Spied on the Street! 2018 Acura TLX (MMC)
#441
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#442
Banned
those were not the sentiments when the car was released, and fans of the EF civic thought the EG was ugly and too bubbly. It wasn't until years later that a cult following happened for that car. Ask me how I know. I used to own a '92 Si. It was a utilitarian car and in completely stock form wasn't much to look at. Of course, after a suspension drop and wheels, the story started to slowly change.
#443
Burning Brakes
The one thing Audi is not is over-styled. They purposely keep things simple and clean, their MMC's are always minimal. The Audi TT looks absolutely NOTHING like that monstrosity civic. One is an adult car, the other looks like it's for 16 year olds.
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#446
Was at the local dealer last week. The manager there said he was at the acura meetings about 3 weeks back and they had a 2018 tlx there and he said its basicly what you see in the spy photos. Also said there will be an A-spec package but according to him a type S by 2020 would probably be the earliest and seemed to give a more likely date of 2022. So nothing new really and unless I am mistaken the prior Type-S releases where into the model cycle so I guess what he is saying about 2022 goes along with acura past behavior if they do indead opt for bring back the type S. I have literally been waiting years for them to bring it back to replace mine so I hope he is wrong and there is a surprise.
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#447
Burning Brakes
Was at the local dealer last week. The manager there said he was at the acura meetings about 3 weeks back and they had a 2018 tlx there and he said its basicly what you see in the spy photos. Also said there will be an A-spec package but according to him a type S by 2020 would probably be the earliest and seemed to give a more likely date of 2022. So nothing new really and unless I am mistaken the prior Type-S releases where into the model cycle so I guess what he is saying about 2022 goes along with acura past behavior if they do indead opt for bring back the type S. I have literally been waiting years for them to bring it back to replace mine so I hope he is wrong and there is a surprise.
#448
Last edited by jhb31; 03-15-2017 at 08:59 PM.
#450
Volvo Defector
So now that the MDX Sport Hybrid has been officially announced with release next month my suspicion about that Sporty looking white TLX I think is going to carry over. This article says MDX Sport gets 3.0L V6 321hp hybrid with 7spd DCT which would knock the 0-60 of the MDX to low 5s. Active dampers are also included. This setup in the TLX should net 0-60 times in low 5s with a long shot in high 4s depending on how much weight difference after 3.5L to 3.0L engine shrink + weight addition of hybrid system.
Regardless the engine shrink will improve handling with less weight in the nose of the car and give better balance.
2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Arrives in April, Starts at $52,935 - Motor Trend
Regardless the engine shrink will improve handling with less weight in the nose of the car and give better balance.
2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Arrives in April, Starts at $52,935 - Motor Trend
#451
So now that the MDX Sport Hybrid has been officially announced with release next month my suspicion about that Sporty looking white TLX I think is going to carry over. This article says MDX Sport gets 3.0L V6 321hp hybrid with 7spd DCT which would knock the 0-60 of the MDX to low 5s. Active dampers are also included. This setup in the TLX should net 0-60 times in low 5s with a long shot in high 4s depending on how much weight difference after 3.5L to 3.0L engine shrink + weight addition of hybrid system.
Regardless the engine shrink will improve handling with less weight in the nose of the car and give better balance.
2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Arrives in April, Starts at $52,935 - Motor Trend
Regardless the engine shrink will improve handling with less weight in the nose of the car and give better balance.
2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Arrives in April, Starts at $52,935 - Motor Trend
#452
Team Owner
I think we should just be happy there will be a Type S. Hopefully. Maybe.
I'd be interested in driving it if it comes with the sport hybrid system. My only wonder would be availability and how many of these they intend on selling.
I'd be interested in driving it if it comes with the sport hybrid system. My only wonder would be availability and how many of these they intend on selling.
#453
Burning Brakes
Make it right and people will buy them. Just look at Tesla, they cost a fortune but people want them, badly even in the Model 3. If Acura only makes hybrid TLX because of CAFE or to attract people and have poor supply, well it's lost sales since MMC will probably be the same just with new outside.
Last edited by pyrodan007; 03-16-2017 at 10:10 AM.
#454
Moderator
I'd take one for a drive too - but given the price point they would likely need to start at I don't see it happening - given the RLX Sport Hybrid already exists. Not that they would need to worry about cutting into the sales for the RLX SH (since they sell 3 of those annually ) but they would then need to worry about competing in a completely different sector outside of the value luxury. Frankly if they would put a Turbo 6 in the TLX with a fair boost in hp, put some performance Summer tires on it and add some red leather stitching or whatever in the cabin they would silence the majority of the unhappy blokes methinks.
