Acura TL

Impressions: With a few years experience under its belt, the Acura TL charges out of its corner with a secret weapon just aching to be unloaded by its clenched right fist: a crushing uppercut via the reemergence of the Type-S, a bona fide road scalpel with a 3.5-liter V6 pumping 286 horsepower to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Yes, this Japanese middleweight contender is gunning for the Infiniti G35 sedan and BMW 5 series, among others, with a sporting streak a mile long courtesy of quad-outlet tail pipes, sport seats and special body add-ons that scream, "I dare ya!" Also landing a direct shot to the jaw are Brembo-brand brakes for faster, more consistent stopping, 10-spoke 17-inch wheels and a noise cancellation system that uses two microphones and the low-frequency audio-system speakers to create reverse-phase sounds that all but silence interior rumbling. The Type-S is placed over and above last year's TL — certainly no slouch — that retains its 258-horsepower 3.2-liter V6, although these models make a pit stop for replacement front/rear body pieces, a new interior design that tunes up the materials with more use of spun metal, updated ambient lighting, keyless push-button starting and more comfortable seats. For 2007, a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters grafted to the back of the steering wheel is what you get when you order the TL. The six-speed stick becomes the exclusive domain of the TL Type-S. Perhaps the best part of TL ownership are the options, or rather that there basically aren't any. Full load, one stop, standard everything . . . pick your descriptor. Mechanically, the TL features a drive-by-wire throttle that eliminates the physical connection between the gas pedal and the engine. You also receive stability control, dual-zone climate control, DVD audio system with surround sound, four-wheel-disc brakes with anti-lock, 17-inch wheels, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags to protect your head and a standard tire-pressure monitoring system. The only option for the "base" TL is a navigation system, while the Type-S only requires you to pick your transmission. Base price: $34,000 Type: Four-door sedan Base engine (hp): 3.2-liter SOHC V6 (258) Optional engine (hp): 3.5-liter SOHC V6 (286) Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive Transmissions: Five-speed automatic; six-speed manual (Type-S) Mileage (city/hwy): 19/28 (Type-S) Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control Weight (lb.): 3,620 Basic warranty: 4/50,000 Roadside assistance: Yes Web: acura.com