The 2009 Acura TL represents the fourth generation of the luxury sedan that debuted as a 1996 model. This iteration is larger (6.2 in. longer,1.8 in. wider,with 1.3 in. more rear legroom),and features the ?Power Plenum? grille. It has a more powerful engine,and new technology features are available. The base TL features front-wheel drive,with all-wheel drive available on the Acura TL SH-AWD model.

The TL?s all-wheel drive system sends 90% of engine power to the front wheels,while cruising; however,upon acceleration the system shifts more torque to the rear wheels?in some cases up to 70%. Engine power to the rear wheels can be pushed to the left or right side as much as 100%.

The TL SH-AWD has slightly firmer suspension and more steering feedback than the base model,according to the automaker,and features quad exhaust pipes and larger air ducts. The TL rides on 245/50R17 tires,while the TL SH-AWD has 245/45R18 tires with optional 245/40ZR19 summer performance tires. Both feature electric power steering and a revised five-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Both models offer an optional Technology Package,which includes premium Milano leather seats,keyless start,an updated navigation system,and the Acura/ELS audio system with 10 speakers,440 watts of power,and an internal hard drive with 13 GB of storage dedicated for audio.

The TL has a 3.5-liter,280-hp V6 engine that produces 254 lb.-ft. of torque,which is an improvement of 22 hp and 21 ft.-lbs. over the previous year?s 3.2-liter engine. The TL SH-AWD uses a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 306 hp and 275 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA-estimated gas mileage is 18 mpg city,26 mpg highway for the TL,and 17 and 24 mpg for the TL SH-AWD. Both earned five stars in both frontal and side-impact government tests and a ?Good? score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in frontal offset and side-impact crashes.

When introduced,the 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD base price was $38,505.