Type S models will shape the modern Acura lineup with the 2021 TLX Type S arriving at dealerships this spring and 2022 MDX Type S models coming a little later in the year. There’s also a good chance that we’ll see other performance-centric Type S vehicles down the road as the Acura lineup evolves.
What makes a Type S? Back in the days of the Acura CL, TL, and RSX, the answer was more power, improved handling, and stronger braking. That was all leveraged without sacrificing the creature comforts or daily drivability of the model.
Acura Type S – Origin Story
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That all began with the 1997 NSX Type S. The Japanese model led Honda’s research and development team in America to create a prototype called the AC-R.
“The AC-R was basically a show car capable of 166 mph and 1.0g of grip on a skidpad, but its real value was getting everyone inside the company jazzed about creating this kind of model under the Acura brand,” said Erik Berkman, former President, Honda R&D Americas, LLC and the development leader of the AC-R and the original Type S models. “Ultimately, we decided to bake all of that goodness into the Acura CL and the result was the 3.2CL Type S, the first Type S in North America.”
Here’s a closer look at the models that made Type S so popular with words provided by Acura.
2001-2003 Acura 3.2CL Type S
Photo courtesy of Acura
The Type S performance line debuted in North America with the 2001 3.2CL Type S. The high-performance coupe featured a 3.2-liter V6 engine with 260 horsepower (upgraded from the standard CL’s 225 hp), a 5-speed automatic with a manual shift function, quicker steering, 17-inch wheels and tires and a sport-tuned suspension. In its final model year, a 6-speed manual transmission was available.
2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL Type S
Photo courtesy of Acura
Debuting a year after the coupe, the 3.2TL Type S sedan featured the same performance-tuned 3.2-liter engine including its innovative dual-stage induction system, a 5-speed automatic with a manual shift function, and similar suspension, wheel and tire upgrades.
2002-2006 Acura RSX Type S
Photo courtesy of Acura
The RSX Type S also joined the family in 2002, powered by a new 2.0-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder with 200 horsepower (upgraded from the standard RSX’s 160 hp) connected exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission. In 2005, the RSX Type S received a power boost to 210 horsepower, with styling changes that included a larger eye-catching rear wing.
2007-2008 Acura TL Type S
Photo courtesy of Acura
The third-generation Acura TL rejoined the Type S lineup in 2007 powered by a 3.5-liter V6 making 286 horsepower (upgraded from the standard TL’s 3.2-liter V6 with 258 hp). A 6-speed manual transmission, 4-piston Brembo brakes, sport suspension, upgraded wheels and tires and distinctive quad exhaust were all standard.
