The Acura TL is a mid-size, front-wheel-drive, four-door sedan powered by a V6 engine. Two models are available, the TL and the TL Type-S, distinguished by engine performance, suspension tuning, and convenience features.

The TL comes with a 258 hp 3.2-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission that has a manual-shifting feature with a console-mounted lever. The TL Type-S features a 286-hp 3.5-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic that has shift paddles on the steering wheel. The S-type R is available with a six-speed manual transmission, and it’s matched with a limited-slip differential for improved traction.

For 2007, the Acura TL receives a useful makeover that features styling changes and upgraded mechanical details, plus more electronic features. Most important, there are now two models, the standard TL and the performance-oriented TL Type-S.

The Type-S variant is nicely distinguished by a number of cosmetic and functional elements — most noticeably in the rear. Here the taillights are all-red, delineated by a smoked-chrome bezel, which is a much better look. Atop the trunklid is a small, tasteful spoiler. The biggest at-a-glance difference is the tailpipes, which consist of dual chrome tips on either side. I’m not wild about the execution; the TL’s rear is one of the most cohesive and distinctive on the road, a solid wedge with a brilliantly executed interplay of trapezoidal shapes. The Type-S’ tubular pipes do away with one of the slickest elements, the trapezoidal exhaust tips that fit flush with the bumper in perfectly shaped notches. Certainly there was a way to distinguish the Type-S without borrowing from a different stylistic vocabulary. (What am I, an art critic?) Between the pipes is another honeycomb grille posing as a diffuser; it is strictly cosmetic.

The Type-S has wider side sills than the regular TL but shares its front-end changes and is distinguished by “black chrome” trim on the grille and bumper in place of the bright chrome elements. Alloy wheels with five split spokes are new for 2007. The Type-S has charcoal wheels with matrix-style spokes. Both are 17 inches in diameter, but Acura offers 18-inch wheels as an option.

Outside of the completely imbalanced socioeconomic cauldron that is Southern California, getting “work” done as middle age arrives is relatively uncommon. We wrinkle, we sag, we bulge, and we buy new cars with coveted luxury badges on them to make us feel better about the ordeal. Cars like the refreshed Acura TL, a three-year old sport sedan that’s been Botoxed and working out with a personal trainer for 2007. It’s got a new look, bigger muscles, and added refinement to keep it competitive until a redesigned version arrives around the end of the decade. And with the new TL Type-S model, Acura is lookin’ for love with a more emotional, enthusiast type.

Power and torque are what make emotional, enthusiast types drool, and the 2007 Acura TL Type-S has plenty of both. It’s also got bigger pipes, a stiffer suspension and meatier brakes. There are other modifications, too, including sexier styling. But don’t think the Type-S gets to steal the show for 2007, because the standard TL is face-lifted with design enhancements inside and out, as well as slightly revised seats for greater comfort. Both Acura TLs get a new five-speed automatic transmission with increased power capacity, but now the manual transmission is limited to the Type-S model. Because a dedicated sport-tuned version has arrived, the pressure is off the standard TL and it can behave more like a refined and luxurious sedan and less like a boy-racer-mobile.

With an exterior theme described by Design Principal Engineer Philip LaPointe as “Laser Tension,” which he defines as “taut, aggressive, poised and intense,” its ‘07 styling changes are subtle. The most obvious differences are satin chrome crossbars bisecting the lower air intakes and fog lamps in their outer corners.

Inside, the theme is “Exotic Industrial” with colors and trims defined as “Bauhaus with Attitude.” LaPointe says that translates to “modern metal and dark exotic woods with more textures and contrasts.” We’d call it modern handsome and functional, with more precise-looking gauges behind a new three-spoke steering wheel, with oft-used controls on and between its spokes, and most everything else concentrated in the center stack. Audiophiles and commuters will appreciate the Acura/ELS 8-speaker premium surround-sound with 6-disc CD/DVD-Audio, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II - updated to play WMA and MP3 - the satellite-linked navigation with real-time traffic info (standard on Type-S), and the Bluetooth hands-free communications link, which will quickly synch your cellphone address book with the car.

2007 Acura TL :

2007 Acura TL 5-Spd AT 
2007 Acura TL 5-Spd AT w/ Navigation System 
2007 Acura TL Type-S 6-Spd MT 
2007 Acura TL Type-S 5-Spd AT 
2007 Acura TL Type-S 6-Spd MT w/ Performance Tires 
2007 Acura TL Type-S 5-Spd AT w/ Performance Tires