What’s more powerful than an NSX, has more torque than the BMW 528i, a tighter turning radius than the Audi A6 and even more horsepower than the Lexus GS 350 AWD? Find out as our host, 4 time Trans Am champion, Tommy Kendall heads from the country roads of rural Tennessee, to the road-course at Nashville Super Speedway, to the city streets of Nashville, to unleash the power and excitement of the brand new Acura TL SH-AWD®.

First, Test Drive heads to the country roads of Tennessee for a scenic test drive with two-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti. After Franchitti and Kendall give us their thoughts on the car’s comfort, convenience and everyday drive-ability, they turn up the heat on the road course of the Nashville Super Speedway for a fast and furious test drive that showcases the performance of the new TL.

Next, Kendall heads to Nashville to let automotive journalist Morgan Murphy, give us his driving impressions as he takes the TL for a spin through Music City, U.S.A.  Finally, Kendall heads out on one of the most scenic drives in the South – the Natchez Trace Parkway – for a final look at what makes the TL such an incredible new ride.

The 2011 AcuraTL. Accelerated Innovation.
The TL’s dramatic styling and breathtaking performance are rivaled only by its stunning technological achievements. Each model boasts an impressive engine: a 280-hp 3.5-liter VTEC® V-6 in the TL, and Acura’s most powerful engine ever, a 305-hp, 3.7-liter VTEC® V-6 in the TL SH-AWD. And with the TL’s available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) and AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™*, the road is yours for the taking.

Engine
The heart of this remarkable sports sedan is its all-aluminum, 3.7-liter, VTEC® V-6—Acura’s most powerful production engine. The advanced VTEC valve timing system, combined with a high-flow exhuast system and programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI), help the TL SH-AWD® achieve an impressive 305 hp and 273 lbs-ft of torque, making it one of the highest-powered V-6 engines in its class.  At the same time, the engine is rated an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV-2) and achieves and EPA city/highway mileage rating of 17/25 mpg.

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) increases turning precision by varying the engine torque between all four wheels - including actively distributing power to the rear outside wheel in a turn to enhance cornering and maneuverability. Accessed through the MID screen, the SH-AWD® meter shows you in real time how SH-AWD® is distributing power.

Navigation System
In the TL, you’ll always know which way to go, thanks to the latest generation of the critically acclaimed Acura Navigation System.

AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™
AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ helps you steer clear of gridlock by providing continually updated traffic information to major metropolitan areas.

AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™
You can determine the weather conditions in your immediate area or most anywhere you plan to be with AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™.