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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-doorsedan
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive(SH-AWD)
Chronology
PredecessorAcura TL
Acura TSX

TheAcura TLXis a four-doorentry-level luxurysedan[1]sold byAcura,a luxury division ofHonda,since 2014.[2][3][4]It is the successor to both theTLandTSXmodels. As of 2021, the discontinuation of theRLXleaves the TLX as the flagship sedan in Acura's lineup.

Design history[edit]

The Acura TLX was first shown as the "TLX Prototype", a sedan designed in Acura's Los Angeles Design Studio, as a replacement of theTLandTSXsedans.[5][6][7]The production version was unveiled in April at the 2014New York International Auto Show.Sales began in August, the TLX entered production during July at Marysville, Ohio, United States.[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-speeddual clutch(I4)
9-speedZF9HPautomatic(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-cylinderDOHCi-VTECengine withdirect injectionwas offered with front-wheel drive only, mated to adual-clutch transmissionandall-wheel steering(P-AWS). This model's chassis code isUB1.The Honda designed dual clutch transmission is the first to use atorque converter,which absorbs transmission gear shift shock, thus reducingNVH.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 withcylinder deactivation(VCM) is mated to Honda's first time use of a 9-speed automatic transmission (sourced fromZF), available with either P-AWS orall-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 areUB2for the front-wheel drive andUB3for 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 frontdouble wishbonesuspension of the TSX and TL in favor of aMacPherson strutarrangement, and loses the TL's all-aluminum front subframe in favor of a lower costfriction stir weldedaluminum 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 includingApple CarPlayandAndroid Autosupport. 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 AcuraTLX-L.[16]The TLX-L is only offered with the 2.4-liter four, producing 153 kW (205 hp; 208 PS) and receiving theUB4model code.

Safety[edit]

TLX safety features includeLane Keeping AssistSystem with Road Departure Mitigation System,Adaptive Cruise Controlwith Low-Speed Follow,Blind Spot Information System,Tire Pressure Monitoringsystem with Tire Fill Assist,Collision Mitigation Braking System,andVehicle Stability Assist.There are 7 airbags, including a driver's sideknee airbag.

IIHSscores[17]
Moderate overlap frontal offset Good
Small overlap frontal offset Acceptable1
Side impact Good
Roof strength Good2
1vehicle structure also rated "Acceptable"
2strength-to-weight ratio: 5.67
2015 TLXNHTSAscores[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-speedautomatic
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) (I4, FWD)
3,927–4,028 lb (1,781–1,827 kg) (I4,SH-AWD
4,200–4,221 lb (1,905–1,915 kg) (V6 Turbo,Type S)

Based on the design of theType Sconcept 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 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 variant after a decade-long hiatus, which was scheduled to go on sale June 23, 2021.[20]Without a direct replacement for the discontinuedRLX,the TLX serves as the flagship Acura sedan, slotting above theILX/Integra.The four-cylinder TLX's model code isUB5for front-wheel drives andUB6for the SH-AWD model, while the model code of the Type S isUB7.[21]

2021 TLX SH-AWD rear view

Built on its own new platform,[20]the TLX uses a frontdouble wishbone suspensionwithforgedaluminum lower control arms, mounted to cast aluminum damper towers and an aluminumsubframe.To increase front suspension rigidity, a steel tubularstrut barconnects 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 subframelower tie bar.To further reduce weight, the frontfendersare aluminum, with theAGMbatterymoved to the rear to improveweight distribution.

In total, 64 percent of thebody 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 rearbulkheadsteelstampingimproves 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-servobrake-by-wiresystem similar to the second generation AcuraNSXreplaces thehydraulic brake,with Type S models adopting four-pistonBrembofrontbrake calipers.

New options includeadaptive dampers,a 10.5-inchhead-up display(HUD), a 17-speaker audio system with four ceiling mounted speakers,open-porewood,and 16-way powerfull grain leatherfront seats with four-waylumbaradjustability as introduced on the third generationRDX.

2021 TLX A-Spec

Type S[edit]

Acura TLX Type S

Acura introduced a high-performanceType Svariant for the second generation TLX, marking the return of the Type S brand after over a decade-long hiatus.[22]It features an all-newDOHC3.0-literV6engine with a singletwin-scrollturbocharger anddirect 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 rearanti-roll barsare 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-pistonBrembofront 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]

InCar and Drivermagazine's Lightning Lap test at theVirginia 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 theGenesis G70 3.3Tand five tenths off the time of theCadillac 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 withAutoliv,is standard, and theACEstructure 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.

IIHSscores[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 TLXNHTSAscores[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 Racingentered a factory-backed car in the GT class at the Mid-Ohio and Sonoma rounds of the 2014Pirelli World Challenge,withPeter Cunninghamclaiming a best result of 13th place. In 2015 the team fielded two full-time entries for Cunningham andRyan 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, thenSpencer Pumpellytook his place for the last three rounds.

The TLX-GT was replaced by theAcura NSXGT3 in 2017.

Sales[edit]

Calendar year US sales[38] Canada sales[39] China sales[40]
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[edit]

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