The completely redesigned 2001 model 3.2 CL luxury performance coupe is quickly edging out the competition in the areas of overall performance, luxury and technology. 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 power and luxury in its class.
"The CL has been embraced by buyers searching for a fully-equipped, sporty coupe that offers power and handling, yet delivers in the areas of luxury, reliability and safety." said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, Acura Division. "With the introduction of the popular TL and now CL, the Acura brand is really giving the luxury competition something to worry about."
The 2001 CL is 30-percent more powerful than the car it replaces, and has grown 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 pentagonal grille adorns the front of the CL while triangular tail lights mark a substantial and sporty rear design.
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? (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 higher performance with class leading technology and power. Producing 260 horsepower at 6100 rpm, 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 also 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 105,000 mile tune up interval.
The CL models are equipped with five-speed automatic transmissions featuring the Formula 1 race car-inspired Sequential SportShift, allowing the driver to select gear changes manually, or operate as a fully automatic transmission. The wide-ratio 5-speed 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.
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 &endash; 205/60R16 on 3.2 CL; 215/50R17 on Type S.
The world class driving experience is also reflected in the CL's interior, as this new luxury coupe has been equipped with a comprehensive array of comfort and convenience features. Interior appointments include an impressive Acura/Bose 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.
Rounding out the list of standard features, the CL also includes heated power front seats with power walk-in feature, keyless remote entry with driver's seat and side mirror memory, a front center console with adjustable armrest and the HomeLink remote control system.
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 ebony wood patterned trim on the center console and doors.
The sophisticated, yet easy-to-use satellite-linked Acura 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, Acura was the first luxury automobile brand in North America 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. 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) and traction control along with driver and front passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) air bags with 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 height and position sensor system in the front passenger's seat, allowing the control module to temporarily 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 monitors lateral (cornering) stability to seamlessly integrate traction control, antilock braking and stability control functions. This innovative VSA System is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during acceleration, cornering 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.
Like all Acura models, the CL is 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.
Acura offers a full line of premium performance vehicles through a nationwide network of nearly 260 dealers. The Acura line up features six distinct models including the exotic NSX supercar, the 3.5 RL flagship luxury sedan, the best-selling 3.2 TL luxury performance sedan, the all-new 3.2 CL luxury performance coupe, the fun-to-drive Integra and the revolutionary MDX luxury sport utility vehicle. For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com.