Acura TLX Type S Reviews/Discussion
07-12-2021, 01:04 PM
#761
AZ Community Team
Ahhhh ... Ok ... I didn't say last time I saw a car, I said last time I saw THE car (VW). And that comment about not being able to drive car without infotainment system.... I've driven cars you couldn't fathom how rudimentary were, cars without single electrical component working, nothing, not one. I would love to get into this debate with you. But I'm not going to.
Ahhh, my bad you did say VW on the side of the road.
07-12-2021, 02:54 PM
#762
2021 TLX - best looking car under $70k…
07-12-2021, 03:55 PM
#763
07-12-2021, 06:35 PM
#764
I mainly lurk here (I think this is my first post since the old Acura-Tl forum days). However, Car and Driver has a test review of 2021 TLX Type S in the print Jul/Aug 2021 issue, not sure if posted online yet. Numbers:
Spoiler
Spoiler
Spoiler
Last edited by dc17h21o4n; 07-12-2021 at 06:45 PM. Reason: typo and added pic
07-12-2021, 06:55 PM
#765
Forget Me Not
Highs: Fully loaded value, clever all-wheel-drive system, steering and brake feel.
Lows: Small rear seat, ride harshness. by Tony Quiroga
ACURA KEEPS SENDING forget-me-nots. First came the second-gen NSX, a 573-hp mid-engine sign that the brand had been working on itself. It showed us that it had made some big changes and wanted to have a heart-to-heart about performance. Now the 2021 TLX Type S sports sedan has arrived at our doorstep, and its 355-hp V-6 and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system are the kind of wooing that totally works on us.
Not to be confused with the relatively mild-mannered TLX introduced last year, the Type S revives Acura’s high-performance moniker. Set up for use on the street and not necessarily with track driving in mind, this car is priced to compete with models like the Audi S4 and BMW M340i—not Audi’s more extreme RS models or BMW’s M cars—but it’s about the size of an A6 or a 5-series, making it bigger than the targeted competitors.
The 3.0-liter V-6 has strong acceleration and only a hint of low-rpm turbo lag as the engine reaches its max boost of 15.1 psi. We meas ured a 4.9-second time to 60 mph and a 13.6 quarter-mile at 103 mph. Acura’s all-wheel-drive system puts the power down with zero fuss, and the 10-speed automatic flutters through the gears imperceptibly. A rush of torque at low rpm helps keep the transmission from having to hunt for lower gears on hilly freeways.
A few turns of the thick-rimmed steering wheel and it’s obvious that the Type S is about more than going straight. Acura has returned to a control-arm front suspension, and there’s a sweetness and liveliness to the steering and turn-in that helps shrink this 4201-pound sedan in the tight stuff. Opting for the $800 summer rubber scores you grippy Pirelli P Zeros on lightweight NSX-inspired wheels and 0.96 g of skidpad traction.
To counteract body motions, the Type S has 40 percent stiffer front springs than the regular TLX and larger anti-roll bars front and rear. The all-wheel-drive system can shake the tail, giving the car some attitude when you’re hard on the throttle. Basically, just stomp the accelerator and the TLX does the hard math to turn your foot’s request into speed.
Hitting the other pedal erases speed quickly and confidently, thanks to 14.3-inch front rotors and four-piston calipers. Stops from 70 require 165 feet, a few more than the brake feel suggests. An electrically powered brake booster is tuned to provide firmness with good bite, and while the lack of pedal travel takes some getting used to, after a few miles, we’re adjusted and appreciative.
Turn the Dynamic Mode knob to Sport Plus and the adaptive dampers cinch up and react more quickly to input from accelerometers at each corner. This mode enhances the torque-vectoring differential’s rear-steer effect, making the tail more eager to rotate, and gets the automatic to channel racer Alexander Rossi’s brain as the transmission calls up the right gears under braking and fires off quick upshifts at the redline.
