During the North American International Auto Show, Acura announced the return of the Type-S Badge, along with some other big announcements. The CEO of American Honda, Toshiaki Mikoshiba, stated “Acura will pursue a unique powertrain strategy that underscores the brand’s rightful place as the performance division of Honda.” This statement gives some very promising impressions about Acura’s future. For the longest time, I described Acuras as “Hondas with a bit of leather”. In the past few years, Acura had distinguished themselves as a more luxurious line, but this came at the cost of their sporty models such as the RSX and TL Type-S models.

So what does this all mean?

The biggest announcement was the return of the Type-S badge, which will signify more performance from some of their models. However, there were few specific details about which models will get the badge, what performance figures the badge would entail, what engine it would use, and whether the Type-S cars will be offered with manual transmissions. Much of this is to announced the coming year.

Another major announcement is the expansion of the A-Spec line, Acura’s current sporty trim, to all vehicles, with the TLX A-Spec getting a major 4-pot upgrade this quarter. Acura also announced a new Turbocharged V6 engine to be paired with their Super Handling AWD on more of their models. No figures or details are available on the engine either.

My Thoughts:

I’ve always been a huge fan of Honda, and the TL Type-S is one of my dream cars. This announcement definitely makes me excited, but I have more questions than answers. First of all, where will the Type-S models stand in the lineup? Since Acura already has a sport trim that’s a hit which they’re already planning on expanding, will the Type-S be a higher-end model or a less-comfortable but sportier trim?

With the lack of detail on the engine and drivetrain, I have major questions about what they Type-S will offer, specifically on the drivetrain. If the new turbo V6 they announced will be specifically for the Type-S, I’ll be over the moon. However, if Acura is trying to make the A-Spec model their golden child, the Type-S could fall into obscurity if they give it a run-of-the-mill 4-cylinder.

Undoubtedly there are questions about the transmission as well. The old Type-S models featured a spectacular 6-speed transmission that was virtually bulletproof, but it’s unlikely with modern technology and Acura’s transition into a more luxurious brand that they will offer a manual, but that’s all still to be seen.

What do you all think? Is this a good move for Acura and will can they successfully appeal to their enthusiast following?