2021 Acura TLX Type S is a looker that can hustle

After 13 years of dormancy, Acura revived its Type S designation for the new 2021 TLX sedan.

The Type S badge was retired with the TL sedan in 2008. It's still looking good after all of these years.

Like its predecessor (and unlike Acura's A-Spec designation), the TLX Type S boasts a performance upgrade to go with its sharpened aesthetic.

The TLX Type S is powered by a 355-horsepower turbocharged V6 that feeds torque through a standard all-wheel-drive system.

The suspension and chassis have also been upgraded to match the more potent output.

Able to send up to 70% of its 354 pound-feet of torque to the rear axle in an instant, the Type S feels more like a rear-drive sedan when pushed hard.

Standard torque vectoring also allows that rear axle's torque to be completely sent to either side, enhancing power delivery and stability while cornering.

The Type S' exterior styling draws heavily from the Type S Concept that debuted at Monterey Car Week in 2019.

The Type S-specific Tiger Eye Pearl paint looks gorgeous in direct sunlight, but loses a bit of its luster in the shade. Inside, there's also a new Orchid White leather option.

Check out our full first drive of the 2021 Acura TLX Type S for street and track driving impressions.