The Acura tradition of interior prestige and tailored function continues with an elegant and sporty interior for the TL. The instruments and controls are arranged to create an intimate and functional driver's cockpit that offers a feeling of connection and control. With its higher belt line, the TL has a substantial look and feel. Fine interior materials such as leather trimmed seats and real metal trim combine with close attention to detail to give the TL a tangible feeling of elegance. The large interior has stylish and highly supportive seating and generous front and rear headroom.

The TL's long list of standard includes items like the first North American application of a standard Sound System with 6-disc CD, DVD-Audio, DTS® and Dolby® Pro Logic® II audio system that takes advantage of the latest technology to deliver sound resolution that's 500 times higher than conventional CD audio. XM® Satellite radio is also on the standard equipment list, as is a MP3 player jack in the center armrest storage bin. The standard Acura Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system lets the driver dial a Bluetooth® enabled mobile phone by voice, while a new, higher-resolution Multi-Information Display (MID) shows mobile phone data, tracks the car's maintenance needs, displays warnings, and offers an array of driver preference settings. The available Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ has a large 8-inch display with a new, redesigned interface and AcuraLink™ satellite communication system with real-time traffic. For 2008, real-time traffic has been updated to include 76 major metropolitan areas-an increase of 32 areas.

There are distinct interior styling differences between the TL and Type-S models. In addition to LED-sourced red ambient lighting (instead of the blue LED lighting on TL models), the Type-S receives carbon fiber-look trim in place of wood, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters on automatic-equipped models, highly bolstered front seats, stainless steel sport pedals, contrast stitching on the door panels, seats and steering wheel, and an available 6-speed manual transmission.

Interior at a Glance

• Large passenger cabin with ample head room, shoulder room, and front leg room
• Luxurious cockpit designed for performance driving
• 3-spoke sport steering wheel with paddle shifters for Type-S with Sequential SportShift automatic transmission
• Gauge package features faces with spun metal-look, distinctive trim rings, and laser-etched numerals
• Model-specific LED interior lighting: blue on TL, red on TL Type-S
• Footwell lighting
• Grand Anigre wood patterned trim (TL)
• Carbon fiber-look trim and contrast stitching on doors, seats, and steering wheel (Type-S)
• TL's without navigation system have a center console that uses vacuum fluorescent displays, similar to high-end audio systems
• Tilt and telescope adjusting steering wheel
• TL has performance-minded seats with soft, perforated-leather
• Type-S has high-performance seats with increased lateral support and Type-S logo embossed on headrest
• Driver's 8-way power seat with power adjustable lumbar support
• Comprehensive safety features including standard side curtain airbags
• Acura/ELS™ Premium 8-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, DTS® and CD 6-disc Changer with MP3 and WMA capability, Dolby® Pro Logic® II, speed-sensitive volume compensation, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby® Cassette
• High-resolution Multi-Information Display (MID) allows access to multiple electronic functions
• Acura Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system compatible with many Bluetooth® mobile phones
• Available Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ (Standard on Type-S)
• Available AcuraLink™ with real-time traffic (Standard on TL Type-S)
• Keyless Memory with two driver profiles and enhanced features
• One Touch Start for easier starting (automatic-equipped models only)
• Active Noise Cancellation™ (Type-S)
• Superior interior fit and finish, including a seamless instrument panel cover that conceals the passenger SRS airbag lid
• Dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system
• Fully lined trunk with concealed speakers
• 3D Acura badge on steering wheel
• Real aluminum trim on center console, doors, and dashboard
• Auxiliary audio jack with power outlet in center console bin
• Stainless-steel sport pedals (TL Type-S)

STYLING

The TL interior has a dynamic and ditinctive look, yet upholds the longstanding Acura tradition of highly functional driving environments. Given the sharp handling agility and power built into the TL, its interior echoes a clear sporting message. Fine details and rich surface finishes make it clear that the TL has not strayed from its luxury roots. Sweeping aluminum-alloy accents wrap around the doors, flow onto the instrument panel, and dive down the center console. Wood patterned accents generate a warm feel for the TL's interior, while Type-S models have carbon fiber-look accents and contrast stitching on the door panels, seats and steering wheel, which creates an edgy look.

At night, the TL interior is transformed by special ambient lighting. The TL is bathed in a subtle blue light that coordinates with the instrumentation lighting, switchgear, accent lighting, and footwell lighting. On the Type-S, red lighting replaces the blue, reinforcing its role as the enthusiast model.

