Automotive
In late 2008, Acura, Honda’s luxury brand, unveiled a new generation of the TL model. Although it shared its platform with the European Honda Accord, the TL offered much more.
Sportiness was the TL’s defining characteristic. It was a sporty sedan that delivered impressive performance, luxurious amenities, and all at a competitive price. However, the design had its drawbacks.
The 2008 Acura TL featured a massive front grille, which was either loved or hated by car enthusiasts. Acura’s marketing team dubbed it the “Power plenum” or “Gladiator shield.” Ironically, the Gladiator movie had been popular eight years prior to the TL’s release, and few remembered it. The car’s rear panels mirrored the front grille’s angular design, with chrome accents being the most controversial element.
Under the hood of the 2008 Acura TL, the same European, 8th generation Accord chassis was used. One unique feature of this luxury sport sedan was the availability of a manual transmission. Unlike its European counterpart, which offered only four-cylinder engines, the TL boasted two V6 options. Both engines could be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The top-of-the-line version, equipped with a 3.7-liter engine, featured Acura’s advanced SH-AWD system, which functioned more like a setup with active differentials. This represented a significant advancement in all-wheel-drive technology, commonly found in rally racing.
