All-New 2021 TLX Elevates Acura Sedan Performance with Turbo Power, Dedicated Platform and Expressive Styling
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Contact:
Karina Gonzalez (Torrance): karina_gonzalez@ahm.acura.com
Chris Naughton (New York): chris_naughton@ahm.acura.com
Media Information for Immediate Release
All-New 2021 TLX Elevates Acura Sedan Performance with
Turbo Power, Dedicated Platform and Expressive Styling
o 2021 TLX delivers on the muscular design and proportions previewed in the Type S
Concept with a wide stance, low roofline and stretched wheelbase
o With a standard 2.0-liter Turbo, TLX offers top of class power with 66 more horsepower
and nearly 100 lbs.-ft more torque than the outgoing entry engine
o Ultra-rigid new body structure and advanced new chassis with double wishbone front
suspension sharpens the reflexes of Acura’s top-selling sedan
o Arriving Spring 2021, TLX Type S debuts Acura’s new 3.0-liter V6 Turbo engine and a
first-for-Type S, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™
TORRANCE, CALIF., MAY 28, 2020—Acura today revealed the quickest, best-handling and most
well-appointed sedan in the brand’s 35-year history – the all-new 2021 Acura TLX. With a
model-exclusive body structure and chassis architecture, all turbo engine lineup, and an athletic
stance with bold proportions, the new TLX delivers dramatic gains in both style and dynamic
performance. The first Acura sedan fully designed around the brand’s Precision Crafted
Performance ethos, the 2021 TLX will arrive at dealerships early this fall with a manufacturer
suggested retail price (MSRP) starting in the mid-$30,000 range.
Watch the 2021 TLX Reveal Video at acura.com/2021-TLX
The second-generation TLX also marks the highly anticipated return of Acura’s Type S
high performance variant after a decade-long hiatus. The TLX Type S, arriving next spring, will
be powered by an all-new Acura exclusive 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine developed for Type
S levels of performance. Additionally, the new TLX Type S will be the first Type S model to
feature Acura’s torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, making
it the best handling and most performance-oriented Acura sedan yet.2021 Acura TLX Reveal - 2
In fulfilling its mission as a thoroughly modern sport sedan, the 2021 TLX integrates a
multitude of performance, comfort and connectivity technologies first deployed on the highly
successful third-generation Acura RDX. These include a high-output 2.0-liter VTEC®
turbocharged engine, 4th-generation SH-AWD® system, award-winning Acura ELS STUDIO 3D®
premium audio and the latest iteration of Acura’s driver-focused True Touchpad Interface™.
“With this new TLX, we’re doubling down on what today’s sport sedan enthusiasts are
asking for – a more stylish, personal and performance-focused driving experience,” said Jon
Ikeda, vice president and Acura brand officer. “Our designers and engineers really took the
gloves off, rethinking what an Acura sport sedan should be, right down to its most essential
elements – stance, proportion, platform and powertrain. This is unquestionably our most
ambitious redesign of an Acura sedan.”
Next-Generation Design
The 2021 TLX features an athletic and powerful exterior design with proportions, stance
and silhouette heavily influenced by the Acura Precision Concept and faithfully translated from
the Type S Concept. The new TLX’s performance intentions are conveyed through its low and
wide stance, long dash-to-axle ratio, expansive hood, tapered greenhouse and pronounced rear
haunches. Relative to the previous model, the new TLX features a 3.7-inch longer wheelbase,
2.2-inch wider body with wider front and rear tracks (+1.2 in. and +1.6 in., respectively), lower
roof (-0.6 in.) and an extended dash-to-axle dimension (+7.8 in.).
At the front, a bolder and more upright diamond pentagon grille is flanked by signature,
next-generation Acura lighting cues previewed in the Type S Concept. These include new Jewel
Eye® LED headlights with four LED elements and bright-white “Chicane” LED daytime running
lights inspired by the championship-winning Acura ARX-05 Daytona Prototype race car.