Dial back to Normal mode and a mellower Type S emerges. The active exhaust becomes less prone to fits of rage, and the steering effort relaxes while maintaining its tactility. But even in its softest setting, the TLX has a firm, sometimes harsh ride. The Type S transformation included stiffening the TLX’s body, and the structure is certainly tight, but a showroom-fresh Audi S4—on hand for a Pepsi Challenge—displayed better suspension isolation and a tighter-feeling chassis.
Simple and elegant analog gauges might buck the glass-cockpit sports-sedan norm, but leather-and-microsuede seats, metal pedals and trim, and a stitched instrument panel are right in line with what competitors offer. Rear-seat riders get a supportive bench, but legroom and space back there are lacking despite the 113.0-inch wheelbase. Our test gear measured a calm 71 decibels reaching the driver’s ear at highway speeds, although switching to Sport or Sport Plus mode increases the amount of V-6 sound pumped into the cabin.
The Type S starts at $53,325, and the options list consists of $500 paint and an $800 wheel-and-tire package. A stripper S4 can be had for less, but comparably equipped, the German competition is far more expensive. Cadillac’s CT5-V also slides in under the Acura’s base price, but again, with all-wheel drive and similar trimmings, it can’t beat the Type S. We’re most curious to see how the TLX stacks up against a fully loaded Genesis G70 3.3T, which undercuts it in price but also in size. If that sounds like an interesting comparison test, watch this space.
THE NUMBERS
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Base/As Tested $53,325/$54,625
Engine: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement 183 in³, 2997 cm³
Power 355 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 354 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Dimensions
• Wheelbase 113.0 in
• L/W/H 194.6/75.2/56.4 in
• Curb Weight 4201 lb
TEST RESULTS
60 mph 4.9 sec
100 mph 12.6 sec
1/4-Mile 13.6 sec @ 103 mph
130 mph 24.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph 5.5 sec
Top Speed (C/D est) 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph 165 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph 359 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad 0.96 g
EPA Fuel Economy
• Comb/City/Hwy 21/19/24 mpg
PHOTOGRAPHY BY M
Highs: Fully loaded value, clever all-wheel-drive system, steering and brake feel.
Lows: Small rear seat, ride harshness. by Tony Quiroga
ACURA KEEPS SENDING forget-me-nots. First came the second-gen NSX, a 573-hp mid-engine sign that the brand had been working on itself. It showed us that it had made some big changes and wanted to have a heart-to-heart about performance. Now the 2021 TLX Type S sports sedan has arrived at our doorstep, and its 355-hp V-6 and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system are the kind of wooing that totally works on us.
Not to be confused with the relatively mild-mannered TLX introduced last year, the Type S revives Acura’s high-performance moniker. Set up for use on the street and not necessarily with track driving in mind, this car is priced to compete with models like the Audi S4 and BMW M340i—not Audi’s more extreme RS models or BMW’s M cars—but it’s about the size of an A6 or a 5-series, making it bigger than the targeted competitors.
The 3.0-liter V-6 has strong acceleration and only a hint of low-rpm turbo lag as the engine reaches its max boost of 15.1 psi. We meas ured a 4.9-second time to 60 mph and a 13.6 quarter-mile at 103 mph. Acura’s all-wheel-drive system puts the power down with zero fuss, and the 10-speed automatic flutters through the gears imperceptibly. A rush of torque at low rpm helps keep the transmission from having to hunt for lower gears on hilly freeways.
A few turns of the thick-rimmed steering wheel and it’s obvious that the Type S is about more than going straight. Acura has returned to a control-arm front suspension, and there’s a sweetness and liveliness to the steering and turn-in that helps shrink this 4201-pound sedan in the tight stuff. Opting for the $800 summer rubber scores you grippy Pirelli P Zeros on lightweight NSX-inspired wheels and 0.96 g of skidpad traction.
To counteract body motions, the Type S has 40 percent stiffer front springs than the regular TLX and larger anti-roll bars front and rear. The all-wheel-drive system can shake the tail, giving the car some attitude when you’re hard on the throttle. Basically, just stomp the accelerator and the TLX does the hard math to turn your foot’s request into speed.
