How Soon Could We See the TLX Type S in Showrooms?

Hondas With Nice Seats

Acura is a brand that is looking to play both sides of the automotive field at this point in time. On one side of Acura, you have a brand that wants to compete with the Germans at their own power game, yet the other simply wishes to produce reliable money-makers with better seats and an “A” on the front instead of an “H”. 

A Long 6

However, the Acura Type S Concept is a bit different than the typical Acura motif. The dimensions are reminiscent of German sedans with elongated straight-6’s under the hood. The flared fenders and taut muscular structure hint at a car with the performance of the likes not typical of Acuras as of late. The horizontally mounted turbo-4 with all-wheel drive that we can assume Acura has planned is far different than what the German competitors have on the shelf. 

>>Join the conversation about how production-ready the TLX Type S Concept appears in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Cab-Back

In the Acura Type S Concept, however, this may come as a benefit. The drivetrain layout combined with the cab-back design means the engine isn’t as imposing on cabin space as much as to say, a straight-6, or even a low-displacement V8. And so the cab-back design takes all the aesthetic advantages, but without the cabin space penalty. Though, it is right to state that the cab-back design comes with its own penalties, namely long overhangs, an extended overall length, and reduced visibility. 

>>Join the conversation about how production-ready the TLX Type S Concept appears in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Character

But the question lies, what is Acura's goal? Are they looking to simply create a beautiful concept car to share the future design language of the brand? If that’s the case, job well-done folks, you can all go home. 

According to the press release, the concept “ will heavily influence the character of the upcoming, second-generation TLX Type S.” I guess the question is, what does Acura believe that “character” means? 

>>Join the conversation about how production-ready the TLX Type S Concept appears in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Aesthetics

But the issue is, cars don’t sell on aesthetics alone. Capabilities are a key part of what buyers are searching for. A car that only looks the part, but can’t act the part, has never really worked. If you need a reference, take a long look at the Lexus F marque

>>Join the conversation about how production-ready the TLX Type S Concept appears in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Moon Landing

The point is, Acura made a gorgeous car. That is an undeniable fact. But that’s not what we asked them to do. If you’re going to make a car look like a longitudinal engine cab-back sedan, why not just go ahead and make it so? The brass has said that this is giving us a deep insight into the direction of the upcoming TLX Type S, but how about they just surprise the world and say this was it the whole time? Everyone loves the creation so far and we're rooting for that the actual car is just as visually stunning with the power under the hood to match.  

>>Join the conversation about how production-ready the TLX Type S Concept appears in the Honda-Tech Forum!

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