Acura Automobiles: 2018 Acura TLX Press Kit


From Left to Right – TLX V6 Advance Package, TLX V6 A-Spec

Redesigned and significantly enhanced, the 2018 TLX represents the new face of Acura. Inspired by the Acura Precision Concept, the new look is more aggressive, sporty and alluring, creating fresh visual appeal from any angle. Subtle changes to stance, proportion, wheels and sheet metal effectively boost the TLX’s emotion and character.

Front-end styling is completely new forward of the A-pillars, including the diamond pentagon grille, bumper and lower fascia, lighting, hood and fenders. The sculptured fenders and modern, strong hood are defined by crisp character lines that are confident and captivating, matching the TLX’s strong dynamic characteristics and imbuing the redesigned TLX with Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance DNA.

Wheel and tire choices are expanded to four distinct offerings ranging in diameter from 17 to 19 inches. Redesigned side sills direct attention to the rear, where the 2018 TLX showcases one of three unique rear fascia, bumper and exhaust treatments, all boosting the sporty and emotional appeal of the new TLX.

Key Body and Exterior Features

  • NEW: Revised exterior styling front and rear
  • NEW: More powerful LED Jewel Eye™ headlights with Auto On/Off
  • NEW: LED daytime running lights (DRL)
  • NEW: Auto high beams
  • NEW: LED front turn signals
  • NEW: Available Still Night Blue Pearl exterior color (A-Spec)
  • NEW: 17-inch thin 10 spoke alloy wheel (standard)
  • NEW: Available 18-inch 15 spoke alloy wheels (Advance Package)
  • NEW: Available 19-inch split 5 spoke alloy wheels (A-Spec)
  • Acoustic foam applied to critical body sections
  • Acoustic windshield glass
  • Active control engine mounts
  • Aluminum components
  • Available auto-dimming side mirrors
  • Available LED fog lights
  • Available rain sensing windshield wipers
  • Capless Fueling System
  • Available dual exhaust outlets
  • Efficient underbody airflow
  • Electric trunk lid and fuel lid release
  • Heated Side Mirrors
  • Hemmed rear wheel arch
  • LED tail-, puddle-, license-  and side-mirror lights
  • Magnesium steering hanger beam
  • Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure
  • Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) mitigation
  • One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature
  • One-Touch Turn Signals
  • Rigid, lightweight body
  • Smart Entry with Push Button Start
  • Ultra-high strength steel

Details of the 2018 TLX’s revised exterior include:

TLX and TLX with Technology Package
Following the recently introduced MDX, the 2018 TLX is the second model to feature Acura’s signature diamond pentagon grille, finished in gloss black with a bright surround and displaying a large 6.4-inch Acura bright badge in the center. Flanking the grille are redesigned Jewel-Eye™ LED headlight arrays using five LEDs per side and surrounded by wing-shaped LED DRLs. Below the distinctive grille, the bumper and lower fascia take on sporty new shapes, with aerodynamic diaplanes at the outer corners of the lower fascia mimicking the look of a racing prototype. Large openings at the corners of the fascia continue the hexagonal grille motif. The new hood is more multidimensional than the previous TLX, with three decisive character lines creating a “power bulge” at the center and giving the TLX front end a bold appearance in a wide range of lighting conditions.

The standard wheels are a new 17×7.5J thin 10-spoke aluminum alloy with a Pewter paint and machined finish on the 4-cylinder TLX, and 18-inch split 5-spoke aluminum alloy with Shark Gray paint and machined finish on the V6 TLX. At the rear of the TLX are redesigned LED taillights with bright trim, a unique new bumper and fascia with hidden dual exhaust tips, an Acura badge at the center of the trunk lid, and a TLX badge on the right side. Safety reflectors are located on the outside edges of the lower fascia. All V6 equipped TLX models have exposed dual exhaust outlets and a sport-inspired four-vane rear diffuser.

TLX V6 A-Spec
Broadening the appeal of the V6 powered TLX for enthusiasts, the exclusive new A-Spec injects even more of Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance DNA. The aggressive styling upgrades start with a unique grille finished with a dark chrome surround and a broad additional opening beneath the bumper that evokes a racecar’s engine air intake. Adding to the A-Spec’s bold presentation is a unique lower fascia with large outer openings featuring round 2.75-inch diameter LED fog lights, likewise highlighted by dark chrome trim. The redesigned Jewel-Eye™ LED headlights use a dark housing for added character.

