The 2021 Acura TLX Type S

After a 13-year hiatus, Acura is back with the Type S.

This year for 2021, Acura has happily decided to bring back the Type S badge to one of its top-rated vehicles. The Acura TLX is the car Acura has decided to honour with the Type S stamp.

2021 Acura TLX Type S

The TLX Type S will be powered by an all-new 3.0-litre Turbo V6 making 355hp and 354 lb.-ft of torque. That’s 80 more horsepower than the base model TLX! Packed behind that is a newly sport-tuned 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s SH-AWD (standard for the Type S and optional on the base model).

For suspension and brakes, the Type S will have double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear, great for handling while still maintaining comfort. To slow the TLX Type S down will be, new four-piston Brembo front callipers.

As for the exterior the Type S will have six colour options, as well as specific changes to define the Type S from the base model TLX’s. Some options include a diamond pentagon grill, large quad exhaust tips and two wheel options, one being inspired by those of the NSX.

2021 Acura TLX Type S

On the interior the Type S will be available with one of three options, one of which being the all-new. Tiger Eye Pearl paint and Orchid leather interior, both of those being specific to the Type S. Along side those options, the Type S will be treated with 16-way Ultrasuede power seats with adjustable side bolstering. The Type S will also receive some of the better options from the TLX Advance package including the award-winning ELS STUDIO 17-speaker audio system. 

The TLX Type S will be available later this year, and for a price in the low $50,000 range. We will have to wait until closer to the release date for the official price.

Overall, I think Acura did a pretty good job with the TLX Type S, but I don’t know that I am absolutely sold on the rear of the car. It seems as though more and more auto manufactures are going over and above with their designs and I’m not sold on them. Maybe I would need to see it in person before making any judgements.

Edit* The Acura TLX Type-S will be available at the end of June with a starting price of $52,000 for the base and $53,100 with the High Performance Wheel & Tire Package. Only 2,000 TLX Type-S' will be made for the first year of 2021. 

Acura TLX Type Specs:

Engine/Power

• 3.0-litre Type S Turbo V6
• 355hp and 354 lb.-ft of torque

Transmission

• Sport Tuned 10-Speed Automatic

Suspension

• Front: Double Wish-Bone
• Rear: Multi-Link
• Adaptive Dampers as standard

Brakes

• Brembo 4-piston front callipers