Acura has debuted their new Type S Concept ahead of Monterey Car Week, and it looks basically like a next-gen TLX.
We knew something was brewing over at Acura last week when they started sending out teasers for something called a “Type S Concept.” What was shown appeared to be a four-door sedan-type performance vehicle with a few neat details, like LED headlights and interesting running light designs.
Now that the Type S here, we knew we were basically correct on the sedan body style. The Type S looks pretty much as we’d expect the redesigned TLX to be when it eventually arrives in the early 2020s. Acura said as much in their press release.
However, Acura also said that the Type S Concept will influence the brand’s future design language, pointing out a few aspects of the Type S you might not notice at first glance. Starting with next-gen four-lamp "Jewel Eye" LED headlights which seem very reminiscent of modern Audis. Surrounding those headlamps are “Chicane” daytime running lights which border an open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille--both of which were inspired by the Acura ARX-05 Daytona Prototype race car.
We have no information on the engine other than the words “high-performance”, but we do know that it has 4-piston Brembo brakes inside each wheel and that forged carbon fiber make up the rear diffuser, front and rear splitters, side sills, rear spoiler, and 21-inch wheels.
"The return of Type S is instrumental in our mission to return Acura to its performance roots," said Jon Ikeda, Vice President and Acura Brand Officer. "From bringing back the NSX to winning at the highest level of North American sports car racing and ushering-in a new generation starting with the RDX, we are revitalizing Acura on the foundation of our original and authentic brand values, piece by piece."
The Type S will make its first real-life appearance at Monterey Car Week on Thursday during a private event, then it will make its public debut on Friday at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. After that, the Type S will make its way to Pebble Beach for the d'Elegance Concept on Sunday.