Acura has just released a hotted-up version of the already-hot TL, dubbed the Type-S (surprise). A vision in metallic blue, decked out in black chrome and subtle bodywork, the 2007 Type-S is a looker, indeed. Interior accents done up in carbon fiber and shale leather carry over the aesthetic theme inside, as well.
Under the hood is, of course, where the big news in a sub-model introduction like this lies. Actually, pop the hood on the TL Type-S, and you could be excused for forgetting which Acura engine you were examining. Thing is, the folks at Acura went with the old “no-replacement-for-displacement” routine for the Type-S, fitting it with the flagship RL’s 3.5-liter six. That bumps the horsepower up to 286 (under new SAE standards for 2007). Much like in the RL, it’s a honey of a motor; smooth and sweet. Still, we miss the old motor’s torque curve; the 3.5 does boast an increase in lb.-ft. of 18 (to 256), yet feels somehow less grunt-y.
Beyond all that, we surely like the new rear-view camera, and the available “Acuralink” real-time traffic nav system (read also as: XM NavTraffic).