The all-new 2021 TLX is the first Acura sedan created from the ground up based on Acura's Precision Crafted Performance brand direction. It continues the performance focus of Acura established with the launch of the second-generation NSX supercar, the brand's return to motorsports competition, and by new approaches to Acura design and technology first seen in the Acura Precision Concept and Precision Cockpit and later evolved in the Acura Type S Concept and in the newest-generation Acura RDX. The 2021 Acura TLX takes a dramatic step forward as the most performance-focused sedan Acura has ever offered, built on an all-new platform, developed exclusively for TLX, and geared to the desires of today's sport sedan enthusiast.
This new generation of TLX also marks the return of Acura's celebrated Type S performance line after more than a decade-long hiatus. The new TLX Type S will supplant previous models as the most potent Type S model ever, deriving power from an all-new 3.0-liter DOHC turbochargedm V-6 engine developed exclusively for Acura and Type S. Moreover, the new TLX Type S will be the first Type S to utilize Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), now in its fourth-generation of advancement. The TLX sport sedan and its predecessor, the TL sedan, are historically Acura's top-selling sedan models, with cumulative U.S. sales of more than 1.1 million units since the launch of the first-generation TL in 1995. Since the launch of the second-generation model, in 1998 (1999 model year), all TL and TLX models have been designed, developed and manufactured in the U.S. using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Advanced Powertrains
The 2021 TLX's new standard powertrain is the same 2.0-liter DOHC, direct injected and turbocharged engine and 10-speed automatic transmission that debuted in the latest-generation RDX sport-utility vehicle. The 2.0-liter turbo, with peak output of 272 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, boasts the highest standard horsepower in the TLX's core competitive set and delivers major gains in torque when compared to the previous model's normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 (+13 lb.-ft. at peak, +48 from low rpms) and its normally aspirated 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (+98 lb.-ft. at peak, +123 from low rpms). Acura's 10-speed automatic (10AT) offers a wider ratio range, more discrete gears, 4-gear direct downshifts, and a lower first gear for exceptional launch performance when compared to the previous 9AT, making exceptional use of the new turbo engine's high torque output. The new TLX launches on the heels of a successful new RDX sport-utility and integrates a number of the next-generation Acura technologies and features first deployed on RDX, including its 2.0-liter turbo engine, 4th-generation SH-AWD®, ELS Studio 3D® Premium Audio, 16-way sports seats, and the latest iteration of Acura's innovative True TouchPad Interface™.
Design and Packaging
The Acura TLX's bold yet clean exterior form draws heavily upon the Acura Precision Concept with its near-exotic stance and proportion, sheer body surfacing and dramatic character lines. The TLX's more distinctive and premium presence is founded in its reconstituted exterior dimensions - a 3.7-inch longer wheelbase, 2.2-inch wider body, 0.5-inch lower height, and 7.8-inch longer dash-to-axle dimension. The resulting effect is stance and proportion unlike anything in its segment. Moreover, the TLX's long wheelbase, wider tracks (+1.2 in. front and +1.6 in. rear) and wider wheels and tires (+0.5 to 1.0 in.) contribute to the TLX's more athletic driving dynamics and refined ride quality. The Acura TLX's new look is highlighted by signature Acura design cues first seen on the Acura Type S Concept, starting with an all-LED lighting package that includes next-generation 4-lamp Acura JewelEye™ headlights, "Chicane" daytime running lights and taillights inspired by the ARX-05 DPi race car, along with a new, wider Diamond Pentagon grille, upswept rear deck, and large dual exhausts finishers.
Technology
The 2021 TLX utilizes the full array of Acura's newest and most advanced comfort, convenience and connectivity technologies, including the innovative and driver-oriented Acura True Touchpad Interface™ featuring a high-mounted 10.2-inch HD display and "absolute positioning" touchpad; a full-color 7-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) in the center gauge cluster, and an available 10.5-inch Head-Up Display (HUD); along with an available 17-speaker, 710-watt ELS Studio 3D® Premium Audio system, and available 16-way power adjustable heated and ventilated Acura sport seats for both the driver and front-seat passenger (12-way seats standard for both front-seat occupants). The new TLX's True Touchpad Interface integrates the latest OS updates with improved touchpad performance by implementing more accurate swipe zones and handwriting recognition, as well as other performance and cybersecurity enhancements. The TLX's True Touchpad Interface adds a more ergonomically optimized palm rest. Also, new console-mounted Power, Volume and Seek controls, next to the touchpad improve usability. The 2021 TLX features AcuraLink™ cloud-based services, including in-vehicle 4GLTE Wi-Fi, vehicle location, geofencing, and Acura concierge services.
Advanced Safety and Driver-Technologies
As an integral part of Acura Precision Crafted Performance, the new TLX is designed to provide advanced levels of both passive and active safety, utilizing the latest generation of Acura's proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and a full suite of AcuraWatch® safety and driver-assistive technologies, along with the first-ever application of the next-generation front passenger airbag technology, designed to protect occupants in a broader range of frontal collisions, including oblique-angle impacts. The new TLX targets the highest available third-party safety ratings, a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a GOOD rating in all collision tests and a SUPERIOR rating for frontal crash prevention, both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian.
All new Acura TLX models come equipped with AcuraWatch® technology, incorporating new features, including Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Monitor, and new Traffic Jam Assist (enables Lane Keeping capability at speeds below 45mph). In addition, AcuraWatch features include Collision Mitigation Brake System™ (CMBS™) with pedestrian sensing and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS) with Lane Depart Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow. Additional standard driver-assistive features include a new Driver Attention Monitor, Multi-Angle Rear View Camera with dynamic guidelines, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control, and in-wheel tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS); while upper grades add features including Blind Spot Information (BSI), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, front and rear parking sensors, Surround View Camera System, and automatic high-beam headlights.
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