Acura A-Spec and Type-S models

Last updated
Acura A-Spec and Type-S
Type Marque
Industry Automotive industry
Founded2000;24 years ago (2000) [1]
Products
  • Performance engines and cars
  • Automotive sports accessories
Services Research and development
Owner Honda
Parent Acura

The A-Spec and Type-S marques represent the high-performance divisions of cars produced by Acura. Acura utilized the Type R marque for their high-performance division of cars from 1997 to 2001, when they produced the Acura Integra Type R. [2] The first vehicle offered as a Type-S variant was the 2001 Acura CL, and the first vehicle offered as an A-Spec variant was the 2003 Acura TL in Canada and the 2002 Acura RSX in the US. [3] [4] [5]

Contents

Type-S

The Acura TL Type-S was introduced in 2001 as a 2002 model. It featured a 3.2 L SOHC VTEC J-series V6 and added 35 hp (26 kW) over the base model for a total 260 hp (194 kW). Further upgrades included 17-inch (430 mm) wheels, firmer seats and suspension.

For the 2003 model year, the Acura CL Type-S was offered with an optional close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, alongside a helical limited-slip differential. It used the same powertrain from the 2001–2003 TL Type-S. The 6-speed CL deleted some minor interior features from the automatic, such as a center console light. Also, the heated seats only featured one heat setting (vs. high and low in the auto). VSA and TCS were also not found on the 6-speed car, and as such, a 3-channel ABS unit was used.

The RSX Type-S had a 200 hp (150 kW) K20A2 or 210 hp (160 kW) K20Z1 [6] [7] (labeled in 2006 as 201 hp due to SAE hp calculation revision) [8] in 2005–2006 and a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission was not offered on the Type-S. The Type-S included additional features such as sport-tuned suspension, gunmetal painted wheels, 11.8" ventilated front disc brakes, larger sway bars and a Bose 7-speaker (including a subwoofer mounted on the spare tire) audio system. [9]

The TL Type-S was introduced once again for the 2007 through 2008 model years. The new TL Type-S received the Acura RL's 3.5-liter V6 tuned to 286 horsepower (213 kW) with either a 5-speed automatic with F1 style paddle shifters or a 6-speed manual transmission. The manual transmission includes a limited slip differential. Exterior differences include quad exhaust pipes, restyled rear lamps and front fascia, lip spoiler, wider side sills, Brembo brakes, dark silver 10-spoke wheels, a "black chrome" grille rather than the standard glossy grille, and exclusive Type-S badging, plus an exclusive new color option, Kinetic Blue Pearl. The interior has Type-S badging on the steering wheel and headrests, more highly bolstered front seats, two-tone seats (only with the ebony/silver interior), metal racing pedals, carbon fiber trim, and red interior lighting (as opposed to blue in the base TL). Touch screen navigation is standard and the suspension has been firmed up. The only options are the aforementioned transmission and high performance summer tires (Bridgestone Potenzas) rather than the standard all-season tires (Michelin Pilot MXM4s).

The Canadian-exclusive CSX Type-S debuted as a 2007 model and was the last remaining Type-S model when it was discontinued in 2011. It featured a 2.0L 197 horsepower (147 kW) i-VTEC engine, an increase of 42 hp (31 kW) over the base CSX engine. The "sport-tuned" suspension added stiffer springs, firmer damping and thicker stabilizer bars compared to the regular CSX and is supported on 215/45R17 all-season tires and 17-inch alloy wheels. Other additional features included Vehicle Stability Assist, 350-watt 7-speaker audio system, navigation system with voice-command, digital audio card reader with USB and bluetooth connectivity, Type-S badging, rear-deck spoiler, and red-illuminated instrument panel and foot-wells.

At the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, Acura announced it will apply the Type S performance treatment to multiple models, with showroom sales for the 2021 TLX Type S starting on June 23, 2021 and all other models following suit by summer 2021. The second generation Acura TLX launched on May 28, 2020 as the first among it with 3.0 V6 turbocharged engine. [10]

On April 11th, 2023, Acura unveiled the Type-S model for the fifth generation Acura Integra. It shares the same platform as the Honda Civic Type-R (FL5), using the same 6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, dual-axis strut front suspension, and K20C1 i-VTEC turbocharged engine rated at 320 hp (239 kW). It also features larger air intakes on the front fascia, triple-exit center exhaust, carbon fiber rear lip spoiler, and 19" rims with 4-piston ventilated front brakes. It is 2.8 inches (71 mm) wider than the standard Integra. [11] [12]

Marketing

As part of 2022 model year Acura Type S vehicles launch, a 4-part Acura Type S commercials titled 'Chiaki's Journey' was 2022 Sundance Film Festival, which was also sponsored by Acura as a Presenting Sponsor and Official Vehicle. [13] The vehicles in the commercials include 2022 MDX Type S, 2022 TLX Type S, 2022 NSX Type S, and 2023 Integra. The ads were developed with agency partner Mullen Lowe Los Angeles (MullenLowe Group). [14] [15] [16]

A-Spec

In 2003 in Canada, Acura released an A-Spec special edition of the TL Type-S. [3] [17] Exterior changes included blue-painted headlight housing, underbody kit, and an illuminated rear wing that incorporated unique side-marker accent lamps. Interior changes included blue leather steering wheel, seating surfaces, and door panels.

