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 Toyota GR Corolla
The GR Corolla is nothing like your mom’s corolla, it’s not even built in the same plant, and it made a huge splash in the sport compact scene when it debuted just 3 years ago. Well, it gets some updates for 2025, the biggest being addition by subtraction.
Those wanting to eliminate the clutch pedal can now do so with an all-new 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, designed with track performance in mind.
Fortunately, the manual isn’t going away and it even gets a clutch update for more feel.
Even better news coming from the power producing end of the transmission, GR’s tiny terror turbo-boosted 300-horsepower 1.6-liter I3 gets more torque, going from 273 to 295 lb-ft.
There are suspension updates too, upgraded dampers, new rear coil springs and revised stabilizers, with front and rear limited slip diffs now standard.
We got a chance to put that DAT to the test with some track time on Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Roval, just after NASCAR weekend.
“While it’s not a true dual-clutch or sequential manual, you’d be hard pressed to know it; shifts are very quick, it lets you have full control when you’re out on the track; the shifters, they’re not the biggest, but they feel good in your hands and work well. It all reminds me of the Lexus IS-F 8-speed they had a while back, it’s a really great transmission and it sure beats having a CVT.”
’25 models also get a new front fascia with larger openings for more airflow to cool brakes and the engine, as well as a new transmission cooler for the DAT.
2025 GR Corolla’s are available now, with the DAT adding 2-grand onto the GR Corolla’s starting price, putting them right around $40,000.
That’s if for now, but we’ll have plenty more on the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla soon… right here on MotorWeek.