Tag: Acura TLX

2021 Acura TLX Type S Turbo V6 Hints to Segment Topping Performance

On Thursday 05/28/2020 Acura will shake up the midsize sedan sport class by presenting a redesigned from the pavement up turbocharged 3.0 L V6 powered TLX.  

The next generation 2021 Acura TLX Type S features segment topping horsepower, midrange torque, track tested handling and performance. If that’s not enough to get your heart pumping, take a close look at the teaser image posted above.

3.0 turbocharged V6 power, new frame, suspension and more

Well, I may be stretching a bit on that specific disclosure. Acura, while hinting at the logical engine selection for the newly minted TLX, has not shared specifications as of this writing. So, we don’t know what transmission they’re pairing to. I’ll assume Acura’s award winning traction and safety systems come into play. 

What I do know is that Honda Performance Development, and Acura racing favors V6 powered performance for the internal combustion side of NSX, Honda’s winning Desert Racing Ridgeline Racetruck, GT, Pirelli World Challenge, and RealTime Racing’s dominant Pikes Peak racing efforts.

I anticipate a twin turbocharged fuel injected 3.0 Liter turbocharged V6 for the TLX Type S, with a milder normally aspirated V6, or a turbocharged 2.4L 4 cylinder mill for A-Spec, Touring, and lower trim levels. The first time I road tested TLX I was blown away by how good it truly is. 

Acura to offer gasoline/ electric hybrid options throughout the lineup?

With Acura’s mother company Honda vowing to electrify the entire lineup prior to model year 2025, I’ll make the bold prediction that a hybrid TLX option will be available for 2021. But, today belongs to Acura performance. Is Acura utilizing MDX engine technology here? 

TLX is already a very capable and fun to drive midsize premium class 4 door sport sedan. Acura, through this latest precision crafted performance redesign goes after the premium sporting set in spades.

Granted, Kia’s twin turbocharged 3.3 liter Stinger comes to mind, prior to seeing and driving the all new TLX as a viable contender. With a stated 365 H.P, I’d anticipated Acura pushing that power number to higher ground with greater horsepower and torque on a chassis capable of handling the power upgrade

Acura teases double wishbone suspension for 2021 TLX Type S 

To date I’ve driven every Acura TLX power and trim option. As a V6 engine fan, I’m excited about the forthcoming turbocharged offering. Looking to the suspension tease photo, I’ll assume TLX just came up a notch in downhill sweep road handling.

And, that the nose dive is gone, along with any real or perceived torque steer. Always a pleasure to drive, the reinvented Type S will be a head turning road warrior. Acura will once again give the premium sport class contenders, Audi, BMW, Lexus and Volvo a run for the consumer dollar. Stay tuned for more as Acura makes an online debut here Thursday.

Photo attributions: Acura Division 2020

What’s new for Acura in 2019 and beyond

2019_Acura_RDX_Prototype
2019 Acura RDX optimizes “Precision Crafted Performance”

In a recent Torque News article titled “5 improvements Acura owners want in the near future,” I discussed the current state of Honda’s premium car Division, and what will be required in the near future to elevate Acura to its rightful position in the premium car and light truck segment.

Setting the record straight: In speaking with Acura owners, while the majority praise the mark for producing an overall outstanding vehicle, many point to Acura’s outdated tech-side as sub-par, needing work, and glitchy at times. Or, more specifically, the navigation voice-command needs some work. Fit and finish are at times inconsistent. And unfortunately, for a very few, the initially problematic ZF 9-speed automatic transmission remains prone to intermittent glitches, and in worse case scenario, failure! It does happen.

Today Acura MDX and RDX remain best sellers in their respective SUV segments. Affordable, premium, and fun to drive, Acura remains the go-to brand for consumers looking for understated elegance, precision, and sport-like drive and ride dynamics. When looking to pricepoint, Acura holds the advantage in the SUV and midsize premium sedan segment. What does the future look like for Honda’s premium brand?

In response to this Acura-owner want and wish list, I’ve received some very poignant responses. Read that article here.

Moving on to what’s new for Acura in 2019

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2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid

The evolution of Acura will continue with the prototype introduction of the all-new RDX compact SUV. This will be the first offering to feature Acura’s Precision Concept Cockpit design. Losing the 2-screen center stack dash layout, 2019 RDX will instead feature a centered floating touchscreen, with a redesigned, and much larger i-MID. I first experienced the Precision Cockpit at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2016. We’ll be reporting details here on January, 15, from Detroit.

To date, Acura presents a much refreshed 2018 MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, and, TLX-A-Spec. All feature Acura’s outstanding pentagon diamond precision grill and SH-AWD options. In the case of MDX Sport Hybrid, NSX, and RLX — we discover hybrid electric torque vectoring SH-AWD. (smart handling all-wheel-drive.) Acura’s quest for Precision Performance began with the 2nd generation NSX super-car — an unparalleled performance value for the money.

I look to Acura for great things in 2018 and beyond. I’ve met the design team, engineers, and top management, they’re passionate, dedicated, and have the resources at hand to dominate. Good things take time. In the meantime, I like driving Acura. It’s very cool in its own understated, precision directed elegance, and posh! I tame the streets of Los Angeles in RLX.