The double wishbone suspension was pioneered by French car maker Citroën 90 years ago, but it’s only now coming to the Acura TLX. The redesigned 2021 Acura TLX is set to reposition the car as a true driver’s automobile and set about reinvigorating the brand’s identity.
Though the cover won’t officially be pulled off the model until tomorrow, there are already some details we know.
Type S is slated to be Acura’s next step in the performance pyramid. Think of it as the equivalent of Audi’s S models (like the S4 and S6). The automaker says that the model will be, “the quickest, best-handling, and most well-appointed sports sedan in Acura history.”
Acura teases redesigned TLX for 2021, confirming the Type S.
Photo courtesy of Acura
With the teaser photo put out last week, Acura showed just the rear of the car. There, in addition to the badging is a quad exhaust, LED taillights, a fin antenna on the roof, flared fenders, and SH-AWD badging. The SH-AWD badging denotes that the model comes equipped with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. This version of all-wheel drive is available on the current TLX and can transfer up to 45 percent of engine power to the rear wheels, giving the car additional traction in slippery conditions.
We also know that the TLX Type S will be the first model in Acura’s lineup to to feature the company’s new dedicated turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. Look for the car to have upwards of 300 horsepower. The 2020 TLX has an available V6 that produces 290 horsepower.
Though not shown in the first teaser photo, the front of the car will follow the current Acura design language, which was set in place by the Precision Concept, which debuted in 2016 at the North American International Auto Show.
Now, we’re learning more about the car’s underpinnings. The new TLX will be built on fresh architecture that was designed for Acura sports sedans. It’s a performance-focused chassis that has a double wishbone front suspension, the same as what is in the redesigned 2021 BMW 5 Series and the current Acura NSX. This is in place of the common MacPherson strut setup that is favored by many other sedans.
The reasoning for using this type of suspension is simple. It allows the driver to enjoy a more engaging drive, whether on a highway or carving up a curvy road.
We’ll see more of the TLX tomorrow. Stay tuned.
