Acura will bid farewell to its compact TSX and midsize TL sedans this year, making room for their replacement, the 2015 Acura TLX. The new model is about what you'd expect from the alphanumeric mash-up. The TLX is longer than the TSX but 3.8 inches shorter overall compared to the TL. It has the same wheelbase as the TL, however, so interior space won't be compromised.
Its engine choices will also split the difference between the TSX and TL. The base engine on the TLX will be a 2.4-liter four-cylinder hitched to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The upgrade option will be a 3.5-liter V6 joined to a nine-speed automatic. Acura hasn't released power or fuel economy estimates for either engine, although the V6 makes 310 horsepower in the current RLX. We'd expect the TLX to deliver somewhere around 270-280 hp.
Front-wheel-drive TLX models include Acura's new steering system that can adjust the angle of the rear wheels in turns for improved handling. All-wheel drive will be available only on V6 models.
Acura's new Jewel Eye LED headlights come standard, while safety features will include forward-collision and lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Acura says the 2015 TLX will arrive in the second half of this year. Check back for a full review of the new TLX, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.
