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.
