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Acura TLX

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Acura TLX
2021 Acura TLX
Overview
ManufacturerAcura (Honda)
ProductionJuly 2014 – present
Model years2015–present
Body and chassis
ClassEntry-level luxury car[1]
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (SH-AWD)
Chronology
PredecessorAcura TL
Acura TSX

The Acura TLX is a four-door entry-level luxury sedan[1] sold by Acura, a luxury division of Honda, since 2014.[2][3][4] It is the successor to both the TL and TSX models. As of 2021, the discontinuation of the RLX leaves the TLX as the flagship sedan in Acura's lineup.

Design history

[edit]

The Acura TLX was first revealed in January 2014 at the North American International Auto Show as the "TLX Prototype", a sedan designed in Acura's Los Angeles Design Studio as a replacement for the TL and TSX sedans.[5][6][7] The production version was unveiled in April at the 2014 New York International Auto Show. The TLX entered production during July at Honda's Marysville Auto Plant with sales beginning in August.[2][8]

First generation (UB1/UB2/UB3/UB4; 2015)

[edit]
First generation
2015 TLX
Overview
Model codeUB1/2/3/4
Also calledAcura TLX-L (China)
ProductionJuly 2014 – 2020
Model years2015–2020
AssemblyUnited States: Marysville, Ohio (Marysville Auto Plant)
Guangzhou, China (Guangqi Honda)[9]
DesignerJarad Hall (2011)[10]
Body and chassis
RelatedHonda Accord (ninth generation)
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission8-speed dual clutch (I4)
9-speed ZF 9HP automatic (V6)
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • 2,776 mm (109.3 in)
  • 2,900 mm (114.2 in) (LWB)[9]
Length
  • 4,870 mm (191.7 in)
  • 4,931 mm (194.1 in) (LWB)[9]
Width1,854 mm (73.0 in)
Height1,447 mm (57.0 in)
Curb weight3,483–3,492 lb (1,580–1,584 kg) (I4, P-AWS)
3,585–3,620 lb (1,626–1,642 kg) (V6, P-AWS)
3,748–3,774 lb (1,700–1,712 kg) (V6, SH-AWD)
3,582–3,693 lb (1,625–1,675 kg) (China)[9]

Two powertrain options are available. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine with direct injection was offered with front-wheel drive only, mated to a dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel steering (P-AWS). This model's chassis code is UB1. The Honda designed dual clutch transmission is the first to use a torque converter, which absorbs transmission gear shift shock, thus reducing NVH. The engine is rated at 206 hp (154 kW; 209 PS) with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg‑US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg‑imp)/35 mpg‑US (6.7 L/100 km; 42 mpg‑imp)/28 mpg‑US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg‑imp) (city/highway/combined) compared to 22 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg‑imp)/31 mpg‑US (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg‑imp)/26 mpg‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg‑imp) (city/highway/combined) from the previous TSX. Honda estimates that the six-cylinder model is 1.5 seconds faster from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h).

2015 TLX rear view

A 3.5-liter direct injected SOHC VTEC V-6 with cylinder deactivation (VCM) is mated to Honda's first time use of a 9-speed automatic transmission (sourced from ZF), available with either P-AWS or all-wheel drive (SH-AWD).[11][12] The SH-AWD system uses hydraulic clutches instead of the electromagnetic clutch packs found on the previous TL which significantly cuts weight, size and cost. The engine is rated at 290 hp (216 kW; 294 PS) and front-wheel drive models deliver 21 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg‑imp)/34 mpg‑US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg‑imp)/25 mpg‑US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg‑imp) (city/highway/combined) while all-wheel drive models are rated at 21 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg‑imp)/31 mpg‑US (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg‑imp)/25 mpg‑US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg‑imp). Model codes are UB2 for the front-wheel drive and UB3 for the SH-AWD, which comes standard with a "Technology Package". TLX models configured with the V6 engine lose nearly 150 lb (68 kg) compared to the FWD TL, and over 225 lb (102 kg) compared to the SH-AWD TL.

