Acura Unveils TL-X Luxury Sedan

6 January 1998
Acura Unveils TL-X Luxury Sedan

             Preview of 1999 TL Sedan to be Made in America

    DETROIT, Jan. 6 -- Acura unveiled its TL-X luxury sedan here
today at the 1998 North American International Auto Show.  The TL-X concept
model previews the replacement of the TL luxury sedan due out in the 1999
model year, which will be Acura's second model to be designed, engineered and
manufactured in the U.S.
    Acura's executive vice president, Richard Thomas, announced the company's
production plans at a press conference, noting that the next generation TL
will be manufactured at the Marysville, Ohio plant.  Currently, the Acura CL
Series of luxury sports coupes are produced at the East Liberty plant.  The
addition of the new TL on line in Ohio will boost Acura's domestic production
to more than 50 percent, far beyond that of other luxury import makers
including BMW, Lexus and Mercedes.
    "It is one of Acura's primary goals to manufacture models in North America
and it enables us to bring greater value to our products and ultimately our
customers," said Thomas.  "We were the first luxury import nameplate to
manufacture locally with the introduction of the CL and are continuing to
build on the success of that Series with this new TL model."
    Designed at Honda R&D's studios in Torrance, California, the TL-X concept
sedan offers a glimpse at the styling for the all-new TL performance/luxury
sedan due in the Fall of 1998.  The aggressive styling of the TL-X, from the
unique front grille to the sleek rear deck lid, reflects its positioning as a
sporty, yet luxurious vehicle.
    The TL-X features a state-of-the-art high performance VTEC V-6 engine
coupled to a racing inspired SportShift automatic transmission and also offers
an advanced traction control system (TCS) and independent double wishbone
suspension.  In addition, the concept sedan is equipped with a new "smart"
adaptive cruise control that uses advanced technology to detect obstacles in
front of the car while it is in cruise control mode and will automatically
adjust the car's speed and distance to coincide with the traffic in its path.
    The TL-X's luxuriously appointed interior contains a full complement of
luxury amenities including the latest version of the Acura Navigation System
and a high-power Acura/Bose AM/FM/CD/cassette audio system with steering wheel
mounted audio controls.  Rich materials were utilized throughout the interior
including suede leather for the dashboard and seating surfaces, which are
accented by a unique granite trim in place of traditional wood.
    "We are clearly emphasizing 'performance' with the TL-X concept sedan,
recognizing the needs and desires of today's luxury car buyers," said Thomas.
"Manufacturing our products in the U.S. puts Acura in a unique market position
-- being able to offer exceptional luxury and performance at an incredible
value."
    Acura currently offers a comprehensive full line of performance/luxury
automobiles from the Integra sports coupes and sedans, and the CL Series of
luxury sports coupes to the TL Series of luxury sedans, the 3.5RL luxury
flagship sedan, the SLX luxury sport utility vehicle and the NSX exotic sports
car.
SOURCE  Acura Public Relations