Unveiled at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit recently, the Acura TLX Prototype is a thinly-veiled preview of the brand's new production model that will be launched later this year. Looks wise, it's as you'd expect from Honda's luxury arm, but the technology behind it is far more interesting.
The upcoming 2015 Acura TLX is labelled as a performance luxury sedan, and will sit in between the base ILX and flagship RLX models in Acura's sedan line-up in North America. Effectively it will replace both the current TL and TSX models, streamlining the bloated model range.
Only the motor show-style 20-inch wheels and novel wing mirrors are said to be prototype-specific. There rest of the car, including Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, will make it to the production car as is. Underneath the pretty clothes lies the same platform used in the current Honda Accord.
Two direct-injection engines will be offered: a 2.4 litre i-VTEC motor with a eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 3.5 litre SOHC VTEC V6 with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation technology that's paired to a new nine-speed automatic gearbox.
Standard front-wheel drive models will feature the Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) technology, while the range topping variant offers the Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system as an option. User-programmable Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) will be available too.
Also revealed is the Acura TLX GT Race Car, which will be entered into the Pirelli World Challenge GT Class. Prepared by Honda Performance Development (HPD), it features chassis and aerodynamic tweaks, a production-based twin-turbo V6 engine as well as SH-AWD.
Acura TLX Prototype
Acura TLX GT Race Car
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