Acura TLX Type S Named in U.S. Patent Application
Acura is trying to get its act together by placing a stronger emphasis on performance in the years ahead. We’ve seen the physical manifestation of that strategy in the Type S Concept. While not intended for production, it foreshadows the next-generation TLX — which is presumed to offer improved powertrain options (as well as returning all-wheel drive) and a sporting variant bearing formerly defunct Type-S badging.
While Acura hasn’t exactly been secretive about its plans regarding performance models, the company has avoided confirming anything for production. But we’re getting closer to that moment. An application filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the name “TLX Type S” on March 25th indicates Honda is readying its luxury division for something special.
First shared via the Genesis GV80 Forum before making its way to Acura-centric pages, the document shows the title for use on “automobiles and structural parts.” Meanwhile, rumors have been circulating that the model debut Acura had to scrub after the cancellation of the 2020 New York Auto Show was the new TLX.
With a design that’s supposed to be highly reminiscent of the Type S Concept (pictured), Acura’s next TLX is expected to debut digitally sometime this year. Base models are said to come with the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine found in the Honda Accord, Civic Type R, and Acura’s own RDX. That puts its output somewhere between 250 and 300 horsepower.
While it may not make it into the 2021 model year, the base unit is assumed to have a hi-po sibling carrying a twin-turbo V6. Acura has already promised to give the Type-S treatment to multiple models and the TLX seems a likely candidate to start with — especially now that we have the USPTO papers to back it up. Estimated at 3.0 liters, the new mill will replace the 3.5-liter (290-hp) V6 that’s available in the current-generation sedan. Designed specifically for Acura, it’s estimated to trump the old unit’s peak output by a wide margin. We just hope its priced correctly by the manufacturer.
There are a number of entry-luxury-sedan class that offer quite a bit of performance for the right kind of money. If Acura comes in low enough and manages to inject some legitimate Type-S dynamics, it’s bound to steal customers away from the German brands that dominate the segment. If not, we’re sure it’ll make a fine addition to Rare Rides after its discontinuation.
[Images: Acura]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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I'm looking forward to the 2024 MR2 altho not an Acura. I own a TL and a CL. The a/c is not as good as Toyoduh.
For those of you who like automatics but like to shift, I think Toyoduh's SMT was a great innovation invented by Ferrari. I own one and I love it!