Overall length compared to the previous TL was reduced by 3.8 inches (97 mm) while the wheelbase maintains the same length. As with the ninth-generation Accord, the TLX loses the front double wishbone suspension of the TSX and TL in favor of a MacPherson strut arrangement, and loses the TL's all-aluminum front subframe in favor of a lower cost friction stir welded aluminum and steel piece.

To significantly cut down on interior noise, triple door seals are used as well as additional sound insulation.[13][14][15]

Facelift (2017)

[edit]
2020 Acura TLX A-Spec (facelift)

Acura unveiled the revised 2018 TLX in April 2017. Changes include revised front fascia, fenders, and grille, restyled wheels, and new infotainment features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Additionally, a new 'A-Spec' performance trim has been added. Newly introduced features include an optional 360° surround camera and power driver's seat thigh extension. US sales began during June 2017.

In April 2017, an extended-wheelbase version specifically developed for the Chinese market was announced. It debuted in August 2017 at the Chengdu Motor Show and is called the Acura TLX-L.[16] The TLX-L is only offered with the 2.4-liter four, producing 153 kW (205 hp; 208 PS) and receiving the UB4 model code.

Safety

[edit]

TLX safety features include Lane Keeping Assist System with Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information System, Tire Pressure Monitoring system with Tire Fill Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking System, and Vehicle Stability Assist. There are 7 airbags, including a driver's side knee airbag.

IIHS scores[17]
Moderate overlap frontal offset Good
Small overlap frontal offset Acceptable1
Side impact Good
Roof strength Good2
1 vehicle structure also rated "Acceptable"
2 strength-to-weight ratio: 5.67
2015 TLX NHTSA scores[18][19]
Overall:
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Passenger:
Side Pole Driver:
Rollover: / 9.8%

Second generation (UB5/UB6/UB7; 2021)

[edit]
Second generation
2021 TLX SH-AWD
Overview
Model codeUB5/6/7
ProductionAugust 2020 – present
Model years2021–present
AssemblyUnited States: Marysville, Ohio (Marysville Auto Plant)
DesignerBen Davidson (2018)
Powertrain
Engine
Power output272 hp (203 kW; 276 PS) (2.0T I4)
355 hp (265 kW; 360 PS) (3.0T V6)
Transmission10-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,870 mm (113.0 in)
Length4,943 mm (194.6 in)
Width1,911 mm (75.2 in)
Height1,433 mm (56.4 in)
Curb weight3,709–3,814 lb (1,682–1,730 kg) (2.0T I4, FWD)
3,927–4,028 lb (1,781–1,827 kg) (2.0T I4, SH-AWD
4,200–4,221 lb (1,905–1,915 kg) (3.0T V6, Type S)

Based on the design of the Type S concept introduced in 2019, the second generation TLX launched digitally on May 28, 2020, production began on August 28, with sales following on September 28. This Type S model possesses a new turbocharged 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine that makes 355 horsepower (265 kW; 360 PS) and 354 lb⋅ft (480 N⋅m; 49 kg⋅m). of torque; up from the base and A-Spec's 272 horsepower (203 kW; 276 PS) and 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m; 39 kg⋅m) of torque. This marks the return of the Type S trim after a decade-long hiatus, which was scheduled to go on sale June 23, 2021.[20] Without a direct replacement for the discontinued RLX, the TLX serves as the flagship Acura sedan, slotting above the ILX/Integra. The four-cylinder TLX's model code is UB5 for front-wheel drives and UB6 for the SH-AWD model, while the model code of the Type S is UB7.[21]

2021 TLX SH-AWD rear view

Built on its own new platform,[20] the TLX uses a front double wishbone suspension with forged aluminum lower control arms, mounted to cast aluminum damper towers and an aluminum subframe. To increase front suspension rigidity, a steel tubular strut bar connects the front damper towers together, with two additional bars tying each tower to the cowl in a triangular arrangement. Included on higher trims is a front subframe lower tie bar. To further reduce weight, the front fenders are aluminum, with the AGM battery moved to the rear to improve weight distribution.

