2012 Acura TL

Pricing (All Models)

TL                                                                                                                    $35,6051

TL SH-AWD                                                                                                   $39,155

TL with Technology Package                                                                $39,335

TL with Advance Package                                                                    $41,535

TL SH-AWD with Technology Package                                                           $42,885

TL SH-AWD 6-Speed Manual Transmission with Technology Package            $42,885

TL SH-AWD with Advance Package                                                   $45,085

 

 

 

Standard Feature Highlights

Engine:

280 horsepower, 3.5-liter, VTEC®, V-6

EPA Est. MPG38:

20 (city) / 29 (hwy)

Transmission:

6-speed automatic, Sequential SportShift paddle shifters

Seating:

Leather-trimmed sport seats

Climate Control:

Automatic, dual-zone, humidity control and air filtration

Audio:

276-watt, 6-disc changer, USB7 Audio Interface with iPod®8 integration, XM® Radio4, Dolby® Pro Logic® II, auxiliary input and 8 speakers

Cellular Interface:

Bluetooth®11 HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface

Wheels:

17-inch alloy wheels

Technology Package

Audio:

440-watt Acura/ELS Surround®32 Premium 10-speaker Sound System with HDD media storage, in-dash CD, DVD-Audio, MP3, WMA6 and DTS® player, Dolby®5 Pro Logic® II, XM® Radio with Note function music reminder4 and Song By Voice™

Acura Navigation System10:

Rearview camera, Traffic Rerouting™, and Zagat Survey® ratings and reviews, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™13, Automated Appointments™

Voice Recognition System:

For navigation, audio, and climate control systems

Climate Control:

GPS-linked and solar-sensing10

Cellular Interface:

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phonebook exchange

Seating:

Premium Leather-trimmed interior

Ignition:

Keyless Access System with push button start

Exterior:

Body-colored decklid spoiler

Advance Package

Seats:

6-level heated and ventilated front seats

Visibility:

Blind spot information system

Exterior:

18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels (FWD)19-inch, 5-split-spoke alloy wheels (SH-AWD)

TL SH-AWD Additional Features

Engine:

305-hp, 3.7-liter, V-6 engine with intake/exhaust VTEC®

EPA Est. MPG38:

AT: 18 (city) / 26 (hwy)

MT: 17 (city) / 25 (hwy)

Drivetrain:

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), choice of 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control, or 6-speed manual transmission with hill start assist

Exterior:

18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels

Acura MDX 2011

Pricing

MDX                                                                                       $42,9301

MDX with Technology Package                                             $46,605

MDX with Technology and Entertainment Packages              $48,505

MDX with Advance Package                                                  $52,555

MDX with Advance and Entertainment Packages                   $54,455

 

 

 

Standard Feature Highlights

Engine:

300-hp, 3.7-liter, 24-valve, SOHC VTEC® V-6

EPA Est. MPG2:

16 (city) / 21 (hwy)

Transmission:

6-speed Sequential SportShift automatic with paddle shifters plus Grade Logic and Shift Hold Control

Drivetrain:

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)

Seating:

Sport seats with leather, 7-passenger seating

Climate control:

Automatic, tri-zone, humidity control and air filtration

Audio:

6-disc in-dash CD, MP3, WMA6 changer, 8-speakers, MP3/auxiliary input jack, and XM® Radio4

Visibility:

Rearview mirror with rear view camera display

Cellular Interface:

Bluetooth®11 HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface

Access:

Remote-linked power-operated tailgate

Technology Package

Acura Navigation System10:

Acura Navigation System with Zagat Survey® restaurant reviews

Multi-view rear camera

AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™13 and Traffic Rerouting™

AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™13

Automated Appointments

Audio:

Acura/ELS Surround®32 410-watt Premium 10-speaker Sound System with hard disk drive (HDD) media storage, in-dash CD, DVD-Audio, MP3, WMA6 and DTS® player, Dolby®5 Pro Logic® II, Bluetooth®11 Audio and AM/FM tuner

USB7 Audio Interface with iPod®8 Integration

Song By Voice™

Radio Data System (RDS)

Note function for XM

Voice Recognition System:

For navigation, audio, climate control and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® systems

Cellular Interface:

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phonebook exchange

Interior:

Milano Premium Leather-trimmed interior

Advance Package

Includes Technology Package

Suspension:

Active Damper System sport suspension

Interior:

