Acura is ushering in a new era of performance with its new Type S Concept, a performance-focused vehicle that promises to carry the Type S moniker that originally debuted with the Acura 3.2CL back in 2001. The Type S concept will be fully unveiled at a private world premiere on Thursday, August 15, before being on public display at The Quail and the historic Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Concept Lawn.
Although not much is shown in the photos and video released by Acura, it’s easy to notice the concept’s muscular rear arches, quad-exhaust pipes, and a modern take on the iconic Type S badge. According to Acura, the new Type S Concept demonstrates the design language that will adorn upcoming Type S performance variants in the automaker’s lineup. Although these were not immediately mentioned in the official release, it does mention that “variants” (plural) will occupy the lineup “in the years ahead.”
“The return of Type S is a pivotal moment for Acura, sending a powerful message that we are committed to fulfilling the Precision Crafted Performance brand promise across our lineup,” said Jon Ikeda, vice president and Acura Brand Officer. “Building on the return of NSX, our renewed commitment to Acura Motorsports, the introduction of the third-generation RDX and new Acura design direction, the Type S Concept represents another significant step in creating a new era for the Acura brand.”
Four Type S models have been sold in North America through the years, each offering more power and better handling than its traditional counterparts: the 3.2CL and TL Type S from 2001 to 2003, RSX Type S from 2002 to 2006, and lastly, the sleek TL Type S from 2007 to 2008.