2021 Acura TLX Type S – Thrilling Performance Sedan. 2021 Acura TLX Type S – Drive, Interior and Exterior. Please Consider Subscribing.
When it arrives in spring 2021, the TLX Type S will deliver power from an all-new 3.0-liter, 24-valve, DOHC direct-injected and turbocharged engine developed by some of the company’s most experienced powertrain engineers, including members of the team that developed the NSX’s bespoke twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid power unit. The new transverse-mounted V6 will be highly compact and lightweight, utilizing a dual scroll turbocharger and electronic wastegate to deliver immediate, high-torque response. Compared to the outgoing, naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, the new engine delivers dramatic gains in peak horsepower and, more critically, in torque, across the engine’s full operating range, including a more than 50-percent increase in low-end torque. Final specifications for the new engine, including power output, will be released closer to launch timing.
Acura’s 10-speed automatic, with Sequential SportShift and standard paddle shifters, takes full advantage of both turbocharged engines’ high-torque output, offering a wider ratio range, more discrete gears, four-gear direct downshifts and a lower first gear compared to the previous 8-speed dual-clutch and 9-speed automatic transmissions. Type S models will receive unique transmission tuning to provide an aggressive and responsive characteristic during performance driving scenarios.
Superior handling capabilities are now offered on all TLX models with the available rear-biased Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), Acura’s industry-leading torque-vectoring all-wheel drive technology. SH-AWD is offered as optional equipment on the 2.0-liter TLX and as standard technology on the TLX Type S, the first Type S model to feature all-wheel drive.
Acura’s 4th-generation SH-AWD® system has 40 percent more rear torque capacity and 30 percent quicker front-to-rear torque transfer than the 3rd-generation system in the outgoing TLX. The Acura SH-AWD® system in the new TLX transfers up to 70 percent of engine torque to the rear axle during normal driving conditions, while continuously apportioning up to 100 percent of that rear-axle torque between either the left and right rear wheels. Additionally, the rear axle is continuously overdriven by 2.9 percent, which amplifies the yaw moment effect of left-to-right torque transfer, elevating performance through sharper and more accurate turn-in, and improved traceability when cornering.
The 2021 TLX’s more premium, personal and tech-focused cabin takes inspiration from the Acura Precision Cockpit’s intuitive functionality and flowing lines. Designed around the desires of today’s luxury sport sedan enthusiasts, the TLX is tastefully appointed with available authentic, high-grade materials including real aluminum, open-pore wood and full-grain Milano leather.
Developed under the theme of “Dual Personal Cockpit,” the sedan’s new, more luxurious interior places a strong emphasis on the driver and front-seat passenger. The TLX’s high and wide center tunnel and wrap-around instrument panel create a more personal and strongly delineated space for both front-seat occupants, while its wider body design enables true first-class seating comfort for both, with top-of-class hip and shoulder room (+0.5 in. and +0.7 in., respectively).
Both the driver and front passenger also benefit from the tailored design of Acura’s advanced front sport seats, highly customizable with up to 16-way power adjustability. For the driver, a stout leather-wrapped steering wheel, clean and clear instrumentation, and improved forward visibility serve as the foundations for an in-command and exhilarating driving experience.
A-Spec and Type S models feature unique details throughout the cabin, including a thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather with contrast stitching and larger metal-plated paddle shifters. In addition to unique materials and colors, the TLX Type S interior is distinguished by Type S badging on the door sills, steering wheel and embossed headrests.
The new TLX will feature an expanded color palette with nine exterior finishes including five premium colors. New to the TLX for 2021 is a distinguished Phantom Violet Pearl. The TLX Type S will be offered in an exclusive, bold Tiger Eye Pearl. Apex Blue Pearl, previously available only on A-Spec models, will be added to the Type S catalog.
