Midnight Mystery

Wait..... TLX Coupe? :butelip:

BEAR-AvHistory

Some fresh 2020 competition in the price range the new TLX V6 should outperform.

Under $50K to start MB

mapleloaf

[QUOTE=fiatlux;16590326]As much hype as the base TLX is getting, I wonder how enthusiasts are going to react to it once they finally get a chance to drive it. It may be a quantum leap over the outgoing TLX in terms of driving dynamics, but at the end of the day it's still the same 2.0T that we've seen in the RDX and Accord, and unless they're underrating it in this application, I can't see it being appreciably faster than the outgoing V6 model on normal roads. Most enthusiasts I know who bought a 3-series opted to go for something like a lightly-optioned M340i rather than a loaded 330i M Sport; I wonder if we'll see the same kind of preference when it comes to Type-S vs 2.0T A-Spec. True that Type-S might be considered overkill on paper, but I do wonder if people will find the 2.0T underwhelming because of how hyped up it has become.

Those of us that love our 2.4 cars and find the horsepower race to be a little silly at times, will likely find the 2.0 Turbo a rather significant power boost, and throw in the SH-AWD and we will be as happy as kids in a playground. This same combination should attract a significant number of new sedan customers, but time will tell. I also believe a lot of the current 3.5 drivers will like the car for the interior and exterior restyling and improved handling charaacteristics. The Type S will certainly attract new customers and some power enthusiasts, but I suspect it will be at best 15-20% of the sales.

F23A4

Just to be clear, I drove the 2.4L Tech before going to the 3.5 PAWS. It has more than sufficient power and is easily the quickest/fastest version of the 9G Accord 4 cyl. The two main reasons I went with the 3.5: very quiet interior and I already came from the 2.4 in the form of a 14 Accord Sport (and the 12 Accord EX I had beforehand). So, it was time to go back the V6....and I’ve not had any regrets.

dr/owned

I owned a 2.4 Accord before buying a 3.5 Accord (cause the 2.4 got killed in an accident...I wasn't driving), so I've spent years driving both on the same model year car. I personally prefer the 2.4. The 3.5 cylinder head is pretty terrible so it just rolls over gasping above 5500 rpm (even on my car that has the TL intake manifold and throttle body). The 2.4 breathes all the way up to 7500 rpm and the lighter engine helps recover some of the torque loss, and it makes the front end feel a lot more planted.

I had a tuned + downpiped 2.0T at my disposal for 4 weeks and it is just better performance in every way. Deeply into "this is adequate power for street driving" territory. I'm slightly concerned the 3.0T is going to get me killed.

djhtsx

iTrader: (2)

Not sure if this was posted already

dmski

You don't miss the torque of the 3.5??? I test drove the 4 cyl TLX and the tranny was nice and quick but the car is so gutless.

Taz69

In stock trim the 2.0T is as fast as the V6. But with a simple tune the 2.0T can have 60whp and 88tq to the tires over the stock tune. You can NEVER get that naturally aspirated engine close to that with every bolt on made for it. So I look at the car tuned because of just how easy it is to flash a tune as per what almost everyone will be driving. Most will have the 2.0T flashed and most will have the 3.0T flashed also.

F23A4

Agreed, even with that sweet DCT it doesn’t come close to the 3.5 when it comes to passing power...ZF9 notwithstanding. It’s nice to make quick passes without applying full throttle. It’s a shame the 3.5 didn’t have a better transmission.

Fortunately, Acura seems to be actively righting that wrong with the 2G.

Midnight Mystery

That's why I still think it's worth it to put up with the ZF-9 to get the J35.

The ZF only sucks at down shifts but it's actually geared quite well for the J35 when going flat out from 0-60.

Mak P

When is this car coming out?

ZipSpeed

Late summer/early fall for the 2.0T models, and Spring 2021 for the Type-S if I remember correctly.

