2001 Acura 3.2 CL Type S...continued

The Type S delivers an exciting, high-performance drive, when given the opportunity. With 260 horsepower and 232 lb ft of torque, this six-cylinder coupe boasts the most power in its class. The Formula 1-inspired, Sequential SportShift, five-speed, automatic transmission allows the driver to select gear changes manually or operates as a full automatic. Besides adding interest to the driving, this transmission provides greater fuel efficiency, which the EPA rates at 18 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

My week with the 3.2 CL was, unfortunately, spent on the freeways in heavy traffic. I had a few chances to make some quick-punch passes, and found the mid-range torque strong, and the top-end power vivid. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS provide generous stopping power, and the P215/50VR-17 Michelins deliver great cornering ability. There is a wonderfully secure feeling to the handling, and the Type S offers a truly sporting driving experience. It's tight and fast without being too stiff, and quite exciting.

Reports show the luxury coupe market will grow over 150% in the next few years, and Acura, hoping to compete with coupes from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, has designed the CL to attract these selective, upscale, coupe buyers. The CL is targeted at career couples in their thirties and the active, over-fifty crowd whose kids have already left home. Of course, the CL is the logical next step, when loyal Honda owners are ready to move up to a more expensive auto purchase.

A very clever sales strategy is used by Acura for the 3.2 CL. Almost every option a driver could possibly want is included as standard equipment. The automatic transmission, an Acura/Bose stereo/cassette with a six-disc CD changer, power moonroof, heated power seats, Xenon headlights, and leather are all on board. The one exception is the in-dash navigation system, which is really easy to use and an excellent add-on. Pricing is aggressive at $30,330 base MSRP, with an additional $2,000 tacked on for the GPS. The CL is covered by a four-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Another extra for owners is Acura's "TLC," which provides 24-hour roadside assistance.

It has been interesting to watch how CL sales have taken off. Along with the TL sedan on which it is based, the CL has helped Acura become a major player again in the mid-luxury market. The Type-S version is hot enough to challenge the best in class, and the German competition will need to stay up on their wheels.