RPhilMan1

One thing I don't like about the current 4G TL is the monstrosity of the fog lights and all the crap around it. I really hope they keep it clean like the TLX has. Also the 4G's amber DRL fog lights and DRL head lights look so 2001-esque. I'm glad they are going all LED.





I also really dislike the bumper cutouts for the red horizontal reflectors on the rear. I really hope they keep them in the bottom exhaust "area" as the TLX shows.

TSX69

2015 TLX Prototype - Acura's "Red Carpet Athlete" -
Unveiled at 2014 North American International Auto Show

01/14/2014 - DETROIT, MI

Acura today unveiled the 2015 Acura TLX Prototype showcasing the design and performance direction for the all-new 2015 TLX performance-luxury sedan launching mid-year at Acura dealerships nationwide. The TLX was developed around the theme "Red Carpet Athlete" to deliver a compelling blend of luxury refinement and sports-sedan athleticism, with exhilarating performance enhanced by next-generation Acura powertrain and dynamic handling technologies. The TLX will join the ILX compact luxury sedan and the RLX luxury performance sedan as the third vehicle in Acura's sedan lineup.

"The Acura TLX Prototype is a precursor of some amazing things we have in store for our Acura sedan customers," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president, American Honda Motor, Co., Inc. "As you would expect from an Acura, this completely new model will offer innovative technologies that break down the barriers between the driver and the machine to deliver a more intuitive, connected and personal driving experience."

The TLX Prototype, bathed in Acura Athletic Red Pearl, presents a lithe exterior form, taut body surfaces and sports-sedan proportions. Its sporting character is further highlighted by its low and wide stance, shortened front and rear overhangs, dynamically sculpted fender arches, and purposeful character lines. Acura's signature Jewel Eye™ LED headlights imbue the TLX Prototype with an advanced and bright-eyed appearance while producing superior down-the-road illumination. The prototype's custom-designed 5-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels and 265/35ZR20 low-profile tires accentuate its athletic stance, while the sculpted hood with its sharply creased bilateral ridgelines hints at the performance capabilities of the advanced new Acura powertrain. Another prototype-exclusive feature is the tailor-made side mirrors. Keying off of the Jewel Eye LED headlights, each mirror has a row of LED lights fused into its base. Click on the turn indictor, and the LEDs come to life, spreading a moving glow around the bottom of the mirror for a high-tech, 3D appearance.

Dimensionally, the TLX Prototype presages the production 2015 TLX sedan and is 3.8 inches shorter in overall length (190.2 inches) than the current TL, yet rides on the same 109.3 inch wheelbase as the TL. The prototype's right-sized dimensions place the new TLX neatly in between the smaller ILX and larger RLX sedans. Despite its more compact exterior footprint, the TLX design targets the most spacious interior in the midsize luxury sedan class - roughly on par with the current TL - with an open and airy greenhouse, commanding sight lines, ample cargo capacity and comfortable seating for 5 adults.

Like any truly world-class athlete, the TLX will pair power and efficiency with deft agility. With its low and wide stance, rigid yet lightweight body, and nimble and responsive chassis, the TLX is designed to deliver confident, precise and refined ride and handling performance in almost any driving situation. From low-stress urban commutes to relaxed long-distance cruising, or adrenaline-inducing runs down twisting country roads, the TLX is designed to be an intuitive and confidence-inspiring driving partner, a vehicle that epitomizes Acura's dynamic concept of "performance at the will of the driver."

The 2015 TLX Prototype also communicates the diverse range of advanced technologies and performance options that will be available to Acura TLX customers - including 2-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations; 2 high-performance, highly fuel-efficient new engines; 2 new advanced transmissions; and the next generation Acura Super-Handling All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) and Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS) dynamic performance and handling technologies.

In keeping with the "Red Carpet Athlete" design and development concept, the 2015 TLX's advanced new powertrains will deliver highly responsive, refined and efficient power delivery. An all-new 2.4-liter 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine employs direct-injection and Acura's i-VTEC® valvetrain, and is significantly lighter than previous Acura engines of similar configuration and displacement. The new engine is mated to an all-new 8-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) with torque converter. This new 8-speed DCT takes full advantage of the 2.4-liter engine's broad power band, delivering incredibly quick and smooth gear changes, expertly matching engine revs on down shifts, and putting the power down in a responsive and intuitive way.

