Detroit Auto Show: Acura Combines Two Sedans Into The TLX: Comments

[William Maley]

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Here is the model that will take the place of the Acura TL and TSX later this year. Meet the Acura TLX Prototype which debut at the Detroit Auto Show today. The TLX will slot in between the compact ILX and range-topping RLX, giving Acura three distinct sedans.

Billed as a concept, the TLX Prototype is pretty much what we'll sell in production. The overall shape reminds us of the ILX and features the company's Jewel Eye headlights. Sizewise, the TLX is about 3.8 inches shorter than the TL. However the two models have the same wheelbase length of 109.3 inches.

Powertrains will include a new direct-injected 2.4L four-cylinder and a direct-injected 3.5L V6 with cylinder deactivation. The 2.4L will come with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the 3.5L comes with a nine-speed automatic.

The TLX will come with front-wheel drive as standard with Acura's Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) system to improve agility and stability. On the V6, that will have the option of Acura's Super-Handling All Wheel Drive system.

The 2015 Acura TLX will go on sale sometime later this year.

Source: Acura

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

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2015 TLX Prototype – Acura's "Red Carpet Athlete" – Unveiled at 2014 North American International Auto Show

Acura TLX Prototype Sets Design Direction for all-new Acura TLX launching mid-year; 2015 Acura TLX will deliver sports-sedan performance and agility in a more refined, sophisticated and technologically-enhanced package

DETROIT, MI, Jan. 14, 2014 – Acura today unveiled the 2015 Acura TLX Prototype showcasing the design and performance direction for the all-new 2015 TLX performance-luxury sedan launching mid-year at Acura dealerships nationwide. The TLX was developed around the theme"Red Carpet Athlete" to deliver a compelling blend of luxury refinement and sports-sedan athleticism with exhilarating performance enhanced by next-generation Acura powertrain and dynamic handling technologies. The TLX will join the ILX compact luxury sedan and the RLX luxury performance sedan as the third vehicle in Acura's sedan lineup.

"The Acura TLX Prototype is a precursor of some amazing things we have in store for our Acura sedan customers," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president, American Honda Motor, Co., Inc. "As you would expect from an Acura, this completely new model will offer innovative technologies that break down the barriers between the driver and the machine to deliver a more intuitive, connected and personal driving experience."

The TLX Prototype, bathed in Acura Athletic Red Pearl, presents a lithe exterior form, taut body surfaces and sports-sedan proportions. Its sporting character is further highlighted by its low and wide stance, shortened front and rear overhangs, dynamically sculpted fender arches, and purposeful character lines. Acura's signature Jewel Eye™ LED headlights imbue the TLX Prototype with an advanced and bright-eyed appearance while producing superior down-the-road illumination. The prototype's custom-designed five-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels and 265/35ZR20 low-profile tires accentuate its athletic stance, while the sculpted hood with its sharply creased bilateral ridgelines hints at the performance capabilities of the advanced new Acura powertrain that lies beneath. Another prototype-exclusive feature is the tailor-made side mirrors. Keying off of the Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, each mirror has a row of LED lights fused into its base. Click on the turn indictor, and the LEDs come to life, spreading a moving glow around the bottom of the mirror for a high-tech, 3D appearance.

Dimensionally, the TLX Prototype presages the production 2015 TLX sedan and is 3.8 inches shorter in overall length (190.2 inches) than the current TL, yet rides on the same 109.3 inch wheelbase as the TL. The prototype's right-sized dimensions place the new TLX neatly in between the smaller ILX and larger RLX sedans. Despite its more compact exterior footprint, the TLX design targets the most spacious interior in the midsize luxury sedan class – roughly on par with the current TL – with an open and airy greenhouse, commanding sight lines, ample cargo capacity and comfortable seating for five adults.

And like any truly world-class athlete, the TLX will pair power and efficiency with deft agility. With its low and wide stance, rigid yet lightweight body, and nimble and responsive chassis, the TLX is designed to deliver confident, precise and refined ride and handling performance in almost any driving situation. From low-stress urban commutes to relaxed long-distance cruising, or adrenaline-inducing runs down twisting country roads, the TLX is designed to be an intuitive and confidence-inspiring driving partner, a vehicle that epitomizes Acura's dynamic concept of "performance at the will of the driver."

The 2015 TLX Prototype also communicates the diverse range of advanced technologies and performance options that will be available to Acura TLX customers – including two-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations ; two high-performance, highly fuel-efficient new engines; two new advanced transmissions; and the next generation Acura Super-Handling All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) and Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS) dynamic performance and handling technologies.

In keeping with the "Red Carpet Athlete" design and development concept, the 2015 TLX's advanced new powertrains will deliver highly responsive, refined and efficient power delivery. An all-new 2.4-liter 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine employs direct-injection and Acura's VTEC™ valvetrain, and is significantly lighter than previous Acura engines of similar configuration and displacement. The new engine is mated to an all-new 8-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) with torque converter. This new 8-speed DCT takes full advantage of the 2.4-liter engine's broad power band, delivering incredibly quick and smooth gear changes, expertly matching engine revs on down shifts, and putting the power down in a responsive and intuitive way.

