At this year's past Detroit Auto Show, Acura rolled out the red carpet for its candy apple red TLX Concept car. If we had taken a time machine back to the early 2000s, we don't think you'd really notice much of a difference between the cars it built then and now.
As expected, consumers will have a choice of motors — a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter six cylinder — and a choice of drivetrains. All-wheel drive remains exclusive to the 3.5-liter variant.
The good news is that there are some serious advancements in the transmission department. Buyers will be able to choose from an eight-speed dual-clutch 'box on the 2.4-liter and a nine-speed autobox in the 3.5-liter car. No word on shift-it-yourself transmissions and if they'll be available.
Typically, automakers release initially information to get the press and consumers excited. But, I have to be cynical and ask: does ANYONE actually care?
So, do YOU?
Acura's press release follows:
2015 Acura TLX to Debut at the 2014 New York International Auto Show
TLX to deliver higher levels of luxury refinement and sports-sedan athleticism with thrilling performance
The production Acura TLX performance-luxury sedan will make its world debut at the 2014 New York International Auto Show. Designed to compete in the midsize luxury segment, the 2015 Acura TLX will deliver higher levels of luxury refinement and sports-sedan athleticism with exhilarating performance enhanced by next-generation Acura powertrain and dynamic-handling technologies.
The 2015 TLX will offer two advanced new powertrains – a 2.4-liter 16-valve, direct-injected i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine mated to an all-new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with torque converter; and a 3.5-liter 24-valve direct-injected i-VTEC V-6 mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission.
Two-wheel-drive models, available with either the 2.4- or 3.5-liter powerplants, will utilize the next-generation of Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS™) technology with independent left and right rear-wheel toe angle control. The TLX SH-AWD™, available exclusively with the 3.5-liter powerplant, will employ a next-generation Super-Handling All Wheel Drive™ system that is 25-percent lighter and incorporates new torque-vectoring control logic.
The TLX was designed to deliver vault-like quietness in all driving conditions, with major improvements in noise reduction through enhancements to body stiffness, body sealing and sound insulation, and the application of electronic Active Noise Control. The TLX will be available with Acura's most advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies including 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).
The Acura press conference is scheduled for 1:50 p.m. (EST) on April 16, 2014 inside the Jacob Javits Convention Center. The conference can also be viewed live on www.youtube.com/acura. For members of the media, press materials and photography will be posted at www.acuranews.com immediately following the press conference.