2009 Acura TL SH-AWD

Flagship sedan gets new styling and all-wheel drive

By Nina Russin

2009 Acura TL

Acura’s flagship sedan is new from the inside out this year, with  available all-wheel drive. The ‘SH’ in the model designation stands for ‘super handling.’ The all-wheel drive system can transfer torque from side to side, as well as between the front and rear axles.

There are two available engines: a 3.5-liter V6 in the front-wheel drive model, and a 3.7-liter V6 in the SH-AWD. The bigger engine is a bored out version of the 3.5-liter block. Aluminum cylinder liners in place of iron on the base engine are a weight-saving measure that also improves cooling. 

Electronic throttle control saves weight over traditional mechanical systems. It also eliminates some parts that wear out over time. An electronic steering pump is lighter than hydraulically-actuated systems that can deteriorate and leak.

All cars share a five-speed manual transmission. F-1 style paddles on the steering wheel allow driving enthusiasts to manually select gears. A hill-start assist feature prevents the car from sliding backwards on steep hills. Software holds gears in the corners to prevent upshifting. Shift logic also eliminates hunting on hilly roads. Read the rest of this entry »

Honda Insight Rolls Into Dealerships

Pricing begins at $19,800

2010 Honda Insight

Honda’s affordably-priced Insight goes on sale this week: pricing starts at $19,800 for the LX. The upscale EX with navigation starts at $23,100.

Honda is targeting Gen Y and empty nesters with its new compact hybrid. Since most hybrid cars sell for $25,000 or more, Honda is hoping the Insight will hit a yet-untapped sweet spot in the market. The automaker projects sales of about 90,000 cars per year.

Styling from the A-pillar forward is similar to the FCX Clarity: Honda’s production fuel cell car. Unlike the original Insight that debuted ten years ago, the new car has a spacious interior with seating for up to five passengers.

Power comes from a 1.3-liter engine rated at 98 horsepower, and a 10-kilowatt electric motor. A continuously-variable transmission optimizes fuel economy and eliminates clunky downshifts. Average fuel economy is 41 miles-per-gallon. Driving range between fill-ups is over 400 miles. Read the rest of this entry »