Unique A-Spec badges are located on the front fenders, while the side windows are surrounded in matte black trim, further distinguishing the A-Spec. The lower side sill garnish is aerodynamically shaped, and the wheels are 19×8.0J split 5-spoke aluminum alloy with Shark Gray paint married to wide 245/40R tires that create a more aggressive stance while sharpening the handling experience. (See the Chassis section for more information.)

In back, darker “smoked” taillights, a decklid mounted gloss-black spoiler, and a rear bumper and fascia that are body color above and black below all help to distinguish the TLX A-Spec at a glance. An A-Spec badge is also positioned on the lower left of trunk lid, along with an SH-AWD (when the vehicle is so equipped) badge on the right side. Beneath the rear fascia is an exclusively styled aerodynamic diffuser. Additional unique rear design elements of the bold A-Spec include exposed dual-exhaust outlets with 4-inch round bright finishers, and air vent features finished with black hexagonal grilles at the fascia corners.

TLX V6 Advance Package
The technologically advanced look of the TLX with Advance Package starts at the front with the addition of trapezoidal LED fog lights. On the sides of the vehicle, streamlined lower sills feature bright trim for a sophisticated appearance. The Advance Package also gets unique 18×7.5J split 15-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with Shark Gray paint and a machined finish.

At the rear of the Advance Package is a body-color decklid spoiler similar to that on the A-Spec. Also included on the Advance Package is a rear bumper and fascia that uniquely adds bright finishers at the outer edges, molded in a wing design to mimic the vehicle’s front LED DRLs. Further increasing the sporty character, the Advance Package has unique trapezoidal shaped dual exhausts outlets mirroring the front fog lights and an A-Spec-like rear diffuser.

Overall Design Philosophy
Since its original introduction in 2015, the TLX has been designed to support the twin goals expressed in the car’s “Red Carpet Athlete” theme:

  • Major luxury appeal, represented as cabin quietness, ride comfort and styling refinement.
  • Exhilarating and athletic sports-sedan performance combined with class-leading safety features and ratings.

To achieve these sometimes-competing goals, Acura engineers utilized advanced materials, including ultra-high-strength steel grades, aluminum and magnesium for rigidity, collision performance and weight savings. Special attention was paid to local body rigidity in areas where the body joins the suspension, engine and subframes, and to improvements in body sealing and noise insulation.

The body also is designed to provide a high level of occupant crash protection incorporating Acura’s latest thinking in advanced body design, including the next-generation of the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) front body structure and one-piece hot-stamped-steel door ring (see Safety section for more detail).

Dynamic and Athletic Proportions
With its low and wide stance, the 2018 TLX possesses a lithe exterior form and taut body surfaces befitting a sports sedan. This sporting character is further defined by short front and rear overhangs, dynamically sculpted fender arches, and purposeful character lines. Even the newly re-sculptured hood, with its sharply creased bilateral and central ridgelines, denotes the performance capabilities of the powertrains it conceals. Meanwhile, the open and airy greenhouse provides commanding sight lines, with slim A-pillars providing the excellent visibility necessary for driving enjoyment and safety.

“Just Right” Dimensions
The TLX’s “just right” body dimensions result from a methodical pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency, interior roominess, dynamic performance, quietness and refinement, and of course artistic expression. The redesign of the 2018 model yields minimal dimensional changes compared to the 2017 model. The new TLX has the same 109.3-inch wheelbase, perfectly positioning it between the smaller ILX sports sedan and RLX premium, luxury sedan.

All 2018 TLX share the same 73.0 inch overall width and 57.0-inch overall height with the 2017 model while overall length increases slightly to 191.7 inches (191.5 for A-Spec).

In comparison to its key competitors, the 2018 TLX boasts an overall length greater than the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedans. It is also significantly wider than the Lexus ES and Cadillac ATS sedans.

2017 TLX vs. 2018 TLX Exterior Dimensions

Rigid Lightweight Body
Light weight and rigidity are the twin foundations for TLX comfort, handling and safety performance. Low mass is achieved by a combination of advanced engineering and the use of high-strength steel, magnesium and aluminum unit-body components, while body rigidity is enhanced by precise engineering — particularly in optimizing key component fitting points, bending stiffness and torsional rigidity in the unit-body structure.

Aerodynamic Efficiency
In order to balance performance, fuel efficiency and low emissions, Acura designers blended the TLX’s dynamic styling with aerodynamic detailing. The revised front fascia, hood, fenders and rear fascia on all 2018 TLX trims were tested and proven through the use of sophisticated computational fluid dynamics (CFD), as well as in a scale wind tunnel and in high-precision coast-down testing. Together, these processes help minimize the running resistance (the amount of energy that is lost as the TLX moves along the road and through the air).

