The 2021 Acura Tlx Type S marks the highly anticipated return of the Type S performance brand to Acura after more than a decade. This all-new sedan isn’t just an aesthetic upgrade; it represents a significant leap in Acura’s performance engineering, delivering the most dynamic and exhilarating driving experience ever offered in an Acura sedan. At the heart of this performance renaissance is the Acura-exclusive Type S Turbo V6 engine, producing a robust 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. But the enhancements extend far beyond the engine bay, encompassing a suite of performance-focused features that elevate every aspect of the driving experience.
Image of the 2021 Acura TLX Type S showcasing its front grille and overall sporty stance, emphasizing the return of the Type S performance brand.
The 2021 TLX Type S boasts exclusive performance elements meticulously engineered for driving enthusiasts. These include a specially tuned suspension system featuring adaptive dampers, high-performance Brembo® front brakes for superior stopping power, a Sport+ drive mode within the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) for maximum responsiveness, and striking 20-inch wheels wrapped in high-grip 255-series Pirelli P-Zero tires. Further enhancing its dynamic capabilities is the standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system with true torque vectoring, ensuring optimal handling and control in diverse driving situations and varying weather conditions.
Visually, the TLX Type S distinguishes itself with exclusive design touches that signal its performance pedigree. The open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille not only enhances engine cooling but also creates a bold and assertive front fascia. Quad exhaust finishers at the rear announce the power within, while inside, the Milano leather seats with Ultrasuede® trim and Type S-embossed headrests provide a luxurious and supportive cockpit.
Unveiling the 2021 Acura TLX Type S: Performance Redefined
The 2021 Acura TLX Type S is not merely an upgraded trim level; it’s a statement of Acura’s commitment to performance and driving excitement. This sedan builds upon the already acclaimed second-generation TLX, injecting it with a potent dose of power, precision, and passion. The return of the Type S badge signifies a dedication to delivering a heightened driving experience that resonates with enthusiasts seeking more than just luxury – they crave engagement, responsiveness, and exhilaration behind the wheel.
The heart of the TLX Type S is the all-new Type S Turbo V6 engine, a 3.0-liter masterpiece generating 355 horsepower. This Acura-exclusive engine is complemented by a suite of performance enhancements, including a finely tuned double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension, Brembo® front brakes, and the new Sport+ driving mode. These elements work in harmony to create a driving experience that is both thrilling and refined.
Acura’s Type S performance lineage, previously seen on models between 2001 and 2008, has always been synonymous with dynamic driving. The 2021 TLX Type S elevates this philosophy, setting a new benchmark for Acura performance sedans. It’s a vehicle designed for those who appreciate the nuances of driving, who seek a deeper connection with the road, and who demand both exhilarating performance and everyday usability. The TLX Type S serves as a precursor to the first-ever Acura MDX Type S, further expanding the reach of Acura’s performance brand.
Previewed by the striking Type S Concept in 2019, the production TLX Type S realizes the vision of an emotionally engaging and exciting premium performance sedan without compromising the comfort and practicality expected from a modern Acura. Compared to the standard TLX, the Type S variant accelerates to 60 mph approximately 25 percent faster, achieving a 0-60 mph time in the vicinity of 5 seconds. The top speed is also significantly increased, from 130 mph to an electronically limited 155 mph. Enhanced braking performance, coupled with the standard SH-AWD®, 20-inch wheels, and available summer tires, solidifies its position as the pinnacle of Acura sedan performance.
The visual identity of the TLX Type S is instantly recognizable. The open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille is not only a signature design element but also functional, improving engine cooling. Quad exhaust outlets, a distinctive front splitter, and a rear diffuser further accentuate its performance-oriented design. Inside, the driver-focused cabin features an NSX-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel adorned with the Type S logo, 16-way adjustable Milano leather seats with adjustable bolsters, and Type S-embossed headrests, creating a cockpit that is both luxurious and performance-oriented.
The TLX Type S doesn’t compromise on technology or luxury features. The acclaimed Acura ELS STUDIO 3D® 17-speaker premium audio system comes standard, along with Acura’s intuitive True Touchpad Interface™ featuring “Absolute Positioning” and a high-mounted 10.2-inch HD center display. Safety is also paramount, with the AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies standard across the TLX range, including the innovative three-chamber front passenger airbag for enhanced protection in frontal collisions. The TLX also achieves top safety ratings, including a TOP SAFETY PICK + from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, thanks to Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.
