Acura Type S Concept Preview: Gimme All of That You Got
Looks like: A really good-looking Kia Stinger
Defining characteristics: Prominent Type S badging, plus a long hood with lots of sharp angles all around and a design that looks road-ready now
Ridiculous features: None, since there aren’t any powertrain details — this is a peek at what we hope to see out of Acura’s next generation of Type S models
Chance of being mass-produced: Zero, since the Type S will be based on existing Acura products (boo), but Acura says this “will heavily influence the character” on the next-generation TLX
A lot of how we see the world is defined by when we entered it. I was born in 1986, a year known for either “Top Gun” or big disasters (Chernobyl, the space shuttle Challenger). But what shaped my automotive view more was when I turned 16. My thoughts turned to cars that I could actually own, and that was when Acura made three separate Type S models: the 3.2CL, 3.2TL and (my personal Everest) the RSX.
Related: Acura Type S Concept Entices Us for Return of Performance Badge
Now, I didn’t end up with any of those as a driver; my dad’s 1983 Toyota Tercel SR5 hatchback took that distinction. But seeing Acura as a performance brand is a part of an automotive upbringing I’ve clung to, even as certain cars of late haven’t always lived up to the billing (NSX excepted).
That’s why I was thrilled to hear Acura will bring its Type S models back, announced with a striking concept that makes its public debut Friday at the The Quail during the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. For those who want to get a closer look, it will also appear at the Concours d’Elegance Concept Lawn Sunday.
The concept lacks powertrain details. Instead, Acura says to look for a lot of its design elements to show up on future products, specifically the forthcoming TSX Type S. Particularly exciting is the new face, an attractive combination of a five-sided grille and large lower air intakes flanked by chicane-shaped LED daytime running lights and turn signals. The same light design also reappears at the vehicle’s rear in the taillights. The concept also features a carbon-forged rear spoiler, quad exhaust tips and a prominent rear diffuser.
This is the best-looking thing from Acura in years, and it has me excited to see what comes out for the next generation of cars from Honda’s luxury brand, particularly the Type S models. Traditionally, Type S variants also have added performance with stronger engines and a slew of performance upgrades in the suspension and transmission. If the reborn Type S cars can continue that while incorporating the good looks of this concept, my nostalgia-fueled fever dream might be complete. Sign me up.
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