2015 Acura TLX features best in class frame rigidity and safety

One of the benefits of National Automotive Press Corp participation is sitting through ground-breaking and often inspirational presentations at the hands of Honda’s finest.

The 2015 Acura TLX roll out was a game changer and an eye-opener for me. Sure, I was happy to be lodged at West Virginia’s premier Equestrian Resort for a day or two, but that was just icing on the cake when the realization of what what Acura engineering has accomplished through TLX unfolded before me.

Acura TL is a great car, TLX is a game changer

Setting the much written about interior accommodations and sportitude power and handling characteristics of TLX aside for this article, it’s time to take a look at the foundation of TLX quiet and “ Flatitude”™; the frame assembly.

As featured in Acura’s promotional video “My Way” Acura’s cracker-jack team of mostly young automotive engineering professionals spent 5.5 long years designing, developing, bench testing and finally road testing 2015 Acura TLX before it hit the streets.

I spoke with TLX Large Project Leader Mat Harget, Bryn Hort of performance development, Chris Kipfer powertrain development and Dan Powderly, frame, body and chassis development; all passionate about TLX.

We spoke at length over what attributes set TLX apart from the herd. The list is long but when looking to an on display full size cutaway of TLX it becomes evident that the frame and passenger cage is ground zero for TLX development.

Greater rigidity, frame cavity sound deadening, stronger tensile strength steel and state of the art robotics welding has resulted in a superior frame and safety cage.

Acura engineering developed through TLX “a car we wanted to drive," the difference between TLX and the competition is measurable.

Greater frame rigidity has not only resulted in a superior flat trajectory when aggressively putting TLX through the paces, its resulted in little to no body flex and side roll, thus no discernible squeaks, tweaks, bumps or thunks.

Frame specifications

21% greater torsion stiffness than outgoing Acura TL results in quicker handling response.

25% greater mount rigidity vs outgoing Acura TL results in better ride isolation and reduced noise.

By filling cavity voids in the lightweight body and frame, Acura has effectively reduced exterior noise transference through frame members. By implementing 60% advanced high strength materials into the manufacturing of the cage and crumple zones, Acura creates a more *nimble performance and premium feel," while insuring greater occupant safety.

Taking it a step further Acura has incorporated acoustic barrier panels, triple door seals and active noise control in all 2015 Acura TLX variants, insuring a best in class interior noise level and class leading road-handling.