL interior features a new "dual personal" layout that provides both the driver and front passenger with their own personal space. Thanks to its larger exterior dimensions, the new TL has 1.3 inches more rear legroom and 0.5-inch of added rear shoulder room compared to the previous generation TL.

The design and execution of the interior is an artful combination of leather surfaces, accented by metallic and wood-pattern trim. An impressive array of premium standard features includes a power moonroof, dual-zone adaptive climate control, 10-way adjustable (8-way power seat with 2-way power lumbar support) driver seat, 8-way adjustable power front passenger seat, and steering-wheel-mounted F1®-style paddle shifters for the Sequential SportShift automatic transmission. An 8-speaker, 276-watt audio system that includes a 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM radio, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth audio, USB port and AUX jack connectivity, and HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface are standard.

Available on both the TL and TL SH-AWD is a technology package that includes the most comprehensive array of advanced electronic features ever offered by Acura. The technology package includes the Acura navigation system with voice recognition, AcuraLink real-time traffic, AcuraLink weather with Doppler-style radar mapping, an Acura/ELS surround premium audio system and keyless access system with pushbutton ignition. The navigation system features a new 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display for improved visibility.

Safety feature
Safety advanced compatibility engineering (ACE) represents a major advance in structural engineering for the 2009 TL. In simple terms, ACE better dissipates crash energy in a severe frontal collision through the use of dedicated load-bearing frame structures that efficiently distribute crash energy through the body structure-while also helping to preserve the integrity of the passenger compartment.

Six airbags and a new active head restraint system for the driver and front passenger headrests top the long list of passive safety features built into the new TL. The airbag array includes dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, new dual-chamber front seat side airbags, along with side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions. Additional passive-safety features include 3-point seatbelts and head restraints for all seating positions, driver and front passenger seatbelt load-limiters with an automatic tensioning system and a lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system that permits quick, secure attachment of up to two child seats in the rear seating area.

Other active safety features include powerful 4-wheel disc brakes (with ABS, EBD and brake assist), vehicle stability assist (VSA), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), all-season tires and an available SH-AWD system. Adding to the list of standard exterior safety features are daytime running lights (DRL) along with 2.5-mph front and rear bumpers.

The 2009 Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover and the MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.

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