The new TL Type-S received the Acura RL's 3.5-liter V6 tuned to 286 horsepower (213 kW) with either a 5-speed automatic with F1-style paddle shifters or a 6-speed manual transmission.
Exterior differences include quad exhaust pipes, restyled rear lamps and front fascia, lip spoiler, wider side sills, Brembo brakes, dark silver 10-spoke wheels, a "black chrome" grille rather than the standard glossy grille, and exclusive Type-S badging, plus an exclusive new color option, Kinetic Blue Pearl.
[8] For the 2003 model year, the Acura CL Type-S was offered with an optional close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, alongside a helical limited-slip differential.
The "sport-tuned" suspension added stiffer springs, firmer damping and thicker stabilizer bars compared to the regular CSX and is supported on 215/45R17 all-season tires and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Other additional features included Vehicle Stability Assist, 350-watt 7-speaker audio system, navigation system with voice-command, digital audio card reader with USB and bluetooth connectivity, Type-S badging, rear-deck spoiler, and red-illuminated instrument panel and foot wells.
It shares the same platform as the Honda Civic Type R (FL5), using the same 6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, dual-axis strut front suspension, and K20C1 i-VTEC turbocharged engine rated at 320 hp (239 kW).
[13][14][15] Acura offers an A-Spec variant on most of their vehicles, which includes sportier styling on both the exterior and interior, and a firmer suspension.
[16] In 2003 in Canada, Acura released an A-Spec special edition of the TL Type-S.[2][17] Exterior changes included blue-painted headlight housing, underbody kit, and an illuminated rear wing that incorporated unique side-marker accent lamps.
The package was first announced at a late 2004 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas.