The 2012 Acura TL: Christmas Aboard Acura's Best
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My knuckles; white as the driven snow. My eyes; bloodshot, wide, and behind a twitching right eyelid. Tension running like barbed wire from my neck, across my shoulders, and down my spine. A slight throbbing in my temple reminds me that however I may hope for the contrary, my heart does indeed still beat. Welcome to the holiday season.
Yes indeed, while it might be hallmarked by lights, candy canes, and snowmen upon so many cards around the world, Christmas in Vancouver is oftentimes anything but a relaxing affair. Drivers with sodden brains drenched in Vancouver's uniquely depressing drizzle occupy the roads during the day, oftentimes errant in their pursuit of errands, while brains sodden with something a little more potent fumble their way between the white lines at night. And somewhere in the midst of it all there was me, picking up presents for, and on behalf of, my entire family.
But if Santa Claus was the role I was doomed to play this year, then the 2012 Acura TL would certainly have been my Rudolph, at least for a week. Fresh from a facelift courtesy of Acura's relatively new California-based design studio (rarely has the term "facelift" been so appropriate), the TL rolled into my driveway looking, from most angles, exactly like the previous model... with one major difference. While the car's sharp creases and kind of awesome Darth Vader-inspired derriere certainly survived relatively unscathed, Acura has finally seen fit to tone down the garish shield that's drawn so much ire since it was first shown in 2009. Replacing it is a similarly sized, but less contoured insert that doesn't have the same cleft, beak-like lines and instead channels the same sort of shape as Acura grilles have for years. Coincidentally, it also moves through the air better, and allows for better airflow through the radiator. However, while it's the most obvious change, it's not the only one. According to Acura, the front end also possesses revised head lights, turn signals, fog lights, and a shorter overhang, although none of that was very apparent to me. Whatever they've done, it's an undeniable step in the right direction.
Of course, having a less prominent prow doesn't do anything to lower your heart rate when you start to enter into the fray that is the downtown core of Vancouver in the midst of shopping season. No, it's at this particular time when a couple of Acura's other updates come to bear. Although far less obvious than the new nose, the 2012 Acura TL also benefits from a couple key revisions to its six speed automatic. Although still equipped with a traditional torque converter, Acura has reengineered some of the transmission's clutch packs in order to obtain transmission lock-up under a broader array of condition. Similarly, the transmission's control unit also allows for driver-prompted double downshifts, and will compensate for any downshift with the appropriate engine blip. Although I can't say how well that particular feature works (I never really felt the need to skip a gear going down through the gearbox), the revised clutch packs did make the drivetrain feel much more eager, and almost eliminates the laggardly attitude that usually accompanies automatic gearboxes. The engine, as a result, feels like a much more willing participant even though it comes into the new year with the same output as it had previously.
Not that the available 307 horsepower does anything for you when you're trolling Hornby Street for a parking space, desperately dodging utterly unpredictable cyclists and pedestrians alike. No, it's at times like this that the hushed interior, soothingly excellent sound system, and a whole host of sensors and cameras come in handy. Providing as calm an experience as one can expect from what really is a pretty dedicated sports sedan, the TL's torque converter-equipped transmission does a great job of modulating it's speed at small throttle openings; something that the in vogue dual clutch gearboxes seem to struggle with. However, the big wheels, extremely low profile tires, and stiff suspension do prove somewhat unforgiving over speed bumps and pot holes. Opting for the manual gearbox would exacerbate this condition, as that gearbox's installation is accompanied by stiffer, sportier suspension.
But with an automatic gearbox, the truth is, the TL remains an incredibly well rounded vehicle. With an exceptional all-wheel drive system backing up it's all season credibility, a spacious and relaxing cabin, and enough performance to maintain an air of entertainment, it's a car that's extremely well suited to Canadians' needs. Even better yet, it's a car that does a damn fine job of fulfilling Santa's needs too. Trust me.