In 2004 in the US, Acura offered to the public a factory-sanctioned "tuner package" version of the TL called the TL A-Spec. This version features a suspension tuned by Makoto Tamamura, an indication of the TL A-Spec's aggressive engineering. In addition, an underbody kit, spoiler, limited edition A-Spec steering wheel, "A-Spec" badge on the back, and 18-inch (460 mm) wheels are standard issue on the A-Spec package. When installed at purchase, the car's 4 year/50,000 miles (80,000 km) warranty applies to the package as well. This package was offered for the TL until 2006.

For the 2005–2008 models, Acura offered an A-Spec package for the RL. The dealer-installed package consisted of a body kit, badging, revised suspension and different wheels. The package was first announced at a late 2004 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas. [18] The A-Spec package for sale was distinctly different from the Acura RL A-Spec Concept Vehicle announced and shown as a striking dark red one-of-a-kind custom creation in early 2005 at the Detroit Auto Show. [19]

Acura offers an A-Spec variant on most of their vehicles, which includes sportier styling on both the exterior and interior, and a firmer suspension.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acura</span> Luxury and performance vehicle brand by Honda

Acura is the luxury and performance division of Japanese automaker Honda, based primarily in North America. The brand was launched on March 27, 1986, marketing luxury and performance automobiles. Acura sells cars in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, and Kuwait. The company has also previously sold cars in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Russia, and Ukraine. Plans to introduce Acura to the Japanese domestic market in the late 2000s did not eventuate due to the financial crisis of 2007–2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda Integra</span> Motor vehicle

The Honda Integra, sold in North America as the Acura Integra and later the Acura RSX, is an automobile produced by the Japanese company Honda from 1985 until 2006, and then since 2021. It succeeded the Quint as a more luxurious and sport-oriented derivative of the Civic. The Integra was one of the launch models for Acura in the US in 1986 alongside the Acura Legend. Throughout its production run, the Integra was highly regarded for its handling and performance. The 1995–2001 Integra Type R is widely regarded as one of the best front-wheel-drive cars of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acura TSX</span> Compact executive car

The Acura TSX is a compact executive car manufactured by Honda and sold through its Acura division from 2003 to 2014. The TSX spanned two generations, both derived from the corresponding Japanese/European versions of the Honda Accord, which were more compact and sporting-oriented than its larger North American counterpart, the latter platform which also used for the Acura TL which slotted above the TSX in Acura's lineup. All TSXs were built in Sayama, Saitama, Japan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acura TL</span> Motor vehicle

The Acura TL is an executive car that was manufactured by Acura, the luxury division of Honda. It was introduced in 1995 to replace the Acura Vigor and was badged for the Japanese-market from 1996 to 2000 as the Honda Inspire and from 1996 to 2004 as the Honda Saber. The TL was Acura's best-selling model until it was outsold by the MDX in 2007. In 2005, it ranked as the second best-selling luxury sedan in the United States behind the BMW 3 Series, but sales decreased after the 2008 model year. Four generations of the Acura TL were produced, with the final fourth generation TL premiering in 2008 as a 2009 model and ending production in 2014, when it was replaced together with the TSX by the TLX.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acura MDX</span> Mid-size luxury crossover SUV

The Acura MDX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by the Japanese automaker Honda under its luxury Acura division since 2000. The alphanumeric moniker stands for "Multi-Dimensional" luxury. It has ranked as the second-best selling mid-size luxury SUV after the Lexus RX in the U.S.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acura EL</span> Car model

The Acura EL is a subcompact executive car that was built at Honda's Alliston, Ontario, plant, and also the first Acura built in Canada. It was also exclusively sold in Canada. The EL is a badge-engineered Honda Civic with a higher level of features. There is no Type-S trim offered on any Acura EL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda Integra (fourth generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The fourth-generation Honda Integra, produced by Honda, was introduced in Japan on 13 April 2001, and produced from July 2001 until August 2006. It was introduced in North America on 2 July 2001 as the Acura RSX, the name a part of Acura's naming scheme changing the names of its models from recognizable names like "Integra" or "Legend" to alphabetical designations in order for buyers to build more recognition to the marque, and not the individual cars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acura RL</span> Motor vehicle

The Acura RL is a mid-size luxury car that was manufactured by the Acura division of Honda for the 1996–2012 model years over two generations. The RL was the flagship of the marque, having succeeded the Acura Legend, and was replaced in 2013 by the Acura RLX. All models of the Legend, RL and RLX lines have been adapted from the Japanese domestic market Honda Legend. The model name "RL" is an abbreviation for "Refined Luxury."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acura CL</span> Motor vehicle