The sedan’s sleek and dynamic side profile uses sheer, angled surfaces to create strong
light-and-shadow contrasts and to accentuate the sedan’s muscular rear wheel arches, which
lead into a rear section featuring a shorter overhang, upswept rear decklid, “Chicane” LED
taillights and exposed dual exhaust outlets.
The neatly tailored cabin section is set farther back on the body and features more
steeply inward-sloping roof pillars to further emphasize the TLX’s muscular low and wide2021 Acura TLX Reveal - 3
stance. The roof itself has been sculpted with a lower-set center section, defined by two inward
curving grooves, for a more distinctive look that conveys a sense of movement and lower
appearance.
A-Spec: Sport Package
Acura’s highly popular A-Spec sport package continues, adding distinctive sport
appearance upgrades inside and out. Unique exterior A-Spec features includes Shark Grey 19-
inch wheels, gloss black accents front to rear, darkened headlight and taillight treatment, and a
pronounced rear decklid spoiler.
Type S: High Performance Variant
Arriving spring 2021, the TLX Type S builds upon the A-Spec styling elements, elevating
TLX’s sporty appearance even further. At the front, a unique open-surface Diamond Pentagon
grille and larger side air intakes feed an all-new powerful V6 turbo engine developed for Acura
Type S models. Aerodynamic elements include a rear decklid spoiler, aggressive front splitter
and rear diffuser, and large quad exhaust outlets that harken back to the 2007-2008 TL Type S.
Two exclusive 20-inch wheels designs will be offered, a split-10 spoke design from the Type S
Concept and an NSX-inspired lightweight “Y-Spoke” wheel, both wrapped in 255-series
performance rubber. More details on the TLX Type S will be released closer to its on-sale date in
the spring of 2021.
Exclusive New Body and Chassis
The 2021 TLX is a sport sedan at its core, built on a new dedicated Acura sedan platform
designed for Type S-levels of performance. The new chassis heralds the return of double
wishbone front suspension to Acura’s top-selling sedan, offering more precise handling and
cornering grip, as well as greater mechanical compliance for improved ride quality. In addition,
the TLX chassis incorporates multiple new performance-focused engineering upgrades,
including a variable-ratio steering system, electro-servo brake-by-wire technology applied from
the NSX and an available driver selectable Adaptive Damper System.
The TLX’s all-new chassis is anchored to an advanced new body structure — NSX aside,
the most rigid ever offered on an Acura vehicle— delivering a 50 percent increase in global2021 Acura TLX Reveal - 4
torsional stiffness and up to a 100 percent improvement in localized rigidity where the
suspension is mounted to the body. The new structure uses 56 percent (by weight) advanced,
lightweight materials, including aluminum and press-hardened steel, more than any previous
Acura sedan.
An ultra-rigid new center tunnel serves as the backbone of the TLX’s higher structural
rigidity, complimented by triangulated front shock tower bars, front and rear underfloor braces,
a one-piece rear bulkhead stiffener and new cast-aluminum front shock tower mounts. Front-
to-rear weight balance is also improved by an extensive use of aluminum, including the front
bumper, hood, front fenders and front damper mounts, in addition to locating the 12-volt
battery in the trunk.
NSX Electro-Servo Brakes
First developed for the second-generation NSX, the new TLX utilizes a highly
sophisticated electric-servo brake system. This system allowed Acura engineers to finely tune
the brake pedal force and electronically control the brake pressure to optimize the vehicle’s
performance driving characteristics.
For the TLX Type S, multiple hardware upgrades will improve braking performance,
including larger discs and four-piston Brembo® front calipers complemented by performance-
focused tuning of the entire braking system.
Wheels and Tires
The TLX’s athletic stance is grounded by larger standard 18-inch (+1-in.) wheels and
available 19-inch wheels in various finishes, depending on trim. Performance-tuned 255-series
rubber provides 20 percent more lateral grip than the outgoing tires.
TLX Type S models will be equipped with 20-inch split-10 spoke alloy wheels finished in
Shark Gray. An optional lightweight wheel inspired by the NSX “Y-spoke” design will be offered
alongside a high-performance summer tire, further increasing grip while reducing unsprung
mass.
