AcuraAcuraJapan, 1986 > present24 models
490 photos
4 videos
unveiled the 2015 TLX PrototypeAcura TLXJapan, 2015 > present at the North American International Auto Show that is a thinly disguised concept of what the production version will look like when it goes on sale in the second half of 2014. The TLX completes Acura’s reinvention of its sedan lineup following the ILXAcura ILX Gen.1Japan, 2012 > present11 versions
51 photos
and RLXAcura RLXJapan, 2013 > present2 versions
9 photos
.

Acura says that the concept behind the TLX is for the car to be a "Red Carpet Athlete" meaning that it has the luxury to show up at a red carpet event but is still sporty and compelling to drive.

“This completely new model will offer innovative technologies that break down the barriers between the driver and the machine to deliver a more intuitive, connected and personal driving experience," Mike Accavitti, senior vice president at American Honda.

Compared to the TSXAcura TSXJapan, 2003 > present2 series
14 versions
35 photos
2 videos
and TLAcura TLJapan, 1996 > present4 series
22 versions
53 photos
, that the TLX will replace, it will be lower and wider with shorter front and rear overhangs and more accentuated fenders. Like the RLX, it gets Acura’s Jewel Eye LED headlights. The side mirrors have LED turn signals that are meant to echo the headlights.

The TLX is 3.8in shorter than the current TL but has the same 109.3in wheelbase. Acura says that the interior room will be roughly similar to the current TL.

Acura will offer the TLX with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The other option is a 3.5-liter V6 with cylinder deactivation and a new nine-speed automatic transmission. It will be available with either front-wheel drive with four-wheel steering or all-wheel drive that will exclusively be offered with the V6.

The production TLX will be built in Marysville, Ohio.

Acura is also showing a version of the TLX that will race in the GT category of the Pirelli World Challenge Championship. Honda Performance Development created the racecar with a stiffened chassis and improved aerodynamics. A direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6 engine with all-wheel drive will power it.