The wait is almost over as Acura has announced the 2021 TLX Type S will arrive at U.S. dealerships this May. Set to become the first Type S in more than a decade, the car will be powered by an all-new turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 355 hp and 480 Nm of torque. It’s paired to a sport-tuned ten-speed automatic transmission and a standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system with torque vectoring.

Sticking with the performance theme, the TLX Type S has a double-wishbone front suspension with a multi-link rear and adaptive dampers. The model rides on 20-inch wheels that are backed up by four-piston Brembo front brakes and available Pirelli P Zero Summer tires. Last but not least, there’s an exclusive Sport+ driving mode that has been “specially engineered to provide additional performance and driver enjoyment.”

 

Full details will be announced closer to launch, but the Type S features a sportier exterior with an open-surface diamond pentagon grille that allows for increased airflow. The model also has a front splitter, a rear spoiler and a four-tailpipe exhaust system that is separated by a diffuser. Rounding out the highlights are LED lighting units and an exclusive Tiger Eye Pearl paint job.

Besides the sporty looks, the TLX Type S is pretty luxurious as it features 16-way power adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation as well as Ultrasuede upholstery. Drivers will also find a 10.2-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

 

Rounding out the highlights are a flat bottom steering wheel, aluminum trim and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D sound system. The model also has ambient interior lighting, a wireless smartphone charger and the AcuraWatch suite of driver assistance systems including Traffic Jam Assist. Detailed pricing should be announced in the coming weeks, but Acura confirmed the model will start in the “low US$ 50,000s.”  That’s competitive with the Cadillac CT5-V AWD which begins at US$ 50,395 before a US$ 995 destination charge.