Comparo: 2013 Acura TL SH-AWD vs. Volvo S60 T5 AWD

Story and photos by John LeBlanc When it comes to the sports sedan market, the Germans rule, but there are buyers who don’t necessarily want to drive an Audi A4 or a BMW 3 Series. This is why we’re comparing a pair of non-Teutonic sporty four-doors. While the Japanese Acura TL and Swedish Volvo S60 […]

First Drive: 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6M

[svgallery name=”10_Acura_TL_6M”] 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 […]

The Straight-GOODS/Sports Sedans

2010 Acura TL SH-AWD Base Price: $48,490 Driver Must Haves: The ability to ignore the non-German badge The addition of a new manual gearbox allows the TL into The Goods for the first time. Granted, you have to pony up for the loaded $48,490 SH-AWD Tech to get to the new six-speed stick, but it’s […]

Comparo: 2009 Nissan Maxima vs. Acura TL

Story and photos by John LeBlanc There’s little to argue about. Rear-wheel-drive cars offer a better balance of handling and a clarity of steering that’s just not possible with front-wheel-drive vehicles. Period. Full stop.