First Type S in Canada in 10 years
TLX Type S marks first in return of performance badge
The Type S is back. Acura has just revealed the sportiest version of its new TLX sedan, making a return for the badge after a 10-year absence for the badge from Canadian roads (and 13 years from the US). It adds an S-specific twin-turbo V6, a sport-tuned chassis, and Acura says it’s the quickest and best-handling Type S they’ve done yet.
That 3.0L twin-turbo V6 is the heart of the 2021 Acura TLX Type S, making 355 hp and 354 lb-ft, more power than any previous car to wear the Type S badge. Putting that power to the ground are 255-wide Pirelli P-Zero summer tires mounted on wheels inspired by those on the NSX.
Acura has heavily revised the chassis including a new double-wishbone front suspension that gives the car optimal geometry when cornering. A Sport+ drive mode has been added to deliver optimum performance from engine and transmission as well as the Super-Handling all wheel drive, and Brembo brakes are there to handle stopping duties.
There are cosmetic changes to the car including a Tiger Eye Pearl exclusive to the Type S, along with an open-surface grille that allows more airflow as well as quad-exit exhaust tips.
Inside are Ultrasuede-trimmed power sports seats with 16-way adjustment including to the bolstering while they can be covered in an Orchid leather that is only on Type S models of the 2021 TLX. It comes with Advance package interior options including the ELS Studio 17-speaker audio system.
Acura says that the 2021 TLX Type S headed to showrooms in late May, with a US MSRP that will start in the “low $50,000s.”