2015 Acura TLX
Out with the old, in with the new… and so goes it in the automotive world. And one of the latest to do so is Acura with the 2015 TLX.
Partially an exercise in consolidation, the TLX enters the Acura lineup as both the TL and TSX depart. Wheelbase measures the same as the TL-just over 109 inches—though the chassis is different with four-wheel steering on most models.
While the bodywork is still conservative, there are cues that lend aggression: short front and rear overhangs, sweeping profile with a teardrop like greenhouse, and optional larger wheels. Acura’s jeweled LED headlights make an appearance here, as well.
But to us it is the interior that really shines. The TLX rivals some of the best for comfort, with great seats and materials. Technology is always an Acura focus and there is quite a lot of it inside. The dual screen center stack is an evolution of the Honda trademark setup. Again true to Acura form, the overall looks is certainly premium but not over the top.
Power is by way of a 206 horsepower 2.4 liter inline 4 with an in house designed 8-speed dual clutch automatic, or a 290 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 with a 9-speed ZF box that includes push button gear selection. Front wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive an option for the V6.
Neither engine felt particularly sporty, but the IDS drive mode selector can spice things up.
So with plenty that’s new for Acura this year, the TLX is on sale now, starting at around $32,000.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.4 liter/ 3.5 liter
- Horsepower: 206/ 290
- Price: starting around $32,000
2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 3LT Coupe
Ah, the Chevrolet Corvette. We’ve tested a lot of them in our 44 years, most recently the mighty Z06 and electrified E-Ray, the current front runners of the C8 generation. That is until the ZR1 returns later this year.
Well, this isn’t any of those. This is a 2025 Stingray 3LT Coupe, somewhat humble by comparison but equally deserving of some laps at Roebling Road Raceway to show that you don’t need one of those top performers to have some pure fun.
To be fair, this 3LT’s optional Z51 Performance Package does sharpen this ‘Vette’s track focus, and it’s more than just a redesigned spoiler. Wrapping the five-spoke wheels are Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires, 245s for steering and fat 305’s for ample rear-wheel-drive traction, and an electronic limited-slip diff evens power distribution.
The Corvette’s mid-ship-mounted 6.2-liter V8 generates 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, provoking the right foot to challenge Chevy’s 2.9-second 0-60 claim. That said, we know what this chassis is capable of, and a little more horsepower wouldn’t hurt. Still, blasting down Roebling’s front straight at wide open throttle got us close to 150 mph at which point stomping on the Z51’s larger monoblock Brembo brakes from the five-marker brought us down to turn one entry speed with room to spare.
The performance package exhaust sounds fantastic as each eight-speed dual-clutch downshift releases a burst of endorphins the way only an American V8 can. The Z51-tuned suspension, reinforced by optional magnetic selective ride, had us fast and flat through all nine corners with the GT2 sport seats keeping us in place in heavy lateral G sections like Turn three’s high-speed, you’ll-be-sorry-if-you-lift lefthander.
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 3LT proves you don’t need a Z06 or ZR1 to enjoy this American sports car stalwart. You can pick up a 2025 Corvette for around $70,000, a 3LT around eighty, and one like ours just shy of $100,000. By no means cheap, but with more performance than cars two to three times its price, and a ride that’ll make you smile every mile.
And we’ll have more Quick Spins…soon!