In total, 64 percent of the body structure's mass comprises high-strength steel (HSS) and aluminum, with 1,500-MPa steel making up 10.1%. To further increase body rigidity a larger center tunnel, reinforced lengthwise with 980-MPa grade steel is used. A single-piece rear bulkhead steel stamping improves body rigidity without the rear seat brace found on previous TL models, allowing for a folding rear seat trunk pass-through. An underbody triangular brace is added to stiffen the rear suspension on AWD models.

An electric-servo brake-by-wire system similar to the second generation Acura NSX replaces the hydraulic brake, with Type S models adopting four-piston Brembo front brake calipers.

New options include adaptive dampers, a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD), a 17-speaker audio system with four ceiling mounted speakers, open-pore wood, and 16-way power full grain leather front seats with four-way lumbar adjustability as introduced on the third generation RDX.

2021 TLX A-Spec

Type S

[edit]
Acura TLX Type S

Acura introduced a high-performance Type S variant for the second generation TLX, marking the return of the Type S brand after over a decade-long hiatus.[22] It features an all-new DOHC 3.0-liter V6 engine with a single twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection, producing 355 hp (265 kW; 360 PS) and 354 lb⋅ft (480 N⋅m; 49 kg⋅m) of torque. The engine also features a high-strength forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods. All Type S models have Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which can send 70% of torque to the rear axle and as much as 100% of that torque to either rear wheel.[23][24]

Body structure is 13-percent stiffer than the standard TLX, while front spring rate as well as front and rear anti-roll bars are also stiffer compared to the standard model. The 10-speed automatic transmission is also upgraded over the regular TLX, with 40 percent quicker downshifts and 30 percent quicker upshifts.[25] Top speed is increased to 155 miles per hour (249 km/h) compared to 130 miles per hour (209 km/h) on the standard TLX. Braking performance is improved with four-piston Brembo front brake calipers in a Type-S exclusive red color with 14.3-inch brake calipers. The car also contains an active exhaust system, which can alter the sound of the exhaust note depending on the selected drive mode. The suspension features adaptive dampers which change dampening at different drive settings. It has 40-percent stiffer front springs, a thicker front stabilizer bar that is 9-percent stiffer, and a thicker rear stabilizer bar that adds 31-percent additional roll stiffness by increasing from 20.5 mm to 22.5 mm thickness.[22][26]

Distinctive features include a fully open diamond pentagon grille for engine cooling, quad exhaust outlets, front splitter, and rear diffuser. The exterior features gloss black grille, matte black window surrounds, and headlights with a blackout treatment. The interior has a flat bottom steering wheel with the Type S logo, 16-way adjustable Milano leather seats with adjustable bolsters, and Type S-embossed headrests.[27]

In Car and Driver magazine's Lightning Lap test at the Virginia International Raceway's Grand West Course, the TLX Type S set a lap time of 3:06.7, which, for reference, was six tenths of a second faster than the Genesis G70 3.3T and five tenths off the time of the Cadillac CT4-V.[28][29] The magazine commented that getting on the throttle as early as possible during cornering resulted in the best performance, as the SH-AWD system helps rotate the car; they felt that on-throttle "the car pivots productively but doesn't aggressively oversteer".[28]

For the 2023 model year, Acura introduced a limited-production (300 units) TLX Type S PMC Edition, tuned by the Honda Performance Manufacturing Center, which specializes in assembling and tuning the NSX supercar. Changes for the PMC include 20-inch NSX inspired wheels and carbon fiber interior and exterior trim.[30]

Safety

[edit]
TLX A-Spec interior

To improve passenger safety in frontal oblique collisions, a front passenger three-chamber airbag, co-developed with Autoliv, is standard, and the ACE structure has been upgraded. The new airbag marketed as a "catcher's mitt" is designed to "catch" the occupant's head in the event of an oblique collision. During an impact, uninflated side panels help guide the occupant's head in the direction of inflated chambers acting as a "catcher's mitt."[31] To disperse crash forces more effectively, two tunnel caps made from 780-MPa steel originate from the lower dash and end behind the front seats to direct crash loads away from the lower foot compartment.

