It’s been a while since the 2021 Acura TLX was launched, but the performance-spec model was yet to be revealed. The company has now finally taken the wraps off it. Called the TLX Type S, it comes with an aggressive face and an exclusive exterior shade. It was the official pace car at this year’s Acura Sports Car Challenge held between May 14 and May 16, 2021.

The TLX Type S Is Very Different From The Standard TLX

For starters, it comes painted in a special Tiger Eye Pearl gold paint. Up front, it features an open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille for the engine to breathe better. Apart from this, the other distinguishing factors include a front splitter, rear diffuser, and large quad exhaust outlets. Acura has also noted that the car comes with two wheel designs, one of which is an NSX-inspired lightweight set.

On the inside, the pace car comes with a flat-bottom steering wheel for the sporty vibes. 16-way power seats even feature a side bolstering adjustment function. They come trimmed in Ultrasuede with ‘Type S’ embossing on the headrests. Furthermore, it even features an ELS Studio 17-speaker audio system.

The TLX Type-S Features A Bigger Engine

The TLX Type S comes with a 3.0-liter, turbocharged V-6 engine that makes 355 horses and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine is exclusive to the Type S models and is mated to a sport-tuned 10-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to all the wheels courtesy of a “Super-Handling” all-wheel-drive system. The car also comes with a Type S-exclusive Sport+ driving mode. Brembo brakes at the front take care of the braking duties.

In comparison, the standard TLX is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged mill that churns out 272 horses and 280 pound-feet of twist. Power is sent to the front wheels as standard via a 10-speed automatic gearbox, but you can also opt for the all-wheel-drive system.

Conclusion

The Acura Sports Car Challenge was held over the past weekend from May 14 to May 16. The race took place at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Helio Castroneves, who was part of the WTR winning driver lineup at the Rolex 24, served as Grand Marshall for the event. Mazda won the Pole Award whereas Wayne Taylor Racing scored the first Mid-Ohio victory.