2002 Acura TL 3.2 Type-S

What is it?
2002 Acura TL 3.2 Type-S

What's special about it?
A 260-horsepower V6 and a sport-tuned suspension give the normally sedate TL a legitimate air of performance. The ultra high-tech engine utilizes a dual-stage induction system, low restriction exhaust, increased compression ratio, and high performance camshafts to produce the extra ponies.

The suspension gets firmer springs, increased damping rates, and a larger rear sway bar along with 17-inch wheels and tires for maximum grip. Exterior enhancements include a more aggressive grille, reshaped headlights, and revised badging. Fog lights are now standard in addition to clear taillight lenses in the rear.

Inside, Type-S models get leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the all-important "Type-S" leather shift knob just in case you forgot what you dropped all those extra Benjamins for at the dealer.

Why should you care?
Acura's decision to finally inject a little personality into its yawn-inducing sedans is a major step toward providing an alternative to German sport sedan dominance.