Acura's TLX sedan gains sporty, racing-inspired GT appearance package for 2017

Acura has introduced a sporty, racing-inspired appearance package for the 2017 TLX.

Dubbed GT, the package includes a new front bumper fitted with a splitter, side skirts, and a discreet spoiler mounted on the trunk lid. Acura explains that the package is inspired by the body kit found on the TLX that competes in the Pirelli World Challenge. The race car’s huge wing isn’t available on the street-legal model, but buyers who want to push the sporty look a little further can order the TLX with optional 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped by performance tires.

Unfortunately, the GT package doesn’t include any mechanical modifications. That means the base TLX carries on with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 206 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 182 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. The 16-valve unit spins the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by shift paddles.

Next up in the TLX hierarchy is a more powerful model fitted with a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 290 horses at 6,200 rpm and 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. The six’s output is channeled to the front wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, but Acura’s super-handling all-wheel drive system (SH-AWD) is available at an extra cost.

With a V6 under the hood, the TLX sprints from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. A drive-by-wire throttle system and a trick four-wheel steering system that markedly improves handling and maneuverability come standard regardless of whether the sedan is equipped with a four- or a six-cylinder engine.

The GT package for the Acura TLX will be shown to the public for the first time in a few short weeks during the annual SEMA show. The appearance package will go on sale nationwide next month, though pricing information hasn’t been announced yet.