(June 23, 2021) TORRANCE, Calif.  — As the highly-anticipated 2021 Acura TLX Type S arrives at dealerships nationwide, Acura has released a new video showcasing the development of the sport sedan’s new Type S Turbo V6 engine: The turbocharged 3.0-liter DOHC V6 incorporates technologies from the twin-turbo NSX supercar to produce 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, making the TLX Type S the best performing Acura sedan ever. The new Type S engine also will power the upcoming 2022 MDX Type S.
 
After more than a decade, Acura’s Type S performance line triumphantly returns as the brand continues to sharpen its focus on Precision Crafted Performance. Previously available on select models from the 2001-2008 model years, Type S is recognized by driving enthusiasts who seek a more dynamic driving experience with more power, improved handling and stronger braking. With the Type S Turbo V6 and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ with true torque vectoring, the TLX Type S takes this philosophy to new heights.

The 2021 TLX Type S carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $53,325 and $54,125 with available High Performance Wheel and Tire Package.

Assembled in the company’s 2.5-million sq. ft. Anna Engine Plant in Anna, Ohio, the Type S Turbo V6 was developed in Japan under the guidance of Akio Matsuda, TLX Type S Powertrain Development Leader. However, the concept of the engine began in America with Matsuda playing a key role in its strategic development.

“While I was in Ohio, I was involved in the strategy development phase of this Type S Turbo V6 engine,” Matsuda said. “I remember how excited I was, along with the rest of the Acura engine development team, when it was decided to start developing this high-performance, environmentally responsible engine that we had proposed with our North American associates.”

Research and development teams from Japan and the U.S. included some of the company’s most experienced powertrain engineers, including members of the team who played a part in developing the Civic Type R engine and the bespoke twin-turbocharged V6 engine that gives NSX its grunt. As a result, the new Type S engine benefits from multiple disciplines and learnings from the current 3.5-liter V6, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the NSX engine itself.  The engine development team worked closely with the team from the Anna Engine Plant, where the engine would be manufactured.

“The associates at the Anna Engine Plant put a lot of pride into producing this very special Type S Turbo V6 engine,” said Tim Pohlman, Type S Turbo V6 Manufacturing Project Leader.

Along with the Type S Turbo V6, the all-new TLX Type S features a sport-tuned, quicker shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, which has been strengthened to handle the increased horsepower and torque of the new engine. Additionally, the standard torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) has been optimized for the performance demands of the Type S driver.

“I remember the first time I was able to feel the performance of the all-new Type S,” said Craig Brazeau, Type S Powertrain Development Engineer. “I was in a prototype car at Acura’s Ohio proving grounds and I can say it was an amazing experience to finally feel that level of performance, see our concept come to life and witness the culmination of all the technologies that we worked on together in developing this amazingly fun to drive sports sedan.”


Exclusive to Type S models, the Type S Turbo V6 features all-aluminum construction, compact dimensions, dual overhead camshafts, 24-valves, direct injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger. Its block is unique, sharing only bore spacing and a 60-degree angle with the highly-regarded 3.5-liter V6 that has powered various Acura models. Significant differences between the two include the 3.0-liter’s 6-bolt sintered main caps for increased crank rigidity and durability and a fully square 86 mm bore and stroke.

Numerous engineering steps were taken to ensure the new engine’s compact size and low profile that enabled it to fit in the TLX engine room. This includes the placement of the turbocharger adjacent to the engine above the transmission and the use of low-profile cylinder heads. Separate cam bearing caps have been replaced by caps directly incorporating into the valve cover itself, lowering the engine’s height and reducing the number of parts. Fully assembled, the engine is 8 mm shorter than the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6.

Featuring a robust rotating assembly to meet the demands of extreme performance and durability, the Type S Turbo V6 employs a high-stress forged steel crankshaft and forged steel connecting rods. To help reduce emissions, the top piston ring carrier of its pistons is a high-density Ni-resist cast iron, which features better wear characteristics and better sealing.