Hemmed Rear Wheel Arch
The rear wheel arches use a special roll-hemming process that results in an especially clean edge and smooth appearance. In simple terms, the wheel-arch “hems” are the curved sheet-metal edges that surround the rear tires. In the TLX, a special hemming process is used instead of spot welds to join the inner and outer fender sheet-metal on the inside of the fender opening. The result is a reduced tire-to-fender gap which improves aerodynamics, elimination of visible spot-welds and a cleaner appearance.

High Strength Steel
To achieve the high rigidity that promotes a smooth and quiet ride, crisp steering and handling, safety performance and long-term durability, the TLX utilizes six different grades of high-strength steel (HSS) in 52 percent of its body structure by weight. This high-grade, high-tensile strength steel adds the required rigidity for these positive traits without adding excessive weight, which in turn enhances fuel efficiency and lowers emissions. Altogether, 59 percent of the TLX body is created from a combination of high-strength steel, aluminum and magnesium.


2018 TLX Body Structure

High strength steel uses include:

  • USIBOR — USIBOR is a boron-alloyed steel with an aluminum-silicon coating that protects against oxidation during the heating, forming and hardening process. This high-strength hot-stamp steel is used for the TLX’s door opening rings, for 5 percent of the unit body. (See Safety section for more information.)
  • 980 grade HSS — Used in certain key structural points such as the front edges of the door sills, and in the A-pillars and B-pillars, for 2 percent of the unit body.
  • 780 grade HSS — Used for most structural load paths for ACE™, including the side sills and forward spars of unit body, for 2 percent of the unit body.
  • 590 grade HSS — Used for the front frame spars, floor and roof supports, for 35 percent of the unit body.
  • 440 grade HSS — Used in the front bulkhead, and in front and rear energy-absorbing structures, for 5 percent of the unit body.
  • 340 grade HSS — Sheet steel is used in the roof, for 3 percent of the unit body.

Aluminum Components
Aluminum stampings are used in certain key locations to reduce the TLX’s curb weight, which provides benefits in handling, fuel efficiency and emissions reductions. Altogether, the aluminum components comprise 6 percent of the TLX’s body weight, a savings of 27.8 pounds compared to comparable steel components.

Among the aluminum body components are:

  • Hood
  • Front bumper beam
  • Rear bumper beam
  • Front subframe (hybrid aluminum/steel)

Magnesium Steering Hanger Beam
Located inside the instrument panel, a 3-piece magnesium steering-hanger beam serves as a structural attachment point for the steering column, pedals and instrument panel, as well as a structural element that helps the passenger cabin retain its shape in certain collisions. This single robust magnesium component makes up 2 percent of the TLX’s body weight.

The steering-hanger beam offers several advantages:

  • Simple construction — Created from just three parts instead of multiple extrusions and stampings, the magnesium steering hanger brace improves construction precision.
  • Light weight — The magnesium steering hanger beam saves 2.7 pounds compared to a comparable aluminum and steel assembly, helping to advance the TLX’s ride and handling, improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
  • Exacting fit and finish — The accurate tolerances of the magnesium steering hanger brace allow precise instrument panel fit, improving overall interior quality. 

LED Lighting
The newly restyled TLX makes extensive use of versatile, reliable, efficient and effective LED lighting. From the dramatic Jewel Eye™ headlights to the convenient puddle lights and back to the taillights, the LED lighting provides crisp, bright, energy-efficient and long-lasting illumination that directly improves the driving and ownership experience. A summary of exterior lighting includes:

Forward Lighting

  • LED headlights and new turn signals
  • LED parking and new side marker lights
  • LED under-mirror puddle lights (Advance Package)
  • LED front fog lights (A-Spec and Advance Package)

Rear Lighting

  • LED tail lights
  • LED new side marker lights and trunk-lid lights with incandescent-bulb backup lights
  • LED Center High Mount Stop Lights (CHMSL) with integrated cover
  • LED license-plate lights

Jewel Eye™ LED Headlights
Acura’s redesigned Jewel Eye™ LED headlights give the TLX an advanced appearance while producing superior down-the-road illumination. The headlights utilize an array of high-intensity LED lamps to deliver outstanding light distribution, distant irradiation performance and light characteristics with a wavelength close to the human eye’s luminosity curve. With five “Jewel Eye” lights per side, the LED lights provide improved down-the-road visibility compared to HID and halogen headlights.

