Acura TLX Type S Sport Sedan Arriving at Dealerships

The ’21 Acura TLX Type S sports sedan is arriving at dealerships nationwide, marking the return of the Type S performance line previously available from the 2001-2008 model years.

The Type S is powered by a turbocharged 3.0L DOHC V-6 generating 355 hp and 354 lb.-ft. (480 Nm) of torque. The upcoming ’22 Acura MDX Type S also will use the new engine, which  is a candidate for Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems honors. Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) city, 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) highway and 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) combined.

A sport-tuned, quicker-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, which has been strengthened to handle the increased horsepower and torque of the car’s new turbo-6. Standard torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive has been optimized for performance driving, Acura says.

The Type S Turbo V-6 features all-aluminum construction, compact dimensions, dual overhead camshafts, 24 valves, direct injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger. Its block is unique, sharing only bore spacing and a 60-degree angle with the 3.5L V-6 that has powered various Acura models. Significant differences between the two include the 3.0L’s 6-bolt sintered main caps for increased crank rigidity and durability.

To ensure the new engine’s compact size and low profile, the single-scroll turbocharger is placed adjacent to the engine above the transmission and low-profile cylinder heads are used. Separate cam bearing caps have been replaced by caps directly incorporated into the valve cover itself, lowering the engine’s height and reducing the number of parts.

Variable Timing Control is used on both intake and exhaust cams. With maximum boost of 15.1 psi, the engine’s 354 lb.-ft. of peak torque is available starting from 1,400 rpm.

Variable Cylinder Management, designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, operates the engine with three cylinders in a wide range of situations, switching to six-cylinder operation when more power is needed. To prevent pumping losses, the engine’s electronic control unit closes the valves on the inactive cylinders.

The TLX Type S also features an Active Exhaust system, adopted from the high-performance Acura NSX. The Active Exhaust opens a butterfly valve in each muffler to enhance the V-6’s natural sound for a distinct auditory and more emotional driving experience, Acura says.

The new engine was developed in Japan and is assembled at Acura’s Anna (OH) Engine Plant.

The ’21 TLX Type S is priced at $53,325, or $54,425 with available High Performance Wheel and Tire Package. Both prices include a $1,025 destination charge.