The 2021 TLX was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, scoring good ratings in all six of the Institute's crashworthiness tests also earning a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.[32] The 2021 TLX comes standard with safety features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assist. New for the 2021 model year is Traffic Jam Assist, which helps keep the car moving in stop-and-go traffic without the need for accelerator or brake inputs from the driver.

IIHS scores[33]
Small overlap front driver-side Good
Small overlap front passenger-side Good
Moderate overlap front: original test Good
Side impact Good
Roof strength Good
Head restraints & seats Good
2021 TLX NHTSA scores[34][35]
Overall:
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Passenger:
Side Pole Driver:
Rollover: / 9.0%

Motorsports

[edit]

A TLX-GT race car version of the TLX SH-AWD, with a twin turbo version of the direct injection V6 engine found in the production TLX SH-AWD sedan, has also been developed by the Acura Motorsports Group at Honda Performance Development. It has a modified chassis and aerodynamic performance parts approved for Pirelli World Challenge competition. The TLX-GT was unveiled at the 2014 North American International Auto Show.[36][37]

RealTime Racing entered a factory-backed car in the GT class at the Mid-Ohio and Sonoma rounds of the 2014 Pirelli World Challenge, with Peter Cunningham claiming a best result of 13th place. In 2015 the team fielded two full-time entries for Cunningham and Ryan Eversley; the latter won the first St. Petersburg race and finished sixth in the GT class drivers classification, whereas Cunningham finished 14th. Eversley continued as a full-time driver in 2016, winning the two Road America races. Cunningham raced the first half of the season, claiming a runner-up finish at Road America race 1, then Spencer Pumpelly took his place for the last three rounds.

The TLX-GT was replaced by the Acura NSX GT3 in 2017.

Sales

[edit]
Calendar year US sales[38] Canada sales[39] China sales[39]
2014 19,127 1,828
2015 47,080 5,075
2016 37,156 3,062
2017 34,846 3,205 134
2018 30,468 2,397 1,596
2019 26,548 2,873 1,053
2020 21,785 2,650 17
2021 26,100 1,781
2022 11,508 979
2023 16,731

