This mid-size luxury sedan continues to add sportier options for the 2010 model year. Acura introduced a more powerful engine to the 2009 model,and the news for 2010 is the availability of an optional manual transmission as well as a re-tuned suspension.

The base model TL offers a full complement of safety features,including 17-inch alloy wheels,leather upholstery,a list of power features,plus an eight-speaker sound system with Bluetooth connectivity. The TL SH-AWD has 18-inch wheels (with 19-inch wheels optional),a more powerful engine,and an available two-tone interior,as well as upgraded brakes,seats,and interior trim. Both trim levels have a standard five-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Both models offer an optional Technology Package,which adds a hard-drive-based navigation system with voice recognition,an updated navigation system,GPS-linked and solar-sensing climate control,leather seats,keyless remote start,and a Panasonic/ELS 10-speaker audio system with 10 speakers.

The base model TL,with front-wheel drive and an automatic transmission,is powered by a 3.5-liter 280-hp V6 engine that produces 254 lb.-ft. of torque. The all-wheel-drive TL SH-AWD has a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 305 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for the TL,and 17 and 24 mpg for the TL SH-AWD. The six-speed manual transmission is available only with the TL SH-AWD.

The 2010 Acura TL earned five stars in government frontal and side-impact tests and a ?Good? rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in frontal offset and side-impact testing.

When introduced,the 2010 Acura TL base price was $35,915.