The next-gen TLX will probably get front double wishbone suspension.

Honda is known for its engines, no doubt, but they also built their name on superior suspension designs by giving motorsport tech to the masses with the double wishbone suspension in the late 80’s. According to some Temple of VTEC members in a thread that caught my attention earlier last week, Honda will bring back the front double wishbone suspension for the next generation Acura TLX.

The thread centers around an interview with Acura’s VP and general manager Jon Ikeda and their head of PR Jon Slochester via Car Buzz. More specifically, they were expounding on what Type S meant.

“It’s going to have those additional things that we’re talking about in terms of acceleration, greater performance, I think so that’s what the Type-S is known for. So people that value those things need to know it’s for them – somebody that is willing to pay that extra amount right for that performance.”

Towards page 4 of that aforementioned TOV thread, member Civicb18 reiterates information he provided to TOV almost a year ago where he mentions he has official internal graphics showing the next-gen TLX platform incorporating Double Wishbone Suspension.

Based on the info I received, gave to Jeff which he posted here, the platform isn’t Honda (Accord) based at all. The entire thing is different other than possibly the wheelbase. The front suspension returns to DWB. I do know the Honda based modular platform can’t accommodate a 6 cylinder engine while this new platform, of course, can. More details should emerge soon enough but from what I’ve heard, I think we’ll be VERY pleased.

The current Accord is built on the Civic platform, with, of course, a longer wheelbase. The 2019 Acura TLX still uses about the same suspension setup derived from the previous generation Honda Accord, most notably MacPherson front strut (MacStruts.)

Although issues with MacStruts vs. DWB have all been sorted out by Honda’s engineers, like bump steer and lack of stroke, many purists, like myself, saw this switch as cost-cutting, plain and simple.

The current particular MacPherson strut setup on the 2019 TLX is actually quite good, so good that Road and Track couldn’t tell the difference between the TL and this new TLX suspension, from a mere marketing standpoint, I suspect bringing back DWB would behoove both Acura and bring back some Acura purists. Here’s what R&D said about the TLX suspension as it is

The TLX switches to a strut-type front suspension, and the only drawback we can see is a big turning radius (despite assistance from the rear wheels, the turning circle grows over both the TSX and larger TL, both of which used double-wishbone front suspension.) In all other regards, the TLX’s suspension is a high-point: it rides extraordinarily well, with perfectly controlled body motions and isolated impacts, and it remains mercifully out of its bump-stops in all but the worst bumps. Even then, the impacts are well-damped.

As mentioned above, the new TLX will have its own Acura specific platform, with what we now know, a subframe rocking a DWB suspension. They will most definitely not be refreshing this older chassis underpinning the TSX nor will they look to the Civic, although a versatile platform, to underpin its engine, cabin, and suspension.

It should be noted that the RLX has a front double wishbone suspension but with an asterisk, when viewed from below, it’s DWB setup is markedly different then what you’d expect. Honda calls it double-joint. Edmunds did a great writeup on it you can find here. 

Suffice to say, with these rumors and what Acura said about the Type S, Acura is going to focus on more hardcore track performance of its vehicles as true Tier 1 competitors. Sure, the TLX is a capable handler as it is, but, with the opportunity for a fresh start and a new platform, this new TLX will benefit performance and marketing-wise with a return to DWB.

TOV is calling it and I agree, the double wishbone suspension is back with the new 2020 Acura TLX, and you can take that to the bank.

Do you think this was an inevitable move by Acura? Let me know your .02 in the comments below.

Source: TOV