Powering Performance: The Type S Turbo V6 Engine and SH-AWD System
The powertrain of the 2021 Acura TLX Type S is where the magic truly happens. The all-new 3.0-liter Type S Turbo V6 engine is the centerpiece, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is not just about raw power; it’s engineered for responsiveness, efficiency, and a thrilling auditory experience.
Image highlighting the Type S Turbo V6 engine, showcasing its compact design and advanced engineering.
Key features of this new engine include a single twin-scroll turbocharger for enhanced responsiveness, forged crankshaft and connecting rods for durability, 6-bolt main caps for increased engine rigidity, and Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) for improved fuel efficiency. An active exhaust system further enhances the driving experience by allowing more of the engine’s natural sound to permeate the cabin. The engine is paired with a performance-tuned 10-speed automatic transmission, featuring stronger internals, quicker shifts, and rev-matched downshifts, optimized for the demands of performance driving. The fourth generation of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, standard on the TLX Type S, further elevates handling and control.
Type S Turbo V6: Engineering Excellence
The Type S Turbo V6 is a 24-valve, DOHC 3.0-liter engine with direct-injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger, producing up to 15.1 psi of boost. Developed by Acura’s most experienced powertrain engineers, including members who worked on the Civic Type R and NSX engines, this engine benefits from a wealth of expertise and innovation. It shares only its bore spacing and 60-degree architecture with the 3.5-liter V6 found in the MDX. Key differentiators include 6-bolt sintered main caps for enhanced durability and a square 86 mm bore and stroke.
The engine’s compact dimensions are achieved through innovations like placing the turbocharger above the transmission and utilizing low-profile cylinder heads. Despite its power output, the engine is remarkably compact, only slightly shorter than the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6. The twin-scroll turbocharger is crucial for responsiveness, utilizing separate internal paths for the front and rear cylinder banks to optimize exhaust pressure delivery to the turbine. This design ensures peak torque is available from an exceptionally low 1,400 rpm.
Emissions are a key consideration, and the turbo system is designed for rapid catalytic converter activation through optimized heat management. This includes a double-pipe exhaust manifold design with external bellows to dissipate heat and a V-band connection to the catalytic converter to minimize heat mass. An additional sub-radiator and the open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille contribute to enhanced engine cooling. For robustness, the engine features a forged steel crankshaft and forged steel connecting rods, similar to those found in the NSX and Acura’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engines respectively. Unique piston design with high-density Ni-resist cast iron top piston ring carriers improves wear characteristics and reduces emissions.
| 2021 TLX and TLX Type S Engines |
|---|
| Engine Type |
| Turbo Type |
| Displacement (liters) |
| Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net) |
| Torque, lb.-ft. @ rpm (SAE net) |
| Valvetrain |
| Variable Cylinder Management™ |
| Compression Ratio |
| Fuel Injection |
| EPA Fuel Economy Ratings: (City/Highway/Combined) |
Advanced Technologies: VCM, Active Exhaust, and Transmission
Low-profile double overhead cam cylinder heads contribute to the engine’s compact height by integrating cam bearing caps into the valve cover. Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) is implemented to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by operating the engine on three cylinders under light loads, seamlessly transitioning to six cylinders when more power is required. This system uses a compact rocker arm and hydraulic lash adjuster design, differing from the SOHC 3.5-liter engine’s VTEC® system.
Active Vibration Control (AVC) and new engine mounts ensure smooth operation during VCM™ activation. AVC utilizes sensors to detect and counteract vibrations from both the engine and chassis, making VCM™ operation virtually imperceptible. The active exhaust system, adapted from the NSX, uses butterfly valves in the mufflers to modulate the engine sound, providing a more pronounced auditory experience when desired. Exhaust valve operation is tied to the Integrated Dynamics System modes, with Sport+ mode keeping the valves open at all times for maximum sound output. Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC) further refines the cabin environment by reducing unwanted sounds, particularly during VCM™ operation.
The high-performance 10-speed automatic transmission is specifically enhanced to handle the Type S Turbo V6’s power. Upgrades include a new torque converter, stronger gears and clutches, and a Type S-exclusive transmission cooler. The transmission offers both automatic and manual paddle-shift modes, with Type S-exclusive programming for quicker downshifts and upshifts, especially in Sport+ mode. Internal transmission components are strengthened using fine-particle peening (FPP) and carbon nitriding for increased durability and wear resistance.
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®): Mastering Traction and Control
Image showcasing the SH-AWD system, emphasizing torque vectoring and enhanced handling capabilities.
