Pebble 2019: first sight of the Acura Type S concept

At the 2016 NAIAS in Detroit, Acura introduced the Precision Concept, a highly sculpted sedan concept that was promised as the basis of the future design language of the marque.

During a studio visit back in February of this year, design chief Dave Marek walked us through the basics of the design language, again noting that it would inform future vehicle designs.

The first production vehicle to express the Precision language was the Acura RDX, a sporty crossover that has done well in its market segment. Its A-Spec variant (see the blue one in the mini-gallery below) has an interesting mix of luxury and performance touches, something Acura will be promoting strongly in the coming years.

This week at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Acura will introduce a new expression of the Precision design language in the form of the Type S concept sedan.

“We’ve been dreaming about a new performance-focused Acura concept car since the Precision Concept debuted,” Dave Marek, Acura’s executive creative director, said in the announcement.“The Type S Concept speaks unambiguously to performance and to the essence of Acura design.”

Looking somewhat like a toned-down version of the Precision Concept, the Type S still displays the prominent fender bulges and rising character lines along the flanks. It also features aggressive front and rear fasciae, with intricate detailing punctuated by marble-look forged-carbon aero blades. Also notable is a lack of chrome across the front mask and grille, different from the more bling-y look of the earlier Precision Concept and closer to the equally chrome-free nose of the NSX. Equally prominent are the “chicane” front running lights and rear taillights.

Acura say the design of the Type S was also influenced by the Acura ARX-05 Daytona Prototype racing car being run with the legendary Team Penske in the IMSA endurance series.

The ‘Type S’ moniker refers to performance variants of various Acura models produced in the 2000s, particularly the well-regarded 2007-8 Acura TL Type S. The bespoke blue paint of the new car, called “Double Apex Blue Pearl”, pays homage to this heritage TL.

Although the new Type S is not presented as a preview to a specific model in Acura’s lineup, it is widely assumed that it previews the forthcoming next generation of the mid-range TLX sedan, or its successor. The press release notes that the Type S “will heavily influence the character of the upcoming, second-generation TLX Type S.”

“The return of Type S is instrumental in our mission to return Acura to its performance roots,” said Jon Ikeda, Vice President and Acura Brand Officer in the Type S announcement. “From bringing back the NSX to winning at the highest level of North American sports car racing and ushering-in a new generation starting with the RDX, we are revitalising Acura on the foundation of our original and authentic brand values, piece by piece.”

Whether you find the design language of the Type S appealing probably depends on your view of the Precision Concept. Acura does deserve credit for exploring opportunities in the sedan format – especially given the struggles of sedans, regardless of the segment, in the U.S. market.

We can only hope that the more expressive design and performance elements of the Type S will reach the production car.

The Acura Type S Concept makes its real-world debut at a private event on Thursday 15^th August, ahead of its public unveiling the following morning at the Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, in Carmel Valley. It will also be displayed on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concept d’Elegance on Sunday, 18^th August.

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