For even greater power and performance, there is a 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 that also employs direct injection and VTEC variable valve control and cam timing along with fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) cylinder deactivation technology. The 3.5-liter V-6 is mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission with closely spaced gear ratios and a wide overall ratio range to further extend engine performance and fuel efficiency. Both the 2.4-liter and 3.5-liter TLX models will target EPA fuel economy ratings at the top of the midsize luxury sedan class.

Two-wheel-drive models with either the 2.4- or 3.5-liter powerplant will utilize the next generation of Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS™) technology with independent left and right rear wheel toe control. As four-wheel steering becomes an increasingly popular technology on high-performance automobiles, Acura continues to evolve and improve the capabilities of its cutting-edge P-AWS system, first launched on the RLX sedan in 2013, to deliver even more responsive handling, precise steering control and high-speed stability.

The TLX SH-AWD™, available exclusively with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and 9-speed transmission, employs a new generation of Acura's signature Super-Handling All Wheel Drive™ technology that is 25 percent lighter and incorporates new torque-vectoring control logic.

Understanding that customization is a key component of luxury, the TLX will feature an Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) to allow for further personalization and a sportier driving experience. The four driving modes – ECON (Economy), Normal, Sport, and a new Sport+ mode – take full advantage of the TLX's high-performance capabilities. Depending on which mode the driver selects, the Integrated Dynamics System will adjust Electric Power Steering (EPS), throttle response, SH-AWD and P-AWS control logic, transmission shift mapping, Active Noise Control settings and HVAC control in accordance with the preferences of the driver.

Also in keeping with its luxury sedan status, the TLX was designed to deliver vault-like quietness in all driving conditions, with major improvements in noise reduction through enhancements to body stiffness, body sealing and sound insulation, and the application of electronic Active Noise Control.

The TLX utilizes Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and is expected to achieve the highest available safety ratings – a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The TLX will be available with Acura's most advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow and Blind Spot Indicator (BSI).

The TLX was designed and developed in the United States by Acura engineers working in the company's Los Angeles design studio and Raymond, Ohio new-vehicle development center. The new TLX will be produced using domestic and globally sourced parts at the company's award-winning Marysville, Ohio auto plant, which presently manufactures the 2014 Acura TL performance-luxury sedan.

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[smk4565]

Sounds like an Accord with a new transmission.

[regfootball]

Tarted up accord

[Blake Noble]

Do people still buy Acuras? I can't think of the last time I spotted more than one out in traffic.

I see more newer Lincolns than I do Acuras. I think when you've reached that point in sales, you should hang it up and go the hell away.

Here's to hoping the NSX isn't just vaporware and manages to rekindle the brands old spark from the '90s, but you know, I seriously doubt much will come of it.

Edited January 15, 2014 by black-knight

[ZL-1]

i.e.the NG Euro Accord will be larger (as I believe the TL is larger than the TSX)?

[caddycruiser]

i.e.the NG Euro Accord will be larger (as I believe the TL is larger than the TSX)?

The current new Accord we have now is a global product, unlike before. The one you see here and overseas is the same, and they ship a lot of them out from Ohio. Before we would get the dumbed down and plainer version, while overseas had the nicer and higher end smaller TSX as their Accord.

Acura has a great market. I've been with them for 3 years and there's a reason why they have #1 resale/residual in the industry, and more loyal clients, plus conquest clients than a lot of brands. Our TL has gotten a bit old now and was aggressive looking to start with, but is still a great car.

The new TLX with 3 powertrains, modern refinement, new fuel efficiency, new styling, new features, trimmer size, and great looks will do well. We can't wait to get it this summer.

[David]

Conservative Bland, That is my first impression. Reminds me of a Mazda that mated with a Honda and this was their off spring.

Those rims while looking nice, I can see being scratched to hell and messed up due to people who have not cared to learn how to parallel park scrap them up. Body design is a bland Jelly Bean shape.

For the Conservative mind set, I am sure this will sell well to them.

I am surprised to hear Caddycruiser talk about their great market as the dealership by my house seems to rotate their stock around to make it look like it is always changing but I rarely see Acura's on the road here. Most of the time it is their CUV's, but the acura cars I see are older. Hardly see the new ones so not sure how they are surviving.

[Robert Hall]

I see a lot more new Acuras than new Buicks or Lincolns around here..one of my bosses has an '11 TL, very nice inside..the exterior styling is funky but interesting in some details..

Edited January 15, 2014 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Drew Dowdell]

not enough of a change

[bobo]

Much better than the current bloated TL, almost like going back to the previous generation. I will miss the TSX, though I found the Buick Regal to be a more satisfying car.