Honda’s US-focused Acura premium brand used the Detroit motor show to whip the covers off its TLX ‘concept’, and the car in question could be a pointer to the next-gen Accord Euro destined for our market.
The existing Accord Euro is a cousin of the Acura TSX (which was launched in 2009), but this vehicle is due to be replaced by the production version of the TLX, which goes on sale in the US later this year.
When the TSX ends production over the coming months, the TLX will slot into Acura’s sedan line-up between the compact-sized ILX and the flagship RLX.
The TLX concept measures 4831mm from bumper to bumper, which means it’s about 90mm longer than the Accord Euro, and its 2776mm wheelbase represents a 71mm stretch vis-à-vis the latter, so it promises greater levels of cabin room
Acura has announced the production version of the TLX will be offered with a choice of two engines – a lighter and more efficient 2.4-litre four-cylinder hooked up to a new eight-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) driving the front wheels, and a 3.5-litre V6 mated to a new nine-speed auto relaying power to either the front or all four wheels.
The all-paw version of the TLX comes with the latest generation of the brand’s Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) technology with a new torque-vectoring system. It’s also claimed to be lighter than the previous version.
The TLX will be built at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio plant in the US, and the production version is expected to be revealed at the New York motor show in April.
The TLX concept adheres to Acura’s familiar sharp-edged design language, with a beak-like nose and five-spoke 20-inch rims contributing to a far sportier stance than the outgoing TL and TSX (that said, expect the production car to be toned down somewhat).
There are a few hints of the Lexus IS and Infiniti Q50 in the car’s styling, but its overall proportions are pleasing and it manages to look not overly derivative.
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