Acura TLX Type S Might Be the Best FWD Car We’ll Never Get
Acura is working on a new version of their TLX sport sedan in the US as well a 3-litre V6 Turbo-powered TLX Type S, based on the Type S concept that the company showed off at last year’s Monterey Car Week. The latest information seems to indicate that a new generation of TLX cars will adopt control arm front suspension, a 2-litre turbo (on the standard car), a 10-speed conventional automatic transmission. The TLX Type S that will come later will probably adopt a 3-litre V6 Turbo with 300 or more horsepower. The base model will probably be a front-wheel drive car, but there’s a chance the Type S could receive an all-wheel drive setup.
Of course, we don’t expect to ever see one of these in Malaysia. The closest we can come right now is the Accord Turbo or the Civic Type R.
Many Malaysians have perhaps never even heard of Acura, but in fairness the brand doesn’t operate in any RHD markets as far as we know. In fact, outside of its lucrative North American and Chinese markets, Acura is operating in an official capacity in just a handful of other countries, notably Russia and Kuwait. For those unfamiliar, think of Acura as the US-based luxury division of Honda.
PRESS RELEASE
Acura returns to Monterey Car Week, one of the world’s top gatherings of automotive and motorsports enthusiasts, to debut the Type S Concept. Following its world premiere at a private Acura reception Thursday, August 15, the Acura Type S Concept will publicly debut on Friday, August 16 at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering. It will then be showcased at the historic Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Concept Lawn on Sunday, August 18.
Representing a fundamental step toward fulfilling Acura’s return to Precision Crafted Performance, which started with the debut of the second-generation NSX, the Type S Concept sets the stage for re-introducing Type S performance variants to the Acura line-up after a decade hiatus, and will heavily influence the character of the upcoming, second-generation TLX Type S.
The Acura design team set out to express the essence of Precision Crafted Performance through stance and proportion, crafting a silhouette that is powerful and expressive, yet clean and cohesive. Building on the foundational beauty and style of the Acura Precision Concept, the Type S Concept’s powerful form is characterized by a wide track and low stance, with an expansive hood that stretches forward from the A-pillars.
“The return of Type S is instrumental in our mission to return Acura to its performance roots,” said Jon Ikeda, Vice President and Acura Brand Officer. “From bringing back the NSX to winning at the highest level of North American sports car racing and ushering-in a new generation starting with the RDX, we are revitalizing Acura on the foundation of our original and authentic brand values, piece by piece.”
Performance at the Core
“We’ve been dreaming about a new performance-focused Acura concept car since the Precision Concept debuted,” said Dave Marek, Acura’s Executive Creative Director. “The Type S Concept speaks unambiguously to performance and to the essence of Acura design.”
The Type S Concept showcases new elements of Acura design including next-generation, four-lamp Jewel Eye® LED headlights, an open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille, and “Chicane” daytime running lights and taillights, both drawing inspiration from the Acura ARX-05 Daytona Prototype race car.
Refined Style Meets Raw Emotion
Building off its powerful stance, the Type S Concept’s front fascia reflects both form and function. Large center and side intakes are capable of supplying required airflow to a high-performance engine and brake package, with fascia detailing evolved from the NSX and Acura Precision Concept. The headlights are underscored, literally, by translucent white “Chicane” LEDs that serve double duty as running lights and turn signals.
The front fascia transitions to a side profile that communicates both power and elegance. Sheer surfaces and continually shifting angles are balanced by sharp, intersecting lines that create the impression that every surface is changing shape as it flows front to rear. Sheer side surfaces gradually open-up to muscular rear wheel arches, emphasizing the concept’s wide track.
A sharp and distinctive tail features an upswept decklid with a sharply creased centerline (drawn from the hood) and integrated forged carbon spoiler. “Chicane” LED taillights, a large rear diffuser and quad chrome exhaust outlets complete the look.
In addition to the rear decklid spoiler, forged carbon – created by bonding layers of carbon on top of one another to exceed the strength of traditional interwoven carbon – is applied to the front and rear splitters, side sills, rear decklid spoiler and multi-spoke 21-inch wheels.
A “square” 285-series summer tire setup ensures high levels of grip in the most dynamic of driving situations. All four corners feature drilled Brembo™ high-performance brakes with four-piston calipers, providing ample stopping power and an aggressive appearance.
The Concept’s bespoke “Double Apex Blue Pearl” paint reflects a liquid and electric hue that pays homage to blue Type S heritage models, including the acclaimed 2007-2008 TL Type S. “Double Apex Blue Pearl” employs Nano pigments and a color-infused clear coat that impart a sense of fluidity and motion, and enhance the paint’s luster and brilliance.
The Acura Type S Concept was conceived by the Acura Design Studio in California, led by executive creative director, Dave Marek, and chief designer, Ben Davidson and will be showcased throughout Monterey Car Week. After its private debut at an Acura hosted event Aug. 15, it will make its public debut at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering on Aug. 16, with a press conference scheduled for 9:30 a.m. The Type S Concept will also be on display at the historic Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Aug. 18.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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