Hitting the other pedal erases speed quickly and confidently, thanks to 14.3-inch front rotors and four-piston calipers. Stops from 70 require 165 feet, a few more than the brake feel suggests. An electrically powered brake booster is tuned to provide firmness with good bite, and while the lack of pedal travel takes some getting used to, after a few miles, we’re adjusted and appreciative.
Turn the Dynamic Mode knob to Sport Plus and the adaptive dampers cinch up and react more quickly to input from accelerometers at each corner. This mode enhances the torque-vectoring differential’s rear-steer effect, making the tail more eager to rotate, and gets the automatic to channel racer Alexander Rossi’s brain as the transmission calls up the right gears under braking and fires off quick upshifts at the redline.
Dial back to Normal mode and a mellower Type S emerges. The active exhaust becomes less prone to fits of rage, and the steering effort relaxes while maintaining its tactility. But even in its softest setting, the TLX has a firm, sometimes harsh ride. The Type S transformation included stiffening the TLX’s body, and the structure is certainly tight, but a showroom-fresh Audi S4—on hand for a Pepsi Challenge—displayed better suspension isolation and a tighter-feeling chassis.
Simple and elegant analog gauges might buck the glass-cockpit sports-sedan norm, but leather-and-microsuede seats, metal pedals and trim, and a stitched instrument panel are right in line with what competitors offer. Rear-seat riders get a supportive bench, but legroom and space back there are lacking despite the 113.0-inch wheelbase. Our test gear measured a calm 71 decibels reaching the driver’s ear at highway speeds, although switching to Sport or Sport Plus mode increases the amount of V-6 sound pumped into the cabin.
The Type S starts at $53,325, and the options list consists of $500 paint and an $800 wheel-and-tire package. A stripper S4 can be had for less, but comparably equipped, the German competition is far more expensive. Cadillac’s CT5-V also slides in under the Acura’s base price, but again, with all-wheel drive and similar trimmings, it can’t beat the Type S. We’re most curious to see how the TLX stacks up against a fully loaded Genesis G70 3.3T, which undercuts it in price but also in size. If that sounds like an interesting comparison test, watch this space.
THE NUMBERS
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Base/As Tested $53,325/$54,625
Engine: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement 183 in³, 2997 cm³
Power 355 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 354 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Dimensions
• Wheelbase 113.0 in
• L/W/H 194.6/75.2/56.4 in
• Curb Weight 4201 lb
TEST RESULTS
60 mph 4.9 sec
100 mph 12.6 sec
1/4-Mile 13.6 sec @ 103 mph
130 mph 24.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph 5.5 sec
Top Speed (C/D est) 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph 165 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph 359 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad 0.96 g
EPA Fuel Economy
• Comb/City/Hwy 21/19/24 mpg
PHOTOGRAPHY BY M
07-12-2021, 07:00 PM
#766
Ouch, those numbers are not good at all. In a straight line at least it's closer to the Accord than it is to its competitors. How did they like the rest of the car at least?
07-12-2021, 07:06 PM
#767
What Honda430 posted above is the text in the print issue. Overall they liked the steering, brakes, and torque vectoring ability, and also to expect a comparison against the G70. in the future
07-12-2021, 07:06 PM
#768
07-13-2021, 07:57 AM
#769
Safety Car
CruzShip72
07-13-2021, 09:02 AM
#770
AZ Community Team
my guess was correct at 4.9s 0-60MPH by C&D https://acurazine.com/forums/second-.../#post16708993
OK, back to work
Forget Me Not
Highs: Fully loaded value, clever all-wheel-drive system, steering and brake feel.
Lows: Small rear seat, ride harshness. by Tony Quiroga
....
THE NUMBERS
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Base/As Tested $53,325/$54,625
Engine: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement 183 in³, 2997 cm³
Power 355 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 354 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Dimensions
• Wheelbase 113.0 in
• L/W/H 194.6/75.2/56.4 in
• Curb Weight 4201 lb
TEST RESULTS
60 mph 4.9 sec
100 mph 12.6 sec
1/4-Mile 13.6 sec @ 103 mph
130 mph 24.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph 5.5 sec
Top Speed (C/D est) 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph 165 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph 359 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad 0.96 g
EPA Fuel Economy
• Comb/City/Hwy 21/19/24 mpg
PHOTOGRAPHY BY M
Highs: Fully loaded value, clever all-wheel-drive system, steering and brake feel.
