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2015 Acura TLX Preview

Fast Facts:

  • Replaces TSX and TL in Acura's lineup

  • 4-cylinder or V-6 engine

  • Front-wheel or all-wheel drive

  • Dual-clutch or automatic transmission

  • New driving dynamics, infotainment, safety technologies

Introduction

The 2015 Acura TLX is a new midsize luxury sport sedan that replaces both the TSX and the TL in Acura's lineup. Dubbed a "red carpet athlete" by Acura, the new TLX slots between the entry-level ILX and flagship RLX, and is offered as the TLX, TLX V-6, and the TLX V-6 SH-AWD, the latter model equipped with the automaker's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).

Exterior Features

Featuring unmistakable Acura styling cues, the new 2015 TLX is lighter than the previous TL model, and features tidier dimensions in terms of overall length and front/rear overhangs. Jewel Eye LED headlights and LED taillights are standard equipment.

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Interior Features

Though the new Acura TLX is smaller on the outside than the outgoing TL, it is about the same size inside, retaining its 5-passenger seating capacity. Acura says it has improved the TLX's interior materials, compared with the TSX and TL.

Optional Features

All three versions of the new TLX can be optioned with a Technology package, while Acura reserves the Advance package for the TLX V-6 and TLX V-6 SH-AWD models.

At the car's debut, Acura did not specify the contents of each package. Highlights from the optional equipment list include premium leather, ventilated front seats, navigation system, GPS-linked climate control system, premium sound system, adaptive cruise control system with low-speed following capability, and several safety systems outlined below.

Under the Hood

Three different drivetrains are available in the 2015 Acura TLX. The standard TLX model is equipped with a 206-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a downshift rev-matching, 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Acura says this model will return 28 mpg in combined driving.

A 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine is standard for the TLX V-6. It is bolted to a 9-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, and the engine features Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, which allows it to run on fewer cylinders under certain driving conditions in order to improve fuel economy. According to Acura, the TLX V-6 will get 25 mpg in combined driving.

Acura includes its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system in the TLX V-6 SH-AWD model, which installs torque vectoring and idle/stop technology, the latter designed to shut the engine off when the TLX is idling in traffic or at an intersection. Thanks to that feature, there is no fuel-economy penalty for choosing the SH-AWD model. Acura expects it to get 25 mpg in combined driving.

Acura's Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) system is standard for TLXs with front-wheel drive. All 2015 TLX variants are equipped with Amplitude Reactive Dampers as a part of the suspension, Motion Adaptive electric steering, Agile Handling Assist (AHA), and an Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) with Econ, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes.

Safety

Acura has constructed the new 2015 TLX around an Advanced Compatibility Engineering II structure, which, according to the company, is designed to excel in terms of crash protection. To prevent a crash in the first place, the TLX is available with a forward-collision warning system, collision-mitigation braking system, Road Departure Mitigation system, blind-spot monitoring system, cross-traffic monitor, lane-departure warning system, and a lane-keeping assist system.

Technology

Every 2015 TLX is equipped with cloud-based AcuraLink services, hands-free text-messaging capability, and Siri Eyes Free technology. The car features HD Radio, Pandora Internet radio, and access to thousands of sources of infotainment via an Aha Radio connection. The system also provides automatic crash-notification service, a car finder feature, and more.

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