What is it? TEST LABEL
2003 Acura 3.2 CL
What's special about it?
Evidently, Acura got tired of hearing enthusiasts and automotive journalists whining about the lack of a manual gearbox in the 3.2 CL Type-S so for 2003, the company offers a six-speed manual tranny for its sport version of the CL coupe. The combination of six gears and lighter weight (60 pounds lighter than the Type-S with the five-speed automanual) means that the manual will scoot to 60 mph a half-second quicker than its automatic stablemate. Considering we got a 6.7-second time out of last year's automatic Type-S, the six-speed should easily sate those with an appetite for speedy acceleration. The six-speed Type-S also features short-throw linkage, a self-adjusting clutch and a limited-slip differential to keep the 260 horses under control.
The standard 3.2 CL (225 horsepower) continues with the automatic as its only transmission. For those who prefer not to shift, the Type-S is still available with that transmission.
Setting apart the 2003 3.2 CL from earlier models are a color-keyed grille surround and revised lower air intake up front, new taillights with a clear top section and different exhaust outlets out back, and restyled wheels all around. Inside the cabin, the CL receives a redesigned center console with a hand-operated parking brake that replaces the foot-actuated version used previously. So should the urge strike, a Rockford Files-style 180 can be performed when a quick change in direction is required.
Those who don't engage in childish stunts will probably be more concerned about safety, and Acura's got that covered, as well. A LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat restraint system and a dual-stage driver-side airbag debut for '03 as does OnStar technology (which allows roadside assistance or concierge service to be summoned) for vehicles equipped with the optional navigation system.
Why should you care?
We have one big beef with the current 3.2 CL Type-S: the lack of a manual gearbox. To a car enthusiast, that omission is a sin for a sport/luxury coupe. Acura atones for this transgression and then some by providing a six-speed manual for the 2003 Type-S. — John DiPietro
2003 Acura 3.2 CL
What's special about it?
Evidently, Acura got tired of hearing enthusiasts and automotive journalists whining about the lack of a manual gearbox in the 3.2 CL Type-S so for 2003, the company offers a six-speed manual tranny for its sport version of the CL coupe. The combination of six gears and lighter weight (60 pounds lighter than the Type-S with the five-speed automanual) means that the manual will scoot to 60 mph a half-second quicker than its automatic stablemate. Considering we got a 6.7-second time out of last year's automatic Type-S, the six-speed should easily sate those with an appetite for speedy acceleration. The six-speed Type-S also features short-throw linkage, a self-adjusting clutch and a limited-slip differential to keep the 260 horses under control.
The standard 3.2 CL (225 horsepower) continues with the automatic as its only transmission. For those who prefer not to shift, the Type-S is still available with that transmission.
Setting apart the 2003 3.2 CL from earlier models are a color-keyed grille surround and revised lower air intake up front, new taillights with a clear top section and different exhaust outlets out back, and restyled wheels all around. Inside the cabin, the CL receives a redesigned center console with a hand-operated parking brake that replaces the foot-actuated version used previously. So should the urge strike, a Rockford Files-style 180 can be performed when a quick change in direction is required.
Those who don't engage in childish stunts will probably be more concerned about safety, and Acura's got that covered, as well. A LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat restraint system and a dual-stage driver-side airbag debut for '03 as does OnStar technology (which allows roadside assistance or concierge service to be summoned) for vehicles equipped with the optional navigation system.
Why should you care?
We have one big beef with the current 3.2 CL Type-S: the lack of a manual gearbox. To a car enthusiast, that omission is a sin for a sport/luxury coupe. Acura atones for this transgression and then some by providing a six-speed manual for the 2003 Type-S. — John DiPietro
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