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Show SatSunMonTues., March 20-23, 2004 The Park Record C-17 All the I l . MM - '-' -A-- X w . Plus Freight Let- . . . - i ' M i good stuff you've come to expect and respect from . . . there's just more of it. ' '' r "" ' ' ' 3 MM MALE AOMA i iiiiMiiMiiimiw m miii iii inn mrnim iwiiiiw-iiTTnnii-rrrTTTrifflTWrlH'lTirrTirn in wmnmrm i r 1 - , . - II .! 1 tftfce Lae 5 OA6 Acura ve 2004 ModelUA6624JW "i $&o 000 i&m (Mofi)) zfomM By JASON STEIN WHEELBASE COMMUNICATIONS Acura is looking to duplicate BMW's success in reeling in drivers who want a sedan that reflects their sporting nature and respects their intelligence and sensibilities sen-sibilities as well-heeled buyers. Keep it clean. Make it fast, functional, sophisticated and a feast for the eyes. You know, the kind of car that says, i can afford to spend more, but this is the car I really want.'' Enter the dashing and ultra-modern-looking 2004 TL with its 270-horsepower 3.2-liter SOHC V6. Similar in style to the striking new-for-'04 TSX sedan, the TL -minus its normal 3.2 TL designation designa-tion is all new and still offers a ton of storage space (despite being six inches shorter than the '03 model) and a true level of performance perform-ance and precision. Acura pulls no punches: the BMW 530i Sport is the inspiration behind the TL. Similar engine displacement dis-placement and transmission choices choic-es greet buyers (six-speed manual or five-speed automatic with manual manu-al override), as does Acura's one-stop one-stop approach to standard features. Fresh fixin's on the top side, fresh underpinnings on the bottom and no more two-model lineup. Think of the 2004 TL as heavily reworked 2003 Type-S that's better looking and better bet-ter performing with 10 more horsepower horse-power heading to the front wheels. The '04 TL also features a drive-by-wire throttle system (derived from the exotic NSX sports car) that eliminates the mechanical connection connec-tion between the accelerator pedal and the engine. Pump the gas all you want when the car is shut off, nothing happens at the engine. Aside from smoother power application, applica-tion, it allows the new stability-control stability-control system to cut the power, at will, if it senses the TL is at any time losing its composure. The TL is wider and more muscular that before, accented 0!m?n o ssOa-taj m (loi4) bv 17- inch wheels and tires as well as a distinct dis-tinct front and back end and an aggressive face. A prominent character charac-ter line is etched into each side of the car, running underneath the pull handles han-dles on the doors and ending at the front and rear fender-mounted marker mark-er lights. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, BMW should be blushing. Inside, materials have been upgraded leather and real aluminum alu-minum trim is slathered throughout 2004 Acura TL Four-door, front-wheel-drive sedan with a 270-horsepower 3.2-liter SOHC V6. Five-speed automatic with manual override, over-ride, or six-speed manual transmission Acura's best-selling car has sharp new styling, more power and more standard safety features to make it a larger, more luxurious and slightly more expensive vehicle. The new TL has virtually the same wheelbase as its predecessor but is 6.3-inches 6.3-inches shorter in overall length. Interior dimensions are about the same. Already closing in on the class leaders, the redesigned TL offers the kind ol creature crea-ture comforts and attitude to make it a real force in the entry-level luxury sedan segment. Standard safety: Front airbags: side-impact side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; antilock brakes: stability control MPG (cityhwy): 1928 (AT) Base price: $33,000 (est ) . . : ' ' - V ' $199 mo. Tax 36 Month Lease w$1 500 Cash or Trade Down Pv -4; and there are more standard stan-dard amenities and hightech high-tech features than before. Buyers will receive dual-zone climate control, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock (bigger Brembo-brand brakes are included when you order the six-speed transmission), the usual assortment of power amenities and heated outside X j mirrors. However, one particular feature fea-ture sounds interesting if not incredible. incredi-ble. As standard equipment and for the first time in any production vehicle vehi-cle the TL will offer a six-channel (instead of the normal two) DVD audio system with surround sound. Developed with the help of Panasonic and music industry producer pro-ducer Elliot Scheiner, the 225-watt AcuraELS Premium eight-speaker Surround System also plays conventional conven-tional CDs through its eight speakers. speak-ers. Put the car in park and you can even watch DVD movies through the optional navigation system. The TL is also the first automobile to offer a wireless link with specific mobile phones so that calls can be made and received using the car's voice-recognition system. To dial up someone, drivers push the steering-wheel-mounted HandsFreeLink button, but-ton, which connects their phone to the system. But just when you think Acura has gone overboard with the gizmos, trust this: the basics are more than covered. The TL still offers a ton of storage space, including enough for four golf bags, and all the Acura value you've come to expect and respect. There's just more of it. 2004 ModelDC5384JW Payment Plus Tax Inceptions |