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Acura TL Type-S is back
The 2007 Acura TL enters the midsized luxury market with revised exterior and interior styling, an improved nav system and the re-introduction of the Type-S performance model.
The Type-S features 286 horsepower (256 lb ft) from a new 3.5-liter V6, and includes a re-tuned suspension and S specific exterior styling and interior trim.
The Type-S returns to the lineup after a three year hiatus. The engine is mated to a new 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters, or a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. The regular TL comes with a 3.2-liter VTEC V6 producing 258 hp at 6200 rpm and 233 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. Both the 3.2-liter and the 3.5-liter meet CARB LEV-II ULEV emissions requirements.
Both the TL and TL Type-S have double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. The Type-S has firmer front and rear anti roll bars and stiffer springs and shocks.
The TL's exterior features numerous subtle upgrades for 2007 including a new front fascia with a larger grille, redesigned bumper, new headlights and fog lights relocated to the lower bumper.
Changes to the interior include a new 3-spoke steering wheel, new gauges with a spun metal look, and model-specific ambient lighting that is blue on the TL and red for the Type-S.
Both TL and TL Type-S offer Acura/ELS Surround premium sound system, Acura satellite-linked navigation that now ha real-time traffic.
Herta likely to ALMS; Acura confirms ALMS entries
Andretti Green Indy Racing League driver Bryan Herta confirmed at Milwaukee that he asked team officials to move him to AGR’s new American Le Mans Series program (Competition, July 24), a move that apparently opened the door for Danica Patrick to join AGR’s IRL team last week.
Herta said there is an outside chance he will return to Indy cars next season.
Patrick’s IRL continuation is a win for the league, which has held on to former champions Sam Hornish Jr. and Dan Wheldon in similar free agency periods in the past three years. But all is not rosy: Cheever Racing recently suspended operations due to a lack of sponsorship, and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is talking about missing the July 30 race at Michigan with similar troubles. D&R has made every race since it opened its doors with Robbie Buhl’s win at the start of the 2000 season in Orlando, and if its streak breaks, the IRL probably will set another low mark for participation with 17 cars at Michigan.
Acura confirmed the story we broke last week: Andretti Green Racing, Fernandez Racing and Highcroft Racing will field Acura-powered LMP2 cars in the ALMS next year. AGR and Highcroft will use Courage’s new LC75 chassis, while High-croft is designated the chassis development team. Fernandez will run Lola’s B05/40 chassis and will focus on engine development. Drivers will be announced “in the near future.” Testing begins in August.