Lows: Small rear seat, ride harshness. by Tony Quiroga
....
THE NUMBERS
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Base/As Tested $53,325/$54,625
Engine: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement 183 in³, 2997 cm³
Power 355 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 354 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Dimensions
• Wheelbase 113.0 in
• L/W/H 194.6/75.2/56.4 in
• Curb Weight 4201 lb
TEST RESULTS
60 mph 4.9 sec
100 mph 12.6 sec
1/4-Mile 13.6 sec @ 103 mph
130 mph 24.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph 5.5 sec
Top Speed (C/D est) 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph 165 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph 359 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad 0.96 g
EPA Fuel Economy
• Comb/City/Hwy 21/19/24 mpg
PHOTOGRAPHY BY M
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one4all (07-13-2021)
07-13-2021, 09:04 AM
#771
I just realized they reused the same content from their First Drive back in May, but added the official numbers: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...-type-s-drive/
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BEAR-AvHistory (07-13-2021)
07-13-2021, 09:30 AM
#772
As it stands, the Type S had its 15 minutes of fame and now it's over.
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07-13-2021, 10:25 AM
#773
Burning Brakes
It had a chance, same will happen for the MDX Type-S. The only other car which may have a cover page will be Honda/Acura's electric car in 2024-ish. Maybe, since GM is making it. They blew it, back to propaganda ads.... but now with even more desperation.
07-13-2021, 10:51 AM
#774
Good, now maybe folks can let people own and enjoy their cars without trying to belittle them for doing so.
07-13-2021, 10:52 AM
#775
At this point, I don't think the MDX Type S will be any faster than a Q7, which is a shame given that the Q7 has no sporting or performance pretensions whatsoever. It is the prototypical minivan-replacement crossover, and yet in terms of acceleration it's nearly as fast as the TLX Type S, to say nothing for the MDX Type S. Sure the MDX might handle better, but how often is handling a factor when buying a 3-row crossover?
07-13-2021, 10:53 AM
#776
AZ Community Team
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F23A4 (07-13-2021)
07-13-2021, 10:59 AM
#777
Burning Brakes
At this point, I don't think the MDX Type S will be any faster than a Q7, which is a shame given that the Q7 has no sporting or performance pretensions whatsoever. It is the prototypical minivan-replacement crossover, and yet in terms of acceleration it's nearly as fast as the TLX Type S, to say nothing for the MDX Type S. Sure the MDX might handle better, but how often is handling a factor when buying a 3-row crossover?
Last edited by pyrodan007; 07-13-2021 at 11:04 AM.
07-13-2021, 11:09 AM
#778
Senior Moderator
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Legend2TL (07-13-2021)
07-13-2021, 11:44 AM
#779
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC - USA
Age: 82
Posts: 7,674
Received 2,599 Likes
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Its also interesting reading guys with 2 & 3 generations old TL's jumping in to defend the current TLX icon, guess its cheaper than actually buying one. At least in their time some of the older TL generations were closer to their rivals than the current one is to its.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 07-13-2021 at 11:53 AM.
07-13-2021, 11:54 AM
#780
You would let people you don't even know stop you from enjoying your car? I expect a lot of people don't like my choice of cars, why should I give a rats ass, I like them? Think you should have more of a bitch with the Acura marketing department if you don't enjoy your own car.
07-13-2021, 12:55 PM
#781
It's for the same folks who buys SQ5s, they want a little fun with big practicality. After test driving one, it did nothing for me. MDX Type-S is for the one's that want something more useful then a TLX Type-S without venturing into German territory. The brace in the TLX's trunk will for sure be the number one contributor, but price may be the tipping point. Or, MDX is simply too big.
