What It Is: An updated version of Acura’s mid-size TLX sedan with a new face. Like the MDX SUV before it, the TLX will abandon the Acura beak in favor of the signature “diamond pentagon” grille first shown on the Acura Precision concept. Along with the facelift, the TLX will gain a performance-oriented A-Spec package, as evidenced by the white car pictured in spy photos with a more aggressive body kit, larger wheels and tires, and black accents. We also suspect that Acura may add a hybrid to the TLX lineup, possibly using a version of the Honda Accord hybrid’s setup.

Why It Matters: Although it’s pleasant to drive in both four-cylinder and V-6 forms, the TLX was in need of more visual drama, and that’s what the A-Spec trim looks to bring. Sadly, if the smaller ILX’s A-Spec treatment is any indication—it includes flashier wheels, a body kit, a rear spoiler, and faux suede trim for the interior—the package won’t go much beyond the appearance upgrades.

View Photos BRIAN WILLIAMS

Platform: Since this is just a mid-cycle update, don’t expect any significant changes to the TLX’s Accord-based chassis, only slight tuning adjustments.

Powertrain: The base front-wheel-drive TLX is likely to carry over its powertrain combo of a 206-hp 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A 3.5-liter V-6 will remain optional, paired with either front-wheel drive, front-wheel drive with rear-wheel steering, or Acura’s torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive setup called SH-AWD. All V-6 models currently use a ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic, but it’s possible that the updated TLX could use Honda’s 10-speed unit that is making its debut in the 2018 Odyssey. If Acura does deem the TLX A-Spec model worthy of any mechanical upgrades, we could see the V-6’s output rise to 300 horsepower or so, compared with the current car’s 290-hp output. Expect the potential TLX hybrid to use a version of the Honda Accord’s hybrid setup that makes a maximum of 212 horsepower and achieves an EPA combined rating of 48 mpg.

View Photos BRIAN WILLIAMS

Competition: Audi A4, Buick Regal, Infiniti Q50, Lincoln MKZ, Volvo S60

Estimated Arrival and Price: The undisguised TLX sedans pictured here appear to be part of some sort of photo shoot, so we probably won’t have to wait very long for the car’s official debut. Look for it at the Chicago auto show in a few weeks, before it goes on sale sometime later this year. Pricing should say within the same range as the current car, which starts at $32,950 for the base four-cylinder model and tops out at $45,850 for the fully loaded V-6 SH-AWD version. The anticipated TLX hybrid will likely slot in between the four-cylinder and V-6 models, and the A-Spec package should add a few thousand dollars to the sticker.

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