For even greater power and performance, there is a 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 that also employs direct injection and VTEC variable valve control and cam timing along with fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) cylinder deactivation technology. The 3.5-liter V-6 is mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission with closely spaced gear ratios and a wide overall ratio range to further extend engine performance and fuel efficiency. Both the 2.4-liter and 3.5-liter TLX models will target EPA fuel economy ratings at the top of the midsize luxury sedan class.

2-wheel-drive models with either the 2.4- or 3.5-liter powerplant will utilize the next generation of Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS™) technology with independent left and right rear wheel toe control. As 4-wheel steering becomes an increasingly popular technology on high-performance automobiles, Acura continues to evolve and improve the capabilities of its cutting-edge P-AWS system, first launched on the RLX sedan in 2013, to deliver even more responsive handling, precise steering control and high-speed stability.

The TLX SH-AWD™, available exclusively with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and 9-speed transmission, employs a new generation of Acura's signature Super-Handling All Wheel Drive™ technology that is 25 percent lighter and incorporates new torque-vectoring control logic.

Understanding that customization is a key component of luxury, the TLX will feature an Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) to allow for further personalization and a sportier driving experience. The 4 driving modes - ECON (Economy), Normal, Sport, and a new Sport+ mode - take full advantage of the TLX's high-performance capabilities. Depending on which mode the driver selects, the Integrated Dynamics System will adjust Electric Power Steering (EPS), throttle response, SH-AWD and P-AWS control logic, transmission shift mapping, Active Noise Control settings and HVAC control in accordance with the preferences of the driver.

Also in keeping with its luxury sedan status, the TLX was designed to deliver vault-like quietness in all driving conditions, with major improvements in noise reduction through enhancements to body stiffness, body sealing and sound insulation, and the application of electronic Active Noise Control.

The TLX utilizes Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and is expected to achieve the highest available safety ratings - a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The TLX will be available with Acura's most advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow and Blind Spot Indicator (BSI).

The TLX was designed and developed in the United States by Acura engineers working in the company's Los Angeles design studio and Raymond, Ohio new-vehicle development center. The new TLX will be produced using domestic and globally sourced parts at the company's award-winning Marysville, Ohio auto plant, which presently manufactures the 2014 Acura TL performance-luxury sedan.

AZuser

I like the shortened rear. It kinda reminds me of the G37 sedan.

I like that the LED jewel headlights are one row of jewels instead of 2 like on the RLX.

Not really digging how the exhaust outlets are integrated into the bumper. The mesh grille piece on the lower front and rear bumpers are really bothering me.

Not sure how I feel about the electronic gear selector either.


I agree it's not mind blowing, but it looks to be a step in the right direction.

reddogTL

Interesting. 9 Speed Auto with 3.5L V6 and 8Speed DCT for the i4

jwong77

Yes, that does look genuinely good. Hope they realize the wheel fitment should be the same on the production vehicle.

AZuser

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Sarlacc

rear and profile look good...not feeling the front in pics.

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

Wow they stole all their designs from BMW, Infiniti, Audi,.....

McCollins23

Put me on the impressed list.

I'm sure they will find someway to screw it up though...

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

Gotta admit I like it. Won't sell my current vehicle but.

elessar

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

But there was no 6MT at launch on the 4G. You had to wait until 2010 for that. The 3.7l was the only engine available with SH-AWD as well, and we never get a Type S 4G. There have been rumors of a 5G TL Type S coming, but definitely not at launch. This is just the prototype though, so who knows.

Lights. Pretty sure that won't make it to production, but it's a slick design if it does.

RPhilMan1

What we need next:

Interior showcase
Weight and performance statistics
MSRP
Availability date
Reassurance 6MT will be available (But really... yes)

Joneill44

Type S turbo 2018. Mark it down

RPhilMan1

Ah, true. I really hope they follow up with a 6MT or Type S.

The press release mentioned the lights in the mirrors:

EL19

iTrader: (4)

If they plop that turbo in a type s with a DCT or 6MT and SHAWD I'm buying one

ttribe

Well, it's much better than I thought it would be. Overall, it's a much better design than anything else that has come out of Acura over the past few years.

