Acura’s Type S Concept Is Proof That Fastbacks Are The Future

Acura unveiled its Type S Concept last year in August, serving as a preview for the upcoming 2021 TLX, which our spy photographers happened to spot just days after the concept’s debut.

Of course, the final design of the TLX, which was heavily camouflaged when photographed, is unlikely to mirror the concept’s in its entirety. However, at face value, the Type S Concept has to be the best looking four-door vehicle ever designed by Acura.

According to Acura, the design of the Type S Concept embraces what’s called “Precision Crafted Performance”. It all starts with the prominent Diamond Pentagon grille in front, surrounded by Jewel Eye LED headlights with “Chicane” daytime running lights – the latter are inspired by the ARX-05 Daytona Prototype.

Other design traits include the massive front bumper and its carbon fiber splitter that wraps around the edges, the carbon fiber side skirts, muscular rear fenders, dynamic roofline, 21-inch alloy wheels with Brembo brakes, carbon fiber spoiler and diffuser, and a quad-exhaust system.

Now, technically this car features a Fastback design, sort of like a BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe, so calling it a sedan isn’t really accurate. Yet, if sedans want to survive far into the future, they’ll have to adapt and become either more practical, more dynamic-looking, or both.

While the Japanese carmaker didn’t specify what engine resides underneath the hood of the Type S Concept, they have previously stated that a high-performance turbocharged V6 unit is being designed specifically for the Type S brand.

The Acura Type S Concept is on display at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, Feb 8-17.