CD tests 2010 TL 6 speed, 0-60 5.2 seconds, 13.8 quarter mile
#47
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Thanks for trying to justify it, but I'm fairly certain that if Acura developed a performance-oriented automatic transmission instead of a smooth-shifting, comfort oriented transmission, it would be much better than the 6-speed manual that they are offering. A good automatic transmission always makes best use of any vehicle's powerband and that is why they are very popular in drag applications, as the numbers are always consistent, and allow for very little driver error. There is a reason, also, why SMG and DSG-type transmissions are becoming more and more popular in racing applications. They are much more consistent and faster than any manual transmission. I should probably also mention that I was talking about automated transmissions in general and I did not aim to single out the TL.
Also, I must remind you that the test was conducted by C&D and we all know they have always had a hard-on for Hondas. Regardless, people who buy the TL do not buy it for its performance, so the point in itself is rather moot. I must also remind you that motorsport enthusiasts do not drive Hondas, unless they are hardcore enough for an S2000, which is extremely difficult to exploit.
I must however agree with you that Honda has some of the easiest and smoothest manual transmissions on the market but from a performance perspective, they rarely have the powertrains to back them.
Also, I must remind you that the test was conducted by C&D and we all know they have always had a hard-on for Hondas. Regardless, people who buy the TL do not buy it for its performance, so the point in itself is rather moot. I must also remind you that motorsport enthusiasts do not drive Hondas, unless they are hardcore enough for an S2000, which is extremely difficult to exploit.
I must however agree with you that Honda has some of the easiest and smoothest manual transmissions on the market but from a performance perspective, they rarely have the powertrains to back them.
I know many motorsports/track enthusiasts drive and race Honda/Acura models other then the S2000 like the Integra Type R and GSs, CRX, 6 speed Civics, 6 speed Accord coupes, Preludes, NSXs, RSX, and TSX's. Often they are modded but many enthusiasts own, race, and track Honda/Acura vehicles. Maybe people in Audi R8 circles don't associate much with motorsports enthusiasts who own and drive Honda/Acura models but they do exist in large numbers.
I agree many modern automatics and DSGs have now come close and surpassed many traditional manual transmissions not only in performance but fuel economy. I would not want a manual transmission as my daily driver unless maybe I lived where there was no traffic and few lights. DSGs and SMGs are a great technology and if reliable I would prefer over a traditional manual or automatic but unfortunately they are not very reliable as can be seen by recent recalls, warranty extensions, and issues occuring. I think their reliability and durability issues is one of the main reasons Japanese companies are not really implementing them in their cars and why they really only put them in their expensive high performance cars where reliability is not as big a concern. American companies don't seem very interested or confident in DSGs either but the higher costs and complexity I am sure plays into that too.
I agree automatics make great drag transmission too because you don't have to worry about screwing up shifts and destroying clutches like with a manual but often with a perfect launch the manual will still perform better in many cars.
If Acura developed a more performance oriented automatic transmission that could perform like the manual(push a 3900lb awd fwd based car with a SOHC 305hp NA v6 to 0-60 in 5.2 sec) it would most likely shift rougher then they would find acceptable and get pretty bad fuel economy. One of the big criticisms of the G35/37 is that the more performance oriented engine and transmission linkage is very rough, thrashy, and gets poor fuel economy, something Honda does not want even if it shaves a few tenths off of its times. The 6 speed auto from the ZDX and MDX will filter down to the TL but I doubt it is going to make a big difference fuel economy or performance wise, maybe 1 or 2 mpg better and .2 or .3 seconds quicker, still not what the manual can do.
#50
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I cannot believe the TL is still using a 5 speed auto transmission and the manual is 6 speed. Acura really need to step up and invest some money into their transmission designs.
#51
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Agreed, better to spend the money on performance auto trannys like those coming out of Audi, Porsche, Lexus, Mercedes.
#52
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http://www.ford.co.uk/AboutFord/News...rShiftAutoEase
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/f...arbox-for-201/
#53
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I have to agree with you on several of your points, but that last one is wrong. Meet Ford PowerShift, which is going to replace most conventional automatics in a lot of Ford's models in 2011:
http://www.ford.co.uk/AboutFord/News...rShiftAutoEase
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/f...arbox-for-201/
http://www.ford.co.uk/AboutFord/News...rShiftAutoEase
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/f...arbox-for-201/
#54
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Honda/Acura has always been known for their manual transmissions though. Best I've ever driven all the way from the Civic to the NSX. They had a 6-Speed manual transmission way back in 1993. Manuals are still very fun to drive. But Honda/Acura does need a 6-Speed automatic. MPG across their line will also improve with one.
#56
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I was just thinking about their TL commercials...
They should show something big and ugly (like a snow man or an ogre) and say:
"Ugliness is power!...
Introducing Acura TL - the most powerful Acura yet!".
I think just "de-beaking" the thing will solve most of the aesthetic problems with it. It does have a polarizing styling, but polarizing doesn't have to be ugly all the time.
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#57
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I miss the good old days of Acura. In the mid 80's, this was the car company that attracted Mercedes & BMW buyers alike.. Honda/ Acura had a sweet collabo with Rover back in the day with the hot looking Sterling?
![](http://adclassix.com/images/87sterling825sedan.jpg)
Those were the days when it came to Acura! I did enjoy my 97 CL 3.0.. I still have the watermarked bill of sale to this day
![](http://adclassix.com/images/87sterling825sedan.jpg)
Those were the days when it came to Acura! I did enjoy my 97 CL 3.0.. I still have the watermarked bill of sale to this day
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#60
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I totally agree. Even in the commercial the grill looks terrible. I can't believe the company is still pushing it. One of my neighbors has one, every time I see the vehicle I ask myself why Acura why Acura why!!
As far as having a 6 speed, I think it's a great idea. I really don't care about all the fancy stuff other companies are making. I dare to say the other stuff just don't bring the same type of enjoyment even if it's faster than a human. I don't mind progress especially since I’m in the IT field but don't try tell me the GUI interface bring more satisfaction than cmd line.
As far as having a 6 speed, I think it's a great idea. I really don't care about all the fancy stuff other companies are making. I dare to say the other stuff just don't bring the same type of enjoyment even if it's faster than a human. I don't mind progress especially since I’m in the IT field but don't try tell me the GUI interface bring more satisfaction than cmd line.