04WDPSeDaN

iTrader: (1)

I want to briefly touch on the differences from a 2.0T vs 3.0T vs 3.2 V6 6MT supercharged. I own a 2018 X3 xdrive30i (tuned), 2019 X3 M40i (tuned) and a 2004 supercharged TL 6MT with supporting mods. The 2018 X3 2.0T had a decent amount of power stock. Reflash tuned numbers are 315 HP and 360TQ. To me, it was the RIGHT amount of power for the vehicle. Most of the power gains are felt from 0-65. On the Highway it's not as drastic. For a daily driver without having the performance of an M40i, it's perfect. I still get fantastic fuel economy and the car feels completely different. Now, with the M40i, it's still an animal stock. It's the right amount of performance to keep an enthusiast happy but most will want more. Reflash tune and it feels less held back. Response is immediate and the power is great! 90% would be completely happy at this point with the performance. My supercharged TL, completely different setup and is great on it's own. The TL is more of a highway puller. Down shift into the right gear, instant boost and go! All three deliver power differently. Respectfully, the way a vehicle drives and the amount of power it makes, its all relative to the person behind the wheel. All three of my vehicles have their own purpose and have their own driving dynamics. Hondata already has a tune for the 2.0T so as long as the TLX will have the same 2.0T setup as the RDX and Accord, hondata shouldn't have an issue providing a tune. As for the TLX-S, don't count on a tune to be out anytime in the next year. Also with any supporting aftermarket mods for the TLX-S. Most buyers who buy the base TLX will have the upper hand when it comes to downpipes and reflash tunes. The 2.0T will be more enjoyable to drive after basic mods. I'm speaking as a car enthusiast, as someone who worked on vehicles for 12+ years. Don't expect a lot with the TLX-S. Only a small amount of consumers will buy the type-s. For those that want more out of the Type-s, expect to wait a very long time til the aftermarket support is available. Think about it, Hondata has yet to release a tune for the current gen NSX..

dr/owned

KTuner is HQ'd 15 minutes from me so if I can get one of the first cars, its going straight there. My car was the development vehicle for the 8th gen Accord. (I also prefer KTuner over Hondata because Hondata didn't give a sh-- about Accords until after KTuner)

I assume PRL is going to be able to source a local car for downpipes and turbo upgrades and such. They did great supporting the 10G Accord.

04WDPSeDaN

iTrader: (1)

That's awesome! the only thing I could say is that the Accord sells very well, so it makes sense for the aftermarket support to be there. As for the TLX, I can see support more for the base model since the 2.0T is already known.

Nexx

someone who wants to tune a Type-S isn't waiting on halfassed Hondata tune. You're talking custom builds and tunes for a big horsepower.

04WDPSeDaN

iTrader: (1)

To understand this better. You want owners to find a shop that is willing to tune the TLX-S (which is completely new) ? With what management do you expect the shops to use? You're dealing with the other side of the issue about how the tune affects the way the vehicle drives. A lot of piggyback style performance tunes have drive-ability issues. Re-flash ECU tunes are better and have less issues. The TLX-S is completely new. It's not like the 2.0T which has been on the market. The ECU for sure will be different from the 2.0T. For the perspective of a company to invest the time and money to develop something for a low production vehicle, will be difficult. If you buy the TLX-S, I sure hope you'll be the leader of the pack and be the 1st to tune it.

BEAR-AvHistory

Not counting the time it takes to just crack the ECU in the first place as its sure to be encrypted.

04WDPSeDaN

iTrader: (1)

Exactly my point. You and I both know the truth because we are true enthusiasts.

neuronbob

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Those who opt for the 2.0T/10A will be super-happy. Torque? Torque for days, and at least in my Accord, it's all down low as it kicks in starting at 1500 rpm. Accord is not gutless at all, and in my manual transmission car, I can chirp the front tires at will in 1st and 2nd. I think the big difference is that the TLX will likely be heavier than the Accord; my 2.0T manual checks in at 3300 pounds...that's only 200 pounds heavier than my NSX! And don't forget the tuning capability...there's already aftermarket built in given the 10G Accord. Very excited for the fun folks are going to have with even the base drivetrain.

Midnight Mystery

I kind of feel like the base TL is always a tad less engaging than the loaded Accord. At least that's how my 7G is. The TL (or TLX) is a fat pig when paired to the Accord level of power).

leomio85

I don't care what transmission they put in it, as long as it can handle the power Honda puts into it and then some. Knowing them, they'll likely put a drivetrain that can barely handle the stock power. In fact, I'd wager the figures come reveal time will be less than captivating in order to preserve the drivetrain, whether it be the transmission or SH-AWD system. Hopefully I'm wrong.

