Automotive
The second generation of the Acura CL made its debut in 2000 as a 2001 model, sharing the Acura TL platform and production line. Although intended to succeed the Legend Coupe, the CL represented a significant departure from its predecessor, which was based on the Legend platform. Instead, the CL bore a strong resemblance to the Honda Accord Coupe.
A comprehensive redesign in 2001 brought notable aesthetic changes, including enlarged headlights and a more pronounced bumper. The vehicle also featured a sleek, aerodynamic body with frameless doors and a flowing roofline extending from the A-pillar to the C-pillar. Notably, the CL marked a milestone as Acura’s first model entirely conceived, engineered, and produced in the United States.
One of the CL’s standout features was its generous standard equipment list, setting it apart from European competitors who often charged extra for even minor additions. Standard features included a DVD-based navigation system covering 48 U.S. states, leather upholstery, and climate control.
Under the hood, the CL initially housed a 3.2-liter V6 engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, the sole powertrain option until 2003. Subsequent updates expanded the range to include a 2.4-liter inline-four engine and a 6-speed manual transmission.
