There’s a 12.7GB hard drive in the stereo system as well, which allows users to upload music from CDs or flash drives, but it can’t take tunes from your iPod. Acura uses a system called Gracenote — which is actually used by iTunes and automakers like Infiniti and others — that’s meant to recognize the artist and track names from the CD you want to record. Despite its success importing tracks into iTunes (on a computer that’s presumably connected to the internet), I’ve found this system to rarely work well in cars. Acura says you can upload updates to the Gracenote system via a USB drive to get the most recent information, but that seems like a lot of work to me, especially with so many people already toting 80GB iPods with tracks they bought online that can’t be downloaded anyway.

The hard drive also allows owners to upload digital photographs for use as wallpaper on the navigation screen when it’s not in use, such as when you start the engine or turn off the informational display. I have no earthly idea about the benefit of this, other than getting to see your favorite image every time you start your car, and even then I’m not sure I’m happy that Acura spent time developing this rather than allowing non-iPod MP3 players to work with the USB plug.

At this time, Acura has not yet released pricing information for the TL lineup. The automaker has said pricing will be in the range of $34,000 to $42,000, with the $42,000 figure representing a TL SH-AWD with the Tech Package.

The base TL comes with leather seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, an eight-way power passenger’s seat, heated front seats, high-intensity-discharge headlights, a moonroof, heated side mirrors, speed-sensitive windshield wipers, 17-inch wheels, the stereo mentioned above, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, paddle shifters, dual-zone air conditioning, two 12-volt power outlets and Bluetooth. There’s also steering-wheel-mounted controls for the stereo, phone, cruise control and other features.

The TL SH-AWD comes with all the above and adds chrome-accented door handles, a trunk spoiler, a backup camera, 18-inch wheels and sport seats.

The Tech Package adds the technology features mentioned above and also includes a keyless access system and push-button ignition. On base TLs, it also adds the spoiler and backup camera that are standard on the TL SH-AWD.

Safety features like stability control, traction control, side curtain airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags and active front head restraints are standard.

Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety nor the federal government has crash tested the 2009 TL as of this writing.

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