Perforated Milano Premium Leather -trimmed interior

Heated and ventilated front seats, Blind spot information system (BSI), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Safety:

Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)

Exterior:

19-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels

Auto-leveling headlights

Entertainment Package

Entertainment:

Acura DVD Rear Entertainment System with 9-inch, power flip-down screen, separate audio, wireless headphones, wireless remote

Seating:

Dual-level heated 2nd-row outboard seats

Convenience:

Front center console 115-volt power outlet

Acura TSX 2011 sport wagon

Pricing

fact sheet (pdf)

ModelsCompare TSX Sport Wagon Models     Starting at1

TSX Sport Wagon        $30,960

TSX Sport Wagon with Technology Package  $34,610

 

Standard Feature Highlights

Engine:

201-hp, 2.4-liter, i-VTEC®, in-line 4

EPA Est. MPG2:

22 (city) / 30 (hwy)

Transmission:

5-spd. Sequential SportShift automatic

Seating:

Perforated leather-trimmed sport seats

Climate control:

Automatic, dual-zone, humidity control and air filtration

Audio:

360-watt audio with USB7 Audio Interface & iPod®8 integration, with 7 speakers

Cellular Interface:

Bluetooth®11 HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface

Technology Package

Audio:

Acura/ELS Surround®32 460-watt Premium 10-speaker Sound System with 15-gigabyte hard disk drive memory (HDD) media storage, in-dash CD, DVD-Audio, MP3, WMA6 and DTS® player, Dolby®5 Pro Logic® II, Bluetooth®11 Audio and AM/FM tuner

USB7 Audio Interface with iPod®8 integration

Song By Voice™

XM® Radio with Note function music reminder

Acura Navigation System10:

Rearview camera, available Traffic Rerouting™, and Zagat Survey® restaurant reviews & ratings, available AcuraLink® Real-Time Traffic and Weather™13, Automated Appointments™

Voice Recognition System:

For navigation audio and climate control systems

Climate Control:

GPS-linked and solar-sensing10

Cellular Interface:

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phonebook exchange

Access:

Remote-linked power-operated tailgate

Specification:

Wheelbase, in (mm) Overall length, in (mm) Overall width, in (mm) Front track, in (mm) Rear track, in (mm)        Height (unladen), in (mm) Ground clearance (unladen), in (mm) Curb Weight, lb (kg) Weight distribution (% front / rear) EPA Passenger Volume, cu ft Cargo Volume, cu ft 2nd row seatbacks up 2nd row seatbacks down Headroom, in (mm) Front Rear Legroom, in (mm) Front Rear Hiproom, in (mm) Front Rear Shoulder room, in (mm) Front Rear Fuel tank capacity, U.S. gallons (liters) Maximum Seating Capacity

106.4 (2705) 189.2 (4805) 72.4 (1840) 62.2 (1580) 62.2 (1580) 57.9 (1470) 5.9 (150) 3599 (1633) – 3623 (1644) 57 / 43 94.4 25.8 60.5 37.6 (955): Front 36.9 (938): Rear 42.4 (1078): Front 34.3 (872): Rear 55.6 (1411): Front 54.2 (1377): Rear 57.8 (1468): Front 56.1 (1426): Rear 18.5 (70) 5

BMW M3 E46 CSL- The Best Performance Car BMW Has Ever Built?

Could the E46 M3 CSL be the best car to come out of BMW M division? And can BMW build another one just as good?

CSL stands for “Coupe Sport Lightweight”, a moniker first given to the legendary race winning BMW 3.0 CSL. First appearing in 1972, the 3.0CSL homologation special model was very successful in racing, especially in the European Touring Car Championship and the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft, thus securing BMW’s position amongst motorsport giants.

The first BMW M3 CSL appeared in 2003 and wowed enthusiasts all around the world with its use of racing technologies applied to a street car. Among these technologies was a modified version of the usual 3,246-cc S54 inline-six that lacks a conventional mass airflow meter. Instead, intake air is calculated directly by the DME, making for a much quicker engine response. Further changes include modified camshafts and exhaust valves, plus a lightweight exhaust system constructed of thinner steel. The CSL-spec engine is rated at 360 hp at 7,900 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm.

