First Drive: 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6M

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Manual labour of love

New six-speed gearbox finally tilts Acura TL to the the sports side of the sports/luxury equation

By John LeBlanc CARMEL, Calif. - Some driving enthusiasts are coming around to the idea of automated-manual transmissions. The latest dual-clutch setups are able to shift gears quicker than humanely possible, and often get better fuel economy than with a manual. But nothing engages a driver more than needing to use a clutch pedal to change gears. So just as its baby brother TSX adds some variety with a new V6 this year, a manual transmission has returned as an option this year to the 2010 Acura TL lineup. Unfortunately, you'll have to pay a premium for the opportunity to shift gears for yourself in a TL. Base model front-drive TL's with a 280 hp 3.5-litre V6 and five-speed automatic start at $39,990. But you have to take several steps up the TL trim ladder, all the way to the top-line $48,490 TL SH-AWD, to get to the new six-speed manual as a no cost option. At least the mandatory Technology Package adds every conceivable navigation, audio and communication trick Acura has in its extensive repertoire. If that sounds like a lot, know that this top-line TL SH-AWD 6M lines up competitively with comparably-equipped AWD sports sedans like the Infiniti G37x AWD Sport, and costs thousands less than an Audi S4 or BMW 335i xDrive. As per the TL SH-AWD with the automatic, power comes from a 3.7-litre V6 engine. It makes 305 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque with the help of high-tech features like Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control on both the intake and exhaust valves and a special high-flow dual exhaust system. Compared to the slushbox, changing gears for yourself makes the TL much quicker. Instead of just over 6 seconds, the manual can get from rest to 100 km in 5.5 seconds. One bit of engineering parent Honda does extremely well is manual gearboxes. The just-canceled S2000 had one of the slickest gearboxes in the business. And the same care and attention has been wrought on the TL SH-AWD 6M's box. The small, leather-wrapped knob is capped with aluminum to remind you of the S2000. Throws are short and quick. The gears engage with a solid push, with no hang-ups or hunting in the process. The TL SH-AWD 6M I drove in California had a vague clutch that engaged in the last few millimeters (I'll blame some of those West Coast buff book writers.) But the iteration I tried back home had more feel and better weight. If you have the physical ability to use a clutch, get this very satisfying stick. As you may know, SH-AWD stands for Acura's modestly-named torque-vectoring Super Handling-All Wheel Drive. On the dry roads here in California, its primary function is to shuffle torque away from the front wheels to reduce understeer and torque steer. You can call up a small display between the speedo and tach that graphically shows the torque distribution to all four wheels. In spirited driving, you can distribution the system reign in the inside rear wheel while doling out grunt to the outside. The Acura takes corners with poise and balance. At the expense of a very firm highway ride, it also corners amazingly flat. It's not as nimble as an S4, and there seems to be a slight delay between the horse and the wishes of the rider in the TL SH-AWD 6M, but this car (happily) eats long sweepers for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But I also had a chance to dive a TL SH-AWD 6M during in winter driving conditions back in Ontario. With proper winter tires, it grips better than a hungry polar bear on a bearded seal. And the lateral and longitudinal distribution of torque made winter driving a hoot. When the latest TL sedan was launched last year, the lack of a manual was a sore point with driving enthusiasts. But their bark is probably louder than their bite. The reality is, according to Acura, perhaps five per cent of TL buyers are interested in the stick. But more should. The new six-peed gearbox not only makes the TL SH-AWD quicker in a straight line, it makes you more engaged in the driving of the car on a daily basis. It's the type of car worthy of making my Straight-Goods—finally! 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6M Base price: $48,490 Type of vehicle: Mid-size sports sedan Engine: 3.7-litre 24-valve SOHC V6 Power/Torque: 305 hp / 273 lb.-ft. Transmission: Six-speed manual Fuel consumption (city/hwy): 11.9 / 8.0 L/100 km Competition: Audi S4, BMW 335i xDrive, Infiniti G37x AWD Sport PROS Wonderful-to-use gearbox enhances performance Flexible AWD system Roomy and comfortable interior CONS Manual transmission only available on top-line model Luxury buyers may find ride a bit too stiff Limited cargo space

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