Some cars that do a lot of things right, but just seem to slip under the radar of car buyers. In this case, it's a true pity that the Acura TL Type-S has largely been forgotten. Only being sold from 2007-2008, the production numbers were fairly low, but on the used car market, this is a hidden gem worth keeping a saved search for.
Based off the TL model, the Type-S adds some key components with the focus of performance in mind. Most importantly is the engine. The base TL cranked out 258 hp and 233 lb-ft from its 3.2L V6, which was not too bad for the time. The Type-S got a upgraded 3.5L V6 which output 286 hp and 256 lb-ft, with help from VTEC. As a note the first gen Acura NSX made only 290 hp in comparison. While the Type-S is a bit more portly than the NSX, its weight of 3500 lbs is not that much despite being a luxury car, more on that later.
It is a good time to mention possibly the one weak point of the Type-S, it is front wheel drive. This becomes a problem when you are putting down a lot of power and trying to turn with the same wheels. To address this issue (torque steer), Acura upgraded the differential to a limited slip unit. Some people have trouble looking past the FWD in essentially a performance car, but there are some other equalizers to help balance the equation.
It came in a manual transmission! This is one of the first filters I apply to any used car search. There is still an auto option available, but who cares. To continue the performance parts checklist, the next big item is the Brembo brakes. Arguably one of the best brake manufacturers, these Brembos brought the Type-S to a stop from 60 in 129 ft, also while reducing brake fade during repeated hard use. Suspension was also firmed up for a more sporty and controlled ride along with many visual upgrades to help distinguish the Type-S from the base TL. The wheels in particular have help keep this ride looking timeless, but my favorite visual is the quad exhaust pipes. Possibly the lowest horsepower car with 4 pipes? Some would say excessive, but I dig it.
Since this is an Acura you get plenty of the creature comforts as well. Decked out in leather and carbon fiber trim, heavily bolstered seats for them G's, navigation and a bumping 225-watt 8 speaker stereo. From my experience, Honda has some of the most comfortable seats for those long drives.
The MSRP for the Acura TL Type-S back in 2008 was around $39,000, but on the used car market you can find decent example of it for around $10-15K.
Perks: affordable performance, Honda reliability, sedan practicality, leather and VTEC
Negatives: getting harder to find clean ones in a manual, FWD
For those of you that prefer new cars, you are in luck. Acura has announced the return of the Type-S badge in 2021. This will be an upgrade of the new TLX, as seen below. There are some distinct differences however...The 3.0 V6 is now holding onto two turbos, which should significantly increase power and more importantly, torque. Good thing it comes with the very capable SH-AWD system from Acura, which will be more rear biased than standard to help provide a sport car balance. Sadly they sold out to the changing times and only a 10 speed automatic is available. It will be bringing back the quad exhaust though, seems like it may have earned it this time.
Got a minute?
Checkout this video of the Acura SH-AWD competing against other AWD systems
View the full press release for the new Acura TLX here
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