Acura 3.2 CL

Photo: Acura

In addition to being up to 30-percent more powerful than the car it replaces, the new CL grows 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 pentagram grille adorns the front of the CL while triangular tail lights mark a substantial and sporty rear design.

POWERTRAIN

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(TM) (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.

BODY AND CHASSIS

To complement the performance capabilities of the powertrain, the CL'schassis 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 -- 205/60R16 on 3.2 CL; 215/50R17 on Type S.

MANUFACTURING

The new CL is the third Acura to be designed, engineered and assembled in the United States. Like its Acura 3.2 TL sedan sibling, the new CL is assembled at Honda of America's manufacturing facility in Marysville, Ohio with a high level of locally sourced parts.

PRICING

On sale March 1st, 2000 through authorized Acura retailers, the all new CL will be priced aggressively against coupes from BMW and Mercedes Benz with a starting MSRP of $27,980 for the 3.2 CL and $30,330 for the 3.2 CL Type S.

The only factory option will be the Acura Navigation System, priced at $2,000.

(Feb. 23, 2000)