The current Acura TL receives a midlife freshening, but the big news is that the TL Type-S returns to the lineup after a three-year hiatus. Equipped with a 286-hp 3.5-liter V6, the Type-S also features a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo high-performance brakes and unique styling elements that include quad tailpipes. A six-speed manual or five-speed automatic with automanual shift paddles are no-cost options. The upgraded touchscreen and voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic reporting is standard equipment on the Type-S, as is the rest of the TL's lengthy features list.

The regular TL receives minor styling tweaks and interior changes, including a sporty new three-spoke steering wheel. The updated navigation system is the only option, while the five-speed automatic becomes the only available transmission. The 258-hp 3.2-liter V6 remains unchanged.

Both versions of the TL come with an attractive, well-built interior designed with a more sporting intent in mind. Aluminum inlays, bright blue electroluminescent gauges and aggressively bolstered seats should appeal to enthusiasts, but may put off those looking for a more classic luxury look. Ergonomics are excellent, with redundant stereo controls on the radio faceplate, steering wheel, and optional touchscreen and voice commands. High-tech standard features also include Bluetooth phone connectivity, programmable driver memory functions and an excellent surround-sound stereo with six-CD/DVD audio changer and satellite radio.

In road tests we've always been impressed with the Acura TL's performance and handling abilities, but ultimately find that its front-wheel-drive setup can't compete with rear-drive models like the Infiniti G35, Lexus IS 350 or BMW 335i. The Type-S ups the ante somewhat, boosting power without noticeable understeer. However, until Acura offers its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system on the TL or even switches to rear-wheel drive (unlikely), the TL will remain a few steps behind its top competitors. For a majority of shoppers, though, the TL will provide a good mix of fun, comfort and convenience at a reasonable price.

the Type-S is a joke.

Nose-heavy front driver that everyone's going to order with an automatic anyway? I mean, when the old TL Type-S came out, 260 HP was a big deal, but these days 286 is playing catch-up, all while the new Type-S tends to be costlier than many of its more worth competitors.

Wow you didn't know that?

Nope, I thought Acura had a shred of common sense. Guess not!

There's a difference between common sense and performance oriented. This class was built for your 30-50 year old middle management commuting white collar employee. It's a phenomenal car for that purpose.

Nope, I thought Acura had a shred of common sense. Guess not!

Hopefully the next gen will get RWD, but highly unlikely. At the least, we could hope for SH-AWD. I think that this, along with a lack of a V8 option is the main reason why the current RL failed to impress.

I thought the Type-S was performance oriented? Well, I guess it's just rims-and-body-kit faux performance then.

They lost most of that when the NSX went out of production, though they got a little back by making the RL AWD.
I read somewhere that Acura is going to offer SH-AWD on all its new models, at least as an option. So expect that on the next-gen TL and TSX. As for the RL, with its supposedly brilliant SH-AWD system, I don't think RWD is neccessary. A more powerful engine (not neccesarily a V8) was defintely due for making the best of quite capable chassis however. More interesting exterior styling would've helped also...

^So either the Altima is a company car or you're a hypocrite?