DRIVER-ORIENTED COCKPIT

The TL interior puts all important systems and controls within easy reach of the driver. The systems used most frequently-audio, cruise control, Acura Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™-have controls positioned on the 3-spoke steering wheel. The Type-S gets a similar steering wheel that is leather-wrapped. The instrumentation is backlit and easy to read, and the displays have an uncluttered look with intuitive operation. The Multi-Info Display has been redesigned with higher resolution for better readability. Helpful features make driving easier, like power rearview mirrors that can be set to automatically tilt-down when reverse is engaged to make parking simpler.

With an 8-way power driver's seat and a tilt/telescoping steering column, it's easy to get comfortable in the TL. The one-touch moonroof switch is located in the overhead console. The Sequential SportShift selector features an intuitive interface for ease of use. The short-shift-throw, close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox falls naturally to hand, and the shift knob and console-mounted parking brake lever are covered in textured leather. There is also a bottom-hinged throttle pedal that delivers a more linear feel and natural motion. The Type-S features sporty-looking stainless-steel pedals, a carbon fiber-look automatic transmission shift knob, and steering wheel-mounted F1-style paddle shifters.

SEATING

Proper seat support helps foster a sense of connection with the car, and provides a useful avenue for dynamic chassis feedback to the driver. The TL's seat utilizes slightly lower shoulder wings for improved comfort. TL Type-S models get seats with additional side bolstering and the Type-S logo embossed in the leather headrest. Both TL models feature softer leather that doesn't sacrifice durability.

In both the TL and TL Type-S, the seats have high-damping seat foam. The foam improves ride comfort by isolating the driver from road imperfections. It also features a uniform cellular structure that is evenly cross linked, so that the load is more evenly distributed to reduce driver fatigue.

Given the sporting/luxury TL mission, the 8-way power adjustable seat is engineered for long-haul comfort in addition to sporting support. All driver's seat power adjustments are included in Keyless Memory Link, a system that stores a pair of user profiles linked to the two key fobs that come with the TL.

For proper support of people of varying sizes and shapes, the TL's driver seat has a two-way power adjustable lumbar support mechanism. Unlike lumbar supports that sometimes have a sharp-edged feel, the TL design has a smooth shape that matches the spinal curvature to provide solid support for the torso and pelvis.

The passenger front seat is four-way power adjustable and has a fixed lumbar support. With their carefully engineered shape-complete with side bolstering-the outboard rear seats blend luxury with sporting support. Four-way front headrests are adjustable for height and tilt; the rear outboard headrests adjust vertically.

LED INSTRUMENTATION/INTERIOR LIGHTING

One of the most stunning elements of the TL's interior is the instrumentation. Still a classic analog design, the instruments feature gauge faces with a high-tech spun metal look. The laser-etched LED backlit numerals appear to be cut out of the metal gauge face, and are clearly visible in daytime or at night. The progressive self-illuminating gauge package gives the car a "welcoming" feel. When the door is first opened, the instrument lighting comes to life, and then brightens progressively to 100-percent when the key is put in the ignition. The illuminated instrument needles and enunciator lights come alive when the ignition is turned on, indicating that the car is ready to go. At the end of the drive, the instrument lighting dims progressively.

TL receives blue interior lighting, while the Type-S is illuminated in red. All interior switches are illuminated to make them easy to find, including those on the steering wheel and all four doors. LEDs in the overhead console cast a subtle ambient glow on the center console area, and like all the meter lights, are controlled by a dimmer mounted on the left side of the instrument panel. Footwell lighting is also coordinated to the model's color. Map/reading lights at all positions (not just in front) are bright and focused to provide better illumination with less driver distraction. A master light switch is positioned in the overhead console within easy reach. The TL interior lights feature "theater dimming," which can be set by the driver to any of three rates via the high-resolution Multi-Information Display (MID).

CARGO CARRYING VERSATILITY

Careful attention to the trunk shape and layout allows the TL to carry two extra large and two medium suitcases, or clubs and duffel bags for four golfers. For longer items, a lockable rear-seat trunk pass-through can accommodate up to four sets of snow skis and poles.

Attention to detail accents the finish and functionality of the TL trunk. Designed as a total acoustic package, the trunk is completely lined throughout with all wiring concealed, and the rear speakers and navigation unit are fully protected. Enclosed hinge mechanisms minimize the potential for damage to luggage and a standard cargo net with ten possible anchor points helps to secure objects. The spare tire is located under a tri-folding cover in the trunk floor and has a foam insert that keeps the jack and tools from rattling. The trunk can be opened via a release mounted down low on the driver's left side of the instrument panel, remotely with the key fob, or with a manual release accessible through the lockable trunk pass-through. There is also an anti-trap release inside the trunk near the latch. For security, the trunk main switch is located in the glove box, which can be locked to prevent access by valets. In addition, a valet key is provided that will allow a parking attendant to operate the ignition, but will not open the glove box, trunk, or rear seat pass-through.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE ITEMS

