Acura calls this a ‘new era of performance.’
Ahead of Monterey Car Week in mid-August, Acura will revive the Type S nameplate on a new concept. The company teased what they claim is a new era of performance Thursday, and showed a few cheeky shots of the Type S concept in the video below. Apart from that, there aren’t too many details at this point. Hopefully we’ll know more in the coming weeks.
“Building on the return of NSX, our renewed commitment to Acura Motorsports, the introduction of the third-generation RDX and new Acura design direction, the Type S Concept represents another significant step in creating a new era for the Acura brand.” That’s what Jon Ikeda, vice president and Acura brand officer had to say about this concept’s revival of an old nameplate.
For those who aren’t already in the know, Acura used the Type S name throughout the 2000s on a few different models. From 2001 to 2003, Acura built both the 3.2CL Type S coupe and the 3.2TL Type S sedan. “Type S” referred to more powerful engines, sportier suspension tuning and better brakes compared to the conventional models. In fact, I know one enthusiasts who liked the 3.2CL Type S well enough to use it as the base for his old Civic project. Check out that build below from our local Cars and Coffee:
Acura’s Type S Concept
So far as the Type S Acura is teasing here is concerned, again there’s not too much we can see. Two seconds into the video, there are some quick flashes over Acura’s distinctive grille amid a red background. Its lineage with the rest of the current lineup is clear, and from the side profile shots it certainly looks like a coupe.
So far as the rear end is concerned, the Type S Concept has real pipes, and I suspect these are quad pipes we’re talking about. It also looks like there’s a rear diffuser, and the angular taillights cutting into the trunk follows design hallmarks of recent models like the new RDX.
Whether we’ll see this concept with a four-cylinder engine or, perhaps, the brand’s 3.5-liter V6 is unclear at this point. It would be nice to have a coupe equivalent to something like the TLX A-Spec. That car produces 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, and it would make sense for Acura to tune it for more power in a “Type S” variant. The concept could also pave the way for some Type S treatment in the brand’s sedans, like a TLX Type S, or even into its crossovers.
Whatever Acura’s planning, we’ll know more about the Type S concept on August 15. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates. Meanwhile, check out Acura’s video below and let us know what you think of the Type S’ return in the comments below.
