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2015 Acura TLX Rolls into New York in Production Format

Designed as what the automaker describes as a "red carpet athlete," the new 2015 Acura TLX aims to provide sports sedan athleticism combined with a premium luxury interior. The 2015 TLX replaces the TSX and the TL in Acura's lineup, and the automaker says it heralds the start of a new era for the brand.

Smaller and lighter than the outgoing TL yet equipped with the same wheelbase and passenger seating distance between the front and rear seats, the 2015 Acura TLX is built on an all-new platform incorporating the automaker's latest Advanced Compatibility Engineering structure. Three versions go on sale later this year: TLX, TLX V-6, and TLX V-6 SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive).

The standard 2015 Acura TLX has a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 206 horsepower and 182 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission that delivers rev-matching downshifts when the car is driven vigorously. A 3.5-liter V-6 engine is standard for the TLX V-6, equipped with fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management and rated to make 290 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque. A new 9-speed automatic transmission with a novel push-button gear selector is standard, and the driver can also use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

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The 2015 Acura TLX V-6 SH-AWD sits atop the lineup, equipped with a new, lightweight version of Acura's torque-vectoring (SH-AWD) system. A fuel-conserving idle-stop system is standard, and Active Control engine mounts reduce vibration when the 290-horsepower engine re-starts. Acura expects the TLX to return between 25 mpg and 28 mpg in combined driving, depending on the version.

The new Acura TLX is equipped with Amplitude Reactive Dampers, motion-adaptive electric steering, and an Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) that adjusts the car's steering, throttle, transmission, climate system, and active sound control to one of four driver-selected settings: Econ, Normal, Sport, and Sport+. Agile Handling Assist (AHA) uses the stability control system to selectively apply the brakes in order to improve handling, while the front-wheel-drive TLX and TLX V-6 versions have Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) employing independent left and right rear toe angle adjustment to tighten the car's cornering line, Acura says.

Standard equipment includes Jewel Eye LED headlights, a 7-in. On Demand Multi-use Display (ODMD) monitor, Smart Entry system, Bluetooth with AcuraLink services, and Siri Eyes Free technology. Available upgrades, depending on the model and option package, include premium leather, heated and ventilated front seats, navigation with real-time traffic, GPS-linked automatic climate control, and a premium audio system.

The TLX's available safety technologies employ both camera and radar units, and include a collision-mitigation braking system, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control with Low-Speed Follow and Blind Spot Indicator, and a cross-traffic monitor. New Road Departure Mitigation technology is designed to prevent lane wandering.

Acura characterizes the 2015 TLX as "the most dynamically advanced Acura ever produced." Later this year, luxury sport sedan buyers will be able to judge that for themselves.

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