As this was a very early preview of the 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT and we were only able to sample it in a very limited fashion, it's too early to draw any final conclusions. The early indications, however, are quite excellent. On this particular track, the TL is clearly ahead of its peers. This isn't necessarily a unique position for the TL, but the best part is that are no longer any apologies necessary. The TL will win no more Torque-steer Championship rings, nor will it be crowned "Mr. Grinding Understeer" - it truly matches or surpasses the best that the competitors have to offer.

Once again, the TL vaults to the top of its class in terms of performance for the dollar. What remains to be determined is how it will stack up to its peers in terms of everyday driving. And while Acura may be first to the punch with the media, nobody will be able to own one of these for another 12 months. By then, the competitive landscape will very likely have shifted.