Spied being benchmarked against an Audi S4 Avant and
Mercedes-AMG C43, the heavy camouflaged prototype is believed to be the
range-topping Acura TLX Type S. This makes sense as Acura announced plans to revive
the Type S moniker back in January. The name was last used on the
2008 TL Type S and Acura confirmed there will be multiple Type S models in the
future. Given the name was last used on the TL, it makes sense that it would
return on the TLX.
Getting back to the car itself, the model features a
new front bumper with a massive air intake in the middle. The camouflage hides
additional styling details, but we can see the car has lightweight wheels that
are backed up by a high-performance braking system. The biggest change occurs
out back as the sedan sports a four-tailpipe exhaust system with massive tips.
Engine options remain unconfirmed, but the TLX
currently features a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 hp and 361 Nm of torque. While that’s no match for the engines in the Audi
and Mercedes, Acura has already confirmed it is working on a new turbocharged
V6 which won’t be shared with Honda.
Acura has been tight-lipped on specifics, but
previously described the engine as a “high-performance powerplant” which will
be paired with the latest-generation Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
system. The engine seems like an obvious choice for the TLX Type S and Acura
has already confirmed it will eventually find its way into “multiple products
in the years ahead.”