On each side of the TLX, the low beams consist of three LED lights, while the innermost LED lights are utilized for high beams. The daytime running light (DRL) function utilizes all five lenses illuminated by LED’s that are clearly and dramatically visible even in bright sunlight. Altogether, they create a dramatic and distinctive appearance with superior lighting capability.

Light distribution
Both the low- and separate high-beam LED headlights offer outstanding performance in all nighttime driving conditions, including highway, winding roads, intersections, and in inclement weather conditions. The result is that the driver can see farther ahead with uniformity, making high-speed nighttime driving easier and less fatiguing.

A summary of LED benefits include:

  • Outstanding light distribution
  • Excellent distant illumination performance
  • Clear illumination of the road surface and white lines
  • High visibility of the entire visible color spectrum (white, red, green, blue and yellow) compared to HID and halogen headlights
  • Response time when switching between low and high beam is shortened
  • Light congruity is improved between low and high beams
  • Reduced power requirement – TLX’s LED headlights use 41 percent less power than traditional halogen headlights, contributing to the TLX’s overall operating efficiency.
  • With an estimated life expectancy of 10,000 hours, the LED headlights are projected to last five times longer than HID headlights and 10 times longer than traditional halogen headlight bulbs.

LED Fog Lights
Included on the A-Spec and Advance Package TLX, LED fog lights are positioned at the lower corners of the front fascia for maximum effectiveness and a bold appearance. The fog lights are trapezoidal on the Advance Package and round on the A-Spec.

LED Taillights
LED taillights are part of the TLX’s comprehensive exterior lighting array. Highly stylized to compliment the TLX body design, they are also brighter than traditional incandescent-bulb taillights, with a longer projected lifespan. Use of LEDs allows the addition of a “light pipe” styling element extending across the top of the lenses, contributing to the TLX’s unique blend of design and engineering.

LED Puddle Lights
Included in the Smart Entry system, LED puddle lights positioned on the undersides of both side mirror housings enhance convenience when entering or leaving the vehicle. The LEDs automatically illuminate when the TLX detects the key fob approaching, in concert with the automatic interior illumination. The puddle lights also illuminate when the driver puts the TLX in Park and leaves the vehicle, fading off after about two seconds after locking the doors, or 30 seconds if the doors are not locked.

LED Side Mirror Lights
Stylistically keying off the Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, each TLX mirror has LED lights fused into the mirror housing. The LEDs illuminate when the turn indictors are activated, providing extra visibility and a high-tech appearance.

Lighting Technologies

*New for 2018

Auto-Dimming Side Mirrors
Included in the Advance Package, auto-dimming side mirrors use the same activation sensor as the TLX’s auto-dimming inside rearview mirror. The auto-dimming function of all three mirrors helps reduce glare during nighttime driving, especially from the headlights of following vehicles.

Power Folding Side Mirrors
New for the 2018 TLX, a power-folding feature in the Advance Package allows the outside mirrors to be folded against the body sides when the vehicle is parked, reducing the chance of damage to the mirror housing in tight parking areas. The power-folding feature can be activated by pressing a switch on the driver’s door armrest when the transmission is in Park or Neutral and the ignition switch is in the Accessory or On mode.

Acoustic Glass
To reduce noise in the cabin, the TLX utilizes a 4.5-mm thick, 3-layer acoustic windshield that consists of two layers of safety glass, separated by a thin acoustic resin center. The windshield reduces wind noise on in the higher-frequency ranges, contributing to a luxurious feeling of isolation in the cabin. Also helping to mitigate wind, road and traffic noise in the cabin is 5.0-mm thick front door glass.

Auto Up-Down Side Windows
The 2018 TLX has power front and rear side windows with an auto-open and auto-close feature with anti-pinch.

Advanced Windshield Wiper System
The sleek, flat design of the wiper blades adds to the TLX’s visual appeal. The flat blade design improves aerodynamic performance and reduces wind noise. The driver’s side windshield wiper blade is 26 inches long to efficiently sweep rain from the windshield ahead of the driver. The passenger side wiper is 17 inches long, effectively clearing the right side of the windshield.

Headlights On With Wipers
Laws in some states require drivers to turn on the headlights when the wipers are operating in the rain. The TLX helps its driver comply with these laws by automatically illuminating the headlights when the wipers are activated for five cycles or more (with headlight switch in AUTO).