References

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  1. ^ a b Job, Ann M. (2017-06-15). "Acura's TLX is bargain as entry-level luxury sedan". The Augusta Chronicle. US: Gannett. Retrieved 2022-08-09.
  2. ^ a b "Acura Media Newsroom - Headlines - 2015 TLX Prototype - Acura's "Red Carpet Athlete" - Unveiled at 2014 North American International Auto Show". Archived from the original on 2014-01-16. Retrieved 2014-01-16.
  3. ^ Zhang, Benjamin. "We drove a $54,000 Audi A4 and a $46,000 Acura TLX to see which luxury sedan we liked better — here's the verdict". Business Insider. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  4. ^ "Acura's 2018 TLX a bargain of an entry-level luxury sedan". Boston.com. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  5. ^ "Car Shopping Guides". J.D. Power. Retrieved 2018-08-30.
  6. ^ Barry, Keith (2014-01-14). "Acura shows replacement for TSX and TL sedans". USA Today. Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Retrieved 2018-08-30.
  7. ^ Elmer, Stephen (2014-04-16). "2015 Acura TLX Revealed in NY as TL, TSX Replacement » AutoGuide.com News". Autoguide.com. Retrieved 2018-08-30.
  8. ^ "Acura Media Newsroom - Headlines - Acura Celebrates Coming Launch of 2015 TLX Performance Luxury Sedan with Special TLX Acura Advantage Program". Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-07-04.
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  10. ^ "Video: Walkaround with Acura TLX Lead Designer Jared Hall". 17 January 2014.
  11. ^ "2015 Acura TLX to Debut at the 2014 New York International Auto Show". Archived from the original on March 29, 2014.
  12. ^ "2015 TLX Prototype - Acura's "Red Carpet Athlete" - Unveiled at 2014 North American International Auto Show". Archived from the original on January 16, 2014.
  13. ^ "2015 Acura TLX". Motor Trend Magazine. 4 August 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  14. ^ Healey, James R. (9 August 2014). "Test Drive: Smooth, quick Acura TLX is spot-on". USA Today. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  15. ^ Brauer, Karl. "Will the All-New 2015 TLX Solve Acura's Sedan Woes?". Forbes. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
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  17. ^ "Vehicle details". Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  18. ^ "2015 Acura TLX 4 DR FWD". Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  19. ^ "2015 Acura TLX 4 DR AWD". Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  20. ^ a b "All-New 2021 TLX Elevates Acura Sedan Performance with Turbo Power, Dedicated Platform and Expressive Styling". acuranews.com. 2020-05-28. Retrieved 2020-05-28.
  21. ^ "Specifications | 2021 Acura TLX | Acura Owners Site". owners.acura.com. Retrieved 2022-02-02.
  22. ^ a b "2021 Acura TLX Type S Press Kit". Acura Newsroom. 2021-05-20. Retrieved 2021-05-21.
  23. ^ Yekikian, Nick (2021-09-14). "2021 Acura TLX Type S First Test: SH-AWD's Time to Shine". MotorTrend. Retrieved 2021-09-17.
  24. ^ Cortina, Miguel (May 20, 2021). "Driven! The 2021 Acura TLX Type S Brings Back a Legendary Moniker". MotorTrend.
  25. ^ "First drive review: 2021 Acura TLX Type S excels as an overqualified daily driver". Motor Authority. 20 May 2021. Retrieved 2023-03-13.
  26. ^ "Tested: 2021 Acura TLX Type S Remembers What's Important". Car and Driver. 2021-07-16. Retrieved 2023-12-13.
  27. ^ "Highly Anticipated 2024 Acura Integra Type S Delivers Ultimate Street Performance; On Sale in June". Acura Newsroom. 2023-04-11. Retrieved 2023-12-13.
  28. ^ a b "2021 Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD at Lightning Lap 2022". Car and Driver. 2022-02-07. Retrieved 2023-02-04.
  29. ^ "Lightning Lap Results 2006 to 2022: Every Car, Every Lap Time". Car and Driver. 2022-02-07. Retrieved 2023-02-04.
  30. ^ "2023 Acura TLX Type S PMC Edition Is Hand-Built at the NSX Factory". Jalopnik. 2022-07-05. Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  31. ^ Anthony, Carl (June 19, 2020). "With a "Catcher's Mitt" Airbag, Acura Reminds Us Why Passive Safety is Important Too". AutoVision News. Archived from the original on 2020-09-24.
  32. ^ Leanse, Alex (2020-05-28). "2021 Acura TLX Buyer's Guide". MotorTrend. Retrieved 2021-09-17.
  33. ^ "2021 Acura TLX 4-door sedan". IIHS-HLDI crash testing and highway safety. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
  34. ^ "2021 ACURA TLX 4 DR FWD | NHTSA". www.nhtsa.gov. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
  35. ^ "2021 ACURA TLX 4 DR AWD | NHTSA". www.nhtsa.gov. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
  36. ^ "2015 Acura TLX Prototype and TLX GT Race Car Introduction Press Conference Remarks by Mike Accavitti, Senior Vice President, American Honda Motor Co., Inc". Acura Media Newsroom. 2014-01-14. Archived from the original on March 29, 2014.
  37. ^ Paukert, Chris (14 January 2014). "Acura TLX GT Racecar bringing the 'X factor' to Pirelli World Challenge". Autoblog. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  38. ^ "Honda 2020 Digital FactBook". Honda Corporate Newsroom. August 31, 2020.
  39. ^ a b Sales, Acura Model. "Acura TLX Sales Figures". GCBC. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
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