Introduced in 2021, 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-litre DOHC turbocharged 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 2021 TLX’s new standard powertrain is the same 2.0-litre DOHC, direct injected and turbocharged engine and 10-speed automatic transmission that debuted in the latest-generation RDX sport-utility vehicle. The 2.0-litre 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-litre V6 (+13 lb.-ft. at peak, +48 from low rpms) and its normally aspirated 2.4-litre 4-cylinder (+98 lb.-ft. at peak, +123 from low rpms).
2.0-liter Turbocharged Engine
0-liter DOHC direct-injected and turbocharged inline-4 engine
272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm (SAE net)
280 lb.-ft. torque at 1,600-4,500 rpm (SAE net)
VTEC® valvetrain with Dual VTC
Low-inertia mono-scroll turbo system with electric wastegate
Computer-controlled Direct Injection (DI) with high-flow fuel injectors
8:1 compression ratio
Super lightweight, high-rigidity steel crankshaft
“4-into-1” exhaust manifold integrated into cylinder-head casting
Sodium-filled exhaust valves
Forged steel connecting rods
Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system
Maintenance Minder™ system optimizes service intervals
100,000 miles tune-up interval
Premium Unleaded fuel recommended
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.
Cooperative control between Drive-by-Wire throttle and transmission
Advanced Shift-Hold Control limits upshifts during spirited driving
Grade Logic Control reduces gear “hunting” on varying road gradients
4th Generation Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)
40 per cent more rear torque capacity
30 per cent quicker front-to-rear torque transfer
All grades of TLX can be equipped with the latest generation of Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), with performance-elevating torque-vectoring capability. The system can transfer up to 70 per cent of engine torque to the rear axle, continuously apportioning 100 per cent of that rear-axle torque between the left and right rear wheels.
Additionally, the rear axle is continuously overdriven by 2.9 per cent, which amplifies the yaw moment effect of left-to-right torque transfer, elevating performance through sharper and more accurate turn-in, enhanced and improved traceability when cornering.
Electronic Controls and Parameters The SH-AWD® system works in cooperation with the TLX’s Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) system and Agile Handling Assist to optimize torque distribution for superior handling and traction utilization. The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) provides information on engine rpm, airflow and transmission gear-ratio selection, while the VSA® ECU provides wheel-speed data.
The SH-AWD® ECU also monitors steering angle, lateral g-forces, vehicle yaw rate and electrohydraulic clutch engagement for the right and left rear axle shafts. Drive torque is calculated by the ECU, and then the acceleration, wheel spin, lateral G-force and steering angle are used to determine the front-to-rear torque distribution and the torque split between right and left rear wheels.
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Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.
