The Acura CL Type S was Acura’s first Type S model. Here are 5 things you probably didn’t know about the Acura CL Type S.
With a new Type S model ready for its unveiling in less than a week, I thought It’d be a good idea to recap Acura’s Type S models. As mentioned, today we’re looking at Acura’s first Type S model, the Acura CL Type S, a real barn-burner when it was introduced for MY 2001. Type S stands for Sport and added some real-deal performance above and beyond the base CL.
Here are five things you probably didn’t know Acura CL Type S.
Dual-Induction Intake System
The tale of the tape has a Stock CL’s 3.2L V6 making 225 HP and 216 lb-ft where the Type S has much more power with 260 HP and 232-lb-ft. Simply put, Acura’s engineers massaged the 3.2L V6 in more ways than one to reliably deliver +35 HP and +16 lb-ft.
Exclusively found on the Type S, a big part of its increased power is thanks to a dual-stage induction system.
“This system uses a large, two-chamber intake plenum separated by a valve, which opens at 3800 and is actuated by a separate electric motor.
During this valve’s closed-stage at low to mid-engine speed operation, a Resonance Charge condition exists when pressure pulsations between cylinders assist the adjoining cylinder for each bank. In doing so, air filling the cylinders increases with the resonance energy (Helmholz principle).
When this valve opens during mid to high engine speed operation, an Inertial Charge condition is achieved and increased air filling occurs when the manifold volume (plenum) is increased and the resonance condition is eliminated. This phenomenon utilizes the high flow mass to pressurize the manifold port air, producing a natural “supercharger” effect.”
As mentioned, this dual-stage induction system is only one small part to increased power. This tuned 3.2L V6 has a higher combustion ratio, an exclusive Type S camshaft that opens and closes special race designed intake valves, and a free-flowing exhaust.
The Acura CL Type S was literally Honda’s most powerful front-wheel-drive car Honda ever made at the time.
Before the introduction of the Acura TL Type S the next year, the CL Type S was the most powerful FWD car from Honda.
Although technically the NSX’s peak 290 HP bests the CL Type S, comparing automatic NSX to automatic CL Type S, the CL Type S is technically more powerful as Acura downgrades the engine in the NSX with a four-speed automatic to a 3.0L with just 252 HP.
Just food for thought even though we know who’ll win when we throw some curves at either.
Supposedly Type S wheel’s five-spoke wheel design was functional.
Simple, five spokes and 17-inches, looking at the standard alloys you get with the CL Type-S, you’d think there’s nothing special behind them, but, according to Acura, they’re equal parts functional and aesthetic.
The 3.2 CL Type S sports aggressive 7-inch wide x 17-inch diameter aluminum alloy wheels. The 5-spoke layout incorporates an outer rimless design to achieve a seamless contour from the center of the wheel all the way out to the tire for an aggressive, sporty appearance. Large openings in the wheel ensure proper ventilation of the brakes.
And although the CL Type S had the power to back up its Type-S badge, braking was as important since the CL Type-S came in at a hefty 3,461 pounds, hence the need for cool brakes.
Optional on the CL Type-S is a six-speed manual with factory LSD
Early 2000’s Acura was known for its performance and Acura wasn’t about to skip out on its loyalist manual fans, although, believe it or not, they almost did. The CL-Type-S didn’t get a manual option for two years until 2003.
As such, it’s the rarest CL variant, a Type-S with a six-speed manual.
Honda Acccess Americas technically offered a supercharging and performance package from Comptech that upped power to 369 HP and 302 lb-ft
For $49,312, that’s over $18,000 over the base MSRP for a CL Type-S, Comptech, through Honda Access Americas, offered a supercharging and performance package to the CL Type S that really tested the limits of FWD performance.
According to Car and Driver who tested the car out after its SEMA debut,
Except for slight blower whine, the supercharged CL’s behavior is practically vice free. The engine didn’t detonate and trudged through parking lots like a Cushman scooter. The clutch is more sensitive than the stock unit, but the transmission shifts just as sweetly. At part throttle under 4000 rpm, the engine behaves, well, normally. Slam the throttle, though, and it feels like a 440 Six Pack V-8 in a ’69 Dodge Charger.
This was a real FWD monster.
Zero to 60 mph: 5.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 13.2 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 23.6 sec
Street start, 5-60 mph 5.8 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 14.2 sec @ 104 mph
Do you have any other factoids about the Acura CL Type S? Let me know in the comments below!
