Acura TL Overview

Introduction

The fourth generation Acura TL is a dynamic mid-sized sedan with a winning combination of performance and luxury, offered in a choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations.
The front-wheel drive TL is outfitted with a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, while the all-wheel drive TL SH-AWD features a more powerful 305-hp 3.7-liter V6. Both engines are paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, featuring Sequential SportShift manual mode and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Acura's exclusive Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhances grip, stability and all-weather control, while an electric power assist steering system on both models provides direct feedback. Every TL is equipped with a power moonroof, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio and HandsFreeLink
(Bluetooth) wireless connectivity. The TL SH-AWD is further distinguished by exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, bumper-integrated front brake cooling ducts and quad tailpipes. A Technology Package is available on both models, including a navigation system with voice activation, keyless access, upgraded audio, premium leather and a rear decklid spoiler with integrated rearview camera.
After an extensive redesign last year, the Acura TL carries over unchanged for 2010.

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test

NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars, with five stars indicating the most injury protection and one star indicating the least protection.

soure by autos.aol

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Chrysler May Abandon Sebring Nameplate

Chrysler May Abandon Sebring Nameplate

In an attempt to break away from its pre-bankruptcy form, Chrysler is possibly dropping the Sebring name for its revised midsize sedan, which is due late next year.

Chrysler is planning to significantly revamp its lineup in the near future, and is promising nine significantly upgraded vehicles -- Chrysler calls them "new" -- by the end of this year. The Sebring is one of those cars on the block. Apart from ditching most of the features found on the current car, CEO Sergio Marchionne suggests the new car may even ditch the Sebring nameplate.

“You’ll see a completely different animal,” said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and Chrysler Group, speaking about the Sebring replacement scheduled to go on sale in the fourth quarter this year. “Actually, we were having a discussion about what name this animal should have. The jury’s still out.”

While details about the upgraded Sebring are rather scarce, Marchionne says the changes will be significant. The most significant changes will come in the interior, where hard plastics currently abound. The new interior should look more like the new Ram trucks’ interior, with numerous leather appointments.

Chrysler’s significantly refreshed Sebring -- or whatever it will be called -- is due in the fourth quarter this year, along with eight other significantly upgraded Chrysler products. The Sebring refresh comes just over two years before the brand new model based off a Fiat platform debuts in 2013.

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Upcoming Baby AMG May Get Supercharged V-6, Not Turbo Four

Upcoming Baby AMG May Get Supercharged V-6, Not Turbo Four
British magazine Autocar reports that the upcoming B-Class-based AMG sedan will be powered by a 3.2-liter supercharged V-6, not a turbocharged four-cylinder as previously thought.

The mill is based on the upcoming 3.5-liter engine that'll first make its home in the new CLS350. Also like the CLS, the smaller AMG (codenamed the *** EVO) will get similar coupe-like styling, meaning four frameless doors and a steeply raked profile.


Force feeding the engine is said to be an electronically operated pressure wave supercharger. The technology is widely used in tractor and big diesel applications, and utilizes pressure waves from the exhaust to boost engine induction.

Rumors persist that a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will handle what is believed to be around 400 horsepower.  Though the car will be based on a front-drive platform, AMG will likely opt for an all-wheel drive setup to help put power down.

Though smaller and less powerful than its siblings, the "baby Benz" (the nickname was originally applied to the shown 190 E EVO II) will not be a cheap means to gain access into the premium performance segment. It'll still carry all the premium bits - and driving characteristics -- AMG customers are used to, but at a slightly lower price point in order to make way for newer, younger buyers.

Source: Autocar

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