THE NATIVE BORN ACURA: CL COUPE AND TL SEDAN

Acura's parent company, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., has a long standing commitment to designing and producing cars in the country where they're sold. The Acura CL Coupe and the Performance luxury TL Sedan are the latest proof of this commitment.

According to Scott Crail, Acura Product Planner, "Acura designed, and assembles the CL in the United States as part of the company's commitment to assemble vehicles in the country in which they are sold. Besides, America's love affair with the coupe made it the perfect place to develop this stunning vehicle."

The CL rolls off the assembly line in East Liberty, Ohio. The CL is a contemporary luxury sports coupe designed for the type of driver who values precise handling, excellent road manners and polished, sophisticated performance. Powered by a 3.0 liter, 200 hp engine or a 2.3 liter, 150 hp, both VTEC-equipped, the CL features a standard Automatic Climate Control System, a power glass moonroof, a CD-equipped 6-speaker audio system and much more.

The 1999 TL mid-luxury sedan features a 3.2-liter, 24-valve, VTEC V-6 engine mated to a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with the Sequential SportShift semi-manual shift mode. Standard features include ABS braking, a Traction Control System, leather-trimmed seats, dual front air bags, an automatic climate control system, power windows and door locks, power moonroof and much more.

The incredible powerplants for both the CL and the TL come from the state-of-the-art engine facility in Anna, Ohio.

Naturally, creating a car from the ground up requires an enormous investment of financial and human resources. Given Acura's commitment to the American market, it was an inevitable decision.