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Not true. Higher octane in of itself does not result in higher HP. An engine designed to operate at peak efficiency on regular will show no performance benefit from premium. Higher octane is necessary for many engines that develop high HP because they rely on compression ratios and other tuning characteristics that produce detonation if lower octane fuel is used. Modern engine electronics compensate for this by taking measures to reduce detonation. These measures also result in less than peak performance from the engine. Lower octane fuel explodes more readily than high octane fuel. That's what detonation is -- the fuel/air mixture exploding rather than burning evenly.
1) The handbrake belongs in the center of the console or on the driver's side, not on the passenger's side of the console. I have the 6 speed. Employing the correct procedure of using the handbrake to hold the car at an intersection results in potentially embarassing brushes with the thigh of the front seat passenger when it's time to release the brake.
2) There's not a lot of ground clearance. I bottomed out while carefully negotiating some road works this morning.
3) I'd like round dials to control the heat and A/C.
4) The instrument lighting is a gimmick -- you cannot read the deep blue kilometer values without turning the brightness to full. It's too easy to think that you've turned the headlights on when you haven't because the instruments are permanently illuminated.
Mine goes in tomorrow to see what can be done about it's tendency to veer left and load up to the right.
Otherwise, great car. Seriously fast; good long distance cruiser.
2) I have not bottomed out, but my 14-yr-old son did remark that the car almost looks like it's been lowered. But if you bend down and look under the car, there's actually a normal amount of ground clearance.
3) Not a big deal for me personally, but I agree round dials would be more user-friendly.
4) I think that's why there is a headlight-on indicator.
A couple of other improvements that I would add:
1) Forget about the gated shifter. It's a gimmick and deters easy shift action.
2) Make the keyless "beep" sound louder. Right now you almost couldn't hear it unless you're parked inside a museum.
3) A power tilt and telescoping steering wheel.
4) Rear headrests that can be tilted down out of the way when not needed.
5) A choice to tilt BOTH side mirrors down in reverse.
On the gated shifter I think most luxo cars are shifted that way. My ES is so but it shifts quite smoothly. On a TL test drive I did find that the shifting a bit unforgiving -- you get stuck kind of easily. I thought I did something wrong. Once you are used to it it's not a big deal, but I do think it'd be easier to move.
For headrests I'd be happy if they can only indent it more 'into the seat' and you pull it up only when needed.
Can't speculate how a given engine management system might work, but one strategy used to reduce operating temperature and detonation is to enrichen the mixture. A richer mixture means a higher percentage of fuel in the fuel/air mixture burned by the engine, hence lower mpg.
"Wouldn't handbrake on driver side get in the way of cup access? Middle is not an option as there's storage there."
Yes, but is it a car or a cafeteria? :-)
DVD-Audio is nice, but DVD-Audio and SACD would be even nicer.
How about a mute button for the radio.
That happens automatically when you receive/send a call via a bluetooth-enabled phone.
Foot brake would leave a cleaner console, but personally I hate foot brakes, especially the push on/push off kind, which is what Acura uses.
I think the best solution is an electronic parking brake, with button controls.
They could just lower the brake position on the driver side relative to the central platform. It'd have been still kind of sticks out when the brake is down had it were on the driver side now.
Thanks, TJ
Yes, for an automatic, but for a manual you need the handbrake to hold the car at a light, etc. The alternative is to use the footbrake or the clutch to hold the car on an incline -- not good technique.
The timing must be retarded to prevent detonation if you use lower octane fuel than recommended. The engine is not as efficient with the timing retarded thus the mpg drops.
In the UK you'd fail the driving test for that -- failure to maintain positive control of the vehicle at all times. This pertains to the time between taking your foot off the brake and pressing the accelerator as you move off. Please don't jump all over me for saying so, but It's a real problem in the US, where drivers of manual cars consistently let their vehicles slip backwards towards the car behind them at hilly intersections.
If you are listening to a CD or DVD, you can pause the playback by pressing the numeric button of the current disc playing (i.e. if you are playing disc 2, hit the preset button 2). This will pause playback which will in effect mute the stereo.
This isn't in the manual, I found it out when I was trying to switch CDs and hit the wrong preset button
Jeff
She is planning on bringing the seat into the dealer for a "fit", but would like some feedback from others who have installed car seats in the rear of these vehicles.
Thanks.
Anyone can get that kind of price in CA, esp. No. Cal?
Now if they can just get that cup holder and parking brake design right on the stroller we'd be all set.
Bobble - I noticed that bestbuy.ca has their Cdn website up and running and have a DVD-A section on there. Same blah selection though as what was available in store 5 months ago.
When I was shopping, I also test drove both the 330i and 330ix and felt the same way. AWD may be preferable for poor weather conditions. But, IMO, it simply doesn't afford the handling feel of a lighter weight RWD setup, at least not in most sedans. I won't kick a 911 Turbo out of my garage, but its rear engine layout provides a different driving dynamic altogether.
I'm not sure what is keeping Acura from going to RWD on their higher end models. Lexus' GX300/430, SC430, LS430 are, as is the Infiniti G35, M and Q classes. I hope Acura isn't so enamored with the SH-AWD system that they feel it is the answer to all of their models. I didn't even consider Audi, in part because of their porky curb weights and sluggish performance. Let the 4,000 lb RL be the showcase for technology, but keep the TL under 3,500 lbs and make it even more competitive with the 3 and 5 series.
1- maybe rear wheel drive
2- flexible engine with more torque available earlier
3- better transmission..
but these are not major issues..I think. IT s a real good car...
I think the typical luxury car buyer is more interested in a smooth ride and interior luxury than absolute handling prowess.
Sounds more like a Lexus tho.
this platform has been front wheel drive for a long time...
If I select the TL-manual, this may be something I just have to suck it up and live with. Has anyone driven the G35- manual? Any better??