Acura gets sportier with TLX

Acura has had enough success with its ILX compact luxury sedan, and its RLX luxury sedan, that they decided to add a third brother to the family: the TLX, a performance luxury sedan. Acura unveiled the 2015 TLX Prototype at the Detroit Auto Show, saying that it was developed around the theme of a “Red Carpet Athlete.” And while it’s not quite the four-wheel equivalent of a Tom Brady or Dwyane Wade, it’s a big step forward for Acura, and a sign of good things to come.

While the power specs have yet to be released, the TLX will begin with two basic engines: a 2.4-liter 16-valve I-4 paired with an 8-speed dual clutch automatic transmission (with torque converter), and a 3.5-liter V-6 with a 9-speed transmission. Both engines are have fuel-saving technology, and are aiming to be the most efficient vehicles in the class.

Both models will come standard with rear-wheel drive, but for those opting for the V-6, there’s a highly innovative and all-new all-wheel drive system available.

To that end, Acura focused strongly on personalization with the TLX line. There’s the Integrated Dynamics System, which allows drivers to choose the feel of the ride through four different modes (economy, normal, sport, and sport+). The power steering, throttle response, interior noise control, and shift mapping, among other things, will all alter based on the chosen selection.

In addition to the sporty driving, the TLX is utilizing a cavalcade of new Acura safety features, making it the safest and most driver-assisted vehicle that the company has ever produced. As for the design, it’s basically what you would expect: not much different from the RLX and ILX, but notably sportier.

It’s a big step in the right direction for a company determined to become more hip, and more fun.


Photo Credit: Acura

Written By
More from Brady Klopfer
Volvo changes the game with all-new XC90
It’s finally here: the all-new Volvo XC90, a car that has long...
Read More
0 replies on “Acura gets sportier with TLX”