The Acura CL is a midsize grand tourer manufactured by Honda's Acura brand from 1996 until 2003. The CL is often thought to have been a replacement for the Acura Legend coupe. It was not directly related to the first gen TL either, a Japanese-built model which replaced the Vigor and had a longitudinal engine layout. With the advent of the second generation TL in 1999, the transverse engined CL became more precisely a TL coupe. All Acura CLs were built at Honda's plant in East Liberty, Ohio, which is also the plant that builds the Honda Civic. The second generation TL and the Honda Accord upon which the Acura CLs were based, are built at Honda's plant in Marysville, Ohio, a few miles away from East Liberty. The CL was the first Acura to be built in the United States.

Honda Type R models are special performance editions of their respective model families.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acura RDX</span> Motor vehicle

The Acura RDX is a compact luxury crossover SUV produced by Acura, a luxury vehicle division of Honda, as the second crossover SUV offering from the brand after the mid-size MDX. Since it was introduced, it shared its platform with the Honda Civic and CR-V.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acura CSX</span> Motor vehicle

The Acura CSX is Acura's subcompact executive car exclusively designed for the Canadian market. Like the EL, it was only available in Canada and built in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. For the 2013 model year, the ILX was introduced as the CSX's replacement and is available in both the United States and Canada.

Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is a full-time, fully automatic, all-wheel drive traction and handling system, which combines front-rear torque distribution control with independently regulated torque distribution to the left and right rear wheels. This way the system freely distributes the optimum amount of torque to all four wheels according to the driving conditions. The system was announced in April 2004, and was introduced in the North American market in the second generation 2005 model year Acura RL, and in Japan as the fourth generation Honda Legend.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda Civic (sixth generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The sixth-generation Honda Civic is an automobile produced by Honda from 1995 until 2000. It was introduced in 1995 with 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe body styles, replicating its predecessor's lineup. The sixth-generation Civic offered two new 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engines and a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) on the HX model. The coupe and sedan are 2.3 in (58 mm) longer and the hatchback is 4.3 in (109 mm) longer than the previous-generation Civic. This was the last generation of Civic to have front double-wishbone suspension, as the succeeding seventh generation would change the front suspension to a MacPherson strut.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda Civic (eighth generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The eighth-generation Honda Civic is a range of compact cars (C-segment) manufactured by Honda between 2005 and 2012, replacing the seventh-generation Civic. Four body styles were introduced throughout its production run, which are sedan, coupe, and both three-door and five-door hatchback. The sedan version was introduced with two distinct styling for different markets, with one of them sold as the Acura CSX in Canada and as the Ciimo 1.8 in China from 2012 until 2016. The hatchback versions formed the European-market Civic range, which received a different architecture, body design and smaller footprint, and solely produced in Swindon, United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda Vigor</span> Motor vehicle

The Honda Vigor is a premium sedan that was derived from the Honda Accord. It was sold in Japan through the Honda Verno dealer network from 1981 until 1995, and sold in North America from June 1991 until 1994 as the Acura Vigor. Early Vigors were more upmarket versions of the Accord, and served as Honda's flagship until the arrival of the Honda Legend. In 1989, the Vigor would differentiate itself further from the Accord with unique styling and an available longitudinal five-cylinder engine, and a twin to the Vigor was introduced with the Honda Inspire, available at Honda Clio dealerships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acura ILX</span> Motor vehicle

The Acura ILX is a compact car (C-segment) manufactured and marketed by Honda under the Acura brand, based on the ninth-generation Civic sedan. The ILX replaced the Canadian market exclusive Acura CSX. The gasoline-electric hybrid version was Acura's first.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acura RLX</span> Motor vehicle

The Acura RLX is a mid-size flagship luxury car manufactured by Honda and sold under their Acura division, released in 2013, succeeding the RL. The RLX was discontinued in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acura TLX</span> Motor vehicle

The Acura TLX is a four-door entry-level luxury sedan sold by Acura, a luxury division of Honda, since 2014. It is the successor to both the TL and TSX models. As of 2021, the discontinuation of the RLX leaves the TLX as the flagship sedan in Acura's lineup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acura Integra (2022)</span> Compact car manufactured by Honda

The Acura Integra is a compact car (C-segment) manufactured by Honda under the Acura brand since 2022. It is a 5-door liftback based on the eleventh-generation Honda Civic that replaced the ILX sedan.

References

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  12. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a44212736/2024-acura-integra-type-s-drive/
  13. New Acura Anime Series Showcases Type S Performance Lineup
  14. Chiaki’s Journey
  15. Chiaki’s Journey - Acura is returning to its Japanese roots with the unveiling of its new Type S vehicle line up with a four-part anime series created in collaboration with MullenLowe L.A.
  16. See how Acura is using anime to appeal to younger generations
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