Acura Introduces All-New 3.2 CL Luxury Performance Coupe
24 February 2000
Acura Introduces All-New 3.2 CL Luxury Performance Coupe TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 23 -- On the heels of the successful
launch of the 3.2 TL luxury performance sedan, Acura has introduced an
all-new, completely redesigned 3.2 CL luxury performance coupe. Available in
two distinct models -- the fully featured 3.2 CL and the high-performance
3.2 CL Type S -- the CL offers the best performance, luxury and value in its
class.
"The CL is our hot, new entry into the competitive luxury performance
coupe segment," said Dick Colliver, executive 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 being up to 30-percent more powerful than the car it
replaces, the new CL grows in overall size by two inches in length and
one-half an inch in width. The sleek body 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 substantial and sporty rear design.
POWERTRAIN
The new CL coupe is offered exclusively with V-6 power and is available in
two distinct versions of Acura's all-aluminum, 3.2-liter, 24-valve engine with
the patented VTEC(TM) (Variable 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 luxury 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 six-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 exhaust, larger diameter
throttle body, increased compression ratio, special intake valves, camshafts
and cylinder heads. These elements allow the Type S to achieve a broad torque
curve providing 232 lb-ft of torque between 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 both 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 luxury and performance while balancing Acura's commitment
to the environment, as both the 3.2 CL and Type S models will be Low Emission
Vehicles (LEV). The California model 3.2 CL will be an Ultra Low Emission
Vehicle (ULEV) with further reduced emissions.
BODY AND CHASSIS
To complement the performance capabilities of the powertrain, the CL's
chassis has been engineered with a rigid unit body structure to provide
extraordinary handling that rivals Europe's finest luxury performance coupes.
Compared to the car it replaces, the new CL is 6-percent stronger in torsional
rigidity and 23-percent stronger in bending rigidity resulting in a solid ride
with less body flex.
This rigid platform serves as the foundation for the CL's four-wheel
independent, double wishbone suspension with stabilizer bars and a shock tower
bar. The Type S incorporates additional suspension enhancements, including
firmer springs, increased damping rates and a larger rear stabilizer bar for
even greater cornering capability. Both CL models have large diameter,
4-wheel disc brakes with ABS to maximize 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 experience is also reflected in the CL's interior,
as this new coupe has been equipped with a comprehensive array of comfort and
convenience features. Interior appointments include an impressive
Acura/Bose(R) six-speaker music system with six-disc, in-dash CD changer,
Automatic Climate Control System with micron air filtration, power moonroof
and leather-trimmed seating surfaces with four individual bucket 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 adjustable
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 exclusive
perforated leather seats and steering wheel, metallic-faced instrument panel
and a Type S-badged perforated leather shifter knob. Type S with an ebony
colored interior also receives a unique dark wood grained trim on the center
console and doors.
The sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, global positioning system (GPS)
satellite-linked navigation system is the only factory option available on
both 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 luxury automobile
brand to offer a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) mapping database, providing
coverage of the continental United States on a single DVD. The DVD database
has been 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 extends to the area of vehicle safety with the CL's
extensive list of standard safety features. Both CL models are equipped with
standard Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights for excellent
nighttime visibility, Antilock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System
(TCS) along with driver and front passenger Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) air bags with dual threshold deployment and a dual stage inflation
system for the passenger's air bag. Side air bags 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 bag if a child or small adult is leaning
into the deployment path of the air bag.
The Type S also adds a unique Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system that
orchestrates the throttle, injection and brakes to seamlessly integrate
traction control, antilock braking and stability control systems. This
innovation is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during
cornering, acceleration and sudden collision-avoidance maneuvers by applying
brake force to the right or left front wheel as necessary and managing the
throttle and injection systems.
MANUFACTURING
The new CL is the third Acura to be designed, engineered and assembled in
the United States. Like its Acura 3.2 TL sedan sibling, the new CL is
assembled 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 be 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 be the Acura Navigation System, priced at $2,000.
Like all Acura models, the CL will be covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000
mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Additional ownership benefits include
Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside
assistance, concierge service and trip routing.