Nedmundo

Yes, the Accord 2.0T is a beast, and I expect the 2.0T TLX to have similar performance. It will be heavier, but will have more power, so it should do similar 0-60 times (5.5 for Accord 2.0T with 10AT per C&D), maybe better with AWD traction in the mix. In recent years, Honda has done a great job keeping weight down, so hopefully this trend continues with the TLX. IMO, the Accord drives much smaller than it is, which I think is due to the relatively low weight.

Eli Goodman

Does anyone know if they plan on putting the 3.0L Turbo 6 in an RDX/MDX? I would literally pay anything for that.

Jiten Patel

MDX yes, RDX not confirmed.

coop3422

I think an MDX Type S is expected to be in the works. Haven't seen anything about an RDX though.

Eli Goodman

Thanks!

B1ackAlloy

2022 I believe is when the type s version of one of them is suppose to come out

ZipSpeed

We've seen a MDX Type-S mule. There's a good chance the RDX will be getting it since Jon Ikeda mentioned plopping that engine across their entire line up (including an upcoming small sedan). My guess is we'll see the RDX Type-S on the mid-cycle refresh.

fiatlux

My theory on why the RDX didn’t get a Type-S variant in the leaked presentation is that they’re concerned it would cannibalize the hell out of the TLX Type-S, which would further push Honda towards forcing Acura to reduce investments in the sport sedan segment. Or maybe they’re concerned an RDX Type-S may not result in enough conquest sales from the GLC43, SQ5, and X3 M40i.

PredatorWH

As soon as I read this I imagined what it would be like to have an RSX with the V6 turbo and AWD. I wouldnt want to drop back down to a smaller car but I still remember how fun my RSX was to drive.

Tony Pac

well said. Also my theory is a bit different than yours.

If RDX gets a v6 engine it will put the MDX in a tough position. I believe the base MDX will have around 290-300HP. It can’t be 270. If the RDX type S produces 350-370HP, it will be similar to Mdx type S. it will Cannibalize MDX sales.


Let’s hope all acura lineup gets a Type S

04WDPSeDaN

iTrader: (1)

Any Acura model with an Type-S version will have the 3.0T. 100% on the MDX having a Type-s trim. Also 100% that the hp/tq figures will vary from model to model. The only model for sure not to have the 3.0T is the ILX. There might at a 2.0T version of the ILX down the road and that's IF acura keeps that model. Other wise, they have in the works a new smaller sedan or coupe. This new model may or may not replace the ILX. As for as the RDX, it's tough to say if they will have a type-s trim. Maybe a more powerful version of the 2.0T, but i'm just speculating. Keep in mind, for sale reasons, Acura may only want the TLX and MDX to be the only two to have a Type-s trim and push them to be the flagship models. Once Acura see's how sales are after these models come out, that's when they will decide on the rest of the line-up.

Shadow2056

I'm thinking the ILX Type S will have the motor the Type R has in it. Or at least the same power numbers.

coop3422

Would a Type S RDX really cannibalize a Type S MDX though? They're different vehicles with a different purpose. We looked at, and drove both, but my wife wanted a 3rd row so it really was no contest for us to get our 2014 max vs the 2016 RDX we looked at. I think you could have a Type S in both models and be fine. That said, doing the MDX first considering its popularity and up come redesign makes perfect sense.

The TLX is a beautiful looking car, but I'm let down with the transmission choice, or lack thereof. If they offered a smaller sedan, ILX or otherwise, with a Type R engine SH-AWD AND a manual transmission, I'll buy one.

BGR

coop3422

Not sure if it's the color, or the angles, but this isn't really doing it for me. And I thought all the press images looked stunning.

mondster

Red seems to be off with this car... the blue in the same angle, the one side by side with the m8 coupe, is sexy as hell.

coop3422

Agreed, the blue is stunning. I typically like red, but this just looks strange.

BEAR-AvHistory

I like red & agree would not buy that color. That said overall its a nice looking car that suggests power. Now the new engine just has to step up & deliver.