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#455
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For the MDX, considering the Sport hybrid model only has a $1500 premium over the SH-AWD model, may be the TLX Sport hybrid tech package can be had for $43.2k.
#456
Team Owner
I think a turbo 6 would be fantastic, but I don't see it happening at the earliest until the 2G TLX. Even then, who knows.
The only reason the sport hybrid makes sense to me is that for whatever the car has for power, I have a feeling it will only be limited to the SH-AWD version. I can't imagine Honda pushing over 300hp to the wheels of a fwd sedan. I know the CTR does, but that's a special car all on its own, with a track focus. It's not for the average buyer and the CTR had its suspension designed right off the bat to handle the power and reduce torque steer. I'm not sure the same was done with the TLX.
The only reason the sport hybrid makes sense to me is that for whatever the car has for power, I have a feeling it will only be limited to the SH-AWD version. I can't imagine Honda pushing over 300hp to the wheels of a fwd sedan. I know the CTR does, but that's a special car all on its own, with a track focus. It's not for the average buyer and the CTR had its suspension designed right off the bat to handle the power and reduce torque steer. I'm not sure the same was done with the TLX.
#457
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Just a thought. The way the premium sport sedan market is going the 5 second bracket will be slow. Seems like the magazine spec racers are showing many more 4 second cars as the new generations are released.
#458
Drifting
In light of these comments I wonder about the big exhaust outlets on the white car seen in the spy photos that have circulated. Is this a cosmetic-only touch? (Really hope not). Or does it indicate a higher performance powertrain option? I have seen some who seem to have a little inside knowledge speculate that the CTR turbo 4 may be slotted into a TLX with a 6MT. That might be interesting, coupled with SH-AWD. But who knows at this point.
#459
Azine Jabroni
I think a turbo 6 would be fantastic, but I don't see it happening at the earliest until the 2G TLX. Even then, who knows.
The only reason the sport hybrid makes sense to me is that for whatever the car has for power, I have a feeling it will only be limited to the SH-AWD version. I can't imagine Honda pushing over 300hp to the wheels of a fwd sedan. I know the CTR does, but that's a special car all on its own, with a track focus. It's not for the average buyer and the CTR had its suspension designed right off the bat to handle the power and reduce torque steer. I'm not sure the same was done with the TLX.
The only reason the sport hybrid makes sense to me is that for whatever the car has for power, I have a feeling it will only be limited to the SH-AWD version. I can't imagine Honda pushing over 300hp to the wheels of a fwd sedan. I know the CTR does, but that's a special car all on its own, with a track focus. It's not for the average buyer and the CTR had its suspension designed right off the bat to handle the power and reduce torque steer. I'm not sure the same was done with the TLX.
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#460
Burning Brakes
I'd take one for a drive too - but given the price point they would likely need to start at I don't see it happening - given the RLX Sport Hybrid already exists. Not that they would need to worry about cutting into the sales for the RLX SH (since they sell 3 of those annually ) but they would then need to worry about competing in a completely different sector outside of the value luxury. Frankly if they would put a Turbo 6 in the TLX with a fair boost in hp, put some performance Summer tires on it and add some red leather stitching or whatever in the cabin they would silence the majority of the unhappy blokes methinks.
#461
Volvo Defector
I think if they want to see a performance model they would be better off going with a non-hybrid. Many performance people don't car for the hybrid technology or worry about the cost of gas. I think the hybrid has its place but I would rather not have it be the performance version of the tlx. Heck, the 2007/8 type S is documented at 5.3 to 5.5 second 0 to 60 times. Surely they can reproduce those numbers or better with 10 years of time for new technology.
They really need to step up their game when even Lincoln and Buick are beefing up their powertrains.
#462
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A fun discussion....just as long as most of you appreciate that acceleration off the line time differences of 1-2 seconds mean little to a substantial majority of Acura drivers....and most others for that matter. Now combine more power with better fuel economy for a reasonable price, with a Sports Hybrid model, that might satisfy a chink of the Type S fans AND capture some of the mainstream market. Coming back to the looks, and the debate about in-person viewing vs spy shots, I have come to really like the MDX implementation of the Diamond Grill as I see more of them on the road. The proportions look great, especially on the lighter colours, particularly white. I may be biased Lets hope the final version of the MMC of the TLX will also look good in person, where it counts. Has to be an improvement over the "Black Hole" grill of a Lexus, IMHO. Having said that, I think the TLX is already a conservatively classy looking car.
#463
Under normal circumstances for most brands I agree with you. However since the NSX release with its hybrid SH-AWD powertrain as well as the RLX Sport hybrid it's evident this is the direction Acura is heading with the instant torque of the electric motors.