Comfort and convenience items are integrated throughout the interior of the TL. There are cup holders in the front console and rear seat armrest that each accommodates two large drinks. There is a generously sized glove box, and the front doors have swing out rigid map pockets with removable sunglasses holders. Two covered storage areas are in the console immediately in front of the shifter; one holds four CD jewel cases, while the other features a 12-volt accessory socket. Both bins feature rubber mats to prevent items from slipping. There's room for another 10 CDs or six DVD-A cases inside the main center console located beneath the armrest. This two-tier design has a leather-covered sliding armrest and a flocked upper tray for cell phone storage. A removable coin holder is built in as is a 12-volt accessory outlet and AUX jack for an MP3 player or similar device. Rigid seat-back map pockets have a clean, elegant look. Overhead, you'll find a roof console that incorporates a universal garage door opener that incorporates HomeLink IV® logic.

HIGH QUALITY INTERIOR FINISH

Substantial advances in fit and finish are evident in the TL interior. Upscale details include soft stitched passenger grab handles and redesigned concealed upper front seat belt anchors, soft cloth headliner and roof pillar covers. Key interior accent panels are made of aluminum alloy. Flush fits between the roof pillar linings and the headliner, flush interior door handle recesses and reduced panel gaps throughout the interior gives the TL interior a sleek and tailored appearance with the use of modern satin chrome throughout.

To ensure uniform fit and perfect seams, the leather-trimmed seating is sewn on automated machines. A special tanning process is used for the leather surfaces that result in a softer feel.

For an integrated appearance, the TL uses a soft-touch instrument panel covering that completely conceals the passenger-side SRS airbag. Almost everywhere within the interior, soft materials and satin finishes are used in places the driver or a passenger are likely to touch including soft-touch interior door grab handles, padded door armrests, leather center console, leather fold-down rear armrest, and a leather wrapped steering wheel.

DUAL-ZONE, DUAL-MODE ACURA AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM

To help keep the interior comfortable regardless of the weather outside, the TL has a dual-zone, dual-mode Acura Automatic Climate Control System. This system lets the driver and front passenger set the temperature and air flow to their individual liking. A pair of adjustable vents in the rear of the center console keeps the back seat area comfortable. Large, simple to use controls make the system straightforward to use, even on cars equipped with the available Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™. With a full set of conventional button-type controls for the climate control system, it is not necessary to access basic climate control adjustments through the NAVI on-screen menus.

3-D Solar Sensing

With its position-sensing ability, the NAVI system contributes to overall passenger comfort with 3D Solar Sensing. Based on its continuously updated vehicle position information, the NAVI system can determine the position of the sun relative to the driver and passenger. With this information, the automatic climate control system automatically adjusts the temperature and system airflow from side-to-side as needed to compensate for asymmetrical solar heating. NAVI-equipped cars also offer the convenience of voice operation for some climate control functions.

INTERIOR COLOR & TRIM COMBINATIONS

To accommodate a wide range of buyer tastes, the TL interior comes in a wide range of colors. The leather-trimmed seating is available in Ebony, Parchment and Taupe in the TL, and in Ebony/Silver and Taupe in the Type-S. Accent features vary based on the specific model. TL models have aluminum-alloy panels with rich Grand Anigre wood patterned accents. Type-S interior features aluminum-alloy panels with carbon fiber-look accents, and diagonal pattern contrast stitching on the door panel inserts as well as on the seats and steering wheel. The front seats also have the Type-S logo embossed on the headrests, and the Type-S badge is also on the bottom spoke of the steering wheel. For 2008, TL's with White Diamond Pearl or Carbon Bronze Pearl exterior paint will have Parchment added.

KEYLESS MEMORY LINK AND ONE TOUCH START

Keyless Memory Link, a keyless entry system, gives the TL a higher level of luxury and convenience by providing access to expanded keyless entry memory functions. The key and key fob have been combined into a single "switchblade" key. Two keys are provided with the TL; each fob can be linked to one of two driver profiles. The key used to unlock the car triggers a specific driver profile and the system automatically positions the power driver's seat and outside mirrors to match that profile. Keyless Memory Link goes several steps farther, however, by including in the driver profile the climate control system, radio presets, and all seven of the customizable memory functions that are available via the MID (Multi-Info Display).

A number of functions are available via the key fob when outside the car. A single push of the "unlock" button will unlock only the driver's door while a second push unlocks all the doors. After unlocking all doors, holding down the "unlock" button down for more than one second will open the windows and moonroof to ventilate the car's interior.

