A true driver’s car: Acura’s CL Type S
By Michael Binstock
Acorn Automobile Editor

It was over a decade ago that the Japanese car manufacturers startled the auto world by introducing high quality luxury autos with their own brand. Toyota has Lexus, Nissan has Infinity and from Honda we have the Acura brand.

In my mind Acura had always lagged a little behind the others and I still don’t know why. Acura makes great vehicles and at the Los Angeles auto show in January they introduced the completely redesigned 2001model 3.2 CL luxury performance coupe that 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, that I have been driving, 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 are Low Emission Vehicles (LEV). The California model 3.2 CL is 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