The latest luxury sedan offerings to catch the performance bug are the Acura TL Type-S and the Infiniti G35 Sport. The TL or "Touring Luxury" was introduced in 1996 to replace the Acura Vigor. It succeeded in infusing all the underhood sprucing one would expect of the celebrated S badge. On the other hand, the Infiniti G35, also known as the Skyline 350 GT in its native Japan, did away with the G20 in ’03 and advanced its VQ35DE sourcing with the new coupe.
These two high-performing luxury sedans found their beginnings as entry-level models, but their performance variants are anything but basic. What will happen when we match these two high-end four-door vehicles head-to-head? Who will come out the victor: the 2008 Acura TL Type-S or the 2008 Infiniti G35 Sport?
Acura TL Type-S
MSRP (base): $38,225Engine: 3.5-liter, 24-Valve DOHC, VTEC V6
Horsepower: 286 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
Torque: 256 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
MPG: City: 18; Highway: 27
Performance - 16/20
The Acura TL Type-S is rooted on a featherweight chassis and front-wheel drive. The suspension utilizes firmer shocks and stiffer springs for reduced bounce and is a noticeable advantage over the stock setup. It will keep the base TL’s 3.5-liter, 24-valve, DOHC, VTEC V6 performing to perfection and is good for 286 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm. The crank, with a two-stage intake manifold, also makes good for 257 lb-ft of “pull-time” torque. Gear swapping is made possible in the Acura TL Type-S by a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic, and is available with sequential paddle shifters. This all comes together with a drive-by-wire throttle system that leaps off the line with a 0-60 mph drag time of 5.5 ticks, and the 2008 Acura TL Type-S can reach a top speed of 150 mph.
Exterior design - 16/20
When you first look at the new 2008 Acura TL Type-S it's rather hard to distinguish it from other models in the line from a design perspective. However, the subtle adjustments that are there are simple and performance driven. The front fascia now sees an aggressive air dam, chin spoiler and dark, metallic, chrome-finished grille.
The body is lowered for an aerodynamic effect and flows perfectly with the new pronounced side molding. The wind-splitting continues with a rear deck spoiler and flush moon roof, while the exhaust is now expelled through quad dual-tail chutes. Rounding out the pumped-up look are the available 17-inch open-spoke, aluminum alloy wheels.
Interior design - 6/10
Although ample head and leg room is present, we somehow expected more of an S-badged interior, but the engine output more than makes up for what it lacks in interior design. The cowhide bucket seats in the 2008 Acura TL Type-S are heavily bolstered with the S badge placed prominently on the headrest, and dual-level heating for flexible comfort. The pilot’s chair adjusts eight ways and comes equipped with seat position memory. Squarely placed in front of the operator, is a three-spoke steering wheel, adjoining paddles mounted behind (on the automatic model) and an informative, digital HUD that monitors tire pressure, oil life, average speed, and odometer output.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
The all new Acura TL Type-S doesn’t spare any novelties in the technology department either. This sedan is adorned with ELS premium surround sound (with Dolby Pro Logic II) distributed by 225 watts, eight speakers and a six-channel digital amplifier. The acoustic experience continues with the XM satellite radio connection and the capability of playing DTS 5.1 CDs and MP3s as well as featuring Active Noise Cancellation. Acura’s navigation system, with voice recognition of 650 commands including temperature control, Zagat Survey restaurant reviews and the real-time traffic moving map are also on board for maximized convenience.
Bang for your buck - 16/20
All of the aforementioned, outfitted with a manual transmission, can be yours for $38,225 or boosted with high-performance rubber for $38,425. Considering all of the Acura TL Type-S' configuration options, and that it will only run you four large above the base TL, this is an acceptable sticker price.
Driving experience - 17/20
Maneuvering in the Acura TL Type-S is a snap. With acceleration that will push your neck to the headrest and rigidity in the twisties, Acura has supplied enough performance components to make any consumer feel confident. In addition to this, there is 12.5 cubic feet of cargo room in the lined and carpeted trunk, accessible through an aperture in the rear seat. The fuel-conscious should also be content with the EPA rating of 18/27 city/highway mpg estimations.