Even more functions are available with the key in the lock on the driver's door. A single twist unlocks only the driver's door while a second twist unlocks all the doors. If you hold the key in the unlock position for more than one second, the moonroof and all the windows begin to open; return the key to the normal position and the windows stop. Holding the key in the "lock" position will close the moonroof and all windows.

A new feature for automatic-equipped TL and Type-S models is One Touch Start. The driver simply twists the key in the ignition to the "start" position and releases it, and then the TL engine will continue cranking until it has started. In the event of a problem, the One Touch Start system will stop after 8 to 10 seconds of starting and will display a warning on the MID system.

ACURA/ELS PREMIUM 8-SPEAKER SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM WITH DVD-AUDIO, DTS™ AND CD 6-DISC CHANGER, AM/FM TUNER AND DOLBY® CASSETTE

When introduced, the TL boasted the most advanced audio system in the industry. That advanced technology continues for 2008. The sophisticated Acura/ELS™ Premium 8-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, DTS® and CD 6-disc Changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby® Cassette uses six different audio channels to create an accurate surround sound listening environment. There are speakers on the top of the instrument panel near the A-pillars, plus a center-fill speaker in the middle of the dash top. The two front doors each have large driver speakers, and in the rear parcel shelf there are two more drivers flanking an 8-inch subwoofer. In addition to the standard bass, treble, fader and balance controls, the system features additional subwoofer and center channel level controls.

Program material comes from a wide variety of sources. The 6-disc changer can read discs encoded with MP3 or WMA files, and there is an auxiliary jack for use with an external MP3 player. There is an AM/FM tuner coupled with a powered, active glass antenna built within the rear window that does an exceptional job of pulling in radio weaker signals. XM® Satellite Radio is integrated into the receiver to provide 170 channels of digital program material with near-CD quality sound. A text display in the center panel (or on the NAVI screen of cars so equipped) provides information text on the program material.

In addition, the TL audio system plays conventional cassettes, CDs, DTS discs and DVD-Audio discs. DVD-Audio is the next step in audio reproduction technology. Many new artist releases are being issued in this DVD format, and many older recordings are being re-mastered and reissued to take advantage of the superior sound that DVD-Audio offers. With over 500 times higher resolution than CD audio, DVD-Audio delivers smoother, fuller and far more accurate sound through six discrete channels. The TL was the first vehicle in North American with this technology offered as standard equipment. (The system will not play DVD movies, DVD-V or DVD-R/RWs).

To make this capable system simple to operate, steering wheel mounted controls of key functions are positioned within fingertip reach. On TLs equipped with the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, select audio system functions can be accomplished via voice commands.

TLs without the available navigation system have a redesigned center stack. The climate control and audio system displays feature vacuum fluorescent displays, similar as used with high-end audio equipment, further reinforcing the high-tech appeal of the TL.

XM® SATELLITE RADIO

XM® Satellite Radio lets TL drivers listen to 170 digital channels with near CD-quality sound.

XM's broadcast signal is sent from two earth-station antennas at the XM studios in Washington D.C., beamed to two broadcast satellites positioned in geostationary orbit more than 22,000 miles above the earth. The beams from these two broadcast satellites (one located over the west coast, one over the east coast) combine to span the entire continental United States. More than 1,000 ground antennas, or repeaters, keep the signal strong in challenging locales such as urban areas with tall buildings.

Programming includes 170 channels devoted to music, sports, talk, traffic, weather, children's programming and entertainment, the most of any satellite radio system. Of the XM ® channels, over 70 are commercial-free channels.

XM hardware is pre-installed in the car's audio system. When XM is being played, a display shows the current station, song title, or artist's name. XM Satellite Radio service is currently priced at $12.95 per month. A complimentary three-month subscription to the XM Satellite Radio service is included with purchase of a new TL and customers are able to continue the service or cancel any time after.

MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY (MID)

To keep the driver informed of the car's status and to access multiple electronic functions, the TL has a standard Multi-Information Display (MID). Redesigned with significantly higher resolution, an LED backlit screen is located directly below the speedometer in the gauge cluster. Controls for the MID have moved from the dash to the right side of the steering wheel. The MID is the interface for odometer/trip odometer, outside temperature, trip computer, custom memory settings, HandsFreeLink™ and vehicle warnings. Maintenance Minder™ alerts are also presented via the MID (see the Engine section of this press kit for more detail on Maintenance Minder™).

The MID makes it easy to customize the function of many electronic features in the TL. Custom settings include automatic door locking/unlocking, key and remote unlock selection, keyless acknowledgement feedback, security re-lock timer, headlight auto-off timer and interior light dimming timer. To make it easy to track warnings (such as "Check fuel cap," or Maintenance Minder warnings) displayed on the MID, a memory feature lets you scroll through current warnings for review.

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