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07-13-2021, 01:04 PM
#782
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07-13-2021, 01:13 PM
#783
07-13-2021, 02:49 PM
#784
Not as of July 7:
2021 TLX $2,500 Loyalty/Conquest Offer
$2500
Available to current owners of a 2011 or newer Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, or Volvo vehicles.
Toward Cap Cost Reduction or Down Payment Assistance with the lease or purchase of a new 2021 TLX.
Available Dates:
July 7, 2021 - August 31, 2021
Eligible through 08/31/2021. $2,500 toward Cap Cost Reduction or Down Payment Assistance with the lease or purchase of a new and not previously reported sold 2021 TLX to qualified current owners of 2011 or newer Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, or Volvo vehicles. Must provide proof of ownership of eligible vehicle in the form of a current vehicle registration or proof of valid auto insurance. Not compatible with Zero Due at Lease Signing leases or other Loyalty or Conquest offers. Used, Certified Pre-Owned Used and Fleet vehicles are NOT eligible. No trade-in required. Offer excludes recent purchase and is transferable among members of the same household when the retail delivery registration address matches the current address on the proof of ownership document. Not redeemable for cash. Incentive paid to dealer and requires dealer participation. Not all customers qualify. See your participating Acura dealer for details.
https://www.acura.com/tools/current-...odelseries=tlx
2021 TLX $2,500 Loyalty/Conquest Offer
$2500
Available to current owners of a 2011 or newer Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, or Volvo vehicles.
Toward Cap Cost Reduction or Down Payment Assistance with the lease or purchase of a new 2021 TLX.
Available Dates:
July 7, 2021 - August 31, 2021
Eligible through 08/31/2021. $2,500 toward Cap Cost Reduction or Down Payment Assistance with the lease or purchase of a new and not previously reported sold 2021 TLX to qualified current owners of 2011 or newer Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, or Volvo vehicles. Must provide proof of ownership of eligible vehicle in the form of a current vehicle registration or proof of valid auto insurance. Not compatible with Zero Due at Lease Signing leases or other Loyalty or Conquest offers. Used, Certified Pre-Owned Used and Fleet vehicles are NOT eligible. No trade-in required. Offer excludes recent purchase and is transferable among members of the same household when the retail delivery registration address matches the current address on the proof of ownership document. Not redeemable for cash. Incentive paid to dealer and requires dealer participation. Not all customers qualify. See your participating Acura dealer for details.
https://www.acura.com/tools/current-...odelseries=tlx
ACURA LOYALTY/CONQUEST OFFER
Expires 08/31/21
2021 TLX $2,500 Loyalty/Conquest Offer. Excludes TLX Type S
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Honda430 (07-13-2021)
07-13-2021, 06:05 PM
#785
Senior Moderator
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07-13-2021, 07:33 PM
#787
07-13-2021, 08:25 PM
#788
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Age: 82
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07-13-2021, 08:27 PM
#789
As much as I'd love this, you would have to re-work that suspension. Honda basically took the Pilot and lifted it an inch, making the thing handle like a 1970's Cadillac Deville.
Honestly, stick it in the Accord and become king of sedans under $45k. That is some hype I can get behind ... tho, seeing that we know Honda dealers are scumbags thru the CTR ventures, you probably wouldn't be able to get an Accord Type-R (or whatever they'll call it) for under $60k, making the whole proposition pointless again.
Right now, the K5 GT/Sonata N-Line holds that title, and aside from 0-60, basically runs the exact same times as the Type-S.
Honestly, stick it in the Accord and become king of sedans under $45k. That is some hype I can get behind ... tho, seeing that we know Honda dealers are scumbags thru the CTR ventures, you probably wouldn't be able to get an Accord Type-R (or whatever they'll call it) for under $60k, making the whole proposition pointless again.
Right now, the K5 GT/Sonata N-Line holds that title, and aside from 0-60, basically runs the exact same times as the Type-S.