Two High-Output Turbo Powertrains
The new TLX will offer two, powerful and high-torque turbocharged engines.2021 Acura TLX Reveal - 5
Standard power comes from a 2.0-liter DOHC, direct-injected and turbocharged engine with
VTEC, mated to Acura’s incredibly responsive 10-speed automatic transmission with Sequential
SportShift. With peak output of 272 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE Net), the TLX’s
2.0-liter turbo boasts the highest horsepower in its core competitive set, delivering dramatic
gains in horsepower (+66) and torque (+98 lb.-ft. at peak, +123 lb.-ft. at 1,500 rpm) when
compared to the previous model’s naturally aspirated 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Compared to the
previous TLX’s optional 3.5-liter V6, the new 2.0-liter turbo delivers an additional 13 lb.-ft. of
peak torque, as well as an additional 48 lb.-ft. at 1,500 rpm.
When it arrives in spring 2021, the TLX Type S will deliver power from an all-new 3.0-
liter, 24-valve, DOHC direct-injected and turbocharged engine developed by some of the
company’s most experienced powertrain engineers, including members of the team that
developed the NSX’s bespoke twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid power unit. The new transverse-
mounted V6 will be highly compact and lightweight, utilizing a dual scroll turbocharger and
electronic wastegate to deliver immediate, high-torque response. Compared to the outgoing,
naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, the new engine delivers dramatic gains in peak horsepower
and, more critically, in torque, across the engine’s full operating range, including a more than
50-percent increase in low-end torque. Final specifications for the new engine, including power
output, will be released closer to launch timing.
Acura’s 10-speed automatic, with Sequential SportShift and standard paddle shifters,
takes full advantage of both turbocharged engines’ high-torque output, offering a wider ratio
range, more discrete gears, four-gear direct downshifts and a lower first gear compared to the
previous 8-speed dual-clutch and 9-speed automatic transmissions. Type S models will receive
unique transmission tuning to provide an aggressive and responsive characteristic during
performance driving scenarios.
Torque Vectoring SH-AWD®
Superior handling capabilities are now offered on all TLX models with the available rear-
biased Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), Acura’s industry-leading torque-vectoring
all-wheel drive technology. SH-AWD is offered as optional equipment on the 2.0-liter TLX and as
standard technology on the TLX Type S, the first Type S model to feature all-wheel drive.2021 Acura TLX Reveal - 6
Acura’s 4th-generation SH-AWD® system has 40 percent more rear torque capacity and
30 percent quicker front-to-rear torque transfer than the 3rd-generation system in the outgoing
TLX. The Acura SH-AWD® system in the new TLX transfers up to 70 percent of engine torque to
the rear axle during normal driving conditions, while continuously apportioning up to 100
percent of that rear-axle torque between either the left and right rear wheels. Additionally, the
rear axle is continuously overdriven by 2.9 percent, which amplifies the yaw moment effect of
left-to-right torque transfer, elevating performance through sharper and more accurate turn-in,
and improved traceability when cornering.
Driver-focused, Premium Cockpit Design
The 2021 TLX’s more premium, personal and tech-focused cabin takes inspiration from
the Acura Precision Cockpit’s intuitive functionality and flowing lines. Designed around the
desires of today’s luxury sport sedan enthusiasts, the TLX is tastefully appointed with available
authentic, high-grade materials including real aluminum, open-pore wood and full-grain Milano
leather.
Developed under the theme of “Dual Personal Cockpit,” the sedan’s new, more
luxurious interior places a strong emphasis on the driver and front-seat passenger. The TLX’s
high and wide center tunnel and wrap-around instrument panel create a more personal and
strongly delineated space for both front-seat occupants, while its wider body design enables
true first-class seating comfort for both, with top-of-class hip and shoulder room (+0.5 in. and
+0.7 in., respectively).
Both the driver and front passenger also benefit from the tailored design of Acura’s
advanced front sport seats, highly customizable with up to 16-way power adjustability. For the
driver, a stout leather-wrapped steering wheel, clean and clear instrumentation, and improved
forward visibility serve as the foundations for an in-command and exhilarating driving
experience.
A-Spec and Type S models feature unique details throughout the cabin, including a
thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather with contrast stitching
and larger metal-plated paddle shifters. In addition to unique materials and colors, the TLX Type2021 Acura TLX Reveal - 7
S interior is distinguished by Type S badging on the door sills, steering wheel and embossed
headrests.
Intuitive Technology and Connectivity
The 2021 TLX also incorporates a full array of Acura technologies designed for enhanced
comfort, connectivity and audio entertainment, starting with a new implementation of Acura’s
innovative and driver-oriented True Touchpad Interface™. This system features a high-mounted
10.2-inch HD display and a console mounted touchpad with “Absolute Position” mapping. For
more intuitive control, the TLX’s upgraded interface features physical Power, Volume and Seek
controls positioned within easy reach to the immediate right of the touchpad. Utilizing the
latest True Touchpad Interface software, the TLX offers more accurate swipe zones and
handwriting recognition, as well as other performance enhancements. In addition, an
ergonomically friendly wrist rest provides an anchor point for operation of the touchpad.
The 2021 TLX features a standard 7-inch full-color Multi-Information Display (MID) in
the center gauge cluster and an available 10.5-inch full-color Head-Up Display (HUD). The
available award winning Acura ELS STUDIO 3D® premium audio system features four ultra-slim
Highline™ ceiling-mounted speakers as well as a new Twin Telford™ subwoofer design.
The new TLX also features the latest generation of AcuraLink™ with in-vehicle 4GLTE Wi-
Fi, over-the-air software update capability and a wide array of available cloud-based services,
including emergency roadside assistance, remote locking/unlocking and engine start, stolen
vehicle tracking, remote diagnostics, geofencing, speed tracking and Acura concierge services.
Color and Trims
The new TLX will feature an expanded color palette with nine exterior finishes including
five premium colors. New to the TLX for 2021 is a distinguished Phantom Violet Pearl. The TLX
Type S will be offered in an exclusive, bold Tiger Eye Pearl. Apex Blue Pearl, previously available
only on A-Spec models, will be added to the Type S catalog.
A total of seven interior color options will be offered on the 2021 TLX. Ebony, Espresso,
Graystone and Parchment will be offered on the standard TLX models, depending on trim. TLX
A-Spec and TLX Type S models will feature either Ebony or Red Leather, both with black2021 Acura TLX Reveal - 8
Ultrasuede® inserts. Additionally, the TLX Type S will offer an exclusive Light Orchid leather
interior option.
Further enhancing the driving environment, the new TLX features available ambient LED
lighting throughout the cabin. The new system provides a unique interior ambient lighting
scheme that changes with each driving mode (Comfort, Normal, Sport), as well as 24 selectable
interior lighting schemes, each named after an iconic performance driving destination or track,
such as “Pacific Coast” and “Suzuka”.
Customizable Driving Performance
The 2021 TLX provides for a more versatile and personalized driving experience through
the use of Acura’s Integrated Dynamics System, now featuring an Individual Mode. As before,
the system integrates a multitude of powertrain and chassis systems, accessed via the drive
mode dial prominently positioned on the center console. Comfort, Normal and Sport modes
(and Sport+ on TLX Type S) incrementally dial up the sporting reflexes of the TLX using pre-set
programs for the Drive-By-Wire™ throttle, transmission, SH-AWD®, electric power steering,
available Adaptive Dampers and more.
An Acura-first, the 2021 TLX will feature an Individual Mode, activated by pushing the
Acura logo at the center of the drive mode dial. The new Individual Mode provides for discrete
control of all the same features, enabling the driver to choose their preferred individual settings
for each element of system control.
Advanced Safety and Driver-Assistive Technologies
All 2021 TLX models will come equipped with the AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety
and driver-assistive technologies standard. This includes several new features, such as Traffic
Sign Recognition (TSR), Driver Awareness Monitor and Traffic Jam Assist (TJA). Working in
conjunction with Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow, Traffic Jam Assist helps
reduce driver stress in highly congested traffic situations by helping keep the vehicle in its lane
and at a set interval behind a car detected ahead.
Additionally, the 2021 TLX features the first-ever application of the company’s new front
passenger airbag technology. This new proprietary airbag uses a three-chamber design that2021 Acura TLX Reveal - 9
functions much like a baseball catcher’s mitt, designed to more effectively cradle, and helping
to protect the front seat occupant’s head to help mitigate potential injury in more steeply
angled frontal collisions.
The new TLX also delivers advanced levels of passive safety (collision protection)
performance through the use of Acura’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™
(ACE™) body structure, which has been further refined to provide additional occupant
protection in a wider range of collision scenarios. Additional structural safety features include
ultra-high-strength-steel one-piece door rings and an ultra-stiff center tunnel that helps
optimize the absorption and direction of collision forces around the cabin.
Design, Development and Manufacturing
Design, engineering and development of the 2021 Acura TLX was conducted primarily in
America. Styling was led by Acura Design in Torrance, Calif., while full platform development
was led by engineers in the company’s development center in Raymond, Ohio. Engineering
development of the new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 was led by the company’s R&D center in
Tochigi, Japan.
The new TLX will be manufactured exclusively at the company’s Marysville, Ohio, plant
using domestic and globally sourced parts. The TLX’s 2.0-liter and 3.0-liter turbocharged
engines will be produced exclusively at the company’s Anna, Ohio, engine plant, also home to
the twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid power unit in the Acura NSX supercar. The 10-speed
automatic transmission will be manufactured exclusively at the company’s Tallapoosa, Georgia,
plant, and the SH-AWD® system’s front power takeoff unit and rear differential will be
manufactured in the company’s Russells Point, Ohio, plant.
2021 TLX Key Specs and Dimensions
2020 TLX 2021 TLX 2021 TLX Type S
Engine 2.4-liter Inline-4,
2.0-liter Turbo 3.0-liter Turbo
3.5-liter V6
Transmission 2.4L: 8-speed DCT,
10-speed AT 10-speed AT
3.5L: 9-speed AT2021 Acura TLX Reveal - 10
Super Handling All-Wheel
V6 models only Available Standard
Drive™
Peak Horsepower (SAE 2.4L: 206 2.0T: 272
Net) TBA
3.5L: 290 (2.4L: +66, 3.5L: -18)
Peak Torque (SAE Net) 2.4L: 182 2.0T: 280
TBA
3.5L: 267 (2.4L: +98, 3.5L: +13)
Front Suspension MacPherson Strut Front Double Wishbone Front Double Wishbone Front
Suspension Suspension Suspension
Rear Suspension Multi-Link Rear Multi-Link Rear Multi-Link Rear
Suspension Suspension Suspension
Steering Belt-driven electric Belt-driven electric
Electric power-assisted
power-assisted steering power-assisted steering
rack-and-pinion steering
with variable ratio with variable ratio
Braking Electro Servo
Hydraulic Assist Electro Servo
Brembo Front Brakes
Wheelbase (in.) 109.3 113.0 (+3.7) 113.0 (+3.7)
Length (in.) 191.7 194.6 (+2.9) 194.6 (+2.9)
Width (in.) 73.0 75.2 (+2.2) 75.2 (+2.2)
Height (in.) 57.0 56.4 (-0.6) 56.4 (-0.6)
Track (in.) F: 62.8 F: 64.0 (+1.2)
TBA
R: 63.1 R: 64.6 (+1.5)
EPA Passenger Volume
93.3 93.4 (+0.1) 93.4 (+0.1)
(cu. ft.)
Max Cargo Volume,
including rear underfloor 13.2 13.5 (+0.3) 13.5 (+0.3)
(cu. ft.)
About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a
commitment to expressive styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a
foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models –the TLX
performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the five-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV,
the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America's all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV, and the
next-generation, electrified NSX supercar. All Acura models sold in North America for the 2021
model year are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.You can also read