 

The E46 M3 CSL is most notably distinguished from the standard E46 M3 by its various lightweight components. The signature differentiation is the Carbon Fiber reinforced roof panel (GFP) which weighs 13 pounds less than the conventional roof. The front bumper support is also constructed of GFP, as well as the unique “Single Air inlet” front bumper. At the rear, the lower rear valance is made of GFP, while the reshaped trunk lid is made of SMC (sheet molding compound). Fiberglass-reinforced plastic is used for the rear bumper supports and this material is also “sandwiched” with thermoplastics and foam to create the trunk floor and rear bulkhead. As a final weight-saving measure, the rear window glass is extra thin. BMW claimed that the M3 CSL weighed 3,054 pounds, or roughly 10 percent less than the normal model.

The M3 CSL is equipped exclusively with the SMG II transmission featuring a special launch control mode that automatically shifts at the optimum point for maximum acceleration. This is mated to the standard E46 M3 final drive and M locking differential. Also, the DSC system of the M3 CSL can be switched to an exclusive M Track Mode via the steering wheel-mounted button. This raises the threshold at which the system intervenes to allow for some degree of sideways fun.

The suspension of the M3 CSL is based on that of the standard E46 M3. However, it does incorporate a number of changes: shorter stiffer springs and shocks with different rates (for both rebound and compression), plus larger anti-roll bars in the front (30.8 mm) and rear (22.5 mm). In addition, the normal aluminum front control arms (shared with the standard E46 M3) are joined by aluminum rear suspension links with stiffer ball bushings. Rounding out the chassis upgrades is a quicker ratio steering rack (overall ratio: 14.5:1) and larger 13.7-inch cross-drilled front brake rotors. Finally, the M3 CSL rides on lightweight cross-spoke alloy wheels measuring 8.5×19-inches in front (0.5 inches wider than the normal M3) and 9.5×19-inches in the rear. These are shod with special Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires sized 235/35ZR19 (front) and 265/30ZR19 (rear).

Conventional tires mounted to the 19-inch forged M Double Spoke II wheels from the standard E46 M3 were also offered as a no-cost alternative.

Serving the lightweight purpose of the M3 CSL, the interior could be specified without climate control or a radio. However, both were made available at no additional cost.

A total of 1,358 CSLs were produced for European track junkies between June and December of 2003, in both left-hand drive (823 built) and right-hand drive (535 built).

With more and more BMW vehicles “gaining weight” as new generations come to market, could BMW  build another street car like the iconic M3 CSL? Well, at a smaller and exclusive scale, they recently have built an unique M3. The new E92 M3 GTS is a spiritual successor to the E46 M3 CSL.

Although the M3 GTS is slightly quicker in a straight line than the E46 CSL, the lap times around the Nurburgring are surprisingly close. According to FastLaps.com, the 450 hp GTS is faster than the 360 hp CSL by a mere 2 seconds. 7:50 vs 7:48.

What the E46 M3 CSL lacks in horsepower over the M3 GTS, it makes up for in sheer driving feel and balance. Some consider the E46 chassis to have been the best BMW has ever built, making the CSL one of the best performance BMW ever.

Let’s round up some other opinions from BMWBLOG team members:

Andrew Murphy – Editor

It’s BMW at its best.

The M3 CSL is just an honest, straightforward performance BMW. The CSL managed to combine many of the most identifiable traits of a BMW of the period into a single package. Naturally aspirated 3.2L inline-6, light weight materials, and hardcore near-slick tires wrapped around 19 inch wheels. The M3 CSL managed to deliver more performance than the standard E46 M3 at a still-reasonable price point.

The result of Garching’s hard work? A car that is worth much more than the sum of its parts. The CSL was the remind of BMW’s original roots – a sports sedan that car usher you around in style or a competent, wonderfully balanced track monster.

Misha Nikolich - Contributor

To me, the E46 CSL is the epitome of BMW M engineering and driving dynamics. It combines the roots of M’s early sports coupes like the E30 M3 with modern technology and lightweight materials. Result – a precise, no frills, pure motorsports inspired machine that touched the soul of those gearheads who crave pure driving nirvana.

Photos: Rolls Royce at Villa d’Este

In the most elegant Rolls-Royce category, the award by the jury went to the Rolls-Royce, Phantom II, Special Town Car owned by Norbert Seeger, FL. Another headliner at Villa d’Este was a Rolls-Royce Phantom II Brewster.

Trofeo FIVA for the best preserved pre war-car by the Jury went to the same Phantom II, Special Town Car.