The 2021 TLX Type S is the first Type S model to feature Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) as standard. This fourth-generation system has been further enhanced for the Type S, with a 40-percent increase in rear axle torque capacity and a 30-percent faster torque transfer to the rear wheels in normal conditions. Up to 70 percent of torque can be sent to the rear axle, and 100 percent of that rear torque can be directed to either rear wheel for true torque vectoring. This is achieved through a shorter hydraulic circuit and a higher-torque electric motor driving the rear differential’s hydraulic pumps.
In Sport+ mode, the SH-AWD® system becomes even more aggressive, increasing side-to-side torque bias by 40 percent compared to Sport mode, delivering a more rear-wheel-drive-like experience. During cornering, SH-AWD® actively distributes more torque to the outside rear wheel, creating a yaw moment that enhances turn-in and reduces understeer. The system works in conjunction with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and Agile Handling Assist® to optimize torque distribution for superior handling and traction across various driving scenarios. Three distinct SH-AWD® maps are available, corresponding to the Integrated Dynamics System modes, with Sport+ offering the most aggressive torque management for maximum cornering agility.
| 2021 TLX and TLX Type S Transmission and SH-AWD® |
|---|
| Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) |
| 10-Speed Automatic Transmission |
| Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters |
| Rev-Matching Downshifts |
Chassis and Body: Engineered for Precision and Responsiveness
The 2021 TLX Type S builds upon the already stiff chassis of the second-generation TLX, further enhancing rigidity and responsiveness through structural reinforcements and suspension upgrades. These enhancements translate to sharper handling, improved feedback, and a more engaging driving experience.
Image highlighting the chassis and suspension components, emphasizing stiffness and performance tuning.
The TLX chassis, already the stiffest Acura sedan chassis to date, receives further reinforcement for Type S duty, resulting in a 13-percent increase in body rigidity. Additional bracing, including front shock tower braces, an “A-Brace” behind the rear seats, and extra frame stiffeners, contribute to this enhanced stiffness. The double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear suspension are specifically tuned for the Type S, with 40-percent stiffer front spring rates, stiffer stabilizer bars, and Type S-specific shock valving. The electric power steering and adaptive damper system are also retuned for quicker response and enhanced feedback. Brembo® front brakes and standard 20-inch wheels complete the chassis upgrades.
Structural Rigidity and Suspension Enhancements
Image illustrating the structural enhancements to the TLX Type S body, highlighting the additional bracing and reinforcement points.
Specific structural reinforcements include braces linking the front shock towers and triangulating to the firewall, creating a stiffer front “box.” Rear steel reinforcements form an “A-Brace” to stiffen the rear bulkhead, improving rear tire contact during aggressive cornering. Additional enhancements include a mid-floor crossmember and stiffer rear wheel arches. Despite these enhancements, the TLX Type S maintains a competitive curb weight.
The double-wishbone front suspension, a hallmark of Acura performance vehicles, provides superior control over wheel geometry compared to MacPherson struts, maximizing tire-to-ground contact. The TLX Type S suspension builds upon this foundation with stiffer front springs and stabilizer bars, while rear spring rates remain unchanged to maintain ride comfort. The adaptive damper system, crucial for balancing ride comfort and handling, features Type S-exclusive valve rates with increased damping capability for a sportier feel across all IDS modes.
Steering, Braking, and Integrated Dynamics System
The belt-driven electric power steering (EPS) system in the TLX Type S features a unique variable gear ratio, tuned for quicker and more responsive steering feel, especially at lower speeds. The electro servo braking system, derived from the NSX, allows for precise brake pedal feel tuning and electronic brake pressure control, contributing to the TLX Type S’s performance driving characteristics.
Brembo® front brakes significantly enhance stopping power, featuring larger 14.3-inch rotors and four-piston calipers. These brakes offer an 11-percent increase in thermal mass for improved fade resistance and a 13-percent reduction in 60-0 mph stopping distance. Rear brake calipers are also painted red to match the fronts, and both front and rear rotors feature Ferritic Nitrocarburizing (FNC) coating for corrosion resistance.
The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) in the TLX Type S expands upon the standard TLX system with the addition of Sport+ mode. Sport+ mode, activated by holding the Dynamic Mode dial to the right, further sharpens throttle response, quickens transmission shifts, and enables a more aggressive SH-AWD® profile, while maintaining Sport mode’s damper and steering settings.
Image showcasing the Integrated Dynamics System dial, highlighting the Sport+ mode selection.