07-13-2021, 08:56 PM
#790
How did Acura miss the mark so badly on the Type-S? Was is that hard to deliver on a true twin turbo 6 that had class leading HP and Torque numbers? It’s almost as if there is some bean counter or legal group inside Honda that always cuts these projects just short of customer expectations. I sat in a showroom today while my 1st gen TLX was being serviced and stared in disappointment at TLX Type-S that the dealer had marked up $7300 for paint protection film - laughable. I wonder how long it will take for Acura (and dealers) to realize that customers aren’t interested in more milk toast. I’d been waiting for the Type-S for years, hoping Honda would churn out something amazing like the S2000 I once owned, and instead they give us souped up Buick - kind of like when GM strapped a supercharger to the Regal and tried to convince customers it was something special. Damn you Acura!
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07-14-2021, 06:12 AM
#791
One thing I've haven't seen brought up is C&D's 5-60 mph time: 5.5 seconds. I know it's been discussed in the past, but in short I find 5-60 to be a better metric for me as I never use launch control or brake-boost my S5 Sportback. And 0-60 has become more and more a measurement of how aggressive launch control has been programmed. Part of me worries that I might damage the powertrain when using it. (A quick read on why 5-60 is a better metric than 0-60 here: Why 0-60 Times Don’t Matter in the Real World).
Now let's compare 5-60 times for the Type S to Honda/Acura's quickest non-NSX line-up...
5.5s TLX Type S
5.7s RLX Sport Hybrid
5.8s Civic Type R, TLX (G1 FWD), TL Type S (G3)
*5.9s Accord 2.0T (*on 40k-mile test, 6.4s when new)
...so is the Type S Acura/Honda's quickest sedan in this regard? Not by much. but yes it is. What impresses me is that it's actually quicker than the RLX Sport Hybrid, which doesn't have to deal with turbo lag and has the advantage of that immediate electric boost. Also, the Accord got significantly quicker after breaking in.
Now let's compare the Type S to select rivals...
4.7s BMW M340i
4.9s Volvo S60 T8
5.0s Infiniti Q50 Red Sport
5.3s Audi S4, Kia Stinger GT
5.4s Mercedes C450 AMG (pre-refresh)
5.5s TLX Type S, Cadillac CT5-V RWD, Porsche Panamera 3.0T (just for s**ts and giggles)
5.6s BMW 435i Gran Coupe (prior gen)
5.8s Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 340i (prior gen)
6.0s Lexus IS350 F-sport
... (I couldn't find any 5-60 numbers for the current C43 AMG). So a few are significantly quicker than the Type S (M340i, Red Sport, Volvo), while the Type S is otherwise within the pack, and only the Lexus IS350 is really lagging (if the 40k-mile Accord is considered a bench-mark). To me, it feels like the Type S is quick enough (I'm probably buying one next year) although I do wish it posted better times.
Now let's compare 5-60 times for the Type S to Honda/Acura's quickest non-NSX line-up...
5.5s TLX Type S
5.7s RLX Sport Hybrid
5.8s Civic Type R, TLX (G1 FWD), TL Type S (G3)
*5.9s Accord 2.0T (*on 40k-mile test, 6.4s when new)
...so is the Type S Acura/Honda's quickest sedan in this regard? Not by much. but yes it is. What impresses me is that it's actually quicker than the RLX Sport Hybrid, which doesn't have to deal with turbo lag and has the advantage of that immediate electric boost. Also, the Accord got significantly quicker after breaking in.
Now let's compare the Type S to select rivals...
4.7s BMW M340i
4.9s Volvo S60 T8
5.0s Infiniti Q50 Red Sport
5.3s Audi S4, Kia Stinger GT
5.4s Mercedes C450 AMG (pre-refresh)
5.5s TLX Type S, Cadillac CT5-V RWD, Porsche Panamera 3.0T (just for s**ts and giggles)
5.6s BMW 435i Gran Coupe (prior gen)
5.8s Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 340i (prior gen)
6.0s Lexus IS350 F-sport
... (I couldn't find any 5-60 numbers for the current C43 AMG). So a few are significantly quicker than the Type S (M340i, Red Sport, Volvo), while the Type S is otherwise within the pack, and only the Lexus IS350 is really lagging (if the 40k-mile Accord is considered a bench-mark). To me, it feels like the Type S is quick enough (I'm probably buying one next year) although I do wish it posted better times.
