2021 Acura TLX

[Jacques]

I don't think I saw a thread on this, but yesterday, Acura revealed the next generation TLX:

Here's Car & Driver's take on it: 2021 Acura TLX Sports Sedan Is a Welcome Return to Form

What's your thoughts on it? If the power/torque numbersfor the Type S variant end up being around the same range as our Stingers and G70, Acura may have a winner here.

 

[SnowyGT2]

IMO beautiful vehicle and probably a blast to drive. I'm not a fan of the exhaust tips though nor the touchpad infotainment which I tried it on the RDX and it seems like it would take a while to get used to.

Edit: Just noticed the Type S has quad outlet that looks great to me

 

[kjvng]

the type S looks tasty imo. Redline Reviews predicted it, should have at least 350hp/ 350tq, since the competition are all north of that. Still waiting on Kia to reveal the ‘21 Stinger.

 

[2Slo4u]

We had a 2007 TL Type S. Such a great car. 165K miles on it before it was totaled. The Type S will be a car I'll consider in the future

 

[Wan El Guapo]

Havent watched the vid yet, but if it gets a manual, im all over it

 

[SKStinger]

Havent watched the vid yet, but if it gets a manual, im all over it

Nope. 10 speed auto in all trims

 

[DrMario86]

This is their best version of the diamond pentagon starfield front so far. On the RLX it's a little awkward. The overlapping Iines where grille meets bumper gives me a little GT-R vibe.

 

[SafetyPilotCal]

Glad Acura finally got their styling right again, I think it looks fantastic. The interior design is a little.. interesting. And I HATE the touchpad. It's easily one of the worst input methods possible, outside of that joystick thing some cars have. I like the car overall, though, and I'm excited for that new turbo V6. If only there was a RWD option!

 

[turboAWD]

Seems like a Q50 built by Acura.. Pretty annoyed they didn't actually announce the V6 output - that's the only thing that really matters - if it's < 350, forget about it..

 

[MerlintheMad]

"The engine remains transversely mounted, but designers and engineers left some space behind the engine to lengthen the distance from the base of the A-pillar to the center of the front wheels—the so-called dash-to-axle proportion. Acura claims to have added 7.8 inches to the dash-to-axle span, which helps hide the transverse-engine architecture and almost gives the TLX the look of a rear-wheel-drive sedan. Acura folks tell us that the extra space also leaves extra crush space for frontal collisions."

Hmm. This sort of tells it all: appearances and not actual architecture. I don't doubt the performance claims. The double wishbone front suspension says that much. But there is no "Gran Turismo" concept or approach with this car. The practicality for a road trip car never got mentioned, because it was never part of the concept. A FWD, transverse engine, with AWD optional (up to 70% goes to the rear wheels in Sport or Sport Plus), will not feel the same as the Stinger's RWD bias in their AWD. This car wants to look like a RWD car without being one.

No view or mention of trunk space, again, no talk about practicality: it's all emotional feel appeal. So, the Stinger's unique points remain unique. And they are very important to anyone wanting a Gran Turismo ride.

I do like the ethos of "performance sedan" being resurrected (like the Phoenix, which they appeal to) with this return. It means that this type of vehicle isn't going away anytime soon.

And, I could like this car, a lot. If there were no Stinger (and there surely is no longer a Chevy SS), this one might suit very well; in spite of not winning the practicality contest.

But, pushing $60K? I think that maybe they've shot beyond the mark.

 

[Moabal]

The car is interesting. Certainly better than the outgoing TLX. However, I do not really see the Type S as being a direct Kia Stinger competitor. From what the rumors are saying, it will not be as powerful. There is no lift back trunk and it is not RWD biased.

 

[Sabs]

Looks really nice. Good to see Acura finally making some better moves. I imagine power levels will be competitive since they put this much work into reimagining the car.

I think the main turnoffs for me will be 1) price and 2) lack of liftback. I'm sure this will end up over $50k, and probably will get to $55-60k fully loaded. While that's somewhat competitive to the Stinger on paper, many of us were able to get GT2's in the low $40k range OTD. Acuras don't usually offer a lot in the way of incentives. I personally wouldn't pay 20-35% more than the Stinger based on what I've seen so far.

What I still don't get is why nobody is making a Macan S competitor. The TLX still isn't going to sell to those bitten by the CUV bug. This car will help Acura's image in general but isn't going to do very good numbers. A $50-55k Macan S competitor from a Japanese or Korean brand would sell like crazy.

 

[Jacques]

But, pushing $60K? I think that maybe they've shot beyond the mark.

That will kill any notions of it doing well if the Type S ends up costing that much.

If I didn't get the Stinger, and this next gen TLX came out a year ago, I would've certainly considered it. After all, the current TLX A-Spec was on my short list. But, the power was underwhelming, acceleration was anemic despite it had the 9-speed ZF transmission. the dash was dated, and the trunk is tiny. It does handle well and feels nimble, and I honestly did like the design. I would like to like this 2021 iteration. The design is evolutionary if not revolutionary, the handling (SH-AWD, double-wishbone front suspension) would on paper be better than the Stinger, interior and dash seems more up-to-date, is a hair wider, longer wheelbase, and longer overall length than our Stinger. The big question marks for me are this car's curb weight, and their V6 turbo.

 

[Jacques]

What I still don't get is why nobody is making a Macan S competitor. The TLX still isn't going to sell to those bitten by the CUV bug. This car will help Acura's image in general but isn't going to do very good numbers. A $50-55k Macan S competitor from a Japanese or Korean brand would sell like crazy.

What Acura should do is make the RDX into a serious Macan S competitor. Make a Type S version of it or something. From what I've heard, it handles well for an SUV, supposedly pretty fun to drive, and looks pretty nice in A-Spec guise.

 

[Nuthadey]

I gotta admit, if I'm shopping in the C-Class/3-Series/A4/A5 segment I'd be all over this. Acura demonstrated what a bunch of young design bosses are capable of. Now maybe some other stale companies will start retiring some of the dinosaurs designing their cars.

On the power front I don't think it's necessary for Acura to come out and announce a 350 hp option. After all, all of the TLX's competitors lie about the power their cars make. Acura needs to make sure the Type S gets to 60 in low 4s/high 3s, completes the quarter mile in <12.6, and actually feels glued to the road at speed. And of course the bean counters upstairs have to ensure the price is in line with the German competition.