Rain Sensing Wipers
Included in the Technology, A-Spec and Advance Packages, rain-sensing wipers automatically activate if water is detected on the windshield.

Noise Mitigation
The TLX was designed to deliver vault-like quietness in all driving conditions, with major improvements achieved through enhancements in body stiffness, body and door sealing, and widespread sound insulation.

Acoustic Spray Foam
Applied to the unit body in 10 crucial locations around the door openings, acoustic spray foam helps create a solid foundation for a quieter cabin. The application process is automated and computer controlled, with the foam curing in 7 to 11 seconds after application for a highly precise and effective process.

Additional Materials and Sealing
Additional sound-absorptive materials are used throughout the unit body and interior, each dedicated to blocking a particular noise type and frequency. The materials include Thinsulate insulation, body sealers, noise-absorbing carpeting, and high-density and dual density melt sheets. Liquid Applied Sound Deadening (LASD) is used in the trunk. Key areas of attention include the TLX’s dashboard lower and floor area. The end result is reduced road noise and drumming on both concrete and asphalt surfaces, along with lower engine noise, for a more relaxing and pleasant driving experience.

Wind Noise
Significant reductions in both high-frequency and mid-frequency noise heard in the cabin were achieved by lowering the windshield-wiper height and optimizing the shape of the side mirrors. Special sealing methods in the B-pillars and C-pillars, and between the door gaps, further reduce audible wind noise.

Door Sealing
The TLX has 360-degree double seals that surround each passenger door. In addition, the TLX uses a third set of gap seals, positioned at the front, center, and bottom edges of each door (and the trailing edge of the rear doors) that help eliminate potential noise source caused by turbulent airflow in the cavities around the door hinges and latches. The doors’ internal steel stampings receive further sound insulation in the form of large acoustic hole seals, internal foam sound barriers, and specially targeted B-pillar plugs.

Electric Trunk Lid Release
There are four ways to open the trunk: 1) by pressing the trunk opener switch located on the driver side instrument panel; 2) with the key fob; 3) with the trunk opener switch located in the middle of the trunk, underneath the trunk lid overhang; and 4) if the electric trunk release is inoperative, by using the key stored in the key fob. The trunk’s emergency key cylinder is located beneath a cover near the head restraint on the driver’s side rear seatback.

Trunk Storage
For 2018, all TLX models feature a molded cargo bin (previously only offered on the Advance Package) increasing cargo volume to 14.3 cu. ft. (up from 13.2 cu. ft.). There is no difference in storage capacity for the TLX 2-wheel-drive models and TLX SH-AWD.

The trunk features an easy 27.5-inch load-in height, a broad 44-inch wide opening, and a flat, wide interior floor that makes loading and unloading cargo easier. The flat floor extends from the rear bumper area, forward to the rear seatback for maximum usability. The trunk hinges are fully hidden for a better visual appearance and to eliminate the possibility of catching on stored items. The 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks allow storage of large or bulky items such as bicycles, skis or boards, or flat-screen televisions. (See Interior section for more information.)

Cargo Bin System
All TLX models now include a versatile trunk underfloor storage system that provides convenient storage for such items as groceries, emergency tools and other small items. The flip-up floor reveals a 25-inch wide x 11-inch long x 9-inch deep storage bin. This bin is ideal for everyday items such as groceries, shoes, etc. Flipping the floor panel again reveals an additional storage area designed for emergency tools, jumper cables, etc. A molded carrier holding the TLX’s towing eyebolt and tire-inflator kit is also located in this area. Finally, a reversible floor panel — carpeted on one side, plastic on the backside — can be used when wet or messy items like raincoats, umbrellas or beach towels need to be carried in the trunk.

Exterior Colors
The 2018 TLX is offered in eight desirable exterior colors, including one solid, two metallic and five pearl. All colors have a strong character, offering expressive contrasts that complement the 2018 TLX’s new body-panel curves and angles, while also exhibiting a smart luxury appearance. The acid-resistant epoxy clear-coat paint is superior to typical clear-coat paints for increased resistance to urban pollutants.

Acura TLX Exterior Colors

Acura TLX Exterior Colors

  • Bellanova White Pearl
  • Lunar Silver Metallic
  • Modern Steel Metallic
  • Crystal Black Pearl
  • San Marino Red
  • Fathom Blue Pearl
  • Black Copper Pearl (V6 exclusive)
  • NEW: Still Night Blue Pearl (A-Spec)

Exterior Specifications and Features