The Type-S is also equipped with a noise-cancellation system called ANC (Active Noise Cancellation), a technology borrowed from the bigger RL. Microphones are installed in the cockpit and record ambient noise; opposed-amplitude waves are then emitted from the speakers to cancel out road noise and render the cockpit quieter. I'd have to compare it side-by-side with another Type-S, one that's devoid of this system to see the difference, but it was rather silent inside this TL.

The 3.5-liter V6 is very powerful and will cause torque steer.

It's all under the hood
The 3.2-liter engine of other TL models is pulled out to make way for a 3.5-liter V6, taken from the RL sedan. Slightly modified, this 286-horsepower V6 offers 28 more than the base TL, and benefits from an absolutely fantastic soundtrack. The 6-speed manual gearbox has no problem coping with the engine's power, and the clutch pedal isn't too stiff for the left leg. The car accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. My fuel consumption average is 11.9 L/100 km, which is pretty good for this type of vehicle.

Now, regarding THE problem: it all depends on how you drive. If you always follow the flow of traffic, you probably will never notice it.

But if you're the always-late type and you always drive with the pedal to the metal, you'll feel the torque steer through the steering wheel during all-out acceleration. It's what happens when the front wheels have the double duty of turning the car and manage the engine's power.

The Type-S with the manual transmission includes a limited-slip differential, which seems to help. And the VSA (traction and stability control) has its work cut out for it, and intervenes frequently. I have to say that during the last few years, though, manufacturers have progressed in regards to minimizing torque steer in their powerful front-drive cars.

As for braking, the four-piston Brembo calipers are extremely competent and stop the car like an angry dog that hits the end of its chain. The front brake pads produce a lot of dust, however.

Braking power is sufficient to tame this mighty machine.