Print
The 2021 TLX Type S builds on Acura’s racing heritage to deliver nimble handling and responsive power for drivers who enjoy sports-tuned performance.
A turbocharged 3.0-liter DOHC V6 incorporates technologies from the twin-turbo NSX supercar to produce 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, making the TLX Type S the best performing Acura sedan ever. The Type S engine also powers upcoming 2022 MDX Type S.
Previously available on select models from the 2001-2008 model years, Type S is recognized by driving enthusiasts who seek a more dynamic driving experience with more power, improved handling and stronger braking. With the Type S Turbo V6 and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive with true torque vectoring, the TLX Type S takes this philosophy to new heights.
Assembled in the company’s 2.5-million sq. ft. Anna Engine Plant in Anna, Ohio, the Type S Turbo V6 was developed in Japan under the guidance of Akio Matsuda, TLX Type S powertrain development leader. The concept of the engine began in America with Matsuda playing a key role in its strategic development.
“While I was in Ohio, I was involved in the strategy development phase of this Type S Turbo V6 engine,” Matsuda said. “I remember how excited I was, along with the rest of the Acura engine development team, when it was decided to start developing this high-performance, environmentally responsible engine that we had proposed with our North American associates.”
Along with the Type S Turbo V6, the all-new TLX Type S features a sport-tuned, quicker shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. It also has been strengthened to handle the increased horsepower and torque of the new engine. Standard torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive has been optimized for the performance demands of the Type S driver.
The Type S Turbo V6 features all-aluminum construction, compact dimensions, dual overhead camshafts, 24-valves, direct injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger. Its block is unique, sharing only bore spacing and a 60-degree angle with the highly-regarded 3.5-liter V6 that has powered various Acura models.
Significant differences between the two include the 3.0-liter’s 6-bolt sintered main caps for increased crank rigidity and durability and a fully square 86 mm bore and stroke.
The Type S Turbo V6 employs a single twin-scroll turbocharger, which is fed exhaust pressure by the rear and front cylinder banks through independent internal paths. Turbo lag is minimized, and throttle response is optimized as the engine’s rear bank of cylinders pressurizes the smaller diameter scroll of the turbo’s turbine, while the front bank feeds the larger diameter.
A primary goal of the new Type S Turbo V6 was to implement Variable Cylinder Management to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. VCM operates the engine with three cylinders in a wide range of situations, switching seamlessly to six-cylinder operation when more power is needed.
“I remember the first time I was able to feel the performance of the all-new Type S,” said Craig Brazeau, Type S powertrain development engineer. “I was in a prototype car at Acura’s Ohio proving grounds and I can say it was an amazing experience to finally feel that level of performance, see our concept come to life and witness the culmination of all the technologies that we worked on together in developing this amazingly fun-to-drive sports sedan.”
Copyright © 2024 by Sensible Driver. All rights reserved.