But....

The beak still lives. This was an opportunity to establish a new corporate "face", Acura. You blew it.

[sigh] It's still a FWD car at heart (not a surprise).

Only offering the DCT on the 4 cyl?!

A naturally aspirated 6 is still a performance ceiling.

The Dougler

iTrader: (1)

I'm going to have to talk to my friend in the know on HP numbers. appearance is quite nice at first glance which is rare for acuras

AZuser

I think I'm more excited about the TLX GT race car.


Yeah. But did you honestly expect something more when the RLX also has a V6? They can't really step on the RLX's toes too much.




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civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

Better not be 3 years after initial release. I can live with a MMC release (typically two years after release).

Turbo
DCT - at least as the only option; give me a manual!!

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

I'm surprised this hasn't been said yet:

Great, another car that looks just like an Accord

RPhilMan1

How cool would that be? TLX Type S with a turbo-6, 6MT, and SH-AWD.

Really tempting.

Black Tire

I found the whole presentation boring.

AZuser

I kinda sorta did....

DaChef320

iTrader: (1)

The rear of the TLX looks good but the front end is BTW why do anyone need a 9speed Auto tranny?

Joneill44

I just based it off the 3G. 04-06 then the Type S in 07

Yumcha

Will that TLX, assuming (big if) it looks LIKE that come production version, make you pick it over say, a BMW 3-Series? Or Audi A4...?

Honestly, again, while it is not a step backwards for Honda (thank goodness), it still doesn't make me do a double-take and say, yup, my next car is an Acura like that.





I'd keep your current vehicle and use your $$$ for more cool timepieces.

kurtatx

A lot of that, for me anyway, depends on whether or not Audi's reliability surge is a fluke. That's a good question I honestly can't answer at the moment. Price point may be part of it.

AZuser

Without seeing the interior, knowing the price, and test driving it.... I can't say.

It has piqued my interest in the brand again though. They just gotta fix the front fascia and lower rear bumper mesh grille thing.

kurtatx

This, too. We've heard the performance chatter from Acura before only to be disappointed. We don't know enough about the car to safely assume it's not just a smaller RLX. It certainly looks better than the ILX, so that's a good thing.

Ken1997TL

Emissions and draconian MPG requirements.

kurtatx

Probably the same reason my Forester has the CVT. Fuel economy. HATE CVT

surge21

iTrader: (1)

I dig it. I feel like they built upon the 3G design rather than tweaked the 4G. The beak isn't going away when they just updated the MDX and RLX with it. That design language is here to stay. The clear side markers are misleading though...well until JnC get's his hands on them! I'd buy it!

ttribe

Yeah, I know. The RLX is an even bigger stone around Acura's neck given the ceiling it creates for the TLX.

AZuser

I'll take a 9 speed over a CVT

Undying Dreams

iTrader: (3)

I love it

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

As said above, I'd need more details (and to drive it obviously) before definitively stating my position. But this shows - at least to me - that someone in Acura HQ has a pulse.

Belzebutt

What gave you that idea? Check the Audi forums, it looks like basically all 2009-2011 A4's need piston replacements just as the warranty is running out.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

Much better than we had all expected. d

The rear and side profile look great. The front is still rocking the fucking beak.

The boosted 2.4L should have +240hp/tq. The V6 doesn't interest me at all. I'm sure it's the same J-series.

If the car doesn't weight too much and match the boosted 4 with a 6MT when MMC kicks in, the car should be plenty fun to drive.

Hope the production version won't sit too high and bring back the exhaust outlets. Oh, and the pricing... Acura, please don't overprice the thing.

Good to see them moving in the right direction though.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

4G TL: 194" long
2G TSX: 186" long
TLX: 190" long

It's right in the middle!

Sucks that there's no 6MT. But as for the 3.7L unit, it's probably not necessary anymore since the 3.5L now has DI. It performs better than the old 3.7L unit.


Same.....although the 8DCT should help. I also wonder how heavy the car is.

And it works...lol.

Well...people kept asking for more gears...saying how Honda was so behind with 5AT, and still behind with 6AT....so...now they have more gears...with 9 gears, Acura should be fine for a while I guess....