Overall score - 78/100
The Acura TL Type-S applies Honda’s competition-inspired savvy to Acura’s avant-garde appeal and the result is an easy pick for the high-performing luxury sedan class.
The Acura TL Type-S did well, but can the Infiniti G35 Sport match it?
Infiniti G35 Sport
MSRP (base): $32,650Engine: 3.5-liter, 24-Valve, DOHC, VQ35DE V6
Horsepower: 306 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 268 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
MPG: City: 17; Highway: 24
Performance - 17/20
The Infiniti G35 Sport is grounded on a bantam-weight, balanced, revised myriad chassis and is offered solely in RWD (rear-wheel drive). The four-wheel, independent, sport-tuned suspension receives stronger bushings and isn’t skittish through corners. The 3.5-liter, 24-valve, DOHC, VQ35DE V6 engine is the same found on Nissan’s 350Z, with a slightly higher output of 306 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm and 268 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm. A high-flow air induction system — with a matching Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control (CVVT) for the exhaust — was integrated and increases oxygen intake immensely. All is managed by a close-ratio, six-speed, short-throw manual transmission or optional five-speed automatic transmission with a Tiptronic function. The Infiniti G35 Sport rendition hits a top speed of 145 mph and races from 0-60 in 6.2 seconds.
Exterior design - 17/20
A bonus touch of performance comes with the overall design of the Infiniti G35 Sport. Improved aerodynamics come from the air-flow management and 0.29 drag coefficient provided by the zero-lift front bumper and optional rear spoiler. The hood, now fashioned in aluminum with gas struts, shaves off weight and has the cutouts that house the High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-Xenon headlamps (fog lights are optional with the ensemble). The LED taillights rest above the dual exhaust pipes with chrome finishings, as the split seven-spoke, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels complete the well-rounded and aggressive design.
The Infiniti G35 Sport has enough grunt and aesthetic favor to impress, but the interior lacks originality and pop. The front bucket seats are both eight-way adjustable and deliver good support with thigh extension and come optionally heated. There is push-button ignition and a unique sport-stitching on the leather-wrapped telescopic and three-spoke steering wheel. The interior trim is Washi-finish aluminum and extends to the pedals. The gauge cluster is electro-luminescent and laden with Infiniti’s Fine Vision technology that is both appealing and functional.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
The Infiniti G35 Sport, in all of its Premium Sport trim ameliorations, serves up a bevy of digital treats. The motherboard is DVD based and is mated to the touch-screen, real-time navigation. The media player has a Radio Data System and can host both MP3s and XM satellite radio. The AM/FM function gets an assist from automatic active signal boosters that pick up on the strongest frequencies. Best of all is the Bose surround-sound configuration and attached 9.3 GB Music Box hard drive. Those still not satisfied will rejoice in the automatic temperature control, 12-volt power outlet and rear-seat reading lights.
Bang for your buck - 17/20
Because the base asking price is so much further south than its competitors, we don’t feel bashful about recommending you pile on all the fixings. By the time you’ve tricked out your Infiniti G35 Sport you’ll realize that you would’ve plunked down equal or more elsewhere, minus all the toys and the smooth ride.
Driving experience - 17/20
Taking over the performance driver persona is easy and almost second nature in this Infiniti four-door. Once the intelligent key entry grants you access and you’re at the wheel, be sure to note the (VLSD) limited-slip differential, the larger, bold calipers and their keen handling effects. The output, coupled with the accident avoidance and occupant protection function, along with 17 city mpg and 24 highway mpg, make the Infiniti G35 Sport a superb choice for a daily commuter.
Overall score - 81/100
The Infiniti G35 Sport capitalizes on the impeccable engine package provided by Nissan and applies it to a higher luxury standard.
and the winner is…
The Acura TL Type-S made this one into an interesting dogfight and presented enough of a challenge that the victor was decided by just a three-point margin. Although the “super” TL has its share of highlights, the Infiniti G35 Sport proves to be the bully in this class in terms of muscle, bargain and luxury.
