Hot News: New Acura TL Will Debut at Chicago Show 2011

Perhaps Acura’s most controversially styled car with the power plenum grille is the 2011 TL sedan. The car has been a consistently good seller for the brand and we’ll see a restyled 2012 version at the Chicago Auto Show on February 9.

Acura isn’t releasing any information on the 2012 TL just yet, but it’s safe to say the car’s front grille will be revised from the 2011 model shown here. Now that the MDX and ZDX have received the six-speed automatic transmission, don’t be surprised if the TL gets it, as well. Currently, the 2011 TL is rated 18/26 mpg city/highway in front-wheel-drive form, with a five-speed automatic. A six-speed automatic would likely increase those figures.

We’re guessing that style, more than fuel economy, will increase TL sales, which were flat in 2010. What details do you hope to see in the 2012 TL’s new design?

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2011 Acura RL

Acura is dragging its flagship RL luxury sedan kicking and screaming into the new decade, updating the car with a toned-down nose and a new six-speed automatic transmission.

Up front, the 2011 RL's new snout is less bulbous than that of its predecessor - a styling change possibly aimed at helping to silence critics of the controversial familial front end. New 18-inch alloys are perched in the wheelhouses and house special technology to quiet road noise. No other cosmetic changes have been made.

The real news lies underneath the 2011 RL's skin, with a new six-speed SportShift transmission replacing the five-speed used in for the 2010 model year (confirming our previous intel). The new gearbox is a welcome addition to the RL, and helps to boost fuel efficiency from 16/22 mpg city/highway to 17/24 mpg (combined fuel economy increases a full 2 mpg from 18 to 20). The additional cog could also make hilly driving a little less frantic than in the current car.

Pricing has not yet been announced for the 2011 Acura RL, though with the new transmission we expect a minor bump over 2010 prices. The big question now is how much longer the RL can soldier on with its upgrades -- and whether a next-gen car should be built.
Thanks to: Motor Trend