Mark Maynard of the San Diego Union Tribune sums up the 4th generation TL by describing it as the “Type A Personality” of sport sedans.  So obviously fitting, yet nobody has ever put it that way before.

“It is pointed – literally in design – and absolute in power and purpose.” It forces itself to be recognized by onlookers with its substantial presence; having grown 6.1 inches in length and an inch plus in width during the past year. Embodying unconventional lines and trumpeting a nice throaty sound out of the quad exhaust, the TL SH-AWD forces itself on you.

Having tested both the FWD and SH-AWD TL, Maynard describes the gap between the two as being large enough to accommodate another trim level sandwiched in the middle. While he didn’t get to test the SH-AWD in the snow, he said it “it powered along rain-slicked roads like a spider running across a web”.

While testing, Acura engineer Mike Unger sent Maynard an e-mail explaining how the SH-AWD torque vectoring system works and allows the TL to perform exceptionally well in all weather conditions, including snow.

The design of the 2009 TL has been controversial, yet the performance is equally appreciated by all. Be sure to check out the rest of Mark’s review for more info.

[Source: San Diego Union Tribune]