They really need to step up their game when even Lincoln and Buick are beefing up their powertrains.
They really need to step up their game when even Lincoln and Buick are beefing up their powertrains.
#464
A fun discussion....just as long as most of you appreciate that acceleration off the line time differences of 1-2 seconds mean little to a substantial majority of Acura drivers....and most others for that matter. Now combine more power with better fuel economy for a reasonable price, with a Sports Hybrid model, that might satisfy a chink of the Type S fans AND capture some of the mainstream market. Coming back to the looks, and the debate about in-person viewing vs spy shots, I have come to really like the MDX implementation of the Diamond Grill as I see more of them on the road. The proportions look great, especially on the lighter colours, particularly white. I may be biased Lets hope the final version of the MMC of the TLX will also look good in person, where it counts. Has to be an improvement over the "Black Hole" grill of a Lexus, IMHO. Having said that, I think the TLX is already a conservatively classy looking car.
fair amount of time talking to the GM again tonight about the 2018 mid cycle update and showed him the photo above or below and he did say minus the triple led fogs the ones he saw there very much resembled the picture although he did say the pic has the NSX wheels and there were no painted calipers on what they had at the dealers meeting. He did again stress that they were told specifically there will be no performance upgrade to the motor.
After two test drives, to compare against is my Type S, I felt that the TLX 290 HP was the least powerful 290 HP feeling car I have driven. Sport + mode held high revs way to long well after you leveled off in speed to the point I had to ask the salesperson if that mode took out the higher gears completely. While the car certainly is very smooth it really lack the powerful feel of the type S or the infinity Q60 I drove not long back. I had to pretty much floor the pedal to get the same acceleration that comes so easily with little pedal effort in my current car. The car just felt slow and unresponsive and to drive it spirited I felt like it was almost abusing the car versus the effortless power you feel in the old type S (with 4 less HP). Maybe its that damn transmission or the type S just spoils the driver and has a transmission designed more for performace over economy. I realize that not everyone is looking for power/performance over luxury but the difference is really astonishing. While the TLX was comfortable I didn't care for the woodgrain and the doors had so much plastic with very just a small area of material around the door rest.
They are offering a great discount on it and really an outstanding trade in my car and I am trying so hard to get over the performance/transmission shifting to like this car. The manager at the dealer did say that the east coast dealers where screaming at Acura management to bring more performance to the line up but he feels they are years off of a performance model on the TLX with the next generation most likely and even then 1 to 2 years into that model cycle. When I got home I was trying to find Jon Ikeda's email to send a rant to him. I am not saying the TLX is not a nice car but it's definitely lacking on a performance feel that a lot of people have been clamoring for. Then there is the sound system which is another story.
#465
TLX is like wine, not beer. The longer you have it the better it tastes. I recently took my V6 on a trek across western PA... Amazing balance of performance and fuel economy. Super fun on the mountains. When I was in the hinterland somewhere, full moon, I put her in econ and was worry free. This car is a great touring vehicle. ELS is amazing. It is no slouch even though it feels that way. The interior has to get better but the TLX can run with the best of them. If this hybrid set-up hits the TLX..Acura will have a winner.
#466
TLX is like wine, not beer. The longer you have it the better it tastes. I recently took my V6 on a trek across western PA... Amazing balance of performance and fuel economy. Super fun on the mountains. When I was in the hinterland somewhere, full moon, I put her in econ and was worry free. This car is a great touring vehicle. ELS is amazing. It is no slouch even though it feels that way. The interior has to get better but the TLX can run with the best of them. If this hybrid set-up hits the TLX..Acura will have a winner.
#467
There is not way Acrua will put V6 turbo in TLX at this stage. They will wait for new platform (hopefully longitudinal) and start with RLX FMC.
If they dont want to put hybrid system in TLX, atleast they should program transmission of A-spec model to mimic driving feelings of TL SHAWD (and also preferably put 310 hp engine of RLX). That would make many acura loyal customers happy till FMC TLX. If they screw up FMC, nothing can save Acura from becoming SUV only.
If they dont want to put hybrid system in TLX, atleast they should program transmission of A-spec model to mimic driving feelings of TL SHAWD (and also preferably put 310 hp engine of RLX). That would make many acura loyal customers happy till FMC TLX. If they screw up FMC, nothing can save Acura from becoming SUV only.
Last edited by alpha0; 03-18-2017 at 08:45 AM.
