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Why is this car being called a 2021 when it's going on sale in May 2020? The 2021's are all just about done everywhere else.
I assume you mean sale in May 2021. Yes a bit of a late launch for a 2021 Model Year. But there could be a multitude of reasons. Maybe it'll be a super abbreviated production run of "launch edition" vehicles and they'll introduce the 2022 model year with some changes/enhancements later in this fall/winter along normal model year timing.
It also avoids having a long span potentially for the 2022 model year. If the 2022 launched now and had to live through the end of 2022 calendar year, it can be problematic for residual values as well as product news/marketing elements.
I assume you mean sale in May 2021. Yes a bit of a late launch for a 2021 Model Year. But there could be a multitude of reasons. Maybe it'll be a super abbreviated production run of "launch edition" vehicles and they'll introduce the 2022 model year with some changes/enhancements later in this fall/winter along normal model year timing.
It also avoids having a long span potentially for the 2022 model year. If the 2022 launched now and had to live through the end of 2022 calendar year, it can be problematic for residual values as well as product news/marketing elements.
The trend has been to reach for the latest possible "model year" number on a release. It makes it sound like the car is from the future, which one ups everyone else and sparks enthusiasm. The legal month allowed has been creeping up over the last few decades (I believe it's now January, or eleven months prior to the calendar year change). Manufacturers favor an early jump on the model year, so the only explanation here with Acura is the vehicle was delayed, but they didn't want to file for a different year title or certification.
All my looking online points to the motor being a J series engine. Nice.
It may be based on a J series block but it has new heads, it is a DOHC engine where a J series has always been SOHC and NA. This new engine was supposed to have a timing chain from patent pics but recent photos show a timing belt which lead many to believe it is some kind of heavily modified J series block though it still could be a new design.
The NSX uses the JNC1 DOHC 3.5L which is bespoke to the NSX, though I wouldn't rule out Acura using it as a template to create a smaller 3.0L DOHC V6 for the TLX Type-S.
Whatever they end up calling the Type-S V6, it's probably safe to say it's a Turbo J-Series
The trend has been to reach for the latest possible "model year" number on a release. It makes it sound like the car is from the future, which one ups everyone else and sparks enthusiasm. The legal month allowed has been creeping up over the last few decades (I believe it's now January, or eleven months prior to the calendar year change). Manufacturers favor an early jump on the model year, so the only explanation here with Acura is the vehicle was delayed, but they didn't want to file for a different year title or certification.
Definitely could have been delays, but the reasons I mentioned are also quite possible and have real impacts to sales strategies and financials that I've consulted with countless OEMs on.
I didn't see this mentioned yet. Pricing announced:
Those who want the added power, performance, and prestige of the 2021 Acura TLX's Type S version will have to pay a hefty premium for it. The V-6–powered Type S starts at $53,325, which is around $13,000 more than a four-cylinder TLX with all-wheel drive.
The Type S comes standard with a 355-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. There's only a single option available: $800 for a set of Pirelli P Zero summer tires and lightweight five-spoke 21-inch wheels to replace the standard all-season rubber. The Type S also comes standard with many features that are optional on the base TLX, such as navigation, a premium audio system, cooled front seats, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Unfortunately, its slow. I don't see this winning many converts at this point but the die hard Acura fans will appreciate it. For $54k, at least its pretty much cheaper than anything else on the market in its segment except for the Genesis G70 (which I'd rather have).
Nice! So $53,325, and pretty much monospec, with the only option at being summer tires and 21" Wheels for $800.
There's only a single option available: $800 for a set of Pirelli P Zero summer tires and lightweight five-spoke 21-inch wheels to replace the standard all-season rubber.
Well under the $60K+ mark and Well positioned price wise for what it is in my opinion.
For those wondering why a 2021, looks like a pretty abbreviated run as I suspected. I would guess that they'll announce some new colors for the 2022 to keep the news cycle rolling.
Type S models will reach dealerships June 23, and Acura says it will only produce 2000 units of the 2021 model year TLX Type S. We assume the Type S will be available more widely for the 2022 model year, which should arrive later this year.
Unfortunately, its slow. I don't see this winning many converts at this point but the die hard Acura fans will appreciate it. For $54k, at least its pretty much cheaper than anything else on the market in its segment except for the Genesis G70 (which I'd rather have).
How do you know it is slow? There have been no official tests. One guy got 5.1, 4.9, then 4.7 sec 0-60 on his data recorder and it was quicker then a Audi S4 in every makeshift drag race they did. That is pretty good for under 55K, about on par with competitors in that price range.
How do you know it is slow? There have been no official tests. One guy got 5.1, 4.9, then 4.7 sec 0-60 on his data recorder and it was quicker then a Audi S4 in every makeshift drag race they did. That is pretty good for under 55K, about on par with competitors in that price range.
I guess its cheaper than the competitors but the M340 is ~4s flat, The cheaper G70 does it in 4.5s which is comparable and the IS500 will probably be in the low 4s given its near 500hp although more expensive. Also, C&D tested the S4 at 4.2s 0-60
Alex on Autos