Last edited by bilirubin; 07-14-2021 at 06:20 AM.
07-14-2021, 06:26 AM
#792
Some Guy Who Loves Cars
How did Acura miss the mark so badly on the Type-S? Was is that hard to deliver on a true twin turbo 6 that had class leading HP and Torque numbers? It’s almost as if there is some bean counter or legal group inside Honda that always cuts these projects just short of customer expectations. I sat in a showroom today while my 1st gen TLX was being serviced and stared in disappointment at TLX Type-S that the dealer had marked up $7300 for paint protection film - laughable. I wonder how long it will take for Acura (and dealers) to realize that customers aren’t interested in more milk toast. I’d been waiting for the Type-S for years, hoping Honda would churn out something amazing like the S2000 I once owned, and instead they give us souped up Buick - kind of like when GM strapped a supercharger to the Regal and tried to convince customers it was something special. Damn you Acura!
But seriously, the thought that ran through my head reading your post was: You're right. Why can't Honda do performance any better? All these years (prior to announcing withdrawal) of competing in Formula 1 - the pinnacle of automotive racing - yet they neuter every car they make for the genpop? I suppose the NSX fits that bill (more of a halo car than a real car to drive), but the CTR, S2000 and Type S don't compete with their STI, Porsche, BMW and Lexus counterparts. Why bother with Honda Racing if you can't (or won't bother to) do any better with performance on the streets?
Last edited by someguy11; 07-14-2021 at 06:32 AM.
07-14-2021, 10:51 AM
#793
Air Vice Marshal
It is structural, as is the one under the hood at the rear of the engine bay, but the trunk one is removable if you need to get the most out of folding down the seats. I haven't done it myself, so I don't know the degree of difficulty.
07-14-2021, 10:54 AM
#794
How did Acura miss the mark so badly on the Type-S? Was is that hard to deliver on a true twin turbo 6 that had class leading HP and Torque numbers? It’s almost as if there is some bean counter or legal group inside Honda that always cuts these projects just short of customer expectations. I sat in a showroom today while my 1st gen TLX was being serviced and stared in disappointment at TLX Type-S that the dealer had marked up $7300 for paint protection film - laughable. I wonder how long it will take for Acura (and dealers) to realize that customers aren’t interested in more milk toast. I’d been waiting for the Type-S for years, hoping Honda would churn out something amazing like the S2000 I once owned, and instead they give us souped up Buick - kind of like when GM strapped a supercharger to the Regal and tried to convince customers it was something special. Damn you Acura!
07-14-2021, 11:46 AM
#795
There is a HUGE disconnect between bean/legal groups and designers/innovators at Acura. This oddly doesn't apply to Honda side. Honda vehicles under-promise and over-deliver whereas Acura is the exact opposite. Acura peaked in late 2000s with 3rd gen TL and 2nd gen RL and of course, 2005 NSX. What happened to the company since remains a mystery. There were few good ones, like the RLX Sport Hybrid but overall, when you look at the regular RLX, TLX from 2015 onward, ILX, one disappointment after another. Their SUV line is somewhat OK but their sedans for the past 15 years have been abysmal. The hype around Type S has been UNBELIABLE, for years...and they delivered a car that was obsolete before it even got released. To add insult to injury, dealers want $60K for it. Sad.
07-15-2021, 04:18 AM
#796
07-15-2021, 07:53 AM
#797
Senior Moderator
Last edited by F23A4; 07-15-2021 at 07:59 AM.
07-15-2021, 10:30 AM
#798
AZ Community Team
One thing I've haven't seen brought up is C&D's 5-60 mph time: 5.5 seconds. I know it's been discussed in the past, but in short I find 5-60 to be a better metric for me as I never use launch control or brake-boost my S5 Sportback. And 0-60 has become more and more a measurement of how aggressive launch control has been programmed. Part of me worries that I might damage the powertrain when using it. (A quick read on why 5-60 is a better metric than 0-60 here: Why 0-60 Times Don’t Matter in the Real World).