Other unique Rolls Royce vehicle present at Lake Como were a 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II and 1932 Rolls-Royce 20/25.

BMW BLOG Visits BMW Classic 2

Munich, Germany – The last stop for me on Innovation Day was a walk from the FIZ on BMW-Allee to the BMW Classic facility. Located on Schleissheimerstrasse, the multi-story building houses pieces of the BMW collection that are not on display in the museum, corporate archives, and vehicle workshops. BMW Classic used to be called BMW Mobile Tradition and it was primarily an in-house restorer and maintainer of BMWs owned by the corporation.

That role has changed however. As appears in the BMW Classic press release, “BMW Group Classic coordinates all the activities of the BMW Group which are associated with the history of the company, its products and three brands. The relevant classic activities of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce are unified under the auspices of BMW Group Classic. The platform is formed by the classic mainstays of museum, archives, club support and the BMW Centre, as well as event organisation and specific classic communication. Classics from the BMW Group’s own collection are not simply housed in the museum, they are on the road at events throughout the world.

 “The BMW Classic Centre has been available for friends of the BMW brand since autumn 2008. The big advantage for customers who take their vehicle to the original manufacturer is complete service from a single source. The Classic Centre possesses the theoretical knowledge of the vehicles, the technical know-how, the original BMW parts and the infrastructure necessary to integrate all these aspects systematically. Classics in immaculate condition have been sold since autumn 2010 alongside the service and restoration activities. ”

So they now work on customer vehicles. And they have the resources to do that are better than any independent shop. They have the technicians, the parts, and the know-how (including their extensive archives) to restore pre-war, and more frequently, post-war BMWs. While the facility in Munich is limited in total space, they are rolling out the notion of a project “Customer Workshop” in other locations around the world in conjunction with top flight local facilities. And they not only work on classic road going cars and motorcycles, but racing vehicles also.

But that building on Schleissheimer Strasse is still the heart of the enterprise. Herr Florian Moser was my host for the visit and he met me in the lobby, fresh from my day at the FIZ, and gave me a rundown of the BMW Classic’s activities. We did not have an opportunity to view the meeting space and vehicles on the ground floor (one of which was a BMW 303 – the first BMW with the kidney grilles) due to a tour arranged for a club using the meeting facility. Nor did we stop at the archives located on the first floor (second floor to us ‘mercuns). But we did ascend further up the staircase to the workshops and vehicle holding areas.

The stairwell is at the front of the building and is fairly well isolated from the environment of the individual floors. I noticed no old paper smell (a smell that book lovers recognize in the faintest

concentration) as we hit the first floor landing. And then we moved up to the story that housed the road-going cars, and Herr Moser opened the door. And it hits you. The perfume that petrol heads the world over embrace, gasoline and lubricants. I stood there and breathed deeply, carcinogens be damned, I was going to indulge my nostrils in that delightful odor. And with a smile and a sigh, I looked back at Herr Moser, who smilingly said, “We know who the gear-heads are when we open the door.”

And as good as the olfactory welcome is, the visual treat is beyond belief. Arrayed throughout the room are cars and motorcycles that speak directly to the evolution of BMW. Pre-war cars, a handful of immediate post-war cars (including a 700) and then the Neue Klasse cars, 2002s, legions of 3ers, 5ers, and 7ers. An odd duck or two thrown in for good measure. And then there’s the true odd duck, the 16 cylinder 7er, the motor of which is known as ‘Goldfish’. How difficult is it to cram 16 cylinders in a 7er,? Well, they had to put the radiator in the rear and there is a cyst like bulge on each rear fender to scoop air into the car.

As great as that floor is, moving to the third floor, opened up the M, for motorsports, collection. Here, in one room are as many McLaren F1 cars as you’ll see gathered in one place outside of a Concours d’Elegance. And there’s an N12/13 engine for a Brabham F1 car, presumably a BT-52 (the B in the car designation stand for Brabham and the T stands for Sir Jack’s designer, Ron Tauranac). GT cars, racing M3s, DTM machines and record run motorcycles are everywhere you look. The on-track history this place holds is extra special to bimmerphiles.

In addition to the cars housed on the 2nd and 3rd stories, each story also has dedicated work spaces that are used to maintain and rebuild cars. And now, with its expanded mission, BMW Classic can resurrect your dream historical BMW, whether it’s a pre-war 328 or a 3.0 CSL Batmobile. Truly a special place and mission.