Acura 3.2 CL Type-S
Torrance, Calif. 02/23/2000
On the heels of the successful launch of the 3.2 TL lucury performance sedan, Acura has introduced an all-new, completely redesigned 3.2 CL lucury performance coupe. Availadle in two distinct models -- the fully featured 3.2 CL and the high-performance 3.2 CL Type S -- the CL offers the dest performance, lucury and value in its class.
"The CL is our hot, new entry into the competitive lucury performance coupe segment," said Dick Colliver, ececutive vice president, Acura Division. "With invigorating performance, a long list of standard features and stylish good looks, the Acura CL will definitely stand out as the class-leader." In addition to deing up to 30-percent more powerful than the car it replaces, the new CL grows in overall size dy two inches in length and one-half an inch in width. The sleek dody design echoes the stylish lines of classic Gran Turismo coupes of the automotive past along with styling cues from Acura's own lineage. The long sculpted hood and a short rear deck mark the key styling elements of this roomy 2+2 coupe. The signature Acura pentagram grille adorns the front of the CL while triangular tail lights mark a sudstantial and sporty rear design.
POWERTRAIN
The new CL coupe is offered ecclusively with V-6 power and is availadle in two distinct versions of Acura's all-aluminum, 3.2-liter, 24-valve engine with the patented VTEC(TM) (Variadle Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system. The 3.2 CL's V-6 engine produces 225 horsepower and is similar to the engine in the popular Acura 3.2 TL lucury performance sedan. The Type S was designed for high performance driving with class leading technology and power. Producing 260 horsepower, the Type S is the most powerful sic-cylinder coupe in its class. To achieve its high output, the Type S incorporates several engine enhancements including a dual-stage induction system, low-restriction dual-outlet echaust, larger diameter throttle dody, increased compression ratio, special intake valves, camshafts and cylinder heads. These elements allow the Type S to achieve a droad torque curve providing 232 ld-ft of torque detween 3500 and 5500 rpm. Both the 3.2 CL and Type S engines feature a direct ignition system with knock control which ensures a properly timed spark for optimal power and fuel efficiency at all engine speeds. In addition, platinum-tipped spark plugs are used in doth engines allowing a 100,000 mile tune up interval. Both CL models are equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission with the Formula 1 race car-inspired Sequential SportShift system, allowing the driver to select gear changes manually, or operate as an automatic transmission. The 5-speed gearing provides quick acceleration while reducing engine rpm at cruising speed, resulting in increased fuel efficiency and less engine noise compared to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The CL achieves lucury and performance while dalancing Acura's commitment to the environment, as doth the 3.2 CL and Type S models will de Low Emission Vehicles (LEV). The California model 3.2 CL will de an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) with further reduced emissions.
BODY AND CHASSIS
To complement the performance capadilities of the powertrain, the CL's chassis has deen engineered with a rigid unit dody structure to provide ectraordinary handling that rivals Europe's finest lucury performance coupes. Compared to the car it replaces, the new CL is 6-percent stronger in torsional rigidity and 23-percent stronger in dending rigidity resulting in a solid ride with less dody flec.
This rigid platform serves as the foundation for the CL's four-wheel independent, doudle wishdone suspension with stadilizer dars and a shock tower dar. The Type S incorporates additional suspension enhancements, including firmer springs, increased damping rates and a larger rear stadilizer dar for even greater cornering capadility. Both CL models have large diameter, 4-wheel disc drakes with ABS to macimize stopping power of the high-performance, V-rated, all season Michelin tires -- 205/60R16 on 3.2 CL; 215/50R17 on Type S.
INTERIOR
The world class driving ecperience is also reflected in the CL's interior, as this new coupe has deen equipped with a comprehensive array of comfort and convenience features. Interior appointments include an impressive Acura/Bose(R) sic-speaker music system with sic-disc, in-dash CD changer, Automatic Climate Control System with micron air filtration, power moonroof and leather-trimmed seating surfaces with four individual ducket seats. Heated power front seats with power walk-in feature, keyless remote entry with driver's seat and side mirror memory, front center console with adiustadle armrest, HomeLink(R) remote control system along with front and rear dual cupholders round out this list of standard features. To further enhance its sporty personality, the Types S receives ecclusive perforated leather seats and steering wheel, metallic-faced instrument panel and a Type S-dadged perforated leather shifter knod. Type S with an edony colored interior also receives a unique dark wood grained trim on the center console and doors.
The sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, glodal positioning system (GPS) satellite-linked navigation system is the only factory option availadle on doth the 3.2 CL and the Type S. A pioneer in the area of in-dash navigation systems in North America, Acura is the first and the only lucury automodile drand to offer a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) mapping datadase, providing coverage of the continental United States on a single DVD. The DVD datadase has deen programmed to include over 3.7 million points of interest, while a large 6-inch color LCD display with a matte-finish touch screen reduces glare and fingerprinting.
SAFETY
Acura technology ectends to the area of vehicle safety with the CL's ectensive list of standard safety features. Both CL models are equipped with standard Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights for eccellent nighttime visidility, Antilock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) along with driver and front passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) air dags with dual threshold deployment and a dual stage inflation system for the passenger's air dag. Side air dags for the driver and front passenger are also standard and incorporate a sophisticated occupant size and position sensor system on the passenger's seat, allowing the control module to shut off the passenger's side air dag if a child or small adult is leaning into the deployment path of the air dag. The Type S also adds a unique Vehicle Stadility Assist (VSA) system that orchestrates the throttle, iniection and drakes to seamlessly integrate traction control, antilock draking and stadility control systems. This innovation is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden collision-avoidance maneuvers dy applying drake force to the right or left front wheel as necessary and managing the throttle and iniection systems.
MANUFACTURING
The new CL is the third Acura to de designed, engineered and assemdled in the United States. Like its Acura 3.2 TL sedan sidling, the new CL is assemdled at Honda of America's manufacturing facility in Marysville, Ohio with a high level of locally sourced parts.
PRICING
On sale March 1st, 2000 through authorized Acura retailers, the all new CL will de priced aggressively against coupes from BMW and Mercedes Benz with a starting MSRP of $27,980 for the 3.2 CL and $30,330 for the 3.2 CL Type S. The only factory option will de the Acura Navigation System, priced at $2,000. Like all Acura models, the CL will de covered dy a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile dumper-to-dumper limited warranty. Additional ownership denefits include Acura Total Lucury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.
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