Now let's compare 5-60 times for the Type S to Honda/Acura's quickest non-NSX line-up...
5.5s TLX Type S
5.7s RLX Sport Hybrid
5.8s Civic Type R, TLX (G1 FWD), TL Type S (G3)
*5.9s Accord 2.0T (*on 40k-mile test, 6.4s when new)
...so is the Type S Acura/Honda's quickest sedan in this regard? Not by much. but yes it is. What impresses me is that it's actually quicker than the RLX Sport Hybrid, which doesn't have to deal with turbo lag and has the advantage of that immediate electric boost. Also, the Accord got significantly quicker after breaking in.
Now let's compare the Type S to select rivals...
4.7s BMW M340i
4.9s Volvo S60 T8
5.0s Infiniti Q50 Red Sport
5.3s Audi S4, Kia Stinger GT
5.4s Mercedes C450 AMG (pre-refresh)
5.5s TLX Type S, Cadillac CT5-V RWD, Porsche Panamera 3.0T (just for s**ts and giggles)
5.6s BMW 435i Gran Coupe (prior gen)
5.8s Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 340i (prior gen)
6.0s Lexus IS350 F-sport
... (I couldn't find any 5-60 numbers for the current C43 AMG). So a few are significantly quicker than the Type S (M340i, Red Sport, Volvo), while the Type S is otherwise within the pack, and only the Lexus IS350 is really lagging (if the 40k-mile Accord is considered a bench-mark). To me, it feels like the Type S is quick enough (I'm probably buying one next year) although I do wish it posted better times.
Now let's compare 5-60 times for the Type S to Honda/Acura's quickest non-NSX line-up...
5.5s TLX Type S
5.7s RLX Sport Hybrid
5.8s Civic Type R, TLX (G1 FWD), TL Type S (G3)
*5.9s Accord 2.0T (*on 40k-mile test, 6.4s when new)
...so is the Type S Acura/Honda's quickest sedan in this regard? Not by much. but yes it is. What impresses me is that it's actually quicker than the RLX Sport Hybrid, which doesn't have to deal with turbo lag and has the advantage of that immediate electric boost. Also, the Accord got significantly quicker after breaking in.
Now let's compare the Type S to select rivals...
4.7s BMW M340i
4.9s Volvo S60 T8
5.0s Infiniti Q50 Red Sport
5.3s Audi S4, Kia Stinger GT
5.4s Mercedes C450 AMG (pre-refresh)
5.5s TLX Type S, Cadillac CT5-V RWD, Porsche Panamera 3.0T (just for s**ts and giggles)
5.6s BMW 435i Gran Coupe (prior gen)
5.8s Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 340i (prior gen)
6.0s Lexus IS350 F-sport
... (I couldn't find any 5-60 numbers for the current C43 AMG). So a few are significantly quicker than the Type S (M340i, Red Sport, Volvo), while the Type S is otherwise within the pack, and only the Lexus IS350 is really lagging (if the 40k-mile Accord is considered a bench-mark). To me, it feels like the Type S is quick enough (I'm probably buying one next year) although I do wish it posted better times.
FWIW, the current C43 is 5.1 sec 5-60MPH
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...n-test-review/
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bilirubin (07-15-2021)
07-15-2021, 10:36 AM
#799
AZ Community Team
AoA, Matt Moran's and SG YouTube reviews gave alot of excellent complements to it's handling, a little slow and missing some tech but overall a good to very good mid-size sport sedan. But not continuously hating like a few on these threads.
In terms of Acura reading what's on AZ, perhaps but probably not giving too much creed to it one way or the other since there are alot of hyperbole statements and since sales are the bottom line factor in success for a product.
Last edited by Legend2TL; 07-15-2021 at 10:45 AM.
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mikedub88 (07-15-2021)
07-15-2021, 10:47 AM
#800
AZ Community Team
Overall pretty objective review with positives and negatives (drivetrain delay from stop particularily)
Last edited by Legend2TL; 07-15-2021 at 10:52 AM.