Wheels and Tires: Grip and Style
The TLX Type S offers a choice of two 20-inch wheel designs. Standard wheels are 20×9.0 shark-gray multi-spoke wheels with 255/35R20 Pirelli Cinturano P7 all-season performance tires. Optional lightweight split five-spoke wheels, inspired by the NSX, reduce unsprung weight by 5.78 pounds per wheel and are paired with 255/35R20 Pirelli P Zero Summer tires. The lightweight wheels and summer tires further enhance agility, roadholding, and ride comfort, while the Pirelli P Zero Summer tires were specifically developed for the TLX Type S to meet Acura’s performance targets, including track performance.
Exterior and Interior: Type S Exclusive Design
The 2021 TLX Type S exterior and interior are distinguished by exclusive design elements that reinforce its performance identity and premium positioning. These touches set the Type S apart within the TLX lineup and highlight its special status as the performance flagship.
Type S Exterior Styling
The exterior of the TLX Type S draws heavily from the Type S Concept, featuring a more aggressive and purposeful design. The open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille is a key differentiator, enhancing engine airflow by 10 percent. A front splitter, gloss black grille surround, and matte black window surrounds further contribute to the distinctive front fascia. Headlights with a blackout treatment complement the dark theme.
At the rear, the TLX Type S features a more pronounced gloss-black diffuser and large quad exhaust finishers, housing the active exhaust system. Type S badges are strategically placed on the grille, front fenders, and trunk lid. Both 20-inch wheel options showcase the bright red Brembo® brake calipers. Taillights also receive a dark finish, mirroring the headlight treatment. Dealer-installed accessories, including a carbon fiber decklid lip spoiler, carbon-fiber diffuser, and lower side sills, are available to further enhance the Type S’s sporty appearance. The TLX Type S is offered in six exterior colors, including the exclusive Tiger Eye Pearl.
Type S Interior Refinements
Inside, the TLX Type S cabin is focused on the driver, featuring 16-way power-adjustable front seats with power-adjustable bolsters, heated and cooled functionality, Ultrasuede® inserts, and embossed Type S logos on the headrests. Three interior color options are available: Ebony, Red, and the Type S-exclusive Orchid, all with Black Ultrasuede® inserts. An NSX-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel with a Type S logo, authentic aluminum trim, Type S door sill trim, and French stitching add to the premium and sporty ambiance.
| TLX TYPE S INTERIOR COLORS | |
|---|---|
| TLX TYPE S EXTERIOR COLORS | Ebony |
| New: Tiger Eye Pearl* | • |
| Performance Red Pearl* | • |
| Majestic Black Pearl* | • |
| Platinum White Pearl* | • |
| Apex Blue Pearl* | • |
| Modern Steel Metallic | • |
The TLX Type S is equipped with the Acura ELS STUDIO 3D® 17-speaker premium audio system and the True Touchpad Interface™ with a 10.2-inch HD display as standard.
| Major Features Comparison |
|---|
| Full-LED Exterior Lighting |
| True Touchpad Interface™ with 10.2-inch HD display |
| Acura Navigation with 3D View |
| CarPlay® / Android Auto™ Integration |
| Wireless Charging Pad |
| ELS Studio 3D® 17 Speaker, 710 watts w/ Twin Telford™ Subs |
| Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) |
| 16-way Power Front Seats |
| Heated & Ventilated Front Seats |
| Flat Bottom Sport Steering Wheel |
| AcuraWatch™ |
| Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) |
Design, Development, and Manufacturing: An American Heart with Global Expertise
The 2021 Acura TLX Type S is a product of international collaboration, primarily designed and developed in America, with styling led by Acura Design in California and platform development in Ohio. Engineering of the Type S Turbo V6 engine was spearheaded by Acura’s R&D center in Japan. Manufacturing of the TLX Type S takes place exclusively at Acura’s Marysville, Ohio plant, with the 3.0-liter turbocharged engine produced at the Anna, Ohio engine plant, which also builds engines for the NSX. The 10-speed automatic transmission is manufactured in Tallapoosa, Georgia, and the SH-AWD® system components are produced in Russells Point, Ohio, highlighting Acura’s strong North American manufacturing footprint.
The 2021 Acura TLX Type S represents a significant milestone for Acura, marking the return of the iconic Type S badge and ushering in a new era of performance and driving excitement. It is a testament to Acura’s engineering prowess and design vision, delivering a sedan that is both thrilling to drive and luxurious to experience.
