TORRANCE, California — Continuing its never-ending quest to satisfy performance freaks, Acura will offer an optional six-speed manual transmission on the 2010 TL SH-AWD model. Pricing on the option has not yet been announced.Acura says this is the first time it has linked a manual gearbox with its Super Handling all-wheel-drive system. It says the new system is 'substantially stronger than the previous-generation TL manual transmission.'Acura said the new six-speed manual transmission prompted the development of 'an entirely new clutch system.'The addition of a manual transmission, an all-new clutch system and suspension changes yield an 88-pound reduction in overall vehicle weight,' Acura said in a statement.The Japanese automaker notes that the six-speed manual version improves weight distribution by 1 percent, generating a 58/42 ratio versus the current five-speed automatic transmission's 59/41 ratio.For 2009, Acura has introduced a new sequential SportShift five-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the TL.The new six-speed manual transmission also has a specially calibrated Hill Start Assist system that helps to keep the vehicle from rolling backwards while stopped on a hill.What this means to you: An important step for Acura as it works to maintain the street cred of the TL. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent