Acura Type S Concept Looks Absolutely Gorgeous
The whole of Acura has been viewed as some sort of dystopian nightmare of bad concepts, designs, and jumbled launches and models all heading in no particular direction for no apparent reason. Did we get it about right? With the introduction of the Type S concept, we may be seeing a break from the nonstop puzzle parade that has become Acura.
Executive Creative Director Dave Marek has been promising that a new Acura was around the corner. We could see a bit of Acura shine from the NSX, but unfortunately, it got swallowed up with everything Ford GT when they both debuted at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. For the $160,000 sticker price, it better illuminate.
But the NSX is an outlier, much like the Ford GT is to the rest of the Ford line. It’s a big leap tying the NSX to the current Acura line of cars. Until now.
Next Acura TLX?
From what we’ve heard, the Type S concept is a thinly disguised next-generation Acura TLX. If the production version stays close to the concept it would appear that Acura is truly making a comeback, and Marek is true to his word. (Not that we ever doubted you, Dave.)
Of course, the Type S was always the performance variant of the regular coupe. Acura says, “Type S models will deliver a high-performance driving experience with quicker acceleration, nimbler handling and stronger braking performance than conventional Acura models.” OK, then.
Type S Legacy
Acura is following the path laid down with the first Type S back in 2001. The 2001-2003 first-generation Type S Acuras increased power from the 3.2 liter V6 to 260 hp from the standard 225 hp. Available with a five-speed automatic with manual shifting function, a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, and quicker steering, the Type S option got you a crisper-handling Acura.
For 2002-2003 the TL Type S came out with all of the same mods seen in the first Type S, minus the six-speed manual transmission that became available in 2003.
The 2002-2006 RSX Type S got the new 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder banger with 200 hp tied to a six-speed manual transmission. For 2005 Acura upped the power to 210 hp and added a rear wing.
The third-gen TL Type S came along in 2007, powered by a 286 hp 3.5 liter V6. A six-speed manual transmission was available, with Brembo brakes, Type S wheels, sport suspension, and quad exhaust. This version was available through 2008.
No Bad Beak
With this latest Type R concept, which Acura says, “will heavily influence the character of the upcoming, second-generation TLX Type S.” Carbon fiber body bits and 21-inch wheels with Brembo brakes and drilled rotors look as good as the original Type S coupes. You know, before the bad beak and weird coupe/sedan crossover madness.
The design originates from the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, California, which Marek is chief majordomo along with Chief Designer Ben Davidson and the rest of the Acura design team. We can only hope that Acura has its mojo back and will be following the lead set by the coupe concept for a new beginning of performance Acuras like the good old days.
Pebble Beach Debut
It will debut Sunday at the Pebble Beach Concours ‘d’Elegance on the Concept Lawn.
By the way, Acura calls the blue metallic we see in the concept images “Double Apex Blue Pearl.”
Check out the teaser vid below:
