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Acura Type S concept unveiled

The Acura Type S concept has been unveiled ahead of its in-the-flesh debut at Monterey Car Week.


Acura says the new concept previews the next-generation TLX Type S sedan. Regular flavours of the second-generation TLX are rumoured to debut next year.

With its slinky silhouette, smooth surfaces and sharp creases, the Type S is latest evolution of Acura's "precision crafted" design language.

The concept features the slimmest, and most attractive, iteration of its diamond pentagonal grille, as well as headlights and tail-lights with chicane-inspired graphics.

To highlight the car's sporty intent, the Type S concept is also fitted with a carbon-fibre boot-lid spoiler, four exhaust tips, large air intakes, and a rear diffuser.

The concept rides on 21-inch alloy wheels with 285mm wide tyres. Stopping ability comes courtesy of drilled Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers.

No word on the Type S' drivetrain, but Honda has said it is developing a turbocharged V6 engine, which will be exclusive to Acura.

There's no word yet on which wheels are driven, but given the car's long front overhang and the proximity of the wheel arches to the base of the windscreen, it's very likely the car runs on a front-wheel drive platform.

Given the brand's history, and a need to quell torque steer, the TLX Type S will likely employ an evolution of Honda's SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system.

When the TLX Type S goes on sale, it will revive a nameplate that's been dormant for about a decade.

Between the 2001 and 2008 model years, Acura sold a number of Type S models in the US, including the CL coupe, TL sedan and RSX coupe (essentially a rebadged Honda Integra).

All featured more powerful engines, retuned suspension and sportier styling.

Locally, the Type S designation was last used on the final generation of the Integra. The name was also used on a version of the Honda Civic hatch sold in Europe.

In addition to the TLX Type S, Honda's luxury arm says it is planning a second Type S model, although it hasn't provided any indication of which car it will be based on.

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