How Much Power Does the Redesigned 2021 Acura TLX Type S Put Down?

Acura's new sport sedan looks the part after a 13-year hiatus with its 3.0L V6 - but how powerful is it? Here's a closer look.

Spectators at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course attending the Acura Sports Car Challenge were lucky to get a first-hand look at the new 2021 Acura TLX Type S that recently debuted as the pace car. Here, we look closer at the horsepower and other specifications of this much-anticipated offering from Acura. We’ll look at the powertrain and drivetrain, standard confirmed features, and the interior.

It has been 13 long years since Acura gave the world the last TLX Type S. Its use as the pace car strongly suggests that Acura is putting a lot of energy and resources into making a comeback successful. 

Powertrain and Drivetrain

2021 Acura TLX Type S
2021 TLX Type S. Photo: Acura

Acura has confirmed that the 2021 TLX Type S will come with a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine outputting 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. That powertrain will be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s AWD drivetrain with torque vectoring.  How does that compare to the previous Acura TLX? In short, there’s a lot more power. The older model only managed 272 hp and 280 lb0ft of torque.

2021 TLX 2.0L vs TLX Type S: Performance specs compared

SpecTLX 2.0TTLX Type S
Engine2.0L Turbo, 4-cylinder3.0L Turbo, V6
Transmission10-speed ATSport Tuned 10-speed AT
AWDOptionalStandard
Horsepower272-hp355-hp
Torque280354
Wheels18 x 8.0 Multi-Spoke20 x 9.0 Shark Gray Multi-Spoke (20 x 9.0 Lightweight Y-Spoke optional)
Tires235/50 R18 97V Bridgestone Turanza All-Seasons255/35 R20 97Y Pirelli All-Season
Avail. Pirelli P Zero Summer

Standard Confirmed Features

On the mechanical side, we know that Acura is installing a double-wishbone front suspension and Brembo four-piston front brakes to complement the Sport+ driving mode, which will be delivered as an exclusive mode just on the Type S. It seems a fitting addition given that Acura debuted the Type S for the first time in public as a racetrack pace car.

2021 Acura TLX Type S interior
2021 TLX Type S. Photo: Acura

Other distinct exterior design features include an open-surface diamond pentagon grille, which is being seen for the first time — perhaps exclusively — on this new TLX Type S model for 2021. At the rear of the Type S, you’ll find a rather fetching set of large quad exhaust tips, which fans hoping for a new TLX with real racing DNA will find a great addition.

Finally, buyers will be able to stick with the 20” alloys with all-season tires or swap them out for Pirelli P Zero summer tires. Other features that were standard on the base-level TLX will also be there, such as navigation, ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, and more.

2021 TLX TYPE S on the track driving
2021 TLX Type S. Photo: Acura

The six exterior colour options are augmented by three interior colour schemes. Driver and passenger will sit on Ultrasuede-trimmed 16-way power seats that come with adjustable side bolsters and unique Type S embroidery on the headrests.

Some key interior standards on the Type S you won’t find standard on the 2.0L model includes:

  • Acura Navigation with 3D View
  • Wireless Charging Pad
  • ELS Studio 3D 17 Speaker, 710 watts with Twin Telford Subs
  • 16-way Power Front Seats
  • Flat Bottom Sport Steering Wheel
  •  Aluminum Trim
  • Ambient LED Lighting
  • Remote Engine Start

Release date: Available from June 23 in Limited Numbers

Another thing we know about this Acura TLX Type S is that it will arrive in dealerships starting June 23. What’s more, we know that it will be a limited production run of just 2,000 units of this 2021 model. Many outlets anticipate that Acura will offer a bigger production run for a 2022 model-year version, but if you want to get your hands on the post-hiatus 2021 model, you’ll have to act fast.

Interior and exterior 2021 Acura TLX Type S pictures

Up Next:
Author:
News Editor
News Editor
Bringing the latest news including release dates, pricing announcements, product updates. With some glossy concepts and special edition rides in the mix.