That performance begins with 270 horsepower and doesn't look back. If bees made engines, this one would be all venom disguised as honey. Any manufacturer, American based or abroad, would do well to benchmark Acura's 3.2 liter (195 cu in) SOHC VTEC, 24-valve V6. Few engines manufactured today can provide the balance, smoothness and snappy performance of this little honey pot. Its powerband is very linear and its power isn't reserved for the 5,000 and above rpm crowd. Nope, the power wakens early and delivers a full day of work, peaking out at 238 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm.

Any manufacturer, American based or abroad, would do well to benchmark AcuraâE(tm)s 3.2 liter (195 cu in) SOHC VTEC, 24-valve V6. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

"So the facts and figures may read well, but what's the front-wheel drive powertrain really like," I can hear you asking - at least I hope that's what you're asking. I've always been a front-wheel drive skeptic, much preferring rear- or all-wheel drive. And call me a relic, but I have always had a bit of a scowl for people that touted V6 engines as performers. Well, this week the scowl was wiped away and my skepticism has weakened, but not entirely evaporated.

Playing in rhythm to the engineâE(tm)s auditory notes is a transmission that knows precisely which of its 5-speeds to assign to the tempo. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Driving the TL is one fine experience, don't get me wrong. The engine note is heavily muted but absolutely a pleasure to listen to. At times I turned off the 225 watts powering the audio system and just marveled at the engine's orchestration. There are few sweeter sounding powerplants, whether playing with six or eight cylinders. And as the orchestra conductor, the driver controls the notes with the use of a right foot placed squarely against a very Germanic feeling bottom hinged gas pedal. On the left side of the foot-well, a solid dead pedal fastens the driver's left foot to the chassis.

Playing in rhythm to the engine's auditory notes is a transmission that knows precisely which of its 5-speeds to assign to the tempo. Downshifts are undertaken with smoothness and decisiveness. No unscheduled pauses here, just mind-reading precision. However, should the driver choose to direct the shift occurrences, the Sequential Sportshift mode will execute each input with immediacy. The TL, however, will over-ride inputs, or a lack thereof, if it relates to first gear or an unwillingness by the driver to obey with the redline deadline. Consider it a parental control intended to preserve your engine and drivetrain in the same way that a V-chip is intended to preserve childlike innocence.