#469
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At this point, all I want is a 2018 commercial on this thread to see the MMC model with proper angles and features. MDX Hybrid will be out as of next month. I hope next is TLX
#470
Team Owner
It's definitely coming, though I don't think we will see it at the same time as the MDX... It'll be stealing the thunder from each other. It might even be as late as fall before we see it. I wonder if they're just trying to move as many 2017s right now before having to drop prices on them when the MMC comes out.
#471
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It's definitely coming, though I don't think we will see it at the same time as the MDX... It'll be stealing the thunder from each other. It might even be as late as fall before we see it. I wonder if they're just trying to move as many 2017s right now before having to drop prices on them when the MMC comes out.
Also, Acura's prices aren't very competitive. Infinite is offering sick incentives - up to $7,500.
#472
I agree. They will let MDX Hybrid to enjoy the hype this summer. By end of this summer or early fall Acura will push TLX. Current TLX model isn't selling well. They need a boost in this year's sell.
Also, Acura's prices aren't very competitive. Infinite is offering sick incentives - up to $7,500.
Also, Acura's prices aren't very competitive. Infinite is offering sick incentives - up to $7,500.
#474
Suzuka Master
I suspect they will unveil at NY Auto Show, then the question is will they release it right away or just roll it out in August. Dealer would know as if they were releasing it in May they would have to be ordering 18s now or soon.
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#475
Suzuka Master
After two test drives, to compare against is my Type S, I felt that the TLX 290 HP was the least powerful 290 HP feeling car I have driven. Sport + mode held high revs way to long well after you leveled off in speed to the point I had to ask the salesperson if that mode took out the higher gears completely. While the car certainly is very smooth it really lack the powerful feel of the type S or the infinity Q60 I drove not long back. I had to pretty much floor the pedal to get the same acceleration that comes so easily with little pedal effort in my current car. The car just felt slow and unresponsive and to drive it spirited I felt like it was almost abusing the car versus the effortless power you feel in the old type S (with 4 less HP). Maybe its that damn transmission or the type S just spoils the driver and has a transmission designed more for performace over economy. I realize that not everyone is looking for power/performance over luxury but the difference is really astonishing. While the TLX was comfortable I didn't care for the woodgrain and the doors had so much plastic with very just a small area of material around the door.
i find the TLX feels far less powerful than it is, I blame a lot on the tranny, but the car is clearly tuned for MPG than anything else.
#477
Burning Brakes
I noticed them far more than ever myself. Not sure if that is because they are trying to clear the lot to make space but I think more likely just to see if they can sell them - period. Right now it seems that they'll have to offer some rebate/incentive or some really great free 100k comprehensive repair and oil change for life program if they want to unload them.
#478
After two test drives, to compare against is my Type S, I felt that the TLX 290 HP was the least powerful 290 HP feeling car I have driven. Sport + mode held high revs way to long well after you leveled off in speed to the point I had to ask the salesperson if that mode took out the higher gears completely. While the car certainly is very smooth it really lack the powerful feel of the type S or the infinity Q60 I drove not long back. I had to pretty much floor the pedal to get the same acceleration that comes so easily with little pedal effort in my current car. The car just felt slow and unresponsive and to drive it spirited I felt like it was almost abusing the car versus the effortless power you feel in the old type S (with 4 less HP). Maybe its that damn transmission or the type S just spoils the driver and has a transmission designed more for performance over economy. I realize that not everyone is looking for power/performance over luxury but the difference is really astonishing..
#479
Team Owner
Was at the local dealer last week. The manager there said he was at the acura meetings about 3 weeks back and they had a 2018 tlx there and he said its basicly what you see in the spy photos. Also said there will be an A-spec package but according to him a type S by 2020 would probably be the earliest and seemed to give a more likely date of 2022. So nothing new really and unless I am mistaken the prior Type-S releases where into the model cycle so I guess what he is saying about 2022 goes along with acura past behavior if they do indead opt for bring back the type S. I have literally been waiting years for them to bring it back to replace mine so I hope he is wrong and there is a surprise.
To me, that means that no one really has any insight whatsoever regarding a Type S. The 3G TL got a Type S in the last two years of production, because that's just how the MMC worked out. Acura is releasing the MMC one year earlier for the TLX, so there's no reason it shouldn't come now. It seems weird to release a new engine/drivetrain after an MMC.
I doubt the Type S would show up for 2020... that would be the last production year of the TLX. Seems a little late. Even 2022 doesn't seem to make much sense either, unless Acura was planning to have a MMC for the 2G TLX into only its second year of production.
Unfortunately, I think we just have to sit this out and see what happens. I'm still optimistic though.
#480
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Small engine but big power 2017 Audi RS3 400HP 2.0T