2023 Acura TLX Type S PMC Edition: The Handbuilt Sedan Is Back
With Acura's NSX supercar being sunsetted this year after the final run of Type S variants is built, the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) where it is assembled by hand is going to need purpose. Well, a different purpose, at least—and Acura's been trying to give it some over the past few years with its normal-looking-on-the-outside, secretly hand-built batches of PMC Editions of its mainstream models. These mostly ordinary Acura models are usually gifted some special paint—a lustrous red on the 2020 TLX PMC Edition, a blazing orange on the 2021 RDX PMC Edition, etc.—and carry the distinction of being hand-built in the same factory as the NSX supercar, by the same technicians, even. The newest addition to this PMC family? The latest-generation TLX sedan.
As mentioned, there has been a TLX PMC Edition previously, but that was based on the previous-generation TLX. This 2023 Acura TLX PMC Edition blends not only the newest TLX with the PMC treatment, but also the TLX in its spicier 355-hp Type S form, which also gets Acura's torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. This sport sedan with a name of many characters will, ironically, be limited in number, though Acura hasn't outlined yet what that number will be. (Past PMCs were built in numbered runs, with each model wearing a plaque inside with its unique figure; there is a similar plaque pictured on the new '23 TLX, but it only shows "001," not how many that number is out of.) It is, of course, built by hand at Acura's PMC in Ohio, and for an added dash of fancy, each car will be delivered in a covered, single-car transporter to its delivery dealership in order to keep the paint free from blemishes.
In no small part because this TLX PMC Edition is based on the already saucy looking Type S version of Acura's midsize sedan, it is an altogether more serious-looking machine than the old one. Acura steps up the visuals with copper-colored 21-inch wheels, carbon-fiber rear spoiler and diffuser pieces, and Berlina Black (a classic Honda color) roof and door mirrors. Three colors will be available, and (go, America!), they're Curva Red (with a black interior), 130R White (red interior), and Long Beach Blue (with a white interior)—perfectly timed for a certain celebratory weekend in the U.S.A. All three colors are borrowed from the NSX, too.
Other enhancements on the PMC include Pirelli P-Zero summer tires, carbon fiber interior trim, backlit "Type S" door sill plates, and blacked-out badges. The result is a TLX Type S that is subtly different, but in a hard-to-place way if you just saw one on the street.
Of course, the delicious, even subtler aspect of these PMC cars has long been their hand assembly, which is just plain unusual for cars not priced in the stratosphere. Like with past PMC Editions, we anticipate the TLX Type S version won't break the bank, costing a few thousand bucks more than a regular one. Again, imagine someone paying just a little more for, say, a hand-built Ford F-150 or Honda Civic. It's both weird and kind of, secretly, maybe cool. We'll know final pricing and, likely, how limited production will be when the order books open for the TLX Type S PMC Edition later this year.
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After months of teasers, the wait is finally over. The 2023 Honda Civic Type R has been revealed, and unlike previous years, the performance-oriented model launched on American soil with IndyCar driver Colton Herta behind the wheel. For a long time, Americans were banned from purchasing the Civic Type R, but this time Honda is making a statement by doing the global reveal in Los Angeles.The Type R joins the Si and Sport models in the Civic's lineup and stands as the pinnacle of performance in Honda's portfolio. The 2023 model will be the most powerful Honda car in America, with Honda promising more power than ever before.Untamed PerformanceWhile Honda is still tightlipped about its horsepower and torque numbers, we're told it will have more power than before. That means we'll see figures north of 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque—the numbers for the current Type R. The familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo returns, except this time it will be mated to an improved six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching. As of this time, Honda is not planning to offer an automatic transmission in the Type R.Honda says the new Type R will be rewarding and addictive to drive. With an enhanced suspension system and steering performance, we're told the driving feel is direct and engaging, though we'll have to wait until this fall to try it ourselves. But with more power, a new, lightweight chassis, more body rigidity and improved high-speed stability, it sounds like the Type R has everything to deliver a thrilling experience behind the wheel.Just as important, Honda made sure the Type R would stop confidently. The 19-inch wheels are wrapped around Michelin Pilot Sport tires, which should provide sharp grip on the corners and under hard acceleration and stopping. While Honda didn't reveal any specs, the big, red Brembo calipers up front will make sure the Type R brakes properly.With its compact, hatchback body, loads of power and handling hardware, the Type R stands out in the segment. This time, however, it will have more competition. Newcomers such as the Toyota GR Corolla and Hyundai Elantra N have gotten the enthusiast's attention, and the Volkswagen Golf R is back for a new generation. While the GR Corolla and Golf R get all-wheel drive traction, the Civic Type R and Elantra N are front-drive only. But the Honda will continue to stand out with its power numbers. The Elantra N makes 276 hp and the GR Corolla pumps 300 hp, and we expect the updated Type R's numbers to be between 307 and 315 hp. That means the Golf R—with its 328 hp—should continue to be the most powerful of the group.Even if the power numbers don't increase by a lot, there will be a lot to like about the new car. The current-generation Type R continues to be among our favorite hot hatches in the market.Mature ExteriorDespite the 11th-generation Civic gaining a more mature styling, the Civic Type R does a good job distinguishing itself from the rest of the lineup. While the entire Civic lineup lost its race boy design, the new model will be more appealing to those who thought the previous design was too wild. The new Type R is longer, wider, and lower than the outgoing model, and every aerodynamic element is there for a reason.From the front, the honeycomb grille