The Acura Type S Concept Is A Sports Saloon The World Needs Now

Amongst the deluge of new crossovers and SUVs, we’d like to bring you this very welcome breath of fresh air. It’s the Acura Type S Concept, and it serves two purposes: it previews the next TLX saloon, while also signalling the return of Acura/Honda’s Type S designation.

It’s been 10 years since we last saw a Type S, but that’s set to change. In the next couple of years, Acura will be revealing two cars badged thusly. One will be a TLX, and the other… we’re not sure yet.

As for the new concept, it features multiple design touches Acura is promising to carry over to next-generation production models. These include four-lamp ‘Jewel Eye’ LED light clusters, the ‘Diamond Pentagon’ grille and ‘Chicane’ daytime running lights. The latter two elements are said to take inspiration from the Acura ARX-05 IMSA prototype racer.

Along with all that, there are plenty of typically outlandish concept features. For instance, there are multiple trim pieces made from ‘forged carbon’, which is my using bonded layers of carbon rather than the usual woven stuff, giving it a rather lovely marbled effect. It’s even used on the wheels, which are of course huge - the Type S Concept has 21-inch rims front and rear, all clad in 285mm-wide tyres.

Other than the boots and the brakes (four-piston Brembo calipers squeezing drilled discs), Acura isn’t saying a whole lot about the car’s mechanicals. There’s no word on what powers it, but a V6 - perhaps the existing TLX’s J-series 3.5-litre unit - seems likely.

The whole shebang is finished with a bespoke paint finished dubbed ‘Double Apex Blue Pearl. It’s supposed to pay tribute to multiple models from the Type S back-catalogue, including the 2007-2008 TL Type S. Acura says the hue “employs Nano pigments and a colour-infused clear coat that impart a sense of fluidity and motion, and enhance the paint’s luster and brilliance”. Lovely.

Fancy a look at that snazzy paint job in the metal? The Type S Concept will be making its public debut at The Quail in Monterey on 16 August, before moving to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Concept Lawn on 18 August.