The 2021 Acura TLX debuts on May 28, but the automaker's teaser campaign continues to let out little details about the new model. The sedan will ride on a new platform that will be exclusive to the Acura brand, and it'll have a double-wishbone front suspension. The brand touts the new TLX as "the quickest, best-handling, and most well-appointed sport sedan in Acura history."
Today, a MacPherson strut suspension is far common than a double-wishbone layout. The MacPherson setup is less complex by having fewer joints, but the double-wishbone offers better control of the wheel's camber, caster, and toe angles. In general, double wishbones are the preferred setup for performance-oriented vehicles because they generally result in better handling. Older Acuras also opted for this design like on the 1986-1995 Legend, 1990-2001 Integra, and 1996-2014 TL.
Gallery: 2021 Acura TLX Teasers
In addition to the standard version of the TLX, Acura will revive the Type S name for a performance version for the sedan. It will use a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, but the company won't reveal the engine's output yet. The Type S will also come with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. The body will show off the extra power by a trunk lip spoiler, four, circular exhaust outlets, and a diffuser.
Design trademark images indicate that the new TLX looks a whole lot like the Type S concept. There's a long hood that leads to an arching roofline that splits the difference between a traditional sedan and a coupe-like appearance. Leaked photos of the interior show a screen emerging from the top of the dashboard and an angled center stack. On the console, there's a touchpad for controlling the system.
The New TLX Is On The Way:
Following the upcoming debut, look for the 2021 TLX to be on sale in the United States before the end of the year. At this time, it's not clear whether the regular version and the Type S arrive on the market at the same time, but Acura should answer this question at the premiere.
Source: Acura
2021 Acura TLX Built on Dedicated Sport Sedan Architecture with Double Wishbone Front Suspension
May 26, 2020 — TORRANCE, CALIF.
Technical teaser image previews the TLX’s new chassis and double wishbone front suspension
2021 TLX will be the quickest, best-handling and most well-appointed sport sedan in Acura history
Digital reveal of the 2021 TLX set for Thursday, May 28 at 10:00 a.m. PDT
The 2021 Acura TLX, to be digitally revealed on Thursday, May 28, is built on an all-new, Acura-exclusive sport sedan platform. The new TLX’s dedicated architecture is designed for Type S levels of performance and includes a highly rigid body and a performance-focused chassis highlighted by the return of double wishbone front suspension.
The new TLX’s front suspension uses two wishbone-shaped control arms, in place of the more common Macpherson strut setup in many competing sport sedans, to deliver more precise control of wheel camber, caster and toe angles, and to maximize tire-to-ground contact for exceptional handling precision and cornering grip. Due to its inherent performance-enhancing attributes, double wishbone suspension underpins the second-generation NSX supercar and was a staple of Acura performance products of the past, including the Legend (1986-1995), Integra (1990-2001), TL and TL Type S (1996-2014), and first-generation NSX (1991-2005).
The new TLX will make its public debut in a short film viewable at acura.com/2021-TLX on Thursday, May 28 at 10:00 a.m. PDT.
About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to evocative styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models –the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the five-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America's all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV, and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar. All Acura models sold in North America for the 2021 model year are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.
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