I think that the car gods that deliver new test cars every week must be teasing me; the new cars just keep getting better, and better. This current Acura TLX sports sedan is a classic model with amazing engineering and some pioneering of new safety features. They even offer a 24,000 miles two-year complimentary maintenance program that comes with the suggested manufacturer’s list price of $63,270.
This TLX is a mean looking dude, designed low and wide with “Urban Gray Pearl” paint, “Shark Gray” 20”/ “Berline Black” wheels with racing famous Pirelli “Centurato” P7 tires. The front brakes feature red caliper four-piston Brembo brakes that complement the sloping hood racing car appearance.
It’s not all glamour, this is a 3.0L turbo six-cylinder motor producing 355 horsepower and is made at a special engine factory in Anna, Ohio, with the final assembly of this Acura, and sister Integra models, in Marysville, Ohio. All Acura models are made in America.
The powerful package has improvements in “quick throttle response” that works in harmony with a 10-speed transmission and paddle shifters. Twin chrome tail exhaust pipes bid “adieu” to any laggards on the freeway.
Appearance, first-class, power train better than first-class… Let’s go inside the cabin with the seats finished in red Melano leather with an ELS premium sound system and LED ambient cabin lighting. The 12.3” cockpit digital instrument panel cluster offers an assortment of information including gasoline fuel consumption, running around 22 mpg driven in sport mode.
The camera system is awesome with both sharp rear images complimented by an aerial view that shows precisely the distance of rear parking lot vehicles. Acura has also made advances in radar camera on distance shown in all directions including frontal drive lanes.
The state of Colorado highways are dismal, with harsh winter weather taking a toll on asphalt with many cracks, and potholes and major wear and tear inflicted on vehicles. This puts a strain on tires and suspension systems but this Acura has a strong suspension system with front double wishbone and rear link suspension to cushion those rough roads. Precise electric steering adds to the steering control and the electronic all-wheel drive.
The front “Diamond Pentagon” grille adds to the luxurious appearance of this TLX sport sedan. How nice to have the phone charger up close to the center console rather than buried deep under the dashboard. Two smart phone chargers located in the rear seating area for passenger convenience.
Acura has been building these vehicles for the past 35 years and have mastered the art of creating state-of-the art transportation with every safety feature in their “Safety Watch System.” Especially appreciated are the traffic sign recognition windshield alert warnings with schools opening this past week.
The “Jewel Eye” LED headlights light up the night with the daytime “Chicano” LED running lights for daytime running safety.
Acura has equipped the TLX with next generation front passenger airbag technology that just adds additional safety to this outstanding Acura package.
I would like to keep this sedan.