in the lower fascia gives the Type R a distinctive look, and sporty elements on the fascia stand out. Other dynamic cues include air vents on the hood and behind the front wheels. If that's not enough to differentiate it from the rest, the red Honda logo and Type R badge on the grille pop out.From the profile, the side skirts help redirect the wind for better aerodynamics. Unlike any other Civic, the second half of the rear doors expand outward to give the Type R more hips. The rear continues to be the best angle, with a massive wing that's hard to miss and a redesigned rear diffuser that houses the signature three-round exhaust system.There will be five different colors available—Rallye Red, Racing Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Sonic Grey Pearl, and Historic Championship White. The latter is exclusive for Type R and one that's famous among Honda enthusiasts.A Familiar InteriorThe red bucket seats and red carpet—two signature elements for the Type R—are back. Comfortable and supportive, the suede-like seats should be able to keep the driver and front passenger tight when the driving experience gets intensive. A numbered Type R badge is now placed on the passenger's dash.A new +R driving mode will show exclusive graphics with engine rpms, indicator lights and gear position indicator displayed at the top, while the bottom display will have other information selected by the driver. A stopwatch to record lap times and the ability to share driving videos is also incorporated in the infotainment system.The rest of the cabin will be familiar to Civic drivers. A honeycomb mesh grille expands across the dashboard and houses the air vents. The HVAC controls are backlit for a premium look, and the digital instrument cluster is standard. Like the top-trim Civic Hatchback, the Type R comes with a 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as three USB ports.Is the 2023 Honda Civic Type R Worth It?We'll have to wait a little longer to find out the Type R's performance figures, but from what we've seen so far it looks like Honda's promise of delivering a thrilling driving experience might be fulfilled. The 2023 Honda Civic Type R will be on sale this fall, and we can't wait to get behind the wheel. Although Honda didn't mention pricing, we don't expect it to increase too much from the current generation, which starts at $38,910.
We thought we spotted a Ford Maverick Tremor prototype a few weeks ago. It turns out the more rugged-looking Maverick we spied was indeed a Tremor, making it the fourth truck to get the off-road Tremor trim level, joining the Ranger, F-150, and Super Duty. Welcome to the family, baby Tremor. It's a good look.Want a Maverick with the Tremor package? You'll need to spring for a Maverick XLT or Lariat model equipped with the available 250-hp, 277-lb-ft 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine. That means—for now—the front-wheel-drive-only standard hybrid powertrain and entry-level XL trim cannot be combined with the Tremor, which Ford describes as "an entry-level option for buyers seeking greater off-road capability and bold styling." It's kind of like a souped-up FX4 Off-Road Package already offered on all-wheel-drive Mavericks. So, it's mostly entry-level.Visually, the Maverick Tremor wears a healthy dose of signature Tremor Orange accents, reminiscent of its F-150 brethren. The orange hue coats the tow hooks, fender vents, grille, and wheels. And of course the Tremor bedside logo is in Tremor Orange.Tremor logos are stitched into the Black Onyx seatbacks, which fittingly also have Tremor Orange stitching. There's a dose of non-orange customization in the form of a unique grille finish and blacked-out Ford logos, headlights and taillights.There's also a separate Tremor Appearance Package that includes a Carbonized gray roof and mirror caps. It also includes black side graphics on the hood and lower body.The 17-inch dark gray aluminum wheels are wrapped in 235/65R17 Wildpeak all-terrain tires, though you'll probably only notice the Tremor Orange on the inside pocket of one of the spokes. The speckle of orange almost gives the appearance of orange brake calipers when in motion.The Maverick Tremor gets "off-road tuned suspension with increased ride height" in the form of a 1-inch lift, with claimed "unique front and rear springs and shocks." We're not sure if this includes any of the mechanically similar Bronco Sport SUV's Badlands HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) system, or if Ford came up with new bits for the Maverick. Either way, the visual effect is a tougher Maverick.Paring nicely with the upgraded suspension are a tapered front bumper (for an improved approach angle of 10 degrees over the front-wheel drive Maverick Hybrid) and steel skid plates for undercarriage protection. There's also a heavy-duty transmission cooler and upgraded half-shafts.The Maverick Tremor gets five selectable drive modes, but the real story is Trail Control and the upgraded all-wheel-drive system complete with a torque-vectoring rear differential (think Bronco Sport Badlands), both of which the Maverick FX4 does not have. Trail Control is like off-road cruise control, where the driver sets the speed and steers while the truck controls throttle and braking to maintain a (slow) velocity. The torque-vectoring, also new to Maverick, includes a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock that allows virtually all rear axle torque to go to either wheel.The 3,807-pound Maverick Tremor is, naturally, the heaviest of the Maverick clan. It can tow 2,000 pounds (indicating it's not offered with the 4K Tow Package, which ups the truck's total to 4,000 lbs) and has a payload rating of 1,200 pounds, 300 pounds less than the other Mavericks.The 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor Off-Road Package comes with $2,995 price tag, and the Tremor Appearance Package is $1,495. Ordering is available in September, with production beginning in fall.
Funky riffs on SUVs, crossovers, and trucks have been common enough throughout the past two decades, but back near the turn of the century, automakers concocted all sorts of products that landed with a splash but never took the market by storm. Nowadays, trucks with enormous horsepower figures like the Ram TRX or coupelike SUVs such as the BMW X6 are sought after by buyers with the desire (and the cash) to drive something a bit more radical than everyone else. Check out these 10 vehicles from the relatively recent past that would have been seen as much cooler if they first came to market today.
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