The only, and we mean only, problem with the all-new Acura 3.2 CL Type S is that it works so smoothly and seamlessly that it doesn’t have much spirit.  And to be honest, that’s only a problem for Car Guys, who spend their free time between ramblings about cubic inches and roadholding with incomprehensible mumbling about the “soul” of Alfa Romeos and the “song” of a V-12.  Stuff that makes no sense whatsoever, unless you’re One Of Them, of course.  To put our assessment of the newest Acura in real-world terms, the 3.2 CL Type S is too focused on the job to enjoy it much–it’s a great coworker, but all it ever talks about is work.  This has been the problem with the mid-size Acuras for a long time.

To be fair, it’s getting better.  The new redesign gives the 3.2 CL a more angular, more distinctive face, and the all-new Type S designation is the Acura coupe’s first stab at a bona fide high-performance model.  Overall the 3.2 CL is less bland–and less expensive than you’d think, too–but we’re not sure it’s made it all the way to “fun” yet.

The 3.2 CL’ s new face loses some of the melted-butter look of last year’s model in favor of slightly squarer, more elegant lines.  Its more distinctive, beaky look is shared with the MD-X and 3.2 TL, for a strong family look–something Acura’s rather faceless lineup needed.  The new design’s elements as sharply defined as facets of a jewel.  The 3.2 CL retains its long-hood, short-deck profile, and the hood contours mirror the shape of the grille.  Exceptionally slender C-pillars look great, and reduce blind spots as well.  A more squared-off tail is more distinguished than last year’s design; triangular taillights complete the package.

The cockpit is also familiar Acura fare, with a pair of large, deep gauges in front of the driver and a wide console.  The optional navigation system lives in the dash, and Acura’s navigation system is one of our favorites.  It’s easy to use and large enough that drivers won’t be distracted while trying to read it.  The laid-back driving position and comfortable, three-spoke wheel suggest a car whose primary goal is high speed touring (which it is).  A six-disc in-dash CD changer and automatic climate control are standard equipment, as is the leather interior.  The Type S, which we tested, features special leather seats and instrument panel trim.

The 3.2 CL is what they call a grand touring car, which means basically that it’s a sports car that’s a bit too large to compete with lightweight corner burners like Mazda’s Miata and Porsche’s Boxster, and takes a slightly more refined and luxurious approach to a driver’s favorite roads.  A four-wheel double wishbone independent suspension ensures that the 3.2 CL can dance; it’s a little less communicative than we’d like at the limit, but on wide, open roads and curvy mountain lanes it’s a delight.  The Type S adds firmer springs, larger 17″ wheels and a thicker stabilizer bar at the rear.  When driven hard, the 3.2 CL’s girth becomes apparent.  The steering is sensitive without being twitchy and keeps the car’s reflexes refreshingly sharp, but it’s hard to forget that long hood up front.  Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control are standard.

Of course the Type S comes to the plate with impressive powerplant credentials as well.  A 260-horsepower V6 is standard equipment.  Standard 3.2 CL models make 225 horsepower.  Both engines are 3.2 liter, 24-valve V6es, and both are equipped with Honda’s well-known VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system which boosts power at high rpms.  The performance boost is welcome.  Give the 3.2 CL Type S a bit of room to run, and it does so eagerly.  The car is a bit too large to feel quite at home in heavy traffic, but on the open road it’s a very welcome mode of transport.  A five-speed automatic transmission is standard.  Acura’s Sequential SportShift system allows manual gear changes.  It’s smooth, but as with most manumatics doesn’t allow sufficient driver involvement for Car Guys to enjoy it.  We left it in automatic mode whenever we drove.

The price is lower than you’d think.  These grand touring coupes come well-equipped, with CD changers, traction control, Xenon headlights, and heated seats all on the standard equipment list.  The only optional equipment available on the 3.2 CL is the navigation system.  Even equipped with that, our Type S stickered for $32,785, which wasn’t nearly as much as we expected it to be after driving it.  To put it in perspective, Volvo’s C70 offers a smiliar performance and equipment level at $35,000 and up.

The 3.2 CL’s only downside is a lack of that nebulous “soul” we mentioned earlier.  And as we said, if that phrase means nothing to you, you’ll find nothing to complain about with the 3.2 CL.

Specifications:
All specs are for the Acura 3.2 CL Type S, which we tested.
Length:     192.0 in.
Width:        70.6 in.
Height:        55.5 in.
Wheelbase:    106.9 in.
Curb weight:    3525 lb.
Cargo space:    13.6 cu.ft.
Base price:    $32,330
Price as tested: $32,785
Engine:     3.2 liter SOHC 24-valve VTEC V6
Drivetrain:     five-speed automatic, front wheel drive
Horsepower:     260 @     6100
Torque:     232 @ 3500-5500
Fuel capacity:    17.2 gal.
Est. mileage:    19/29

6/2009 update: The CL was never a common sight on the roads, at least in the places I’ve been to, and they’re less so now.  This doesn’t mean they weren’t good cars, of course.  Relative rarity plus Honda reliability means that the CL might get more attention now than it did when it was new.