2001 Acura CL

What is it?
2001 Acura CL<

What's special about it?
The CL-line undergoes a major makeover in Acura's effort to gain headway in the luxury coupe market over rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz. New from the ground up, the CL receives an upgraded 225-horsepower VTEC aluminum engine, a five-speed automatic transmission with sequential SportShift, traction control, xenon headlamps and a host of other goodies. The real treat lies in the optional Type S, getting an additional 35 horsepower through a dual-stage induction system and low-restriction exhaust system. The Type S also receives considerable suspension tuning, 17-inch wheels and tires, perforated leather interior and a Vehicle Stability Assist system.

Why should you care?
Acura clearly has its sights set on upsetting the German benchmark of luxury performance vehicles. With the new CL, the gap closes even further when the estimated MSRP of $28,000 to $32, 000 is taken into consideration. Time will tell when the CL hits the showroom floor in March of this year.