2015 Acura TLX Prototype And TLX GT Race Car Debut At NAIAS
2015 Acura TLX Prototype along with TLX GT Race Car was exclusively introduced at the North American International Auto Show. The prototype was developed around the theme "Red Carpet Athlete" and it actually shows how a car can deliver a blend of luxury refinement and sports-sedan athleticism, with exhilarating performance. In fact, TLX joins the ILX and RLX as the third vehicle in brand's sedan lineup.
The exterior of the TLX Prototype was decided in Acura's Athletic Red Pearl paint. It expresses the sporting character of the car, which is additionally emphasized through its low and wide stance, shortened front and rear overhangs, dynamically sculpted fender arches, and purposeful character lines.
The vehicle also sports Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights which add advanced and bright-eyed appearance while producing superior down-the-road illumination. In addition, the car runs on custom-made five-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels fitted 265/35ZR20 low-profile tires. On the other hand, the sculpted hood with its sharply creased bilateral ridgelines hints at the performance capabilities of new Acura powertrain.
Another exclusive feature is the tailor-made side mirrors, which have a row of LED lights fused into their base. In terms of dimension, the TLX Prototype is 3.8 inches than the current TL, but still has the same 109.3 inch wheelbase. Despite the more compact exterior, TLX has spacious interior with an open and airy greenhouse, commanding sight lines, ample cargo capacity and seating for five persons.
TLX will be offered as a two-wheel or an all-wheel drive variant; with two high-performance, highly fuel-efficient new engines; two new advanced transmissions; and the next generation Acura Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) dynamic performance and handling technologies.
In details, the powertrains are the new 2.4-liter 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with direct-injection and Acura's i-VTEC® valvetrain. The first unit is coupled with new 8-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) with torque converter.
For even greater power and performance, there is available the 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 that also employs direct injection and VTEC variable valve control and cam timing along with fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation technology. The unit is matched with a new 9-speed automatic transmission with closely spaced gear ratios and a wide overall ratio range. Both powertrains utilize Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) technology with independent left and right rear wheel toe control.
Furthermore, the TLX will include an Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) to allow for further personalization and a sportier driving experience. The system features four driving modes - ECON (Economy), Normal, Sport, and a new Sport+. Depending on the mode, it adjusts the Electric Power Steering (EPS), throttle response, SH-AWD and P-AWS control logic, transmission shift mapping, Active Noise Control settings and HVAC control in accordance with the preferences of the driver.
The prototype also uses the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure and will be available with Acura's most advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies like Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow and Blind Spot Indicator (BSI).
Under the lights of the Show in Detroit also was the entirely new 2015 Acura TLX GT Race Car. With its reveal Acura Motorsport announced its plans to move up to the GT category of the growing and highly competitive Pirelli World Challenge Championship.
There it will compete next to the Audi R8 LMS, Cadillac CTS-V, Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper, Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes SLS, Nissan GTR, Porsche 911 and Ferrari 458. The racer was developed from the production Acura TLX by HPD.
To be more precise, the TLX GT Race Car will include HPD chassis and aerodynamic performance parts approved for Pirelli World Challenge competition, and will be powered by a direct-injected twin-turbocharged V6 engine. In addition, it was announced that the vehicle will use brand's Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).
Source: Acura
