2003 Acura CL Type S Manual 0-60

The 2003 Acura CL Type S with manual transmission is a luxury sports coupe featuring a 3.2L V6 engine producing 260 horsepower, 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive, and premium performance capabilities. The vehicle achieves 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 6.0 seconds, with advanced suspension, traction control, and sport-tuned handling. Below are key sections covering performance specifications, driving dynamics, maintenance, and technical details.

1. Performance Specifications 2. Engine and Drivetrain 3. Acceleration Data 4. Handling and Suspension 5. Transmission Features 6. Braking System 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Driving Tips 9. Technical Specifications 10. Troubleshooting

Performance Specifications

Key performance metrics: 0-60 mph acceleration, quarter-mile times, top speed, and fuel efficiency.

Performance Metric	Specification
0-60 mph Acceleration	6.0 seconds (manual transmission)
Quarter Mile Time	14.5 seconds @ 98 mph
Top Speed	Electronically limited to 130 mph
Horsepower	260 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	232 lb-ft @ 3500-5500 rpm
Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/26 mpg
Curb Weight	3,505 lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio	13.5 lbs/hp

Engine and Drivetrain

Advanced powertrain components delivering optimal performance for 0-60 acceleration.

Engine: 3.2L J-series V6 with VTEC variable valve timing
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Fuel System: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive with limited-slip differential
Redline: 6,800 rpm

WARNING! High-performance engine requires premium 91-octane fuel for optimal performance and 0-60 times.

Acceleration Data

Detailed acceleration performance metrics and testing conditions.

0-60 mph: 6.0 seconds (manual transmission)
5-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
30-50 mph: 2.8 seconds
50-70 mph: 3.9 seconds
Standing 1/4 mile: 14.5 seconds @ 98 mph

Testing Conditions: Professional testing on dry pavement, 75°F ambient temperature, 50% humidity, with one passenger and half fuel tank.

Handling and Suspension

Suspension Type: 4-wheel independent double-wishbone
Front Suspension: Double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: Multi-link double-wishbone with coil springs
Steering: Variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Turning Circle: 38.1 feet
Traction Control: Standard TCS (Traction Control System)
Wheels: 17-inch aluminum alloy
Tires: 215/50R17 all-season performance

Transmission Features

6-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter and performance-oriented gearing.

Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.066, 2nd: 1.956, 3rd: 1.344, 4th: 1.033, 5th: 0.829, 6th: 0.658, Reverse: 3.166, Final Drive: 4.389

Features: Short-throw shifter (35mm reduction), helical-type limited-slip differential, cable-operated clutch with hydraulic assist. Shift points for optimal 0-60: 1st gear to 37 mph, 2nd gear to 60 mph.

Braking System

High-performance braking system to complement acceleration capabilities.

Front Brakes: 11.8-inch ventilated discs with dual-piston calipers
Rear Brakes: 11.1-inch solid discs with single-piston calipers
ABS: 4-channel anti-lock braking system
Brake Assist: Electronic brake force distribution

Braking Performance: 60-0 mph: 125 feet, 80-0 mph: 225 feet

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance required to maintain optimal 0-60 performance.

Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (synthetic recommended)
Transmission Fluid: Every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs: Every 105,000 miles
Timing Belt: Every 105,000 miles or 7 years
Brake Fluid: Every 3 years regardless of mileage
Coolant: Every 120,000 miles or 10 years

WARNING! Neglecting maintenance can significantly impact acceleration performance and vehicle reliability.

Driving Tips

Techniques for achieving optimal 0-60 acceleration times.

Launch Control: Rev to 2,500-3,000 rpm, smooth clutch engagement. Shift Points: 6,500 rpm for 1st-2nd gear changes. Traction Management: Moderate TCS intervention for best launches. Weight Reduction: Remove unnecessary cargo for improved acceleration.

Technical Specifications

Engine: 3.2L SOHC 24-valve V6 VTEC
Displacement: 3,210 cc
Bore x Stroke: 89.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Valvetrain: SOHC VTEC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel Capacity: 17.2 gallons
Dimensions: 192.0" L x 70.2" W x 55.1" H
Wheelbase: 106.9 inches
Drag Coefficient: 0.32 Cd

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Slow acceleration	Clutch wear/fuel quality	Check clutch engagement; use premium fuel; inspect air filter
Poor shifting	Transmission fluid/low clutch	Check fluid level; inspect clutch hydraulic system
Reduced power	Dirty air filter/plugged fuel filter	Replace air filter; inspect fuel system
Traction issues	Worn tires/TCS malfunction	Inspect tire condition; check TCS system
Engine hesitation	Spark plugs/fuel injectors	Replace spark plugs; clean fuel injectors

Service: Contact Acura dealer for performance-related issues. Official 0-60 times verified under controlled testing conditions.