Who Wore It Better -The 2021 Acura TLX Type S Or The Original Type S Concept?

Acura previewed the 2021 TLX Type S with the aptly named Type S concept, which debuted at Monterey Car Week last year.

Now that the production model has been unveiled, we’d figured we’d take a look at what has changed on the road to production.

Up front, the changes aren’t too dramatic, as the production has a lightly revised grille which appears larger than the one used on the concept. The grille also has a black surround and is flanked by more conventional LED headlights.

Bigger changes occur below, as the production model has smaller air intakes and a horizontal support. The road-going model also adopts a more traditional front splitter that doesn’t wrap around the sides like the one on the concept.

In profile, the differences are pretty noticeable, as the production model has window frames, door handles and larger mirrors.  Of course, these changes are hardly surprising.

Despite the differences, the production model stays pretty close to the concept as it has a familiar greenhouse and sweeping character lines. The wheels also echo the ones used on the concept, but the production model eschews the carbon fiber side skirts and features less stylish door accents.

Out back, the production model ditches the concept’s slick taillights and ventilated rear fascia, while the carbon fiber spoiler and license plate insert have also been replaced by gloss black components.

These are unfortunate changes, but the production model does retain a rear diffuser and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust.

Changes aside, the 2021 Acura TLX will be launched this fall and offered with two different turbocharged engines. The entry-level model has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 272 hp (203 kW / 276 PS) and 280 lb-ft (379 Nm) of torque.

Next spring, it will be joined by the TLX Types S which has a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that promises to boast dramatically more horsepower and torque than the outgoing 3.5-liter V6, which has 290 hp (216 kW / 294 PS) and 267 lb-ft (362 Nm). The TLX range-topper will also have Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and a high-performance braking system.