Honda reveals new stylish and sporty Type S concept

Honda’s return to form continues with the reveal of a stylish concept car in America.

While it was shown under the more luxurious Acura sub-brand with a car called the Type S, the coupe-inspired sedan has global significance.

If anything, it is proof Honda’s design transformation has accelerated, with elegant lines and bold proportions that remind of the Honda of old: stylish cars focused on design and attention to detail.

The Type S concept follows European premium brands into the world of four-door coupes. It has proportions more akin to a traditional two-door but there are rear doors for added practicality.

The Acura Type S previews a production version of the America-only TLX, a car that had the Honda Accord Euro as one of its predecessors.

American media is already suggesting the production version of the Type S could be powered by a turbocharged V6 driving through all four wheels, introducing a new level of four-door performance for Honda.
 

Don’t be surprised to see a hybrid version, too, given the global shift towards electrification.

The Type S concept also revives a badge previously used on Hondas as a bridge between garden variety Hondas and the hotter, faster Type R models.

Honda has been slowly working its way back into the performance car market — the Civic Type R was a terrific flagbearer — and now it appears to be continuing the trend with cars such as the Acura Type S.

“The return of Type S is instrumental in our mission to return Acura to its performance roots,” said Acura vice president Jon Ikeda, Vice President and Acura Brand Officer. “We are revitalising Acura on the foundation of our original and authentic brand values, piece by piece.”

In the past Honda has rebadged some Acura models as Hondas, changing little more than the badge; the MDX was one such car that made it to Australia. And the new NSX supercar wears the Acura badge in the US.